Dale A. Vondrell, 83, passed away at 1 a.m. Jan. 9, 2015, at his home following a year-long struggle with cancer. He will finally discover what awaits someone who leads an exemplary Christian life.

He was born Feb. 15, 1931, in Cassella, to August and Margaret Grilliot Vondrell. On June 21, 1952, he married Elizabeth "Betty" Gremling Vondrell, who survives in Lima.

Also surviving are eight children, Steven (Leslie) Vondrell, Dayton, Dennis (Gina) Vondrell, Lima, Debra (Jim) Buehler, Lima, Larry (Margot) Vondrell, Findlay, Cathy Vondrell Bader, Lima, Mary (Stuart) Gilpin, Tyler, Texas, Julie (Rich) Wiggins, Tiffin, and Timothy J. (Kristine) Vondrell, Lima; 30 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Sylvia Shepherd, St. Marys, and Marlene (Bob) Huelsman, Cassella; and a brother, John (Carol) Vondrell, Brookfield, Wis.

Deceased is a grandson, Benjamin Gilpin.

He was a graduate of St. John's High School, Maria Stein. After high school, he attended Bradley University's Horology School, Peoria, Ill., where he gained his skills in jewelry design and watchmaking. After college he joined the U.S. Air Force and served his country in the Korean War. In 1963, he established Von's Jewelry.

He was a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church, Lima. He also was a member of the Lima Rotary Club and the Serra Club. He loved to travel and spend time with his best friend, Betty.

Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Charles Catholic Church, Lima, the Rev. Stephen Blum officiating. Burial of cremated remains will follow privately at a later date.

Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel, Lima. A parish wake will follow at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Per Dale's request, memorials may be given to the family for his granddaughter Allison Buehler's courageous battle with cancer.

Condolences may be sent to www.chiles-lamanfh.com.