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INTERNATIONAL UNION of ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTORS
LOCAL UNION NUMBER FORTY-FOUR
TOLEDO, FORT WAYNE & SOUTH BEND
Affiliated with the AFL-CIO
IN MEMORIAM
Donald L. Brimmer
Retired Honorary Brother Donald L. Brimmer passed away on April 2, 2026 at the age of fifty-seven in his home while surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with cancer.
Don was born and raised in Toledo and proudly remained here to raise his own children with his devoted wife of twenty-seven years - Susan.
Don worked hard during his twenty-seven years as a member of Local 44, sharpening his skills and expanding his knowledge of all facets of our trade. His vast experience enabled him to partner with Local 44 Brothers William Huber, also his brother-in-law, and Scott Macy to build Vertical Mobility of Toledo.
Not many of us were aware of his rarely-witnessed softer side mentioned in his obituary, but most who knew him were keenly aware of his no-nonsense approach to business.
Don made a lasting impression on his brothers & sisters at Local 44 - as a friend, mentor, brother, apprenticeship committee member, employer and at times as a competitor, who challenged the rest of us to be our best as mechanics and service providers.
Don may be gone, but his legacy will live on as his family has established the Don Brimmer Memorial Scholarship Fund in his honor to help students pursuing a career in the trades.
DONALD L. BRIMMER
JUNE 6, 1968 - APRIL 2, 2026
Robert J. "Bob" Fredericks
Retired Honorary Brother Robert J. Fredericks passed away on March 21, 2026 at the age of 76 after a well-deserved 11-year retirement.
Bob was born in Toledo on January 9, 1950 and spent the majority of his life here working and raising his family.
After leaving briefly to attend Miami University of Ohio to earn his degree in botany, he returned home to embark upon a 42-year career in elevators - making his father Cedric proud by following in his footsteps.
He spent a great majority of his four decades serving Local 44 as a loyal officer - dedicating much of his time to his duties as our Financial Secretary for many years before finally becoming our Business Manager - a position that he held for more than twenty-two years before ultimately retiring in 2015.
During his time at the helm of Local 44, Bob adeptly navigated our Local through an extremely turbulent transitional period highlighted by our westward expansion into Indiana and our eventual merger with the Fort Wayne and South Bend locals. He worked tirelessly to ease the tensions brought about by these mergers and helped to make the transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved.
Amongst his many contributions to Local 44, none have been more significant than the profound impact that he had on so many of our brothers & sisters in the trade. People oftentimes praised his dependability, deeply appreciated his commitment to the people and future of our trade, and admired the resilience that he exhibited every single day by effectively leading our Local for so many years.
With so many lofty accomplishments over such a lengthy career, Bob was most proud of the success of his two son-in-laws - Andy Lewandowski & Lou Cullum. Bob took tremendous pride in the fact that the two had worked so hard to become successful Mechanics in our trade. More importantly, Bob reveled in the fact that Andy and Lou worked even harder every single day to also become successful fathers.
That's because above all else, Bob was a family man. He was an adoring husband to his wife of more than 52 years - Anne. He was a doting father to his two daughters - Sarah and Jessica. And he was an attentive grandfather to grandsons - Liam and Benjamin. He truly cherished his family.
Bob somehow even managed to squeeze in time for hobbies - primarily enjoying sailing or just being on his boat, but he also loved fishing and was a distinguished member of the Merickel Farley Trout Club in Swanton.
We all owe Bob Fredericks a debt of gratitude for his outstanding stewardship of our Local 44 for so many years. We should all do our very best to preserve and honor his legacy everyday by practicing the solidarity he fought so hard to maintain.
ROBERT J. "BOB" FREDERICKS
JANUARY 9, 1950 - MARCH 21, 2026
Gregory "Greg" Jarrait
Retired Honorary Brother Gregory "Greg" George Jarrait passed away on March 18, 2026 at the age of eighty-three.
