Chad J. McGuire: 1970 - 2008
Chad J. McGuire, 37, a resident of rural Columbia City near Collins, died at 3:24 a. m. on Sunday, January 27, 2008 from injuries sustained in at ATV accident at his residence in Smith Township.
Mr. McGuire was born on February 8, 1970 in Columbia City, a son of Jerry and Sue (Dirr) McGuire. He spent his formative years in Kaleva, Michigan, and graduated from Brethren High School in 1988.
He returned to this area in 2000, and was married in Columbia City on August 7, 2004 to Jennifer “Jennie” Dull.
He had been employed as a supervisor at Symmetry Ultrexx in Avilla since 2001, and was also engaged in farming in Smith Township. In his leisure time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, and all sports–particularly hockey.
The surviving relatives include his wife Jennie; two step-daughters Courtney Cooper of Indianapolis and Amanda Cooper of Chicago; his father and step-mother Jerry and Judy McGuire of Churubusco; his mother and step-father Sue and William Sandell of Grand Rapids, Mich; his in-laws Rick and Jo Dull of Albion; a brother Shayne (Christin) Sandell of Lansing, Mich; two step-brothers Stacy (Krista) Holzinger of Churubusco and Walter (Trish) Gratz of Huntertown; two step-sisters Pam (Chuck) Voors of Fort Wayne and Linda Mobley of Churubusco; his grandparents Carl and Pauline McGuire of Churubusco, and Oneta and George Bergholtz of Kalkaska, Mich; several aunts and uncles; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. on Thursday, January 31, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Greg Smith, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary on Wednesday from 2 to 8 p. m., or one hour prior to the service Thursday morning.
Interment will be in the Blue River Cemetery, Whitley County.
The family requests that memorials be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 9135 N. Meridian Street, B-4, Indianapolis, IN 46260, or to the American Diabetes Association, 7363 East 21st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46219
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To leave a condolence for the family in Mr. McGuire’s memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
January 28th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
I am so saddened by this tragic loss. Chad was a fun, caring, and happy guy who enjoyed life. I know he loved his family and friends to no end.
Jennie and family, please know that you have a great outpouring of love and thoughts from everyone Chad had touched in his life.
January 28th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
We’ve been thinking of you since we heard the heartbreaking news. Chad was a wonderful man and a wonderful friend. He will be missed by many, but never forgotten. May the wonderful memories with Chad bring you comfort now and always.
Love,
The Ernst Family (Jan, Jana, and Jared)
January 28th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Jennie,
My sincere sympathy to you at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
January 29th, 2008 at 1:33 am
Jennie, Sue, Shayne, Oneita, and families:
We are so deeply saddened at your loss. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. May the love and support of your family and friends carry you through all that you have to do. Please know that we are there with you in spirit even though we can’t be there in person. Much love to all,
Joe, Rick, Dottie, Will, Joanie and our families
January 29th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Jennie, we are so sorry for your loss. Chad will be greatly missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
January 29th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Jenny, my prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Please know that your friends are thinking of you. You have my heartfelt sympathy.
January 29th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Jenny, my prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Please know that your friends are thinking of you. You have my heartfelt sympathy.
January 29th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Hi Judy and Gerry,
Sorry to hear about your lost and our prayers are with you during these hard times.
The Bridges Family (Alain, Chantal, Izabel and Jean-Robert)
Buckingham Québec
January 29th, 2008 at 10:10 am
My family just heard of Chad’s passing. We are so saddened by this tragic news. My Father, Larry Weaver, who Coached Chad in baseball wanted to entend his sympathies. He remembers Chad as one of the best defensive ball players Brethren High School ever saw. He says Chad was always ready to give his best and he could be counted on at all times. “Coach Weaver” as Chad called him says Chad always had a smile and an encouraging word for others. He will never be forgotten.
I graduated two years ahead of Chad. In a school as small as ours it’s impossible to not know everyone. I kept the score book and did the stats for many years while my Father Coached. Chad was one of the most outgoing guys I know. His laugh was contagious and he was ALWAYS ready to give his ALL in everything he did. He was a friendly guy that I also remembering smiling alot. My heart grieves at his loss. My sympathies go to all his family and friends. May God be with you at this very difficult time. Please know my family shares in your pain.
