Nadine K. Lengacher, age 79 of Wakarusa, died unexpectedly of natural causes at 12:49 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at her residence.

Nadine was born on Feb. 23, 1945 in Huntertown, IN to Robert and Glada (Beck) Richards; and she was a 1963 Leo High School graduate.

On July 20, 1963, Nadine married Jack Lengacher, Sr. in Fort Wayne; and in 1965, they moved to Wakarusa.

Together they co-founded J & N Stone in 1973 and worked side by side as co-owners of their family business.

Jack and Nadine started the Wakarusa Baseball and Softball program in 1977 with 75 kids playing in year one. This past summer was season 47 and 560 kids participated. It was so important to Nadine that this was a free baseball league open to all kids.

The Wakarusa community was very important to Nadine. She loved her small town and served in many capacities, including as a past Wakarusa Public Library Board member and a past president of the Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce.

She was a member of the Nappanee Missionary Church.

Most of all, Nadine loved Jesus and cherished her family.

She was a loving wife to Jack Sr. for over 61 years and together they had 5 children.

Through raising 5 kids and her many grandkids, she somehow managed to attend every event.

She was especially proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved praying for and supporting them through all their endeavors.

Nadine is survived by her husband, Jack Lengacher, Sr. of Wakarusa; 5 children, Jack (Shelly) Lengacher, Jr. of Nappanee, Jamie (Jolinda) Lengacher of Wakarusa, Jeff (Cheri) Lengacher of Syracuse, Jody (Tara) Lengacher of Wakarusa, and Nicki (Kraig) Resler of Wakarusa; 19 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; brother, Bob (Eileen) Richards of Harmony, FL; and a sister, Dawn Bechtel of Bremen.

Nadine was preceded in death by her parents; daughter-in-law, Lisa Lengacher; great-grandson, Briggs Burnett; brother, Al Richards; and sister, Julie Hostetler.

Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, and for one hour prior to a 10:30 a.m. funeral on Tuesday, Nov. 26, all at the Nappanee Missionary Church, Nappanee. Pastor Dave Engbrecht and Pastor Joe Focht will officiate; and burial will take place in Olive West Cemetery, Elkhart.

Memorial contributions in Nadine's name can be given to the Wakarusa Baseball and Softball program.

Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Wakarusa.