Greg was born in Monroe, Michigan and remained there for the duration of his life while raising four children with his beloved wife of sixty-two years.
Prior to joining the elevator trade, Greg served our country honorably in the US Air Force from 1962-1966.
Greg's career with the IUEC began on June 10, 1970 and lasted more than thirty years before he retired on February 28, 2002.
Greg worked for Haughton Elevator for a majority of his career before ultimately retiring from Toledo Elevator.
Greg enjoyed spending his retirement traveling throughout Michigan and hanging out with family, especially his grandchildren.
GREGORY "GREG" GEORGE JARRAIT
OCTOBER 27, 1942 - MARCH 18, 2026
Lisa Marie Karcher
Retired Honorary Sister Lisa Marie Karcher passed away on March 17, 2026 at St. Charles Hospital in Oregon.
Lisa was a proud veteran of the US Navy.
Her elevator career spanned more than 31 years - working in Local 44 and as an Ohio elevator inspector before retiring from the industry in 2019.
Lisa remained in Northwood post-retirement and enjoyed spending time with family - Anne and especially her granddaughter.
Lisa was the older sister of Honorary Brother Bob Bolton, who is also a recent retiree of Local 44.
LISA MARIE KARCHER
MAY 10, 1961 - MARCH 16, 2026
JOHN MCKENZIE
John C. McKenzie, age 89, of Wauseon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at Fulton Manor Nursing Home. Born on May 8, 1936, in Fort Valley, Virginia, John was the son of Clarence W. and Julia K. Rinker Plucinski, and Angus Hubert McKenzie, who lovingly helped raise him.
John grew up in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, where his love for the outdoors took root. As a youngster, he learned the value of hard work-tending gardens, chopping wood, and caring for chickens. After graduating in 1955 from Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland, John married Elizabeth "Betty" Wagner, and together they began a life full of adventure and dedication. A call from his Uncle Vincent led John and his young family to Toledo, Ohio, where he began his long and successful career as an elevator mechanic with Haughton Elevator and later became a proud member and business agent for Local 44 Elevator Constructors Union.
Over the years, John made homes in Fort Valley, Silver Spring, Toledo, Holland, and Whitehouse, Ohio. He was a man of many talents and interests-an avid fisherman, deer hunter, and horseman. He spent countless hours on Lake Erie boating and crafting his own fishing lures, and for nearly twenty years enjoyed a permanent site at Wild Wings Campground in Port Clinton, where he could always be found during fishing season. John also had a deep appreciation for music; he played guitar, loved the blues, and even performed in a rock and roll band in his younger days. Known for his famous buttered spaghetti, shrimp, and chocolate pies, John delighted in family gatherings, good food, and great conversation-especially political debates, which he always won with passion and humor.
John's generous spirit extended beyond his family. He was a dedicated supporter of labor unions, the Democratic Party, and causes that championed working people. He was known for his kindness and willingness to help anyone in need-and once even made the local news for catching a World War II "bomb" while fishing on Lake Erie!
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Julia; his sisters, Mary Murphy and Judy Van (Bill) Harris; brother Thomas McKenzie; his daughter, Vicki McKenzie Bucher; daughter-in-law, Carlene Cicerella McKenzie; and son-in-law, Michael Lemle.
John is survived by his brother, Clark (Karen) Plucinski; his beloved children, Charles McKenzie, Carol Lemle, Paula McKenzie, and Julie (Dave) French; grandchildren Ami (Chris) Hens, Jennifer Cloutier, Scott Cloutier, Matt (Jean) Bucher, Olivia (Ben) Lehr, Christopher (Chrissy) Crowder, and Monica McKenzie; nine great-grandchildren with one on the way; and two great-great-grandchildren. He was deeply proud of his family and their accomplishments.
Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, OH. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice in John's memory.
