Jack L. Mettler

Jack L. Mettler, 78, of Fort Wayne and a longtime resident of Bluffton, passed away early Sunday morning, November 27, 2022, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Jack was born on November 21, 1944, in Bluffton to Robert E. & Virginia R. (Hughes) Mettler. A 1963 graduate of Bluffton High School, Jack served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 to 1968. After leaving the Marines, Jack was a barber for 4 years. He helped open Hardee’s Restaurants in Bluffton and Fort Wayne where he served as a longtime manager at the Bluffton location. Jack also managed at Ponderosa, Emery, and Burger Chef. He worked at Roehl Transportation out of Wisconsin and retired from Hiner Transportation located in Huntington. He traveled through 48 states and all the Canadian provinces. After his retirement, Jack worked part time at SMOKES, the American Legion Post #111, and the Bluffton Walmart. Jack was a huge I.U., Colts, and Bluffton Tiger fan! He always enjoyed following the local athletes as they continued their athletic career. He enjoyed bowling, golf, and following Drum Corp. Jack was a member of the American Legion Post #111 of Bluffton and Bluffton Elks Lodge #796. Survivors include his children, Sonja M. (Vanessa L.) Mettler of Fort Wayne and Andrew R. Mettler of Los Angeles, CA, and two brothers, William “Bill” (Janice) Mettler and James “Jim” Mettler, both of Bluffton. Visitation will be held from 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. on Thursday (Dec. 1, 2022) at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton and for one hour prior to the service. An Elks Memorial Service for Jack will be held at the conclusion of the visitation on Thursday. Funeral Services will take place at 10:30 A.M. on Friday (Dec. 2, 2022) at the Funeral Home with Pastor Sherrie Drake officiating. Burial will follow at Six Mile Cemetery with Military Honors by the United States Marine Corps. Honor Guard and the American Legion Post #111 Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or Wounded Warriors Foundation. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the Mettler family at www.thomarich.com.

Jack L. Mettler

November 21, 1944 - November 27, 2022