Tracy Weaver-Wilks and Family
January 29th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
January 29th, 2008 at 11:35 am
To the Sandell’s and Mcguire family Larry bernice Niemi and family express to you our deepest sympathy the lost our your son and stepson.
January 29th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Very sorry to hear of this tragedy. Chad was a great guy and I always enjoyed having him as a friend while growing up in Brethren/Kaleva.
God bless,
Brian
January 29th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Jenny, My prayers are with you and your family. Please know that your friends are thinking of you during this very difficult time. You have my heartfelt sympathy.
January 29th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Our deepest condolences. We will always remember Chad for is winning smile and caring ways. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Love Sandy & family Ray & Jan Brian & family Mark and family.
January 29th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Shayner, Bill, Sue and Family I am so sorry for your loss. Chadly was like a big brother to me growing up as I never had a brother of my own. I am heartbroken to hear of such a tragedy and he will always remain in my heart as a special person in my life. I will cherish his memory of all the fun times we had together. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with you all.
Chad Eckhardt
January 29th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I’m so sorry to hear the news. It’s been several years since I last saw Chad, though I always thought he was a wonderful and warm human being. His brother Shayne and I were close growing up. Their mother Sue was like a mom to me. My heart goes out to your entire family. A life cut so short…yet so many fond memories, that will last forever.
Respectfully,
Som Lisaius
January 29th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
So sorry to hear of this misfortunate accident. My thoughts are with the families. Shayne, I’m thinking of you in particular.
January 29th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Our Thoughts and Prayers will be with you.
Chad was a great guy to work with, He will be missed by us all.
January 29th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Chad was my cousin Davin Reckow’s best friend. I remember him from school, and always thought he was a great guy - he was always smiling! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am so very sad for your loss.
January 29th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
I had Chad in my 5th grade class at Kaleva Elementary, and was very saddened to read of his passing. I remember him as a pleasure to have known even at that young age, and I’m sure he is missed by all who were met by his great smile and pleasant personality.
January 29th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Jennie and family,
I so very sorry to hear about your loss. I graduated with Chad - a GREAT guy. Fun, friendly, loved life every minute. He was constantly on the moved it seemed. We’ll keep you in our prayers.
Vance and Jeannie Stringham
January 29th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
I’m very sorry to hear the news. Chad was a great friend to have. I will always remember the great times that we had in Kaleva. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. The McShane family, Matt, Lavone, Cody and Blake.
January 30th, 2008 at 8:58 am
At a time like this it is hard to find any words that can begin to describe the sense of grief and sorrow that we felt upon hearding of Chad’s untimely passing.
It always brings a smile to my face remembering all the fun we had together growing up, hunting, fishing, golfing or getting into a little bit of trouble, Chad was ready to go with a smile on his face and a determination to to have a great time no matter what it was we were doing. He could always be counted on to lend a hand when needed, no mattter the circumstance, never asking for anything in return, he was just happy to help a friend. It is those cherished memories that will keep Chad in our hearts forever.
We extend our deepest sympathies to all of Chad’s family. He will truly be missied.
Condolances,
Jim & Jana Churchill
January 30th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Sue,Bill,Shayne & Family,
Please know that you are in our hearts and thoughts.
If there is anything we can do please let us know.
We think of you often and hope the good memories will be of some comfort for you.
With love,
Bob & Sue
January 30th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Jennie and Family:
May the love of family and friends help you through this very hard time. We wanted to share some of our memories of Chad with you.
Never sitting still for haircuts as a boy
Trapping lesson on the creek
His enthusiasm for farming
His comradeship as a member of the KSC
The great whitetail hunting memories (in hip boots, in treestands, and around the picnic table at the camp)
His love for the Chesapeake
Garage Parties
Our greatest and dearest memories would be how Chad always made you feel welcome when he was around. He manage to squeeze that smile out of you no matter what mood you were in. His big friendly arm around your shoulder always reasurring his friendship. If you ever need help, Chad would be the first to offer with a smile. Words can not express how much he will be missed…. but never, ever forgotten.
