Berlyn J. “Bert” Coburn, 91, of Zionsville, formerly of Rensselaer, passed away Thursday evening, March 26, 2015 at Witham Health Services at Anson in Zionsville. He was born in Wanatah on Sept. 19, 1923, the son of the late Elmer and Anna (Kruger) Coburn.

Bert was raised in Medaryville and graduated from Medaryville High School. He went on to attend business school in South Bend where he earned his associate’s degree in accounting. He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII in the European Theater, including the D-Day invasion, from 1943-1945. On Jan. 19, 1948, in Lafayette, he married Rosemary “Rosie” Ahler. She preceded him in death on Jan 18, 2005.

Bert owned and operated a John Deere dealership in Medaryville for 35 years in partnership with his brother, Charles. He also drove a school bus for special needs students for West Central School Corp. He moved from Medaryville to Rensselaer in 1990. He was a member of Iroquois Valley Christian Church in Rensselaer, the White Post Masonic Lodge, and the Medaryville American Legion. Bert was an avid sports fan, and he enjoyed attending his grandkid’s ballgames. He also enjoyed fishing and puttering around. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

Bert is survived by his loving family: three children: Dr. Gary (Vickie) Coburn of Greencastle, Nancy (Gary) Hilton of LaPorte and Carol (Clifford) Hinshaw of Zionsville; six grandchildren: Andy (Rachel) Coburn of Brookfield, Wisconsin, Matthew (Michelle) Coburn of Indianapolis, TJ (Jessica) Coburn of Denver, Colorado, Jennifer (Brandon) Willford of LaPorte, Christopher (Kandace) Hilton of Noblesville, and Nathan (Michelle) Yoder of Indianapolis; and six great grandchildren and twins on the way.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Elmer and Anna Coburn; wife Rosemary “Rosie” Coburn, two brothers: Charles and Chester; and one sister, Mardell Kroft.

Friends may call on Monday, March 30, 2015 from 3-7 p.m. (CDT) at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. A Masonic service will be held at the funeral home Monday evening. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at 10 a.m. (CDT) at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer with Pastor Cary Gephart officiating. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at White Post Cemetery in Medaryville. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association or the Cardiac Unit at Jasper County Hospital. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.

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