Mar 2004 Obituaries - The Daily Standard

March 2004

Daily Standard Obituaries
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03-31-04

Mary Borgert
Mary Margaret Borgert, 91, formerly of Cassella-Montezuma Road, Montezuma, died at 10:37 a.m. March 30, 2004, in Heritage Manor Nursing Center, Minster.
She was born Aug. 24, 1912, in Carthagena, to Bernard and Margaret Keller Homan. On June 22, 1940, she married Sylvester John Borgert who died Dec. 14, 1997.
Surviving are a son, Ronald F. of Montezuma; three daughters, Connie L. (Walter) Pohlman, Maria Stein, Marilyn K. (Thomas S.) McClurg, Tipp City, and Darlene R. Ruzicka, Beavercreek; two sisters, Alvina Uhlenhake and Rose Ontrop, both of St. Henry; two brothers-in-law, Jerome Siegrist, St. Patrick, and John Fleck, St. Sebastian; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a son-in-law, Jerome T. Ruzicka; three brothers and three sisters.
She was a homemaker and a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and the Ladies Rosary-Altar Sodality, both of Montezuma.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. James Dugal officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
Calling is 3-8 p.m. Friday and 9-10 a.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.
Contributions can be made to the Minster Area Life Squad.

Bernadine Bruey
Bernadine M. Bruey, 87, formerly of Ohio 705, Osgood, died at 4:22 p.m. March 30, 2004, in Gardens at St. Henry.
She was born May 14, 1916, in Osgood, to Fred and Frances Bornhorst Poeppelman. On Oct. 18, 1941, she married Alga A. Bruey who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Paul J. (Margie) of Osgood; four daughters, Barbara (Roger) Kremer, Coldwater, Beverly (Dennis) Balster, Vandalia, Beatrice (Del) Balster, Dayton, and Bridget (John) Anthony, Cincinnati; three sisters, Elizabeth Grogean, St. Henry, Theckla Recker, Osgood, and Mildred Winner, New Weston; a sister-in-law, Alice Poeppelman, Minster; 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Deceased are two brothers, Linus and Urban Poeppelman; a sister, Dorthy Borchers; and a grandchild.
She worked as a clerk at the Economy Store in Osgood. She was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, St. Barbara Ladies Sodality and the Ladies Euchre Club, all of Osgood. She also was a charter member of the Osgood American Legion Auxiliary,
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. David Zink officiating. Burial will follow at St. Martin Cemetery, Osgood.
Calling is 3-8 p.m. Friday and 9-10 a.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.
Contributions can be made to the Osgood Rescue Squad.

Rose Buckloh
Rose Anna Buckloh, 81, of Rockford, died March 30, 2004, at Valley Nursing Home, St. Marys.
She was born May 30, 1922, in Bryant, Ind., to Ernest G. and Lizzie L. Spade Spencer. On April 5, 1947, she married Clarence Buckloh who survives.
Also surviving are a brother, Robert D. Spencer, Indianapolis; and three sisters, Nellie G. Cline, Syracuse, Ind., Alice L. Smith, Macon, Ga., and Joan M. Rager, Van Wert.
Two sisters, Mary C. Pence and Kathleen B. Reichard, are deceased.
She worked at the Naval Ordnance Plant in Indianapolis during World War II and later worked at Celina Insurance Company and Mersman Brothers in Celina. She was a member of Rockford United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir.
Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Michael Berne and John A. Rager, a nephew, officiating. Burial will be at Swamp College Cemetery, Celina.
Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday and after 9:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Contributions can be made to the church.

Betty Jurkowski
Former Celina resident Betty Jane Jurkowski, 85, of Garfield Heights, died March 14, 2004, at her residence, due to cancer.
She was born October 13, 1918, in Celina, to Joseph and Zenna Shiverdecker. On Nov. 28, 1946, she married Walter George Jurkowski, who died Sept. 24, 1986.
Survivors are a daughter, Jackie, of Garfield Heights, and two sisters-in-law, Kay Shiverdecker, Dayton, and Mary Shiverdecker, Celina.
Deceased are a daughter, Barbara, and two brothers, Glen and Jack Shiverdecker.
She was a 1937 graduate of Celina High School and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, stationed in Cleveland.
Funeral services were held at Fortune Funeral Home in Cleveland on March 16.

03-30-04

Rose Buckloh
Rose Anna Buckloh, 81, formerly of 12269 U.S. 127, Rockford, died at 6:40 a.m. today, March 30, 2004, at Valley Nursing Home, St. Marys.
Arrangements are pending at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.

Bessie Klingler
Bessie V. Klingler, 98, of Lima, died at 3:25 a.m. March 29, 2004, at Roselawn Manor Nursing Home, Spencerville.
She was born Nov. 15, 1905, in Allen County, to Charles Newton and Barbara Roeder Thomas. On April 11, 1929, she married Harry E. Klingler who died Aug. 29, 1979.
Surviving are a son, Thomas W. of Allen, Mich.; a son-in-law, Kenneth Adams, Lima; a sister, Bertha (Burl) Jackson, Lima; three grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a daughter, Barbara Adams; two brothers, Orval G. and Charles Frederick Thomas; and two sisters, Elizabeth Copus and Lena Crites.
She had worked 20 years as a bookkeeper at Gregg’s Department Store in Lima. She was a 1922 graduate of Lima Central High School and a member of the former Christie United Methodist Church near Spencerville, where she had been a teacher, treasurer andmembe of the United Methodist Women.
Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, the Rev. Thomas Gossard officiating. Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery, east of Spencerville.
Calling is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday and 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Contributions can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Marion Schindler
Marion Schindler, 79, 7262 Ohio 197, Celina, died at 3:20 a.m. March 29, 2004, at The Gardens at Celina.
He was born March 1, 1925, in Berne, Ind., to Reuben and Aldine Amstutz Schindler. On March 9, 1946, he married Betty L. Smith who survives in Celina.
Also surviving are a son, Ted (Elizabeth) of Columbus; a daughter, Brenda Webb, Fort Wayne, Ind.; and two grandchildren.
Deceased are a son, Scott; a daughter, Wendy Jo; two brothers, Ornell and Ervin; and two sisters, Florence Schindler and Mildred Meyer.
He had worked as an independent life insurance and security agent and was a member of Grace Missionary Church. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Services are 10 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Bruce Head officiating. Burial will follow at North Grove Cemetery with military rites by the Celina Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts.
Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, and after 9 a.m. Thursday at the church.

Leona Schwieterman
Leona K. Schwieterman, 87, U.S. 127, Celina, died at 1:40 p.m. March 29, 2004, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
She was born April 4, 1916, in Wendelin, to Henry J. and Bernadine Post Stachler. On May 1, 1943, she married Lawrence J. Schwieterman who died Sept. 2, 1987.
Surviving are six sons, Lee Roy (Judy) of Morgantown, Ind., Daniel (Anna) of Houston, Texas, Vernon (Judy) of Largo, Fla., Lloyd (Kathy) of St. Sebastian, Stanley of Dallas, and Arthur of St. Marys; and three daughters, Myra (John) Hileman and Kay (Tim) Wenning, both of Celina, and Edith (Bill) Doenges, St. Marys.
Other survivors include a sister, Clementine Schmackers, St. Henry; four sisters-in-law, Dorothy Stachler, Greenville, Martha (Myron) Huelsman, St. Henry, Mary Schwieterman, Celina, and Mary Jane (Doyle) Birt, Coldwater; 35 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Deceased are two sons, Joseph and Alvin; and four brothers, Ray, Edmund, Clarence and Gregory Stachler.
A homemaker, she had worked in the gift shop at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater. She was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church and the Ladies Rosary Altar Sodality, both of St. Sebastian, and the Maria Stein Adoration Guild.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. John Bensman officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. Thursday and 9-10 a.m. Friday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater
.
Frederick Wellemeyer
Frederick M. Wellemeyer, 80, 510 N. Main St., New Bremen, died at 1:25 p.m. March 29, 2004, at Heritage Manor Nursing Center, Minster.
He was born March 6, 1924, in Minster, to Frederick Daniel and Lillian Thieman Wellemeyer. On Aug. 13, 1946, he married Irene Hilda Dammeyer who died May 11, 1998.
Surviving are a daughter, Wendy (Vincent) Braddock, Loveland; and a grandson.
A brother, Willis, and a sister, Edna Hoffman, are deceased.
He worked at the former Arcade Store in New Bremen and managed the Lone Pine Sohio Service Station in New Bremen for many years. He retired July 5, 1991 from Crown Equipment Corporation, New Bremen. He was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ and the Crown Equipment 25 Year Club, both of New Bremen, the Masonic Lodge of St. Marys, and the Hudson-Essex-Terraplane Club. He also was a member and past president of the New Bremen Historic Association.
Memorial services are 11 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. John W. Tostrick officiating. Burial will follow at German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.
Keeping with his wishes, the body was cremated in. Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen, has charge of arrangements.
Contributions can be made to the New Bremen Emergency Squad or the American Heart Association.

