Earl J. Siebert, 98, of Celina, Ohio, died at 11:20 a.m. Thursday, January 12, 2017, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born On October 22, 1918, to Edward and Alvena (Luth) Siebert. On August 16, 1958, he married Audrey Visser, and she survives in Celina.

Earl was a U.S. Navy veteran, and served his country during WWII. He was a farmer, and he had also worked as a custodian at the Rockford High School, later Parkway School, retiring from there after 22 years. He was an avid bowler, and worked at Plaza Bowling Lanes in Celina as well.

Earl lived in the area all his life, and was a member of the St. John Lutheran Church, Hopewell, where he served as a deacon and trustee. He loved gardening and fishing, and when he was younger, did a lot of hunting. He loved his wife and children, and adored his grandchildren and enjoyed watching their ball games and loved taking them fishing.

Surviving in addition to his wife Audrey, are three children: Steven (Linda) Siebert; Sandra (Stephen) Heckler; and Donna (Lee) Post, all of Celina. Earl has 9 grandchildren: Ben (Kristin) Siebert, Brad (Abby) Siebert, Nicholas Siebert, Kevin Siebert, Samantha Heckler, Rachel (Ryan) Dismore, Chris (Emily) Post, Allie (Sam) Slavik, and Nate Post, along with one great granddaughter, Raegan Dismore. Deceased is one brother, Vernon "John" Siebert, and three sisters: Estella Siebert, Edna Frahm, and Marcella "Sally" Eichenauer.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 16, 2017, at 11:00 a.m., at the St. John Lutheran Church, Hopewell, on the corner of St. Rte. 118 and Oregon Road, Celina, with Pastor Karen Tamorria officiating. Burial will follow at Buck Cemetery, Celina, Ohio.     

Friends may call on Sunday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford from 2:00-6:00 p.m., and on Monday, at the church, one hour prior to the service.

Memorials may be directed to the church or to State of the Heart Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com.