JOHN CALVERT MCKENZIE
MAY 8, 1936 - OCTOBER 28, 2025
JOHN KENNEDY
John Lee Kennedy, loving father, dedicated husband, and friend to all peacefully passed away on October 9, 2025, surrounded by each of his four children.
John was born on May 24, 1942, to Olga Gautz and Theodore Kennedy and was one of nine siblings growing up on a small family farm in Genoa, Ohio. As a child and young man John developed a lifelong love of farming and animals as well as a strong work ethic. He attended and graduated from Clay Genoa High School, continuing to work on the family farm as well as the neighboring Robert D. Huss Dairy Farm throughout middle and high school. John’s young work experiences profoundly and positively shaped him for his entire life.
After high school, John continued his farm and other work. He eventually landed a job in the elevator industry. Through an apprenticeship program that required consistent learning, John spent over four decades in the elevator industry. He progressed to become a seasoned mechanic specializing in elevator service and maintenance. In the elevator industry, John was known for his technical knowledge, outstanding troubleshooting skills, sense of humor, and the ability to make friends with anyone.
John met the love of his life, Phyllis, when he was 34 years old. There was an instant connection between the two and after six months, they began their blended family married adventure on July 24 th , 1976. Together, they would spend the next 25 years working and living in Northwest Ohio while John continued his work in the elevator industry.
John retired from the elevator industry in 2001. John’s post-retirement life with Phyllis would involve moves to Alaska (best fishing), Colorado (best wood working), Texas (best Bible study), and ultimately Utah (best weather) where they eventually settled in St. George. During retirement, John filled his time by volunteering at Habitat, engaging in custom woodworking projects, dancing with Phyllis, and attending bluegrass jams. He also enjoyed traveling on trips with family as well as visits to family. During his later years, as his mobility diminished, John became an avid and diligent jigsaw puzzler.
John will always be remembered for his kind and genuine nature. He thoroughly enjoyed talking with and making friends with everyone. He set the standard as a dedicated husband and loving father to his four children John Jr., Michele, Mike, and Dave.
John was preceded in death by his siblings Donald, Lee, Glen, Mary Ellen, Jean, and Theodore, as well as his wife Phyllis.
He is survived by his children John Jr (Ida) Kennedy, Michele (Scott) Willoughby, Mike (Angie) Kennedy, Dave (Kim) Kennedy; his sister Carolyn (Earl) Klaege, brother David (Marlene) Kennedy, sister-in-law Sharon (Jack) Wineman; his grandchildren Ashley (Nathan) McJunkin, Ellie Kennedy, and great grandson Luke McJunkin.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 10:00am at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Drive, St. George, UT 84770.
JOHN LEE KENNEDY
MAY 24, 1942 - OCTOBER 9, 2025
GARRY HINDERLIDER
Garry Eugene Hinderlider, 67, of Knox, IN passed away Friday, September 5, 2025 at IU Health University Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. He was born at home on January 18, 1958 in Winamac, IN to the late John Elmo and Mary Katherine (Morrison) Hinderlider, Jr. Garry graduated from Culver High School in 1976.
Garry was a member of International Union of Elevator Constructors. In his retirement, he worked part-time at Advanced Auto Parts in Knox. Garry enjoyed traveling and had visited 49 states (missing Alaska). He also enjoyed paintball with friends and family the past 35 years.
Garry lived his life for others and never knew a stranger. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Garry will be deeply missed.
GARRY EUGENE HINDERLIDER
JANUARY 18, 1958 - SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
GARY WEAVER
Gary Melford Weaver, age 72 of Petersburg, Michigan, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on August 21, 2025 in the care of Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
Gary was born August 14, 1953 in Toledo and was a graduate of Start High School. His lifelong career in the elevator industry began in 1978, retiring in 2013 from Toledo Elevator.