03-29-04

Emily Barger
Former Fort Recovery resident Emily R. Barger, 90, 1001 Myers Road, Celina, died at 2:20 a.m. March 27, 2004, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
She was born March 25, 1914, in Fort Recovery, to Constance and Mary Mercer Sawyer. In 1935, she married Leo Naumburg who died in 1959. On May 24, 1969, she married Leon Barger who died June 23, 1993.
Surviving are a daughter, Shirley (James) Shingledecker, Lima; eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren and four stepgreat-grandchildren.
She had worked at the former Jay Garment Company, Portland, Ind., and Lear Aviation, Piqua, and was co-owner and operator of Barger’s Flowers & Gifts in Fort Recovery. A 1933 graduate of Fort Recovery High School, she was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Women’s Professional Club, both of Fort Recovery.
Services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery, the Rev. Tamara Wood officiating. Burial will follow at Greenmound Cemetery, Fort Recovery.
Calling is after 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Doris Emans
Doris Irene Emans, 77, 324 W. Market St., Celina, died at 5:37 a.m. March 27, 2004, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater.
She was born April 11, 1926, in Celina, to Clarence J. Winter and Mary B. Bailey Goodwin. On Aug. 19, 1944, she married Elsworth J. Emans who survives.
Also surviving are a son, James (Eva) of Celina; two daughters, Kathy (Jerry) Bruggeman, Celina, and Mary (Bill) Wehrman, Sidney; a son-in-law, James (Sharon) Fischer, Celina; a half brother, Eugene Winter, Warren; a half sister, Adele (Larry) Smelser, Celina; a brother-in-law, Dallas (Carolyn) Emans, Celina; a sister-in-law, Myrna Glass, St. Marys; 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchilden.
Deceased are an infant son; three daughters, Carolyn J. Fischer as well as two infants; a stepfather, R.C. Goodwin; a stepmother, Rose Winter; one grandchild and two great-grandchildren.
She was a homemaker and co-owner of DEE Ceramics, Celina. She was a member of Celina First Church of God and a former member of the Ars Nova Club, also of Celina.
Services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Richard Van Horn officiating. Burial will follow at Mercer Memory Gardens.
Calling is 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at W.H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Celina, and after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church.
Contributions can be made to the church.

Marion Schindler
Marion Schindler, 79, 7262 Ohio 197, Celina, died at 3:20 a.m. today, March 29, 2004, at the Gardens at Celina.
Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, has charge of arrangements.

Esther Wellman
Esther A. Wellman, 83, 554 S. Third St., Coldwater, formerly of St. Peter, died March 24, 2004, at her residence.
She was born July 10, 1920, in Philothea, to Frank and Elizabeth Schwegman Knapke. On Nov. 26, 1949, she married Paul Wellman who died Sept. 26, 1977.
Surviving are two sons, Joe (Elaine) of Washington, Ind., and Ed (Kim) of Botkins; a daughter, MaryBeth (Ralph) Wood, Quinlan, Texas; a sister-in-law, Wanda Knapke, Coldwater; 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a son, Bob; five brothers, Arthur, Dick, Rudy, Ed and an infant Albert Knapke; and an infant sister, Hilda Knapke.
She formerly worked as a secretary at Fort Recovery Schools. A 1938 graduate of Coldwater High School, she was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Coldwater, where she sang in the Resurrection Choir and served as a Eucharistic minister,
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church, the Rev. Thomas Dorn officiating. Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. Monday and 9-9:45 a.m. Tuesday at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.

03-27-04

Rev. Ezra Warren
Former Celina resident, Rev. Ezra Leon Warren, 83, of Fort Meyers, Fla., died March 25, 2004, at Hope Hospice in Fort Meyers.
He was born Jan. 18, 1921, in Fort Recovery, to Ezra Alonzo and Treacy May Stump Warren. On July 19, 1941, he married Mary A. Hines, who died Jan. 27, 1994.
He is survived by a daughter, Karen M. Pratt, Lehigh Acres, Fla.; a brother, Donald (Carolyn), Union City; two sisters, Alma (Joe) Stoner, Portland, Ind., and Leona (Duane) Welch, Union City, Ind.; five grandchildren; three step grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; 14 step great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by a son Francis; a daughter, Margaret Ann; a brother, Lowell Albert; sisters Eva Hummel and Helen Davis; and stepmother Lorene Lowe Warren.
A veteran of World War II, serving 18 months in Italy, he later was the minister at Wesleyan Gospel Center Church in St. Marys. He also worked at the Dunbar Furniture Factory, Berne, Ind., and retired from Celina’s Mersman Furniture Co. in 1979. He attended Lehigh Acres Church of the Nazarene while residing in Florida.
Services are at 10:30 a.m. Monday, at W.H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Celina, with Rev. Frank Casey officiating. Burial will follow at Lisbon Cemetery, Union City, Ind.
Calling is from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday at the funeral home.

Esther Wellman
Esther A. Wellman, 83, of 554 S. Third St., Coldwater, died March 24, 2004, at her residence.
Services are at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Coldwater, with Rev. Thomas Dorn officiating, Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery, St. Peter.
Calling is from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.
A complete obituary will appear in Monday’s Daily Standard.

03-26-04

Charles Sandkuhl
Charles E. Sandkuhl, 87, of Kossuth, died at 7 p.m. March 24, 2004, at Otterbein Retirement Community, St. Marys.
He was born Sept. 26, 1916, in Kossuth, to George H. and Emma Schrolucke Sandkuhl. On June 23, 1940, he married Evalyn J. Leffel, who died Dec. 20, 2002.
Surviving are two sons, Leslie E. (Jackie) and Lyle G. (Kathleen), both of Spencerville; a daughter, Eva Charlene (Charles A.) Dille, Spencerville; a brother, Allen (Katherine) of St. Marys; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Two brothers, Chester and Herman, are deceased.
He had owned and operated Sandkuhl Tile Company in Kossuth with his sons since 1940. He was a member and former trustee of Zion United Methodist Church and a charter member of Salem Grange 1928, both of Kossuth, a member of the Ohio Drain Tile Manufacturers Association and a 1935 Spencerville High School graduate.
Services are 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Raymond S. Daniel officiating. Burial will follow at Kossuth Cemetery.
Calling is 7-9 p.m. Saturday and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville.
Contributions can be made to the church.

Ruth Virden
Ruth S. Virden, 100, formerly of 15 Nelson St., Tiffin, died March 24, 2004, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
She was born May 21, 1903, in Rochester, Ind., to Sylvester and Jenny M. Lowery O’Conner. In November 1922, she married Selmon D. Virden who died April 21, 1959.
Surviving are a son, Judson (Pat W.) of Bellevue, Wash.; three daughters, Maxine M. (Thomas) Green, Celina, Selma R. (William) Hilliard, Clyde, and Janis M. (Donald) Kirchner, Toledo; 17 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a daughter, Janet H. Hufford; two brothers, two sisters and two grandchildren.
She retired from General Electric in 1965 and also worked at Laundrolux in Tiffin. She was a member of St. Marys Catholic Church and the Grandmothers Club, both of Tiffin, and the GEWOTS Club at General Electric.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be at St. Marys Catholic Cemetery, Carey. A rosary will be recited there prior to Mass.
Calling is 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Hoffman-Gottfried Funeral Home, Tiffin.
Contributions can be made to the church
.
Ezra Warren
Ezra Warren, 83, formerly of Celina, died March 25, 2004, in Fort Myers, Fla.
Arrangements are pending at W.H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Celina.

03-25-04

Charles Sandkuhl
Charles E. Sandkuhl, 87, of Kossuth, died at 7 p.m. March 24, 2004, at Otterbein Retirement Community, St. Marys.
Arrangements are pending at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville.

Arthur Seitz
Mercer County native Arthur L. Seitz, 80, of Kettering, died March 20, 2004, at his residence.
He was born April 21, 1923, in Cranberry Prairie, to John and Clara Steinbrunner Seitz.
Surviving are two brothers, Seranus (Dolores) and John C. (Betty); two sisters, Alma (Clarence) Gels and Virginia Dixon; and three sisters-in-law, Stella, Ruth and Marjorie Seitz.
Deceased are four brothers, Harold, Leon, Robert and Luke; two sisters, Esther Bir and Helen Harris; three brothers-in-law, Durward Harris, John E. Dixon and William Bir; and a sister-in-law, Agnes Seitz.
He retired as an accountant at Dayton Veterans Administration Medical Center after 30 years. He was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Kettering, a former member of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Dayton, and a U.S. Army veteran. A graduate of St. Henry High School, he attended the University of Dayton.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Kettering church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Dayton.
Calling is 5-8 p.m. today at Tobias Funeral Home, Dayton.

Max Thomas
Max B. Thomas, 86, of Portland, Ind., died March 23, 2004, at Jay County Hospital, Portland.
He was born March 3, 1918, in Jay County, to George Mason Spencer Thomas and Mary F. Stoltz. In November 1972, he married Suda Latell Curtis Oxley who died March 11, 1997.
Surviving are a stepdaughter, Barbara Oxley, Portland, and a sister, Fern G. Schmieman, Nampa, Idaho.
He retired in 1983 as a forklift operator at New Idea, Coldwater. A graduate of Bryant, Ind. High School, he had been a farmer for many years.
Services are 1:30 p.m. Friday at Baird-Freeman Funeral Home, Portland, the Rev. Darrel Borders officiating. Burial will be at Mount Zion Cemetery.
Calling is 4-7 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Contributions can be made to the Jay County Cancer Society.

03-24-04

Brittani Young
Brittani Nicole Young, 13, 951 Peters Road, Fort Recovery, died at 6 p.m. March 22, 2004, at Children’s Hospital, Cincinnati. She had battled leukemia the past four years.
She was born Jan. 31, 1991, in Greenville, to Angela Reed Young of Fort Recovery and Chris Young of Ansonia.
Surviving with the parents are a brother, Derek, and a sister, Ashley, both of Fort Recovery; the grandparents, George Young, Ansonia, Janet and Larry Grimes, Union City, Ind., and Michael and Carol Reed, Missouri; and the great-grandfathers, Russell Reed and Lloyd Grimes, both of Greenville.
Deceased are a grandmother, Frances Young, and the great-grandparents, George and Betty Stoltz, Kenneth and Mildred Young, Clarence and Dorothy Didier, Lillie Reed and Betty Grimes.
She was a seventh-grader at Fort Recovery Middle School and a member of the First Church of God Youth Group and Show Choir, both of Fort Recovery.
Services are 10 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. David Napier officiating. Burial will follow at Greenville Township Memorial Gardens.
Calling is 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville.
Contributions can be made to the Fort Recovery Schools Scholarship Fund.

