Helen L. Witte-Marbach

Helen L. Witte-Marbach, 88, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 5:20 p.m. at her residence, under the compassionate care of Stillwater Hospice. She was born in Van Wert County, Ohio, on January 31, 1937, to the late Theodor and Victoria (Germann) Merkle.

Helen was united in marriage to Paul R. Witte on September 5, 1964, who preceded her in death in 1986. She later married Richard L. Marbach on March 29, 2008, at New Hope Lutheran Church in Ossian, and he survives.

A 1955 graduate of Ohio City High School, Helen earned an Associate Degree in nursing from Walther Memorial College of Nursing in Chicago, Illinois. She dedicated her career to nursing, working at Lutheran Hospital, Parkview Hospital, Bluffton Clinic, and the VA Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Helen was a devoted member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Decatur, where she served in the church choir, Altar Guild, and the Ladies Aid. She also volunteered at Immanuel House and was a member of the Home Economic Club in both Ossian and Decatur. She found joy in gardening, flowers, traveling, sewing, and being a homemaker for her family.

Survivors include her husband, Richard Marbach of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Jennifer (Patrick) Evans of Elmhurst, Illinois; two sons, David (Beth) Witte of Sunman, Indiana, and Bradley (Staci) Witte of Thorntown, Indiana; sister, Irene (Carl) Lutz of San Diego, California; three step-daughters, Leesa (Dale) Heckman of Decatur, Indiana, Kathy (Brett) Cowans of West Lafayette, Indiana; and Cindy (Darrell) Gerber of Fort Wayne, Indiana; two step-sons, Scott (Karla) Marbach of Decatur, Indiana; and Craig (Gail) Marbach of Leo, Indiana; seven grandchildren, Daniel (Emily) Evans, Allison Evans, Morgan Witte, Alyssa Witte, Nora Witte, Kinlee Witte, and Garrett Witte; 15 step-grandchildren; and 11 step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Lester Merkle; step-daughter-in-law, Anne Marbach; and grandchild, Connor Witte.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, with Pastor David Koeneman officiating. Burial will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery in Ossian.

Family and friends will be received from 3-7 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, and from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday at the church.

Preferred memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Concordia Theological Seminary, LWML, or Stillwater Hospice.

Arrangements are being handled by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana.