We praise and thank God for the life of Gretchen A. Fuhrmann, age 103, who passed away May 12, 2026, in Fort Wayne, IN. She was born in New Haven, IN to the late Herman and Lydia Kohlmeier.

She worked 27 years as an order processing clerk for Navistar, retiring in 1981. Gretchen was a faithful member of Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Her faith was the steady foundation of her life, and she lived each day as a beloved child of God.

Gretchen is survived by her daughter, Dianne Mayan; step-sons, Jerry Fuhrmann and Thomas Fuhrmann; step-daughters, Marlene (Ron) Ritter and Karen (Dan) Figgins; three grandchildren; 12 step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; 13 step-great-grandchildren; and she found joy in all her nieces and nephews from all three sides of the family. She was so very proud and honored to be Godmother to six: Gretchen, Anna Marie, Nancy, Lee, Dan, and Jerri.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Erwin Fuhrmann; first husband, Donald Wiedman; son, Timothy Wiedmann; daughter, Louise Wiedmann; son-in-law, Ron Mayan; step-daughter-in-law, Peggy Fuhrmann; and by 12 siblings who were so cherished, Irene Schlemmer, Rev Theodore Kohlmeier, Gary Kohlmeier, Natalie Kruse, Ruth Staab, Esther Fahlsing, Johanna Busch, Lydia Luecke, Tabea Kruger, Beata Bussert, George Kohlmeier, and Rev Waldemar Kohlmeier.

Service is 11:00 am, Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 6318 W. California Rd., with calling two hours prior, beginning at 9:00 am. There is also a Celebration of Life at 10:30 am on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Lutheran Life Villages, 6701 S. Anthony Blvd. Memorials may be made to Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church and School or Concordia High School. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.fairhavenfortwayne.com