03-23-04

Harold Smart
Harold Smart, 92, formerly of 09462 Kettlersville Road, New Knoxville, died March 21, 2004, at White County Hospital in Sparta, Tenn.
He was born May 9, 1911, in Shelby County, to Charles and Ida Opperman Smart. On Sept. 2, 1933, he married Catherine Comer who died Nov. 16, 1995.
Surviving are a daughter, Judy (Len) Jacquay, McMinville, Tenn., and two grandchildren.
A retired carpenter, he attended Hillsdale Baptist Church, St. Marys.
Services are 2 p.m. Friday at Miller-Long & Folk Funeral Home, St. Marys, the Rev. Ron Spurgeon officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta.
Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

03-22-04

Ralph Baumgartner
Ralph W. Baumgartner, 87, 9860 Ohio 49, Rockford, died at 5:15 p.m. March 21, 2004, at The Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford.
He was born Nov. 25, 1916, in Chattanooga, to Paul and Hulda Andrews Baumgartner. On June 5, 1936, he married Helen Martin who died in 1991.
Surviving are three daughters, Phyllis (Jack) Rutledge, Celina, Rose (Larry) Myers, Monroe, Ind., and Becky (Gary) Archer, Pleasant Mills, Ind.; 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
A brother, Dale, and a sister, Goldie Francis, are deceased.
He had managed Andrews Saw Mill and worked as bookkeeper at Andrews Automotive, Rockford. He was a former member of the Mercer County Sportsmen Association.
Private graveside services will be held later at Swamp College Cemetery, Celina, the Rev. Neil Hammonds officiating.
Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, has charge of arrangements. There will be no calling.

Mary Beyke
Mary D. Beyke, 91, 60 Washington St., Burkettsville, died at 3:48 a.m. today, March 22, 2004, at her residence.
She was born April 5, 1912, in Darke County, to John and Therese Lachat Goubeaux. On June 19, 1937, she married Jacob J. Beyke who died June 22, 2003.
Surviving are seven sons, John of Egypt, Raymond (Betty) of Greenville, Jerry (Judy), Jay (Ann) and Tom (Esther), all of St. Henry, Daniel (Deborah) of St. Sebastian, and Mark (Ruth) of Fort Recovery; and three daughters, Mary Jo (Tom) Jansen, Dayton, Betty (James) Garke and Jane, all of Burkettsville.
Other survivors include three brothers-in-law, Cyril Braun, Greenville, Clete (Wilma) Beyke, St. Henry, and Hank (Pat) Beyke, Franklin, Tenn.; two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Darland, New Madison, and Katie Beyke, Celina; 41 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a daughter-in-law, Rose; four brothers, Vernon, Leo, Jerome and Richard Goubeaux; five sisters, Alvera Didier, Rita Buddendeck, Elizabeth Braun, Genevieve Lee and Mildred McFarland; and two grandchildren.
She was a homemaker and a member of St. Bernards Catholic Church and the Ladies Guild, both of Burkettsville, and St. Francis Ladies Sodality, Cranberry Prairie.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Matt Jozefiak officiating. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery, Cranberry Prairie.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry.
Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice.

Alvin Bruns
Philothea native Alvin William Bruns, 62, 8136 Patterson-Halpin Road, Sidney, died March 20, 2004, at his residence. Death was due to natural causes.
He was born Nov. 21, 1941, in Philothea, to August and Agnes Buening Bruns. On Oct. 29, 1966, he married Janice M. Perin who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Timothy (Lorie) of Sidney; a daughter, Jennie (Jim) Freeman, Houston; four brothers, Walter of Kettering, Wilbert of Coldwater, George of Chickasaw, and Leonard of Greenville; four sisters, Dorothy Lemkuhle, Lakeview, Mary Ranly, Decatur, Ind., Delores Gaier and Helen Barhorst, both of Fort Loramie; and four grandchildren.
A brother, Ralph, is deceased.
He was employed by Ferguson Contruction for 25 years and retired from Milligan Construction in 2003. He served in the Ohio National Guard and as Turtle Creek Township zoning officer. He was a member of American Legion Post 217, Sidney.
Services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the First Church of God, Sidney, the Rev. Steve Carney officiating. Burial will be at Shelby Memory Gardens near Sidney.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. today at Cromes Funeral Home, Sidney, and after 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church.
Contributions can be made to the Shelby Hills Parents Night Out Program or Wilson Hospice Care.

Robert Fleck
Robert F. Fleck, 79, 4529 Ohio 29, Celina, died at 7:20 a.m. March 20, 2004, at SCCI Hospital, part of St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
He was born May 3, 1924, in Celina, to Matt and Mary Mertz Fleck. On Oct. 8, 1946, he married Merilda Sudhoff who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Mark (Barb) and Nick (Jane), all of Celina; and six daughters, Carol (Cliff) Fisher, Mary Kay (Mike) Gehle, Susan (Bill) Muhlenkamp and Shirley (Greg) Cass, all of Celina, Deborah (Ronald) Wilker, St. Marys, and Kimberly (Fred) Alverson, Columbus.
Other survivors include two brothers, Paul (Rosemary) and James (Connie), all of Celina; two sisters, Catherine Wenning, Coldwater, and Marilyn (John) Braun, Celina; two sisters-in-law, Lucille Fleck, Celina, and Erma Fleck, Coldwater; 23 grandchildren, five stepgrandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Deceased are two brothers, Rich and John; a brother-in-law, Ralph Wenning; and a sister-in-law, Eileen Fleck.
He retired from Pax Machine, Celina and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He built the former Green Acres hall near Celina and formerly owned the Club Cafe, Celina. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, American Legion Post and the Knights of Columbus, all of Celina.
Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Richard Riedel officiating. Burial will follow at St. Marys Catholic Cemetery, Celina.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and after 9 a.m. Wednesday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina.
Contributions can be made to the church.

03-20-04

Donald Laug
Donald C. Laug, 71, 620 Devonshire Drive, Celina, died at 12:20 p.m. March 18, 2004, at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima following a heart attack.
He was born Feb. 4, 1933, in Cincinnati, to Jacob and Helen Burgess Laug. He married Elaine Luken, who is deceased, and Valerie Boxell, who survives at the residence.
Other survivors are two daughters, Lois (John) Mirizzi, Cincinnati, Barbara, Celina; two stepsons, Dennis (Jane) Wilder, Celina, Dean Wilder, Maryland; three stepdaughters, Cathy (Russell) Krick, Convoy, James (Shari) Brooks, Newhaven, Ind., Renee (Dale) Lehman, Celina; three sisters, Sue Heineman, Cincinnati, Helen Bailey, Aurora, Ind., Dorothy Feltner, Fayetteville; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers and three sisters.
He was retired as owner/operator of Laug’s Cottages in Celina. He was a member of Celina Eagles Aerie 1291, Celina Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5713, and Cincinnati Amvets.
Services are 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Vitt & Stermer & Anderson Funeral Home, Cincinnati. Burial will follow at St. Aloysius Gonzaga Cemetery, Cincinnati. Wesley and Werner American Legion Post 513 will conduct graveside military rites.
Calling is 2-6 p.m. Sunday at Lehman Funeral Home and noon -1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

03-19-04

Donald Buschur
Donald L. Buschur, 62, 704 W. South St., Coldwater, died at 1:50 p.m. March 17, 2004, at his residence from cancer.
He was born July 28, 1941 in Coldwater to the late Sylvester and Mary Miller Buschur.
Surviving are two sons, Rick (Becky) Buschur, Celina, and Robert Buschur, Coldwater; and three sisters, Ben (Bill) Gibson, St. Marys; Jan (Charlie) Alt, Coldwater; and Peg (Richard) Hunt, Sidney.
He was a graduate of Coldwater High School and retired from the former New Idea Co., Coldwater. He also served with the U.S. Army
Services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Donald Laug
Donald Laug, 71, Devonshire Drive, Celina, died at 12:20 p.m. March 18, 2004, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
Funeral services are pending at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.

Robert Rish
Former Coldwater resident Robert F. Rish, 84, of Phoenix, Ariz., died Feb. 21, 2004, in Phoenix.
He was born July 13, 1919, in Dayton, to Fred and Ruth Rish.
Surviving with his wife, Alice M., are a son, William of Winterhaven, Fla.; a daughter, Connie Haas, Kettering; a stepdaughter, Paula Elkins, Dayton; a brother-in-law, Leo Gephart, Phoenix; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Deceased are two stepsons; a sister, Betty Gephart, and a great-granddaughter.
He owned and operated Rish Plumbing & Heating in Coldwater from 1950 to 1974 and formerly served as a member of the Coldwater Board of Public Affairs. He was a member and past commander of American Legion Post 470, past adjutant for the Second District Ohio American Legion and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. He earned the rank of captain in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Services were held Feb. 26 in Phoenix with burial at the National Cemetery there.

03-18-04

Erma Beumer
Erma E. Beumer, 92, formerly of Fort Recovery, died at 8:35 a.m. March 17, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
She was born Aug. 4, 1911, in Bryant, Ind., to Albert and Rose Welch Laux. On Aug. 24, 1935, she married Andrew Beumer who died June 26, 1969.
Surviving are a son, Walter (Mary Lou) Fortener, Coldwater; a daughter, Marie (Gary) Olwine, Fort Recovery; a brother, Joe (Esther) Laux, Portland, Ind.; three sisters, Helen Fisher, Portland, Sister Susanna Laux C.PP.S., Dayton, and Alfreda Muhlenkamp, Coldwater; three sisters-in-law, Alvina and Louella Laux, both of Portland, and Lavina Laux, Coldwater; 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
Deceased are five brothers, Bill, Ralph, Nick, Mark and Dennis Laux, and a sister, Sister Albertine Laux C.PP.S.
She was a member of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church and the Altar-Rosary Sodality, both of Fort Recovery, and the Catholic Knights of America, St. Joe.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Paul Wohlwend officiating. Burial will follow at St. Peter Cemetery, St. Peter.
Calling is 1-6 p.m. Sunday and 9-10 a.m. Monday at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.

