Merle Edwin Stelzer, age 91, of Celina, passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at The Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford.

He was born January 26, 1929, in Lima, to the late Wilbur H. & Carrie L. (Gossman) Stelzer. On June 26, 1949, he married Erma C. Denney, who preceded him in death.

Surviving are his 7 children: Timothy Stelzer of Maumee, Randy M. (Nancy) Stelzer of Wapakoneta, Terry M. (Patricia) Stelzer of Marysville, Stephen E. Stelzer of Lima, Anne R. (Michael) Opperman of Anna, Patrick B. (Jennifer) Stelzer of Missouri City, Texas and Lucinda C.D. (Robert) Jolliff of Celina, brother & sister: Howard Stelzer and Lorna (Thomas) Emerson, and a sister-in-law, Patricia Stelzer. Merle also had 12 grandchildren: Tonja, Bethany, Brian, Michael, Scott, Andrew, Kevin, Seth, Benjamin (deceased), Shelby, Courtney and Robert III, and 11 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by siblings: Marcine (Robert) Dicus, Vernon Stelzer and Joan (Wilbert) Wolf, and a sister-in-law, Beverly Stelzer.

A 1947 graduate of Central High School in Lima, Merle served in the states with the U.S. Army, being honorably discharged in 1951. He retired from Milcor (Lima Register) in 2005, after 41 years of service. Merle was an active member of the Mendon Lions for 20 years and Mendon United Methodist Church, a member of Celina American Legion Post #210, and charter member of Mendon American Legion Post #2019.

Merle loved his family, and his favorite pastime was visiting the friendly town of Mendon as often as he could.

Public Calling Hours will be held at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Mendon, on Tuesday, May 19, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Visitors will be limited to 10 at a time, and are asked to follow guidelines set by the Ohio Department of Health. The Funeral will be limited to family members only.

Private Services will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Tuesday, at the Mendon Funeral Home, with Pastor Rob Glenn officiating. Burial will be at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys, with military rites to be conducted by Celina American Legion Post #210 and VFW Post #5713.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Mendon United Methodist Church.

If you are unable to attend, and would like to extend your sympathies to the family, please send a card or leave messages at www.dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.