Gary's life was enriched by the love and companionship of Rebecca Zaborski. Their bond was highlighted not only through their experiences, but also through the relationships Gary fostered with Becky's family. He embraced her children, Paul (Ann) Zaborski, and Elizabeth Brown. To the five grandchildren of Becky, he became a beloved figure - grandfatherly in spirit and heart. He enjoyed spending time with them and he will be missed. Some of Gary's loves besides his family were his Harley, the lake and his faithful furry friend Bella.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Delana Clark Weaver.
In accordance with Gary's wishes, there will be no services.
GARY MELFORD WEAVER
AUGUST 14, 1953 - AUGUST 21, 2025
BARNEY ZENT
Barney "Gregory" Zent, 66, passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in Fort Wayne.
He was born in Fort Wayne, IN to the late Albert and Bernice Zent. Barney graduated from Bishop Luers in 1976, where he played high school football. He was very passionate about his work as a lifelong elevator mechanic for Otis Elevator Company.
Barney was an avid racecar lover who enjoyed NASCAR and even co-owned his own car and racing team Rapitec. He strongly supported his Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football Team. Above all, Barney had a heart of gold who dearly loved his many friends and family. He would do anything for anyone he knew.
He will be dearly missed by the many people who loved him. Barney is survived by his wife of 42 years, Paula Zent; siblings, Ron (Helen) Zent, Dennis (Wendy) Zent, Jerry (Margaret) Zent, Janie (Dan) Thomas; In-laws, Tanya Resac, Stefan Moisica, Stefanie (Marc) Cotter; 17 nieces and nephews; 19 great nieces and nephews; and his beloved dogs.
A public visitation will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 4 - 8 pm located at FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services (6557 N. Clinton Street). A funeral service will take place at Fairhaven Funeral Home the following day on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at noon with calling one hour prior to the service. A burial will take place following the service at Lindenwood Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Shepherds House Fort Wayne or Bishop Luers High School.
BARNEY "GREGORY" ZENT
JUNE 10, 1958 - FEBRUARY 18, 2025
JOHN MILLER
JOHN MILLER
APRIL 18, 1947 - FEBRUARY 1, 2025
JOHN SHANK
John Shank, age 74, of Cape Coral, Florida, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. He was born on September 22, 1949 to Charles Sr. and Leona (Westerhaus) Shank in Toledo. John graduated in 1967 from Maumee High School. John worked for IUEC Local #44 Elevator Constructors for over 35 years before retiring and moving to Florida. He was an avid woodworker, could make anything with his hands, enjoyed boating, fishing, being on the water and spending time having a social drink and making friends. John also loved riding his Harley. His quiet demeanor, and spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sandy. Left to cherish John’s memory are his siblings, Charles Jr. (Christine) Shank and Diane (Bradley) Graber; nephews, Rod (Julie) and Ryan (Kelly) Shank; Josh, Zack (BreAnna), and Clay Graber; niece, Nicole (Ben) Fenske; many great-nieces, great-nephews and dear friends.
The family will receive guests on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home – Northwest Chapel, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300) with Funeral Services beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the American Heart Association.
JOHN SHANK
SEPTEMBER 22, 1949 - JULY 24, 2024
JOHN STROH JR
JOHN STROH JR
JULY 25, 1967 - MARCH 17, 2024
RICHARD "LARRY" EARLY
Richard "Larry" Early, 68 passed away on Monday, November 27, 2023. Larry was born in Kokomo, Indiana on August 11, 1955, he was a son of the late Richard and Joan (Megal) Early. He worked in the elevator industry for over 42 years. Larry enjoyed fishing, playing poker, and most of all spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Peggy Early; sons, Sam (Jenny) and Patrick (Nicole) Early; grandchildren, Sam, Jake, Lucas, Olivia, and Parker Early; sisters, Elaine (Jon) Maraldo and Michelle (Paul) Shoaf; and brother, Mark (Jan) Early. Larry was also preceded in passing by his sister, Barbara Early. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Greenlawn Funeral Home 6750 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804 with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at the funeral home. Burial to follow the service at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Contributions in Larry's memory may be made to Empatia Hospice or a Charity of your choice.
