Jean Katherine Almdale, 98, has died of natural causes on Jan. 27, 2022.
She was born on Feb. 22, 1923, in University City, Mo., the daughter of William Paul and Florence Christine Gruendler. She went on to graduate from Michigan State University during which time she met her future husband, Howard, who was the brother of her roommate at Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. After World War II, she married Howard on June 7, 1947. She then helped him start his lifelong business-Almco Steel Products-which manufactures steel stampings for trucks, autos and construction machines, in Bluffton. Church members for the family over many years was at First United Methodist Church. She was active in Foltz Literary Group and remained an avid reader to her end. Her love for reading and promotion of education were very important, and she was active in the League of Women Voters.
She is survived by her three sons, Scott (Karen) in Somers, Mont., Jim (Audrey) in Markle and David (Jenny) in Fort Wayne; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Howard and her brother William Stuart Gruendler.
Funeral services will be held at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, with visitation from 9 to 11 a.m., prior to the service. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery in Bluffton.
Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church, Wells County Creative Arts or Wells County Public Library.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the family at www.thomarich.com