IUEC
LOCAL 44
IN MEMORIAM
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
JANUARY 11, 1953 - OCTOBER 31, 2022
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.
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
APRIL 3, 1978 - MARCH 27, 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.
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.