Keeman ‘Kim’ W. Lobsiger

March 28, 2018 at 3:41 p.m.

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COLUMBIA CITY — Keeman “Kim” W. Lobsiger, 65, retired area high school principal residing in Columbia City, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at his home.

He was born Sept. 18, 1952, in Decatur, a son of Jerold W. and Marlene Fuhrer Lobsiger. His formative years were spent in Decatur. He graduated from Bellmont High School. He continued his education at Manchester College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education. Later, he earned a Master of School Administration from Indiana University.

He began his teaching career with Howe Military Academy as the athletic director and football coach. He then moved to Bloomington South High School for four years, teaching physical education and as the football and track coach. In 1984, he moved to Wawasee High School as the football coach and vice principal. From 1995 to 2009, he was the principal at Garrett High School. During his tenure there, he was named Principal of the Year in 2009 by the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP). In 2009, he joined the Kankakee Valley High School and served at their principal until retiring in 2015. He continued his contribution to education as a consultant for IASP.

On Nov. 23, 1984, he was united in marriage to Connie J. Trier. They made their home in Syracuse, then Garrett, De Motte and retiring in Columbia City.

A man of many talents and interest, he loved teaching, coaching and making a positive impact on young people’s lives. He was a member of Columbia City United Methodist Church, and lived his life practicing Christian ideals.

He enjoyed fishing and boating with his family and maintained a collection of rare fishing lures and gear. He was an avid collector of World War II military history, and had an extensive collection that he proudly displayed. Music was a constant in his life, from participating in shows as a child to playing the Music Express during his later years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Connie; his son, Ryan (Hollyn) Lobsiger, Indianapolis; a stepson, Patrick (Teresa) Inks, Fishers; a stepdaughter, Tina Inks, Fort Wayne; his mother, Marlene Lobsiger, Fort Wayne; four grandchildren: Cooper and Eli Lobsiger, and Erin and Sean Inks; a niece, Jordan Lobsiger; two nephews, Scott and Tony Trier; and a sister, Lori Lobsiger, Cincinnati.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerold Lobsiger.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Columbia City United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, and one hour prior to the service at the church.

*****

Memorials to the music department of Columbia City United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be sent at smithandsons funeralhome.com.

COLUMBIA CITY — Keeman “Kim” W. Lobsiger, 65, retired area high school principal residing in Columbia City, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at his home.

He was born Sept. 18, 1952, in Decatur, a son of Jerold W. and Marlene Fuhrer Lobsiger. His formative years were spent in Decatur. He graduated from Bellmont High School. He continued his education at Manchester College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education. Later, he earned a Master of School Administration from Indiana University.

He began his teaching career with Howe Military Academy as the athletic director and football coach. He then moved to Bloomington South High School for four years, teaching physical education and as the football and track coach. In 1984, he moved to Wawasee High School as the football coach and vice principal. From 1995 to 2009, he was the principal at Garrett High School. During his tenure there, he was named Principal of the Year in 2009 by the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP). In 2009, he joined the Kankakee Valley High School and served at their principal until retiring in 2015. He continued his contribution to education as a consultant for IASP.

On Nov. 23, 1984, he was united in marriage to Connie J. Trier. They made their home in Syracuse, then Garrett, De Motte and retiring in Columbia City.

A man of many talents and interest, he loved teaching, coaching and making a positive impact on young people’s lives. He was a member of Columbia City United Methodist Church, and lived his life practicing Christian ideals.

He enjoyed fishing and boating with his family and maintained a collection of rare fishing lures and gear. He was an avid collector of World War II military history, and had an extensive collection that he proudly displayed. Music was a constant in his life, from participating in shows as a child to playing the Music Express during his later years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Connie; his son, Ryan (Hollyn) Lobsiger, Indianapolis; a stepson, Patrick (Teresa) Inks, Fishers; a stepdaughter, Tina Inks, Fort Wayne; his mother, Marlene Lobsiger, Fort Wayne; four grandchildren: Cooper and Eli Lobsiger, and Erin and Sean Inks; a niece, Jordan Lobsiger; two nephews, Scott and Tony Trier; and a sister, Lori Lobsiger, Cincinnati.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerold Lobsiger.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Columbia City United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, and one hour prior to the service at the church.

*****

Memorials to the music department of Columbia City United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be sent at smithandsons funeralhome.com.
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