Bartel C. Ahlers, 88, 205 E. College St., Coldwater, died April 25, 2008, at the Ohio Veterans Home in Georgetown.

He was born Nov. 3, 1919, in St. Henry, to William and Regina Ebbing Ahlers. On Aug. 6, 1971, he married Mary Nieberding Brandon-Ahlers, who survives.

Other survivors are five stepdaughters, Elaine (Joe) Oen, Russia, Connie (Bill) Anthony, Nashville, Tenn., Doris (Robert) Anderson, Williston, Vt., Joan (Ken) Knapke, Sidney, and Maria (Albert) Wray, Christ Church, New Zealand; a brother, Stan (Viola), and a sister, Mary Lou Osterholt, both of Fort Recovery; 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Deceased are three stepsons, Ralph, Marvin and Richard; a brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Mabel Ahlers; and a brother-in-law, Ed Osterholt.

He was a retired farmer and member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and its Holy Name Society, and the American Legion, Coldwater.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church, the Rev. Daniel Schmitmeyer officiating. Burial is at St. Louis Cemetery, North Star with military rites conducted.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Monday and 9-10 a.m. Tuesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

Condolences can be sent at www.hogenkampfh.com.