RICHARD "LARRY" EARLY
AUGUST 11, 1955 - NOVEMBER 27, 2023
GEOFFREY SICKLES
GEOFFREY SICKLES
NOVEMBER 30, 1941 - SEPTEMBER 17, 2023
DOUGLAS DELP
Douglas John Delp passed away on Friday, May 5, 2023, at the age of 70.
Doug was born December 30, 1952 to Kenneth and Loretta (Dreier), the youngest of six children. He attended grade school at Saint Agnes Parish before graduating from DeVilbiss High School in 1970. After years of travel and adventure, he began a career as an Elevator Constructor in 1979, working more than thirty years before his honorary retirement in 2011. Doug was a proud member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 44, counting many of his fellow members as true brothers.
Doug traveled the world pursuing his passions. One of those passions was his love for art. He studied art history and gained an extensive knowledge of the subject. He also took art lessons and collected many beautiful pieces of art from the numerous exotic locations he visited. He also loved gardening, fishing and became an excellent cook.
He was proceeded in death by his parents and his oldest sisters, Marla McGhee and Janice White. He is survived by his siblings: Kenneth B. Delp (Marlyn), Margaret (Peg) O’Connell (Bob Etchen), and Lois A Delp, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by very special friends Anjelika Manakhmova, her daughter Elina (Elle) Petrie and Elle’s son Miles who were all considered family. He was extremely close to Joe Gwin, who worked with Doug for many years and became his loving caretaker alongside Angie Jarzeboski, who were always there for him when he needed them most.
Doug did not wish to have any special service but would like for those who wish to honor his memory to donate to a charity of their choice or to pay a visit to the Toledo Museum of Art.
DOUGLAS "DOUG" DELP
DECEMBER 30, 1952 - MAY 5, 2023
JAMES EMERICK
James "Jim" Emerick, age 77, of Mishiwaka, Indiana passed away on April 30, 2023.
He was born December 2, 1945 in South Bend, Indiana and worked as an Elevator Constructor for nearly forty years (August 6, 1968 - July 31, 2006). During this time, he worked for several elevator companies and also devoted time to Local 57 while serving as their Financial Secretary.
Prior to embarking on his elevator career, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served for four years during Vietnam while spending much of this time aboard a Naval carrier in the Pacific. He was extremely proud of his service to our great country and remained a lifelong member of the Mishiwaka VFW and American Legion Posts.
More than anything, Jim was a devoted family man. He married Linda six months after joining the trade and the two of them shared a forty-five year marriage before her passing in 2014. He was an active father and grandfather who supported his children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren in all of their endeavors. His son Shawn proudly followed him into the trade and continues to honor his legacy with a thirty-year career of his own as well as continued service to our Local as our South Bend Steward.
Jim had an affinity for fast cars. He enjoyed working on them and watching them race. He especially loved doing both activities with members of his family. He relished every opportunity to spend time with his family - Sunday family dinners were a staple of the Emerick household.
Local 44 is extremely thankul for his contributions and for his efforts to further the ideals of our Union.
Rest in peace.
JAMES "JIM" EMERICK
DECEMBER 2, 1945 - APRIL 30, 2023
DENNIS
"DENNY"
SLATER
Dennis "Denny" Slater, age 70, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on January 13, 2023.
He was born December 28, 1952 in South Bend, Indiana and worked as an Elevator Constructor for more than twenty years. Denny had the good fortune during his career to be able to work alongside several of his cousins (Ron Slater, Jim Slater, Pete Slater, Larry Slater & Scott Slater). Denny leaves behind a loving family, including two sons, a daughter and his wife as well as several grandchildren.
He enjoyed playing the drums, muscle cars, and Notre Dame and Chicago Bears football.
We thank him for his contributions and devotion to our Local.
