Barbara J. Augustyniak

Barbara Augustyniak, 95 of Hoagland, Indiana, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025, at her residence.

She was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on March 13, 1930, to Tommy O’Connell and Edith (LePrie) Reese. Her mother later married Herschel Reese, and he adopted Barbara.

Barbara graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1948 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. On January 27, 1951, she married Walter J. Augustyniak at St. Hyacinth’s Catholic Church. Their loving union lasted until Walter’s passing in 2005.

Barbara was a dedicated member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Monroeville and the Hoagland Area Advancement Association. She devoted 25 years of service as a librarian at Hoagland Elementary in East Allen County Schools, where she was affectionately known as “Mrs. A.” Prior to her career in education, Barbara worked as an executive secretary for Essex Wire in Fort Wayne.

Known for her deep faith, Barbara touched many lives with her generous and giving heart. She found joy in reading and cherished her role within her family and community. Barbara’s legacy of kindness, faith, and service will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughter, Edie (Barry) Krueckeberg of Hoagland Indiania; son, Steve (Nila) Augustyniak of Hoagland Indiana; daughter, Mia (Tim) Geiger of Hoagland Indiana ; daughter-in-law, Louann Augustyniak of Decatur Indiana; special friend, Glenn Voirol of Fort Wayne Indiana ; eight grandchildren: Josh Augustyniak, Corey Augustyniak, Mandy Augustyniak, Alyssa Augustyniak, Weston Augustyniak, Casey Krueckeberg, Brandi Leeson, and Anna Geiger; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; son, David Augustyniak; two stillborn children; and her adoptive father, Herschel Reese.

A family prayer service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel, followed by a 10:30 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Rose Catholic Church in Monroeville with Father Dennis DiBenedetto officiating. Burial will follow at St. Rose Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel, in Monroeville. and from 9:30 am until the prayer service on Thursday. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, September 3, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be given to Stillwater Hospice or the donor’s choice.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Jacobs Chapel of Monroeville, Indiana