Ralph Fortkamp
Ralph E. Fortkamp, 55, 119 Bear Drive, New Bremen, died at 2:10 p.m. March 16, 2004, after collapsing at Kirk Nationalease in Russia, where he was plant manager. Death was due to an apparent heart attack.
He was born Sept. 7, 1948, in Celina, to Lee and Rita Bernard Fortkamp. On Feb. 24, 1973, he married Linda Boerger who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Scott (Amy) of Cincinnati and Robb (Nichole) of Clinton, Utah; three brothers, Lee Jr. (Marilyn) of Minster, Walt (Thelma) of St. Henry, and Ron (Treva) of St. Rose; three sisters, Josie (Ed) Grieshop, Anna, Barb (Larry) Poppe, McCartyville, and Marcia (Ben) Tebbe, Maria Stein.
A brother and sister died in infancy.
He formerly worked at Tranco in New Bremen. He was a member of Church of the Holy Redeemer and American Legion Post 241, both of New Bremen, a member and past president of the New Bremen Athletic Boosters and a Bremenfest trustee. He had served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. Thomas Mannebach officiating. Burial with military rites will follow at German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. today and 9:30-10:10 a.m. Friday at Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen.

03-17-04

Leonard Ellis
Leonard “Fat” Ellis, 84, 114 Garman Ave., Celina, died March 15, 2004, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
He was born March 13, 1920, to Harry and Ada Smith Ellis. On April 27, 1946, he married Dorothy C. Wappelhorst who is deceased.
Surviving are a daughter, Diane (John) Beamer, Celina; three brothers, Chalmer (Lou) of St. Clair, Mich., Orville of Celina, and Veril (Lois) of Van Wert; four sisters, Sarah (Bill) Granger, Rawson, Betty (Norm) Shroder, Midland, Mich., Dorothy (Jim) Anderson, Bluffton, and Marjorie (Russell) Poor, Hoagland, Ind.; and two grandchildren.
Deceased are a brother, Kenneth, and a sister, Crystal Sherman.
He retired from the City of Celina Street Department in 1984 and served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of the Mercer County Sportsmen Society, Disabled American Veterans and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Celina.
Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, the Revs. Bruce Head and Harold Lundsford officiating. Burial will be at Mercer Memory Gardens with military rites conducted by the Celina American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts.
Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday and after 9:30 a.m. Friday at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.
Contributions can be made to Celina Area Visiting Nurses & Hospice.

Ralph Fortkamp
Ralph E. Fortkamp, 55, 119 Bear Drive, New Bremen, died at 2:10 p.m. March 16, 2004, after collapsing at Kirk Nationalease in Russia, where he was plant manager. Death was due to an apparent heart attack.
He was born Sept. 7, 1948, in Celina, to Lee and Rita Bernard Fortkamp. On Feb. 24, 1973, he married Linda Boerger who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Scott (Amy) of Cincinnati and Robb (Nichole) of Clinton, Utah; three brothers, Lee Jr. (Marilyn) of Minster, Walt (Thelma) of St. Henry, and Ron (Treva) of St. Rose; three sisters, Josie (Ed) Grieshop, Anna, Barb (Larry) Poppe, McCartyville, and Marcia (Ben) Tebbe, Maria Stein.
A brother and sister died in infancy.
He formerly worked at Tranco in New Bremen and was a member of Church of the Holy Redeemer and American Legion Post 241, both of New Bremen. He was a member and past president of the New Bremen Athletic Boosters and had served as a Bremenfest trustee.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. Thomas Mannebach officiating. Burial will follow at German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. Thursday and 9:30-10:10 a.m. Friday at Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen.

Robert Heyne
Former Minster resident Robert P. Heyne, 79, 111 First St., Russia, died at 1:32 a.m. March 16, 2004, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
He was born May 11, 1924, in Philothea, to August and Lorena Bergman Heyne. On Feb. 15, 1947, he married Rita Gross who survives.
Also surviving are four daughters, Kathy (Tom) Borchers and Janice (Andy) Armstrong, both of Russia, Pamela (Henry) Schmidt, Yorkshire, and Mary Beth (Dallas) Guilford, Delta; two sisters, Dorothy Huelsman and Helen Reese, both of Dayton; and 10 grandchildren.
Deceased are an infant daughter, Mary; a brother, a sister and a grandson.
He retired from the production control department at Minster Machine Company after 40 years of service. He was a member of St. Remy Catholic Church, Russia, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1391 and the American Legion post, both of Minster, and a former member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Minster. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Saturday at the Minster church, the Revs. Louis Schmit and Frank Amberger officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery with the American Legion conducting military rites.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. Friday and 9-9:30 a.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.
Contributions can be made to the American Lung Association.

03-16-04

Charlotte Baker
Former St. Marys resident Charlotte Faye Baker, 53, 640 Daniel Court, Cincinnati, died March 3, 2004, at her home of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
She was born July 2, 1950, in Cincinnati, to Leroy Baker and Helen Mewbourn Baker. Her mother, now Helen Baker Ryan, survives in St. Marys.
Also surviving is a brother, Michael (Dottie) of St. Marys.
She was employed as a social worker in Cincinnati and was affiliated with the Nazarene faith.
Graveside services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys, the Rev. Tim Smith officiating.
Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, handled arrangements.

Roger Chiles
Roger E. Chiles Sr., 83, Red Oak Drive, St. Marys, died at 2:20 p.m. March 14, 2004, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
He was born April 20, 1920, in Auglaize County, to Luther and Ida Reineke Chiles. On June 10, 1939, he married Mary Catharine Swarner who died Dec. 27, 1995.
Surviving are two sons, Roger Jr. (Michelle) of Raleigh, N.C., and Darrell (Rhonda) of Overland Park, Kan.; a daughter, Barbara (Ned) Wibbeler, Wapakoneta; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a sister, Irene Clark, and a grandson.
He formerly owned a roofing and plumbing business before getting involved in harness horse racing as an owner, trainer and driver. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.
Services are 3 p.m. Wednesday at Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, Wapakoneta, with Deacon Joe Heeter officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta.
Calling is 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Contributions can be made to the National Kidney Foundation or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Adeline Dooley
Adeline M. Dooley, 83, formerly of 233 Lakeview Drive, Celina, died at 4:40 a.m. March 15, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
She was born April 11, 1920, in Coldwater, to Joseph and Sophia Ahlers Wenning. Her husband, John Muter, is deceased.
Surviving are two sons, William (Jan) Muter, New Albany, and Robert Dooley, Chattanooga; three daughters, Elisa Kupper and Cynthia Dooley, both of Celina, and Barbara (Robert) Kuhn, Wabash, Ind.; a brother, Lavern Wenning, New Bremen; a sister, Charlotte Link, Chattanooga; 14 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a daughter, Marjorie Diane Raglie, and three brothers, Lester, Donald and Clotair Wenning.
She worked 26 years as a cook at Kerns Tavern, Celina, before retiring in 1977. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Celina.
Services are 7 p.m. Wednesday at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Richard Riedel officiating. Burial will be at Swamp College Cemetery, Celina.
Calling is 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Leonard Ellis
Leonard Ellis, 84, of Garman Ave., Celina, died March 15, 2004, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
Funeral arrangements are pending at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.

Ronald Joseph
Ronald James Joseph, 71, of Coldwater, died at 1 a.m. March 15, 2004, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
He was born March 14, 1933, in Mendon, to Orvin James and Ercel V. Arrington Joseph.
Surviving are a son, Terry (Mary Jo) of Celina; a daughter, Gloria J. of Decatur, Ind.; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Deceased is a son, Gary E .
He retired as a truck driver from John Cheeseman Trucking, Fort Recovery. He was a member of American Legion posts in Celina and Coldwater.
Services are 11 a.m. Thursday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, the Rev. Karen Long officiating. Burial will be at Friends Chapel Cemetery, Rockford.
Calling is 5-8 p.m. Wednesday and after 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Fannie Patton
Mercer County native Fannie “Pat” Patton, 88, of Dayton, died March 13, 2004, at Friendship Village, Trotwood, where she resided.
She was born Aug. 15, 1915, in Mercer County, to Andrew and Matilda Patton.
Surviving are a sister-in-law, Ruth Patton of Michigan, and 13 nephews and nieces.
Deceased are five brothers, Howard, James, Thomas, Carl and Michael Patton; and two sisters, Alice Michel and Kathryn Hurlimann.
She retired from the Montgomery County Welfare Department and was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Dayton.
Services were 11 a.m. today at Baker/Hazel & Snider Funeral Home, Dayton. Burial is at Spring Hill Cemetery, Fort Recovery.
Contributions can be made to the church or to Hospice of Dayton.

03-15-04

Wilfred Bensman
Wilfred A. “Bill” Bensman, 76, 251 Oakwood Drive, Fort Loramie, died at 5:18 a.m. March 14, 2004, at Heritage Manor Nursing Center, Minster.
He was born Feb. 3, 1928, in McCartyville, to Julius and Cecelia Hoying Bensman. On June 6, 1953, he married Martha J. Romie who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Greg of Findlay; a daughter, Sharon (Keith) Reeder, Fort Loramie; a brother, Urban (Katie) of Minster; three sisters, Mary Hartard, Wapakoneta, Theresa (Roger) Bornhorst, Minster, and Joan Willenberg, Cincinnati; a brother-in-law, Ralph (Madeline) Bornhorst, McCartyville; and two grandchildren.
Deceased are an infant son and daughter, Randy and Brenda; and a sister, Rita Bornhorst.
He retired from Lochard Sheet Metal Fabricating, Sidney, and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. A 1946 graduate of Anna High School, he was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and the American Legion, both of Fort Loramie.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Steven Shoup officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the church cemetery.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.
Contributions can be made to the church or the Heritage Manor Activity Fund.

