Herbert C. Marbach, 96, of Decatur, Indiana passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Adams Woodcrest.
He was born November 26, 1929, Adams County, Indiana to the late Adolph F. and Viola (Grote) Marbach.
Herb was united in marriage to Lorna M. Bradtmueller on September 17, 1955, who preceded him in death November 15, 2024.
He served in the United States Army with the 5th Armored Division during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1953 after attaining the rank of Private First Class.
Herb was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Decatur, where he served in many capacities at the church. In addition, he was a member of the American Legion Post #43.
He was a lifelong farmer in Union Township. He worked for International Harvester in Fort Wayne, Indiana till 1984, retiring after 29 years of service.
Lorna and Herb enjoyed playing cards with friends and family whether that was in Indiana or Florida.
He is survived by his son, Rex (Donna) Marbach of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Bonnie (Gary) Masterson of Wabash, Indiana; daughter, Brenda (Ed) Fifer of Monroeville, Indiana; son, Ronald (Lori) Marbach of Decatur, Indiana; brother, Richard Marbach of Decatur, Indiana; seven grandchildren: Christopher Masterson, Tyler (Merry) Masterson, Jessica (Doug) Wyant, Nicholas (Blair) Fifer, Emma (Logan) Franke, Camie (Riley) Hormann, and Corey (Megan) Marbach; 15 great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren: Douglas (Kelsey) Masterson, Stephanie Martin, and Adam Masterson; four step-great-grandchildren and one step-great-great-grandchild.
Herb was preceded in death by his wife, Lorna Marbach; son, Donald Marbach; brother, Edward (Joyce) Marbach; five sisters, Norma (Fritz) Mueller, Linda (Norbert) Brenneke; Florence (Hugo) Bulmahn; Edith (Wilmer) Nierman; and Edna (Ralph) Mesing; sisters-in-law: Donna Marbach and Helen Witte-Marbach.
Funeral service for Herb will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Decatur with Pastor Kevin McGladdery officiating. Military graveside services will be conducted by the American Legion Post #43 Color Guard in conjunction with the United States Army at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Decatur.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Adams Woodcrest followed by a visitation from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour before the service at the church on Wednesday.
Preferred memorials may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church; St. Peter Immanuel Lutheran School or Heart to Heart Hospice.
About the Author
