Alvena E. Van Meter's Obituary
Alvena E. (Kanning) Van Meter, 91 died on July 29, 2018 at Park Place Senior Living, Fort Wayne in grace and dignity, rooted and grounded in Christ. She was born at home on October 5, 1926 in rural New Haven to the late Henry and Lena (Bremer) Kanning. Alvena and David married on July 20, 1945 at Emmanuel (Soest) Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne. They settled into Wakarusa in 1952, where David worked for the Weldy Veterinary practice. Alvena became involved in her daughters’ school, Girl Scout and American Legion activities. In 1960, the couple moved to Albion when David established his own veterinary practice. Throughout their 30 plus years in Noble County, Alvena was involved with Immanuel Lutheran Church, Avilla, regional and State AVMA auxiliaries, Noble County Community Concert series, Albion Rotary Club floats and hosted study groups as well as Rotary International students. Alvena was later recognized by Shepherd of the Hill, Kendallville for her years of dedicated volunteerism. As a faithful servant of Christ, her Lord and Savior, she devoted her life to her loving husband and his veterinary practice, her family, and her community. In retirement, the couple resided in New Haven and continued their lifetime of voluntary service, in particular at Concordia Lutheran Church, Aid Association for Lutherans, and the local Democratic Party. Together they traveled extensively, often with friends, throughout the United States, Canada, and other foreign countries.
Alvena is survived by her four daughters, Suzanne (Jack, dec.) Sprague of Fremont, Jeanette (Paul) Christensen of Camarillo, CA, Sherri (James) Buchmeier of Auburn, and Lori (Jeff) Dillinger of Brownsburg; and five grandchildren, Timothy (Elizabeth) Buchmeier of Fredericksburg, VA, Thomas Buchmeier of Fort Wayne, Blaine Dillinger of Brownsburg, Nicholas Dillinger of Avon, and Taylor (Calvin) Mork of Richlands, NC. She was also preceded in death by her husband, David Van Meter, Jr. D.V.M. in 2009, her two sisters, Verena and Eileen and her brother, Wilmer Kanning; her son, Jon David Van Meter.
Funeral service is 11 a.m., Thursday, August 2, 2018 at Concordia Lutheran Church, 4245 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne with visitation one-hour prior. Pastor Karl Frincke officiating. Visitations are also 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at Harper’s Community Funeral Home, 740 State Road 930 East, New Haven. Burial in Concordia Cemetery. Preferred memorials are designated for Immanuel Lutheran Church, Avilla, Concordia Lutheran Church Endowment Fund, and the Van Meter Scholarship Fund of the Noble County Community Foundation.
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