Catherine Coder
Catherine Coder, 88, 200 E. Walnut St., Coldwater, died at 6:19 a.m. March 14, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
She was born June 10, 1915, in Darke County, to John and Charlotte Buschur Muller. Her husband, Raymond W. Coder, died Dec. 31, 1977.
Surviving are a daughter, Joann (Ralph) Pohl, Coldwater; a brother, Leo Muller, Coldwater; two sisters, Helen Bertke, Celina, and Rita Winner, Versailles; three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Deceased are two sisters, Adelaide and Agnes, and two brothers-in-law, Clarence Bertke and Urban Winner.
She retired from NCR in Dayton and was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and St. Ann’s Rosary Altar Sodality, both of Coldwater.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Thomas Dorn officiating. Burial will be at St. Louis Cemetery, North Star.
Calling is 3-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.
Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice.
Adeline Dooley
Adeline M. Dooley, 83, formerly of Deford Street, Celina, died today, March 15, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
Arrangements are pending at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.

Thelma Joseph
Thelma G. Joseph, 79, 5121 Fairground Road, Celina, died March 14, 2004, at The Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford.
She was born July 16, 1924, in Mercer County, to Ervin and Myrtle Smith. On April 20, 1945, she married Robert O. Joseph who died May 19, 1993.
Surviving are a son, Larry (Phyllis), and a daughter, Patricia (Richard) Harrod, all of Celina; a sister, Mary Helen Baucher, Celina; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a son, Robert Duane; a daughter, Marceil Brown; an infant sister, Betty Smith; a grandson and a great-grandson.
A homemaker, she retired from Mersman Brothers, Celina.
Services are 1 p.m. Wednesday at W. H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. A. J. Hamblin officiating. Burial will follow at Mercer Memory Gardens.
Calling is 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Edward Lefeld
Edward A. Lefeld, 84, 1773 Township Line Road, St. Henry, died at 9:25 p.m. March 12, 2004, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
He was born Nov. 8, 1919, in St. Henry, to George and Bernadine Schmackers Lefeld. On Aug. 28, 1943, he married Viola Heuing who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Edward of Columbus and Allen (Linda) of Coldwater; three daughters, Alberta (Larry) Behr, Fort Loramie, Phyllis (John) Krieg, North Star, and Madonna (Francis) Grieshop, Chickasaw; and a son-in-law, Dale Winner, Bellefontaine.
Other survivors include three brothers, Bernard (Agnes), Henry (Trudy) and Martin (Mary Ann), all of St. Henry; two sisters, Agnes Pohlman, Maria Stein, and Bernadine Homan, St. Henry; 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a daughter, Patricia Winner; two brothers, Joseph and Seraphim; two sisters, Alvina Stammen and Dorothy Kuess; and one grandchild.
He retired from AVCO New Idea, Coldwater, and rang the bells at St. Wendelin Catholic Church for 55 years. He was a member of the church, the Men’s Society of the church, the Knights of St. John and its drill team and uniform rank, Maria Stein, and the Loyal Order of Moose, Portland, Ind.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Matt Jozefiak officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry.

Donnabelle Moorman
Donnabelle Moorman, 84, of Conant, died at 10:40 p.m. March 13, 2004, at Roselawn Manor Nursing Home, Spencerville.
She was born Oct. 19, 1919, in Allen County, to John Riley and Susie Jane Thomas Meeker. On Aug. 22, 1938, she married Clayton G. Moorman who died Aug. 17, 1985.
Surviving are a daughter, Karen Susan (Mario) Sorbilli, Conant; a sister-in-law, Kaye Moorman, Puyallup, Wash.; five grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a son, Richard Gale; a daughter and son-in-law, Claudette Irene (Dean) Foster; four brothers, Berlin, Garland, Robert and John Meeker; two sisters Hazel Doyle and Olive Boedecker and one grandaughter.
She had worked as a riveter at the Nameplate & Monogram Company. She was a member of Amanda Baptist Church, Bowersock Brothers Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary 6772, Harry J. Reynolds American Legion Auxiliary Unit 191, Wapakoneta Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary 691 and the Allen County Citizens CB Radio Club.
Services are 8 p.m. Wednesday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, the Rev. Bill Fast officiating. Burial will be at Amanda Baptist Cemetery near Conant.
Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

03-13-04

None Reported

03-12-04

Harold Moorman
Harold V. “Sonny” Moorman, 75, of Spencerville, died at 2:45 a.m. March 11, 2004, at Roselawn Manor Nursing Home, Spencerville.
He was born Oct. 18, 1928, in Allen County, to Ernest E. and Edna Sherer Moorman. On Aug. 20, 1950, he married Lois R. Whetstone who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Gary L. (Becky) of Toledo; a daughter, Judy (Donald E.) Moorman Birt, Indianapolis, Ind.; and three sisters, Mary (Kenneth) Mitchell, Washington, Pa., Trudy (James) Simons, Wapakoneta, and Myrna (Harrison) Shutt, Lima.
He was a farmer and a former mechanic at implement stores in Delphos and Spencerville and at his home. He also was a wedding and funeral soloist who sang with The Gospelaires Quartet in the 1960s.
He was a member of Hartford Christian Church near Spencer-ville, where he served as deacon, trustee, Sunday school teacher and superintendent. A 1946 graduate of Spencerville High School, he was a member of the Ohio National Guard and served on active duty with the U.S. Army, part of which was in Desert Rock, Nevada, where they tested atom bombs.
Services are 10:30 a.m. Monday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, the Rev. Robert King officiated. Burial will follow at Hartford Cemetery.
Calling is 7-9 p.m. Saturday and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Contributions can be made to the church building fund.

Grace Packer
Mercer County native Grace L. Packer, 95, of Van Wert, died at 10:45 p.m. March 10, 2004, at Vancrest Health Care Center, Van Wert.
She was born June 23, 1908, in Mercer County, to Samuel and Minnie Snyder Rhodes. On Aug. 4, 1928, she married Thomas A. Packer who died April 4, 1985.
Surviving are a son, Richard E. (Janet) Packer, Van Wert; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Deceased are two brothers, Harold and Earl, and two sisters, Edith Wilkins and Mary Miehls.
She was a homemaker and a charter member of the Van Wert Church of the Nazarene.
Services are 1 p.m. Sunday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert, the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial will be at Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.
Calling is 4-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Contributions can be made to the Salvation Army or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Donald Warth
Donald Warth, 75, 4806 Ohio 219A, died at 12:17 p.m. March 11, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
He was born Feb. 7, 1929 in Hamilton to Homer and Russell Thomas Warth. On Jan. 8, 1954, he married the former Betty Brown, who died Feb. 14, 2003.
Surviving are nieces and nephews.
Deceased are four brothers and one sister.
He was a member of the Montezuma Church of Christ, Coldwater American Legion Post 470, Hamilton Eagles and Southshore Sportsmans Club. A retired Snap-On Tools salesman, he served with the U. S. Army during the Korean War.
Service is 10 a.m. Monday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater, the Rev. Kevin Neumann officiating. Burial is at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.
Calling is 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday and after 9:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to State of the Heart Home Health Hospice.

03-11-04

Fermin Dellinger
Fermin Davis Dellinger, 85, Willshire, died at 3:58 a.m. March 10, 2004, at Adams County Memorial Hospital, Decatur, Ind.
He was born May 15, 1918, in Willshire to Samuel Howard and Nellie Davis Dellinger. On Nov. 7, 1939, he married the former Mary M. Steele, who survives.
Also surviving are three sons, Richard D. (Marcella), Fort Wayne, Ind., Thomas M., Delaware, James S. (Vicki), Willshire; a daughter, Rebecca (Horst) Steinke, Decatur; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Deceased are two brothers, Max and Harold.
A farmer, he was owner/operator of Dellinger Brothers Inc., Willshire, and was a contractor for plumbing, heating, air conditioning and well drilling.
He was a member of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Decatur, the Mercer County Farm Bureau and a past member of the Hardware Wholesalers, Fort Wayne.
Services are 1 p.m. Friday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, Charles C. Cunningham officiating. Burial is in Willshire Cemetery.
Calling is 3:30 - 8 p.m. today and after 11 a.m. Friday.
Contributions can be directed to Christian World Wide Work of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Harold V. Moorman
Harold V. Moorman, 75, Spencerville, died at 2:45 a.m. March 11, 2004 at Roselawn Manor Nursing Home.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, where friends may call after 7 p.m. Saturday.

Elmer J. Schlamb Sr.
Elmer J. Schlamb Sr., 85, Rossburg, died at 7 a.m. March 10, 2004, at his residence.
He was born Feb. 27, 1919, in Darke County to Wesley and Emma Schrader Schlamb. On Feb. 8, 1941, he married the former Drucella Subler, who survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Carol (Ron) Keller, Celina, and Ruth (Dan) Beasley, Rossburg; a daughter-in-law, Ann, Greenville; 14 grandchildren; and 43 great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a son, Elmer Jr.; a sister, Lillie Schlamb; and a great-grandchild.
The last of his immediate family, he was a retired farmer and a school bus driver for Mississinawa Valley Schools. He was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, Burkettsville, and the Holy Name Society.
Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Matthew Jozefiak officiating. Burial is in St. Louis Cemetery, North Star.
Calling is 3 - 8 p.m. Friday and 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.