With all of our love to you and your family.
Allen & Candy Grossnickle
January 30th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Shayne,bill, sue, oneita and family…sorry to hear about your tragic loss…thinking of you during these hard times…shayne i know what your going through …just been through the same…It will get better
my deepest sympathys..
Nate Pringle
January 30th, 2008 at 10:19 am
To Shayne, Sue, Bill and family. I am so so sorry for the tragedy that has struck your family. Please know that you are all in my family’s prayers and will be for a long time. Chad was always someone you could count on for a smile or a good conversation. He will be missed more than any words can say. I hope and pray you all get through this the best you can. Take care and God Bless.
Rich Beldo and family
January 30th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Bill, Sue, Shayne and Family no words can numb the pain but please know my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I graduated with Chad and have many fond memories from our school days. Chad made everyone laugh and smile and was always fun to be around. He was blessed with a carefree personality and a smile that could let him get aways with almost anything. (sometimes he’d even use it)
Chad will never be forgotten and when I think of him I will continue to smile.
Linda(Bowers)McGuire
As Chad would say ‘Baaarrrrs’
January 30th, 2008 at 10:28 am
My heart goes out to you Jennie,Shaner, Sue and Bill and family.
Growing up with Chad one can only imagine the memories i have and will always cherish. BHS Class of ‘88 will never be the same. My heart goes out to all of you as Chad will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Because even a chance meeting with Chad led to a friendship with him.
January 30th, 2008 at 10:35 am
I worked with Chad at Ultrexx and he was a good man and always seemed to put a smile on everyone’s face. I remember when he told me that he was getting married and he was so excited. You could just see him glowing from ear to ear.
To his wife, I’m very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
January 30th, 2008 at 11:57 am
To the family of Chad,
I am so very sorry and feel your pain deeply.
My Son and Daughter as well as thier Dad and I knew Chad very well and his family.
Chad Graduated the same year as my son Larry and played on the same base ball team. My duaghter kept score and thier Dad was coach.
Chad alway’s smiled and made everyone happy to be around him.
Our family is deeply sorry and we pray God will give each and everyone of you the comfort you need in time of loss.
God Bless
Linda Weaver
January 30th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
To let you know that caring thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. God bless you.
January 30th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
I was very saddened by this news- to have someone so full of life be taken away so early in life. Chad was one of my brother’s best friends in high school, and was like another brother to me. His smile, and laugh were contagious, and if you needed a pick-me-up, you knew you could go to Chad. May God watch over you all, and ease the pain you’re going through.
January 30th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. I know you have a deep network of friends and family to sustain you, but in the short time you have worked with us, you have become part of this family too. Your coworkers support you and are praying for you and your family.
God bless you,
Meredith
January 30th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Jennie,Bill,Sue,Shayne & Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing so many friends are thinking of you and praying for you during this difficult time.
Chad was such a loving, fun, outgoing-wonderful person and will be missed by all.
God Bless
Daisy Buning
January 30th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
To the Chad McGuire Family and Courtney Cooper, stepdaughter:
Please accept our sympathy for the sudden loss of your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Courtney, I hope you know your co-workers here at ITC are sending caring thoughts and prayers to you at this time.
January 31st, 2008 at 10:42 am
Dear Jennie, Amanda, and Courtney and family,
We are so sad to hear of your loss. I’m sorry we didn’t know in time to be with you in person. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Randy and Diana Gaff
January 31st, 2008 at 11:37 am
Dear Sue, Bill, Shayne, and Jennie,
We were so saddened to hear of your tragic loss. Chad was one of the sweetest young men you could ever meet. His smile lit up the room, and we are pretty sure it will make heaven an even brighter place too. It’s hard to imagine how painful it must be to lose him for all of you.Please know we are sending prayers that God will give you the strength you need today and in the days to come.
Love, Butch, Laura, and Andy Dorn
January 31st, 2008 at 12:26 pm
My thoughts turn to Chad’s big smile and strong, playful embrace. He always brought sunshine to a cloudy day. He will be greatly missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of grief and loss.
