Virgil Frank Recker, 89, Kalida, died at 5:52 p.m. Dec. 22, 2013, at The Meadows of Kalida.

He was born Oct. 16, 1924, to Edwin and Frances (Verhoff) Recker. On Aug. 11, 1948, he married Mary Agnes Knueven, who died June 18, 2011.

He is survived by 13 children, Jane (Fred) Schnipke, Ottawa, Ron (Donna) Recker, Kalida, Judy (Steve) Rosengarten, Ottawa, Kathy (Dennis "Pork") Ellerbrock, Ottawa, Sandy (Roger) Fuerst, Kalida, Eileen (Carl) Schroeder, Maria Stein, Mike (Michelle) Recker, Millersport, Ruth (Bob) Ellerbrock, Glandorf, Nick (Terry) Recker, Ottawa, Connie (Mike) Schmitz, Glandorf, Rick (Margie) Recker, Ottawa, Dennis (Kathy) Recker, Columbus Grove, and Steve (Sue) Recker, Mount Cory; 41 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren and six on the way; and a sister, Edna Riepenhoff, Glandorf.

He was preceded in death by a son, Daniel Recker; a daughter, Mary Recker; two great-grandchildren; a brother, Harold Recker; and a sister, Delores Recker.

He was a retired lifelong farmer and member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Kalida, and its Holy Name Society. He was a member of the Ottawa Eagles and he enjoyed watching the Cincinnati Reds. He loved it when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren came over and always had candy for them. He has been wanting to see the love of his life for 2 ½ years and will now get to spend Christmas with her once again.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Michael Catholic Church, Kalida, the Rev. Mark Hoying officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Calling is 6-8 p.m. Thursday and 2-8 p.m. Friday at Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Jackson Township, where there will be a scripture service at 2 p.m. Friday.

Memorials may be made to Putnam County Hospice.

Condolences can be expressed at: www.lovefuneralhome.com.