Former Fort Recovery resident Ralph P. Meinerding, 89, Wapakoneta, died at 10:55 p.m. Dec. 18, 2011 at The Gardens, Wapakoneta.

He was born Nov. 5, 1922, in Rose Hill, to Charles and Josephine Hein Meinerding and grew up in Fort Recovery. On June 13, 1946, he married Irene E. Staugler, who survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Pat (Dennis) Coyne, Erlanger, Ky., Barb (Bob) Kohlrieser, Wapakoneta; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Deceased is a son, Robert Meinerding; and two brothers, Jerome and Herbert Meinerding.

A member of St. John's Catholic Church, Lima, he served as Eucharistic minister, usher, greeter and served funeral Masses.

He owned and operated Meinerding's in Wapakoneta for 12 years. He later worked at Pantry Pride, Wapakoneta.

He was a veteran of World War II serving with the U. S. Army, 237th Engineer Battalion Medical Detachment. He was a member of Wapakoneta VFW Post.

Funeral Mass is 11 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. David Ross officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Wapakoneta, where military rites will be conducted by the Wapakoneta VFW Post.

Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, Wapakoneta.

Memorials may be made to the church renovation fund or to the donor's choice.

Condolences may be left at bayliffandeleyfh.com.