James J. Uetrecht
James J. Uetrecht, 82, Anna, died at 10:10 p.m. March 9, 2004 at Auglaize Acres, Wapakoneta.
He was born Nov. 1, 1921, near New Bremen to William C. and Sarah Sollmann Uetrecht. On March 8, 1952, he married the former Marilyn Miller who survives.
Also surviving are a son, David (Anita), Botkins; a daughter Jennifer (Dale) Poppe, Botkins; and six grandchildren.
Deceased is an infant brother.
He was a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ, Kettlersville, where he held various offices. He was a member of the Shelby County Farm Bureau and had been a farmer.
Graveside services are at 10 a.m. Saturday at Willow Grove Cemetery, near New Bremen, the Rev. James Melter officiating.
Calling is 3 -7 p.m. Friday at Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen.
Contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Association or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

03-10-04

Nicholas Albers
Nicholas R. Albers, 19 months, 208 E. Bremen St., New Knoxville, died at 8:04 p.m. March 8, 2004, at Children’s Medical Center, Dayton. Afflicted with a rare condition known as Menke’s Syndrome, he died of complications resulting from chickenpox.
He was born July 15, 2002, in Sidney, to Bernard and Melissa Bush Albers who survive.
Surviving with the parents are the grandparents, Roger and Marilyn Albers, Fort Loramie, Kay May of New Bremen and Dale and Beth Bush, Bellevue; the great-grandparents, Hilda Wuebker, Maria Stein, Angie Albers, Fort Loramie, Larry and Shirley May, Fort Charlotte, Fla., Everett and Janet Bush, Bellevue, and Lucy Bush, Clyde, and a great-great-grandmother, Myrtle May, of Pennsylvania.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at Church of the Holy Redeemer, New Bremen, the Rev. James F. Trick, Deacon Greg Bornhorst and the Rev. Larry May officiating. Burial will follow at German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.
Calling is 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen, and after 9:30 a.m. Friday at the church.

Mary Kay Brunswick
Mary Kay Brunswick, 66, of St. Henry, died at 10:46 p.m. March 8, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
She was born March 29, 1937, in Burkettsville, to Raymond and Agnes Jacobs Brunswick.
Surviving are two brothers, Larry (Mary) of Ormand Beach, Fla., and Lonnie (Janice) of Monroe, Mich.; two sisters, Betty (Ivo) Homan and Dianne (John) Dippold, all of St. Henry; and a brother-in-law, Lee Pohlmann, Maria Stein.
A sister, Lois Jean Pohlmann, is deceased.
She had been employed at St. Henry Bank and retired from the former Society Bank in Celina. She was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. Larry Wyen officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
Calling is 3-8 p.m. Thursday and 9-10:15 a.m. Friday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry.
Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice.

Victor Muhlenkamp
Mercer County native Victor R. Muhlenkamp, 88, 275 Kienle Drive, Piqua, formerly of Versailles, died at 9 p.m. March 8, 2004, at Heartland of Piqua nursing home.
He was born Oct. 6, 1915, in Mercer County, to Henry and Frances Hess Muhlenkamp. On Feb. 4, 1942, he married Mary A. Wendel who died Oct. 24, 1997.
Surviving are three sons, Victor Jr. (Bertie) of Celina, Roger (Becky) of Berne, Ind., and Larry (Shirley) of Versailles; and nine daughters, Mary (Ron) Clements, St. Henry, Helen (Sam) Androne, Fort Recovery, Barbara (Ervin) Mangen, Rossburg, Linda (Basil) Mangen, DeDe Muhlenkamp, Sharon (John) Echeman, and Lisa (Ron) Miller, all of Versailles, Joan Cole, Lima, and Deb (Mark) Price, Greenville.
Other survivors include two sisters, Mary (Edward) Kreigal and Doris (Richard) Moeller, all of Celina; 34 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and 14 stepgrandchildren.
Deceased are two sons, Virgil and Ronnie; seven brothers, Herbert, Leonard, Ralph, Harold, Cornelius, Paul and Urban; two sisters, Vera Deitering and Cleo; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A retired farmer, he formerly was a woodworker at Frank Sommers Furniture Factory and Mersman Brothers, Celina, and a metal finisher at Fort Recovery Industries.
He was a member of St. Denis Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, both of Versailles.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. David Vincent officiating. Burial will follow at St. Valbert Cemetery, Versailles.
Calling is 3-8 p.m. Thursday at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles.

Robert Rish
Former Coldwater resident Robert F. Rish, 84, of Phoenix, Ariz., died Feb. 21, 2004, in Phoenix.
He was born July 13, 1919, in Dayton, to Fred and Ruth Rish.
Surviving with his wife, Alice M., are a son, William of Winterhaven, Fla.; a daughter, Connie Haas, Kettering; a stepdaughter, Paula Elkins, Dayton; a brother-in-law, Leo Gephart, Phoenix; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a sister, Betty Gephart, and a great-grandson.
He owned and operated Rish Plumbing & Heating in Coldwater from 1950 to 1974 and formerly served as a member of the Coldwater Board of Public Affairs. He was a member and past commander of American Legion Post 470, past adjutant for the Second District Ohio American Legion and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post. He earned the rank of captain in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Services were held Feb. 26 in Phoenix with burial at the National Cemetery there.

03-09-04

Cora Bollenbacher
Cora Bollenbacher, 90, formerly of 809 Echo St., Celina, and Liberty Township, died at 7:20 a.m. March 8, 2004, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater.
She was born Sept. 17, 1913, in Center Township, to Clarence and Maude Williams Dickey. On March 23, 1940, she married Morris Bollenbacher who is deceased.
Surviving are a son, Fred (Vicki) of Rockford; a daughter, Linda (Gary) Hole, Celina; seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a daughter, Janice Weiler; a brother, John; and three sisters, Ruth, Eulalia and Florence.
She retired as a file clerk at Reynolds & Reynolds, Celina. She was a 1931 graduate of Celina High School and a member of St. Pauls United Church of Christ and the Women’s Fellowship, both of Rockford, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 210, Celina.
Services are 11 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. John Fleming officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
Calling is 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, and after 10 a.m. Friday at the church.
Contributions can be made to the church maintenance fund.

Mary Kay Brunswick
Mary Kay Brunswick, 67, of St. Henry, died March 8, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
Arrangements are pending at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry.

Dorothy Kuess
Dorothy M. Kuess, 90, formerly of Jefferson Street, Maria Stein, died at 7:25 a.m. March 8, 2004, at The Gardens at St. Henry.
She was born Oct. 13, 1913, in St. Henry, to George and Bernadine Schmackers Lefeld. On May 5, 1934, she married Harold Seger who died June 2, 1935. On Nov. 24, 1938, she married Joseph Buening who died Feb. 20, 1976. On Feb. 11, 1977, she married Richard Kuess who died Oct. 5, 2003.
Surviving are three sons, George (Rosemary) Bruns, Celina, Leonard Bruns, Greenville, and Alvin (Jan) Bruns, Sidney; two daughters, Dolores (John) Gaier and Helen (George) Barhorst, all of Fort Loramie; and two stepsons, Othmar (Nancy Jean) Kuess, Celina, and Virgil (Rita) Kuess, Chickasaw.
Other survivors include four brothers, Ed (Viola) Lefeld, St. Wendelin, and Ben (Agnes) Lefeld, Henry (Trudy) Lefeld and Martin (Mary Ann) Lefeld, all of St. Henry; two sisters, Agnes Pohlman, Maria Stein, and Bernie Homan, St. Henry; three sisters-in-law, Sally Lefeld, Cecelia Cron and Rita Penno, all of Coldwater; 14 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.
Deceased are two brothers, Joseph and Seraphim Lefeld, and a sister, Alvina Stammen.
She was a homemaker and a member of St. John Catholic Church, Knights of St. John Auxiliary 288 and its drill team, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 571 and the Retreat League, all of Maria Stein. She also was a Eucharistic minister and organized the senior citizens program at the Knights of St. John.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Harry Cavanaugh officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday and 9-10 a.m. Thursday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.

03-08-04

Cora Bollenbacher
Cora A. Bollenbacher, 90, of Celina, died today, March 8, 2004, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater.
Arrangements are pending at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina.

Elizabeth Curry
Elizabeth “Libby” A. Curry, 70, 605 Jay St., Celina, died March 7, 2004, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
She was born Nov. 6, 1933, in Logan, W.Va., to James and Emily Dempsey Shepherd. On April 4, 1953, she married William Curry who survives.
Also surviving are six sons, Jay (Tammy) of Chapmanville, W.Va., Ron (Karen), Harold (Pat), Dave (Pam) and Jimmy (Janice), all of Celina, and Joe (Sue) of Rockford; and five daughters, Elizabeth (James) Conley, West Logan, W.Va., Carol (Thomas) Cox, Emily (Jerry) Longsworth and Karen Ann, all of Celina, and Mary (James) Davis, Holden, W.Va.
Other survivors include two brothers, Clarence (Mary) Shepherd, Quincy, Ind., and Curtis (Shirley) Shepherd, Indianapolis, Ind.; two sisters, Margie (Kenneth) Martin and Lucille Powers, all of Quincy; 20 grandchildren, 11 stepgrandchildren, six great-grandchildren and 14 stepgreat-grandchildren.
Deceased are six brothers, Jamie, Charlie, Donald, Morgan, Howard and Marlin; a sister, Linda; and a grandson.
She was a homemaker and a member of the Lord’s Church and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, both of Celina.
Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina. Pastor Randy Christian will conduct a memorial service following calling hours.
Services are 11 a.m. Thursday at James Funeral Home, Logan, W.Va., the Rev. Joaquine Ooten officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Logan.
Calling is 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at the West Virginia funeral home.