Respectfully,
Emily Lagerquist
January 31st, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Jennie:
Wanting to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. May god provide you comfort during this difficult time.
January 31st, 2008 at 2:06 pm
To Chad’s entire family - John and I send our deepest condolences and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Although we haven’t seen Chad in several years, we will never forget the happy, fun-loving kid with his great smile who grew into a wonderful young man. May the many happy memories you have of him sustain you at this sad time.
January 31st, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Jenny, Mandy, and Court,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do during this difficult time, please let me know. Mandy, you have my number and you know that friend to friend, classmate to classmate, sister to sister, I am here. Courtney, my thoughts are with you during this time, please be careful heading back to school, and as well, let me know if there is anything I can do. And Jenny, I am so sorry. Please know the sympathy I have for you is never ending. May God bless you and your family through this hard time. Take care, and love you all very much.
Chelcey
February 3rd, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Sue(Mom),Shayne,Bill,Oneita(Grandma)and Jennie,
You are all family to me and Chad is certainly a brother and Best Friend. I can not even start a list of the things we did together and the impact Chad, Wrinkle, Chadly (and some others I should not say) had on me. Oh the times we have had. A smiling face and a big heart, no matter what the situation. I can’t tell you how many times I heard “Don’t sweat the small stuff, bud” and “don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine”.
Well bud I guess you were right, I only pray the rest of us can pull out that smiling face everytime we need your warm embrace.
Love you Chad, Davin
February 3rd, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Jennie,Sue, Shayne, Bill, and Grandma
My heart aches for you all and the deep sadness you feel, I feel it too. Chad was someone I “had” to meet when I started to date Davin, his brother he said. Its been many years since then but he always had the best hugs and smile with a twinkle that could always get us in trouble. He embraced life like he gave a hug, he got everything out of it he could. Two-trackin’ with a beer and a bunch of jerky will never be the same without you Chad! All my love, Tanya
February 5th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
We have only met Chad a couple of times at his grandmother’s (Oneita Dirr Bergholtz) but we feel the grief for everyone in the family. God will look after him now.
February 7th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Sue,Jenny and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My prayer is that God will continue to strenthen all of your durnig this time of bereavement. Take care of each other as Chad would have done for each of you. We are here for you and willing to help in any way that is possible.
May God Bless and be with all of you.
February 10th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Dear Sue:
We were both so very sorry to learn of the terrible accident that took Chad.
He was truly a great kid that grew up to be a wonderful young man. You should be very proud.
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Tom & Sandy Evens
February 11th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Sue,Bill,Shaner, Grandma, and family
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We will always remember Chad’s great smile and laugh. He truly a great guy. You are in are prayers.
Danielle and Tyson
February 16th, 2008 at 2:36 am
Yo… I know you’re there. I just want you to know I miss you.(best friend, like a brother)
I never met anyone that connected the way we did though sometimes opposite in ways? (not very often at all).
I am so sorry i still kick myself that I did not say what i wanted to say.
Here goes.. you were such a inspiration to me and my family.(Dawn and the kids)
The kids (whats up boys?) stuff man that will be with them forever, just like when we let them drive our trucks (F150, Z71) in your yard when they were 9(Kyle and Kevin) and 11(Cody) “just drive it does not matter, just don’t wreck”.
Then the dirt bikes (dirt pile) no one made it but i did with my fat rear on the 90.lol
There is more and i can go on but.(hard)
I want to thank you for everything you have done.
Chad…I love you my friend… we will meet again.
February 18th, 2008 at 11:53 am
To Chads Family:
Chad was one year behind me in High School and we played some ball together. He always gave 100% and his attitude was great. I have not had much contact with Chad since High School but I know he had a positive influence on many.
My prayers are with the family.
May God bless you and give you peace.
Rick
July 30th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
I learned of Chad’s passing yesterday and it has been on my mind since. As everyone can attest to, Chad had that smile and personality that you couldn’t help but migrate towards. I remember always a smile, a laugh when least expected, and a love of life twinkling in those eyes.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family as I know they continue to grieve. God Bless.
Shelly (DeSautell) Lyman