Rest in peace.
DENNIS "DENNY" P. SLATER
DECEMBER 28, 1952 - JANUARY 13, 2023
KURT
DANIEL
KLINE
Kurt Daniel Kline, age 69, of Bremen, Indiana passed away on October 31, 2022.
He was born January 11, 1953 in South Bend, Indiana and remained a resident of the area for his lifetime.
Kurt leaves behind a loving family, including two sons and his wife of more than forty years. He enjoyed riding his Harley and taking in the beauty of Lake Michigan.
He contributed to our trade with a career spanning more than twenty years, including serving as the Business Agent for Local 57 before its' merger with Local 44.
We thank him for his contributions and certainly appreciate his dedication to our Locals.
Rest in peace.
KURT DANIEL KLINE
JANUARY 11, 1953 - OCTOBER 31, 2022
DON WILL
Donald “Don” E. Will passed away on August 12, 2022 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, after a year’s battle with Lymphoma.
Don worked for Haughton Elevator on construction and later in service and maintenance. He retired from Millar Elevator in 1991.
Don and his wife, Marilyn, spent their winters in Florida and enjoyed playing golf. Don was always willing to lend a helping hand to others, in any capacity they needed.
He served in the US Air Force during the Korean conflict and was stationed in Japan. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and IUEC Local 44, and a former member of the Mason Damascus Lodge and Maumee Elks.
DONALD "DON" WILL
AUGUST 31, 1930 - AUGUST 12, 2022
JOHN DEAN
SIMPSON
John Dean Simpson, age 43, of Indiana passed away March 27, 2022.
He was born April 3, 1978 in Fort Wayne, Indiana the son of Karen Gunkel Simpson and the late John W. Simpson Jr.
Dean enjoyed spending time on the lake tubing or fishing and loved to be out in nature hunting. He was a devoted father, beloved son and brother who lived life to the fullest every day. Most of all he loved his family, especially his children and grandchild.
Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Karen Simpson; children, Karagen Simpson, John Wyatt Simpson, Laurel Sartin and Isaiah Sartin; grandchild, John Nolan Simpson; brothers, Brian Simpson (Sherry), Chris Simpson (Wendy Cox) and Eric Hare; sister, Tina Hitchner (David); niece, Chloe Simpson; family friend, Laura Hare Meads; and numerous other loving family and friends.
JOHN DEAN SIMPSON
APRIL 3, 1978 - MARCH 27, 2022
DAVID
EUGENE JUNK
David E. Junk, 65, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed from this world on Sunday, March 13, surrounded by family and friends.
A lifelong resident of Fort Wayne with a few years in Seattle, WA. He was a 1975 graduate of Bishop Dwenger High School and a long-time member of St Vincent’s Parrish. He was born the 7th of the 8 children of the late Marcellus and Dorothy (McKenzie) Junk.
Retired after a long career as a member of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, he nevertheless remained active as an avid participant in bowling, darts, pool (The GOP), and golf leagues, sharing these activities with many friends, including some from his childhood, “The Auburn Road Runners.”
He was always there to help family, friends, nephews and nieces, far and near in the hardest of times. He was the fun uncle; teaching pool, cards, and golf. Although he had no children of his own, there are many who would have been proud to call him “Dad.”
He is preceded in death by his sister Carol (Junk) Neuhaus, and survived by his siblings: John L. (Mancharee) Junk of Vienna, VA; William J. (Jan) Junk of Angola, IN; Kenneth R. (Stacy) Junk of Orange Beach, AL; Doris (Junk) McElmurry, Jane (Junk) Shelton, and Mark A. (Tina) Junk, all of Fort Wayne. As well as many cherished nephews, nieces and friends.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. – Proverbs 17:17
DAVID EUGENE JUNK
FEBRUARY 18, 1957 - MARCH 13, 2022
Please email submissions for our In Memoriam page to santosflores@iuec44.org. Thank you.