Zelotes Eschmeyer
Zelotes Eschmeyer, 86, 05839 Carter Creek Road, St. Marys, died at noon March 5, 2004, at St. Marys Living Center.
He was born July 2, 1917, in Shelby County, to Lawrence and Lydia Meckstroth Eschmeyer. On March 27, 1943, he married Mary Catherine Minnich who died July 10, 1997.
Surviving are two daughters, Joyce Alexander, St. Marys, and Joleen of New Knoxville; a brother-in-law, Elmer Henschen, New Knoxville; two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a brother, Eldred, and a sister, Dorothy Henschen.
He retired from Hoge Lumber Co., New Knoxville, where he had been a cabinet maker for 40 years. A 1935 graduate of New Knoxville High School, he served in the U.S. Army’s 10th Infantry Regiment during World War II and was a prisoner of war from September 1944 to April 1945.
He was a member First United Church of Christ, New Knoxville, American Legion Post 444, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 767, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9289, the American Ex-POW Association, the Rhode Island Red Club, Plymouth Rock Fancier’s Club, International Cornish Breeders Association, American Bantam Association and the American Poultry Association.
Services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. David Hunt officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery, New Knoxville.
Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Miller-Long & Folk Funeral Home, St. Marys. The American Legion will conduct a memorial service there at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
Contributions can be made to the Radio Broadcast Fund of the church or the American Lung Association.

Irene Hanshaw
Irene Hanshaw, 82, 352 Bruns Ave., Celina, died at 6:35 p.m. March 5, 2004, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
She was born Sept. 26, 1921, in Louisa, Ky., to B.H. and Mary Stuart Rittenberry. Her first husband, Claudis Hutchinson, died in 1971 and her second husband, Russell Hanshaw, is also deceased.
Surviving are a daughter, Mary (Bernard) Litherland, Celina; a brother, Junior Rittenberry, Ambridge, Pa.; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Seven brothers and sisters are deceased.
She retired as a nurse at Louisa General Hospital, Louisa, Ky., after 25 years of service. She was a member of Free Will Baptist Church and Betsy Ross Rebekah Lodge 95, both of Louisa.
Services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Louisa church, the Rev. Zenny VanHoose officiating. Burial will be at Pine Hill Cemetery, Louisa.
Calling is 4-8 p.m. today at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina.

Jeffrey Henschen
Jeffrey Henschen, 50, 410 E. South St., New Knoxville, died at 8:20 a.m. March 6, 2004, at the Cleveland Clinic. Death was due to natural causes.
He was born April 11, 1953, in Lima, to Lester and Ruth Schroer Henschen. They survive in New Knoxville. On Sept. 15, 1973, he married Luan Shriver who survives.
Other survivors include a son, Jim (Stephanie) of New Knoxville; a daughter, Sarah (Eric) Stanton, Akron; two brothers, Mark (Sherry) and Kevin, all of New Knoxville; and his mother-in-law, Maralee Shriver, Fort Myers, Fla.
His father-in-law, William Shriver, is deceased.
He had been engaged in farming with his father and was a carpenter and project manager for Hoge Lumber Co., New Knoxville. He was a 1971 graduate of New Knoxville High School and a member of Faith Alliance Church, New Bremen.
Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Dean Greenwood officiating. Burial will be at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery, New Knoxville.
Calling is 1-9 p.m. Tuesday at the church.
Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home, New Knoxville, has charge of arrangements.
Contributions can be made to the church.

Bessie Powell
Mercer County native Bessie L. Powell, 104, of Lima, died at 10:35 a.m. March 5, 2004, at Lima Manor Nursing Home.
She was born Jan. 1, 1900, in Mercer County, to George W. and Ida Belle Halterman Fetters. In 1917, she married Dallas K. Powell who died May 10, 1955.
Surviving are a daughter-in-law, Leone Powell, Lima; three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a son, Bill J.; a daughter, Virginia M. Jacobs; four brothers, Lawrence, Floyd, Chester and Orville Fetters; two sisters, Gladys Shaffer and Laura Opal Monroe; and a great-grandson.
She was a graduate of the first licensed practical nursing class at St. Rita’s School of Nursing, Lima, in 1958. She retired from St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima, in 1963 as a licensed practical nurse and private duty nurse. She was a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 96 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary 1275, both of Lima.
Services were 2 p.m. today at the Shawnee Chapel of Chiles & Sons-Laman Funeral Home, Lima. Burial was to follow at Swamp College Cemetery, Celina.
Contributions can be made to the American Legion or VFW posts.

03-06-04

Rudolph Dorner
Rudolph S. (Rudy) Dorner, 89, E. Benton St., and The Gardens, Wapakoneta, died Thursday, March 4, 2004 at 3:50 p.m. at Fair Haven Shelby County Home, Sidney.
He was born Sept. 21, 1914, in Shelby County to Joseph and Frances VanDenBosch Dorner. On Dec. 26, 1935, he married Nora May Hunt, who preceded him in death March 2, 1992.
Surviving are two sons, John (Doris) Dorner, Wapakoneta, and Thomas (Carol) Dorner, Sidney; a daughter, Betty (Jim) Gaier, Grand Rapids, Mich.; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a brother and three sisters.
Dorner retired as a tool and die maker with the Excello Corp., Bluffton. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta, and member of the Wapakoneta Fraternal Order of the Eagles.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, Wapakoneta. There also will be a prayer service on Sunday at 8 p.m. in the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to Fair Haven Shelby County Home or Wilson Hospice.

Zelotes Eschmeyer
Zelotes Eschmeyer, 86, 05839 Carter Creek Road, St. Marys, died at 12 noon Friday, March 5, 2004, at the St. Marys Living Center.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys.

03-05-04

Glen Boise
Former Celina resident Glen L. “Chewy” Boise, 73, Montpelier, Ind., died at 5:30 p.m. March 4, 2004, at his residence.
He was born Dec. 28, 1930, in Celina, to Floyd F. and Nellie G. Moody Boise. On Oct. 19, 1957, he married Sharon E. Baker, who survives.
Also surviving is a son, Tod (Cindy) of Carmel, Ind., a daughter, Amy (Dana) Schroder, Logansport, Ind.; his mother-in-law, Inez Baker, Rockford; and six grandchildren.
Deceased are sisters, Edith Jeffries, Leona Freeman, Wanda Heiser and Betty Adam, and brothers Paul, Earl, Robert, Olen, Kenneth and Donald Ray.
He was the owner of Boise Barber Shop for 42 years. He was a member of the Grace Community Church, Montpelier, and served as a deacon and as a bus driver. He was a member of Montpelier Jaycees and the Millard Brown American Legion Post 156, Montpelier. He also served with the U.S. Army in Korea.
Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Doug Askew officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Montpelier.
Calling is 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the church.
Contributions can be made to Montpelier Harrison Township Cancer Society, Ball Memorial Hospice or the church.
Glancy Funeral Homes, Montpelier, has charge of arrangements.

03-01-04

Mary Berger
Mary E. Berger, 87, 110 Marker Road, Versailles, died at 10:30 p.m. Feb. 27, 2004, at Wayne Hospital, Greenville.
She was born April 19, 1916, in Darke County, to William and Alice Baumgardner Christian. On May 8, 1935, she married Edmund J. Berger who died Oct. 20, 1989.
Surviving are three sons, William (Janice) of Osgood, Joseph (Treva) of New Weston, and Robert (Shirley) of North Star; four daughters, Marjorie (Gene) Speelman, Houston, Patricia (Paul) Knapke, Versailles, Elizabeth (Richard) Hassenauer, Wapakoneta, and Madonna (Terry) Winner, Greenville; a brother, Lloyd (Anna Mae) Christian, Rossburg; a sister, Dorothy Sneary, Mansfield; 36 grandchildren, 73 great-grandchildren, 15 stepgreat-grandchildren and four stepgreat-great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a brother and sister-in-law, Forest E. and Eileen Christian, and a brother-in-law, Waldo Sneary.
She was a homemaker and a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Osgood, and St. Denis Catholic Church, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary and the Senior Citizens Card Club, all of Versailles.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Osgood church, the Rev. David Zink officiating. Burial will follow at St. Martin Cemetery, Osgood.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles. The Eagles Auxiliary will conduct a Lodge of Sorrow there at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Contributions can be made to the Versailles Life Squad or Union City Rescue Rescue.

Erma Fifer
Erma C. Fifer, 94, formerly of Celina, died at 11:15 a.m. Feb. 29, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
She was born Oct. 25, 1909, in St. Henry, to John and Mary Daly Pfeffenberger. On Oct. 29, 1929, she married Lawrence Fifer who died Jan. 30, 1967.
Surviving are a brother, Louis Pfeffenberger, St. Marys; a sister, Roseann (Paul) Osterfeld, Coldwater; a brother-in-law, Robert Lochtefeld, Celina; and a sister-in-law, Berniece Miller, Celina.
Deceased are four brothers, Arthur, Linus, Albert and Alfred Pfeffenberger, and five sisters, Mary and Margaret Pfeffenberger, Irene LePage, Lucille Schmidt and Dorothy Lochtefeld.
She was a homemaker and a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Altar-Rosary Society and St. Vincent de Paul Society, all of Celina.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Richard R. Riedel officiating. Burial will be at Swamp Colllege Cemetery, Celina.
Calling is 3-8 p.m. Tuesday at W.H. Dick & Son Funeral Home, Celina.

Earl Giere
Earl J. Giere, 71, 420 W. Main St., Coldwater, died at 6:04 p.m. Feb. 27, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
He was born March 31, 1932, in Coldwater, to Edward and Olive Meihls Giere. On July 4, 1959, he married Gabriella Lobianco who survives.
Also surviving are three sons, Steve (Rita) of Westerville, Dennis (Patti) of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Ken of Chicago, Ill.; a daughter, Deb (Ron) Osterholt, St. Henry; a brother, Oliver (Sara) of Coldwater; a sister, Rita McDevitt, Coldwater; and seven grandchildren.
Deceased are six brothers, Richard, LaMar, Frederick, Ralph, Edward and Norbert, and two sisters, Valeria Otte and Salome Peters.
He was the retired co-owner of Alumetal Manufacturing in Celina. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3025, both of Coldwater. He was a 25-year member of the Coldwater Volunteer Fire Department and a former Coldwater Village Council member.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church, the Rev. Ronald Wilker officiating. Burial will follow at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. today and 9-10 a.m. Tuesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.
Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice.

