Steve Herendeen

Steven J. Herendeen, 75, of Kendallville, passed away on September 16, 2022, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.  Steve was a lifetime resident of Kendallville, born on March 8, 1947 to Ervin Eugene Herendeen and Josephine Mae Herendeen. He married the love of his life, Linda J. (Wyckoff) Herendeen, on June 20, 1969 in Avilla, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

He is survived by two children and a daughter-in-law: Daughter, Sara England of Elkhart, Indiana; Son, John and Laura Herendeen of Mercer Island, Washington; and five grandchildren: Lorelei, Alex, and Brynn England; Holden and Cole Herendeen.

Mr. Herendeen graduated from Kendallville High School. He attended college at Anderson College, James Madison University, Indiana-Purdue in Fort Wayne, and Ball State. He obtained four degrees in management and education. He also received a certified management degree as an officer in the U.S. Army along with attending Officer's Candidate School and Installation Traffic Management, receiving two letters of commendation. Lt. Herendeen had special training in riot control at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin, and served on street patrol during the 1968 Chicago Democratic Convention.

Mr. Herendeen worked for Reliable Tool for eleven years as the materials manager. He was also an associate professor at Indiana-Purdue in Fort Wayne (IPFW) and was recognized as the business professor of the year at IPFW in 2004. He worked as a consultant and motivational speaker across the country throughout his career. He was one of the initial instructors that launched the Freedom Academy in Kendallville. During the later years of his career, he sold services for Banco Industrial and published a book on his lifelong learnings, “My Grandfather’s Grave “. 

Mr. Herendeen loved playing golf at the Kendallville Golf Course, which was highlighted by two holes-in-one. Steve had a passion for cars and making deals. This was best seen at the annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg auction where he would commonly find a new toy. He enjoyed rooting for the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and every Indiana sports team/college. Most of all, he loved East Noble sports and was a continuous fixture at events cheering passionately for the Knights.

A memorial service will be held Friday, September 23, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville with visitation from 1:00 – 2:00 PM prior to the service.  Rev. Stan Kessler will officiate the service. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. 

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