Wilma Hileman
Wilma M. Hileman, 88, of Rockford, died at 2:32 p.m. Feb. 27, 2004, at Van Wert County Hospital.
She was born Dec. 21, 1915, in Van Wert County, to Lewis and Mae Griswold Swoveland. On June 4, 1934, she married Isaac R. Hileman who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, David (Barb) and John (Ann), all of Rockford; a daughter-in-law, Cindy Smith, Decatur, Ind.; 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a son, Isaac Dean; a daughter, Bonnie Mae; two brothers, Forest and Robert Swoveland; a sister, Delores Jones; and two grandchildren.
She was a homemaker and a member of Zion United Brethren Church and the Ladies Missionary Association, both of Willshire.
Services are 10 a.m. Tuesday at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Ind., the Rev. Jody Harr officiating. Burial will be at Woodland Cemetery, Ohio City.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. today and after 9 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Contributions can be made to the Ladies Missionary Group.

Keith Lewis
Keith Michael “Mike” Lewis, 54, 230 Logan St., Celina, died Feb. 28, 2004, at his residence. Death was due to natural causes.
He was born July 29, 1949, in Kodak, Ky., to Raymond K. and Nora Colwell Lewis. His mother and stepfather, Paul Harris, survive in St. Marys. In March 1969, he married Jeri Lou Wheeler who survives.
Also surviving are a daughter, Michelle (Chris) Tracey, Oroville, Calif.; a brother, Philip of Celina; a sister, Bonnie (Bruce) Opperman, Elida; a stepsister, Judy (Chuck) Cuffaro, Cincinnati; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jack and Geraldine Wheeler, Chico, Calif.; and a grandchild.
He was a postmaster in Rackerby, Calif., before retiring after more than 30 years of service. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving with NATO forces in Vietnam and Italy, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Rackerby.
Services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Douglas Meyer officiating.
Calling is 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Childrens Hospital.

Paul Smith
Paul H. Smith, 88, 2631 Sawmill Road, Fort Recovery, died at 5:30 a.m. today, March 1, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
He was born April 24, 1915, in Fort Recovery, to Orla and Clara Breymaier Smith. On Aug. 7, 1937, he married Eleanor Kaiser who died May 18, 1998.
Surviving are four sons, Ray (Eddene) and Robert (Helen), all of Fort Recovery, Stanley of Celina, and Richard of Portland, Ind.; a daughter, Phyllis Parrett, Brookville; a daughter-in-law, Linda (Ralph) Wood, Ansonia; a sister, Irene Johnson, New Castle, Ind.; 20 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a son, James, and a daughter-in-law, Carolyn Jean Smith.
A retired farmer and bus driver, he had been employed at the former Equity Dairy in Fort Recovery and Nestle and the Greenville Country Club, both of Greenville. He was a member of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Fort Recovery.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Paul Wohlwend officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday and 9-10 a.m. Thursday at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.

03-02-04

Edward Horman
Edward C. Homan, 90, Vine Street, Wapakoneta, died at 2:45 p.m. March 1, 2004, at Wapakoneta Manor Nursing Home.
He was born April 17, 1913, in Wapakoneta, to Ben and Clara Borges Horman. On June 14, 1939, he married Maxine E. Doorley who survives.
Also surviving are a brother, Bernard of Chicago, Ill.; a sister, Mary Catherine Owens, Kissimmee, Fla., and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joan Eberle, St. Marys, James (Betty) Doorley, Wapakoneta, Paul (Irene) Freytag, Minster, and Don (Alice) Kohler, Rogers, Ark.
Two sisters, Rose Mary Fultz and Bernadine Horman, are deceased.
He retired after working 33 years in the purchasing department at Westinghouse Corp., Lima. He spent three years in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Auglaize County Post 73 Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8445, all of Wapakoneta, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks 54 and Westinghouse Retirees, both of Lima. He also was a member and past president of the former Holy Name Society and served as manager of the St. Joseph Festival for many years.
Funeral Mass is 2 p.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Henry Albietz officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery.
Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today at the Long & Folk Chapel of Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, Wapakoneta. A prayer service will be held there at 6 p.m. today followed by a 7 p.m. DAV service.

Walter Imwalle
Walter J. Imwalle, 80, 8230 Ohio 119, Maria Stein, died March 1, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
Arrangements are pending at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.

Norval Steinke
Norval N. Steinke, 83, of Wapakoneta, died at 3:30 a.m. March 1, 2004, at his residence.
He was born Jan. 18, 1921, in Rhine, to Michael J. and Mary Ann Soder Steinke. On Sept. 4, 1946, he married Helen M. Drexler who died Dec. 2, 1992.
Surviving are seven sons, Dwight (Rosalie), Michael A. (Carol), Dennis (Donna), Stanley (Cindy), Mark (Janet) and Dale, all of the Wapakoneta area, and David (Judy) of St. Marys; five daughters, Mary (William) Elsass, Rita Behr, Theresa (Tom) Huebner and Angela (Gary) Helmstetter, all of Wapakoneta, and Cheryl (Jack) Walter, Coldwater; a sister, Edna Manger, Botkins; a sister-in-law, Leona Steinke, Wapakoneta; 39 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Deceased are five brothers, Isadore, Raymond, Rudolph, Gilbert and Arthur, and three sisters, Hulda Greve, Freda Schaub and Lucille Schweitzer.
A farmer, he retired from the Ford Motor Co. Lima Engine Plant after 22 years of service. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the former Holy Name Society, American Legion Post 330 and Buckeye Farm Antiques Club, all of Wapakoneta. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Henry Albietz officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery with the American Legion conducting military rites.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, Wapakoneta. The rosary will be recited there at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Contributions can be made to the Friends of St. Joseph, St. Rita’s Hospice or the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

03-03-04

Walter Imwalle
Walter J. Imwalle, 80, 8230 Ohio 119, Maria Stein, died at 7:15 p.m. March 1, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
He was born Dec. 26, 1923, in Maria Stein, to William and Elizabeth Huelskamp Imwalle. On June 28, 1947, he married Dorothy B. Mescher who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Jay (Diane) of Celina; two daughters, Beck (Carl) Everman, Cranberry Prairie, and Lynn (Dave) Will, St. Sebastian; a daughter-in-law, Dianne Imwalle, Maria Stein; two brothers, Eugene (Doris) of Maria Stein and Ed (Janet) of Vandalia; a sister, Mathilda (Cy) Stammen, St. Henry; and 12 grandchildren.
Deceased are a son, Jack; an infant daughter, Peggy; five brothers and one sister.
He retired from the Minster Machine foundry after 47 years of service. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Maria Stein, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1391, Minster, and the Baseball Umpires Association. He also was a member and past president of the Marion Local Athletic Boosters, Marion Local Band Boosters and the Molders Union at Minster Machine.
Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. Kenneth Schroeder officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. Thursday and 9-10 a.m. Friday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.
Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice.

Keith Lewis
Keith Michael “Mike” Lewis, 54, 230 Logan St., Celina, died Feb. 28, 2004, at his residence. Death was due to natural causes.
He was born July 29, 1949, in Kodak, Ky., to Raymond K. and Nora Colwell Lewis. His mother and stepfather, Paul Harris, survive in St. Marys. In March 1969, he married Jeri Lou Wheeler who is deceased
Also surviving are a daughter, Michelle (Chris) Tracey, Oroville, Calif.; a brother, Philip of Celina; a sister, Bonnie (Bruce) Opperman, Elida; a stepsister, Judy (Chuck) Cuffaro, Cincinnati; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jack and Geraldine Wheeler, Chico, Calif.; and a grandchild.
He was a postmaster in Rackerby, Calif., before retiring after more than 20 years of service. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving with NATO forces in Vietnam and Italy, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Rackerby.
Services were 11 a.m. today at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Douglas Meyer officiated.
Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Childrens Hospital
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Marguerite Smith
Former Celina resident Marguerite Gilmore Hayes Smith, 88, of Savannah, Ga., died Feb. 14, 2004, at her residence.
She was born Oct. 16, 1915, in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Surviving with her husband, Gilbert R. Smith, are a daughter, Gail (Rick) Bond, Richmond Hill, Ga.; two brothers-in-law, two grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
A brother, Robert Joseph Hayes, is deceased.
She formerly worked as a sportswear buyer for several department stores, including Carson, Pirie, Scott of Chicago, Ill., and later served as director of marketing at First National Bank in Celina.
Services were Feb. 17 at the Bryan Chapel of Carter Funeral Home, Savannah. Burial followed at Burnt Church Cemetery.

03-04-04

Edna Mills
Edna M. Mills, 82, 13517 Ohio 49, New Weston, died March 3, 2004, at her residence.
She was born Aug. 24, 1921, in Portland, Ind., to Henry and Clara Rhyhard Myers. On Aug. 5, 1944, she married Leon Mills who died Aug. 23, 2002.
Surviving are a son, Monte of Fort Recovery; three daughters, Cheryl Meinerding and Dixie (Mark) Timmerman, all of Fort Recovery, and Vicki Roth, New Weston; a sister, Bessie (Delbert) Barga, Versailles; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Deceased are a brother, Robert Myers; four sisters, Ada Jones, Ruth Liggett, Waveline Johnson and Helen Barga; and a great-grandchild.
She formerly worked as a cook at Meinerding’s Restaurant, Fort Recovery. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Rosehill, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Fort Recovery.
Services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery, the Revs. Kelly Moody and Ed Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Springhill Cemetery, Fort Recovery.
Calling is 3-8 p.m. Friday and after 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Contributions can be made to the church.

Daily Standard Obituaries
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