February 2004

Daily Standard Obituaries
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02-28-04

Mary Figert
 Mary J. Figert, 75, of Portland, Ind., died the morning of Feb. 27, 2004, at Jay County Hospital.
 She was born Feb. 22, 1929, in Portland, to Godfrey and Edith Ankrom Wallischeck. Her husband, Russell Figert, survives.
 Also surviving are two sons, Allan (Carolyn) of Tulsa, Okla., and Matthew (Rose) of Binghamton, N.Y.; a brother, Joe Wallischeck, of Portland; a sister, Betty (Richard) Faller, of Coldwater; and four grandchildren.
 A member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portland, she was a bookkeeper and had worked for Carl Steed and Associates, Naas Foods and Jay County Abstract Office. She was past president of American Legion Auxiliary Post 211 in Portland and was president of the Legion Auxiliary 5th district. She was past president of Portland Kiwanis Club and past lieutenant governor of the district. She also was past president of Budget Belles Homemakers Club, Portland, and was a frequent participant in Old Time Fiddlers contests.
 Private family services will be held at Baird-Freeman Funeral Home, Portland, with the Rev. Marty Sandhage presiding. Burial will follow at Green Park Cemetery, Portland.
 Contributions can be made at the donor’s choice or to the church Mass fund.
 
John Perez
John S. Perez, 51, of Defiance, died at 1:45 p.m. Feb. 23, 2004, at his home. Death was due to cancer.
 He was born July 4, 1952, in Wauseon, to Herlinda Santos Perez, who survives in Celina, and the late Juan Perez. In 1975, he married Rose Mary Garcia, who survives.
 Also surviving is a son, John of Columbus; a daughter, Melisa of Defiance; four brothers, Alfonso of Stryker, Roberto of Columbus, Ramon of Toledo, and Esteban Castillo Jr., of Coldwater; four sisters, Linda, of Stryker, Yvette (Donald) Schlarman, of Columbus, Isabel (David) Giesige and Brigette (D. Andrew) Cron, both of Celina.
 Services were held Thursday at First Baptist Church in Defiance, with the Revs. Tim Yazel and John McFarland officiating. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery, Defiance.
 Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home, Defiance, had charge of arrangements.
 
Earl Giere
 Earl Giere, 71, 420 W. Main St., Coldwater, died at 6:04 p.m. Feb. 27, 2004, at Briarwood Manor, Coldwater. Death was due to cancer.
 Arrangements are incomplete at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.



02-27-04

Donna Hays
 Former Coldwater resident Donna K. Hays, 54, of Blacklick, died at 2:19 p.m. Feb. 23, 2004, at her home east of Gahanna. Death was due to natural causes.
 She was born Aug. 23, 1949, in Beloit, Kansas, to Ross D. and Violet Knarr Clingman. Her father survives in St. Henry. On June 23, 1971, she married Dennis K. Hays who survives.
 Also surviving are two sons, James (Kristin) of Blacklick and Frank (Lanie) of Laurelville; a daughter, Angelia (Bob) Leopard, Gahanna; two brothers, Vaughn (Diane) Clingman, Hilliard, and Daryl (Carol) Clingman, Pataskala; three sisters, Linda (Steven) Howes and Cheryl Hoover, all of Pleasant Grove, Utah, and Patricia (Al) Bertke, St. Henry; and six grandchildren.
 She graduated from Coldwater High School and worked at Huffy Corp. before becoming a ceramics instructor and homemaker in the Columbus area.
 A wake will be held Sunday afternoon at the Hays home, with burial to follow at a later date in Jewell, Kan.
 Contributions can be made to James Cancer Hospital in Columbus or the American Cancer Society.



02-26-04

Patrick McKirnan
 Patrick O’Neil McKirnan, 84, 120 S. Vine St., Celina, died at 1:20 p.m. Feb. 25, 2004, at his residence.
 He was born Dec. 9, 1919, in Celina, to Daniel J. and Hazel O’Neil McKirnan. On Sept. 13, 1941, he married Irma Quilling who survives.
 Also surviving are two sons, Dan of San Diego, Calif., and Mike (Sharon) of Celina; three grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
 A brother, William R., is deceased.
 He owned and operated Celina Coffee Shop for 47 years. Elected to Celina City Council in 1954, he served as a guiding force in the city’s recreation program during his 15-year tenure. He reportedly was the oldest volunteer for the Ohio Lake Management Society testing the water quality of Grand Lake St. Marys.
 He was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, the Lions Club, Masonic Lodge 241, Free & Accepted Masons, and the Lake Improvement Association, all of Celina, a charter member of the Mercer County Sportsman’s Club and a member of the National Rifle Association. A 1938 graduate of Celina High School, he received a degree from Bliss College.
 Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Robert Metheny officiating. Burial will follow at North Grove Cemetery.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, and after 10 a.m. Saturday at the church.
 Contributions can be made to the Mercer County Sportsmen’s Association.

Glen Miller Jr.
 Glen Miller Jr., 56, of Celina, died early today, Feb. 26, 2004, at his residence. Death was due to natural causes.
 He was born April 4, 1947, in Celina, to Glen E. and Dorothy E. Sealscott Miller. His father survives in Rockford. On June 17, 1967, he married Suzanne Howell who also survives.
 Other survivors include a son, Mike (Kelly), and two daughters, Patty (David) Hipply and Amee, all of Celina; a sister, Judy (John) Farmer, Rockford; and four grandchildren.
 A son, Charles Eugene, is deceased.
 He was a farmer and a retired employee of General Dynamics in Lima. He was a member of Rockford United Methodist Church.
 Services are 10 a.m. Saturday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, the Rev. Mike Berne officiating. Burial will follow at North Grove Cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Friday and after 9 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the church, the Parkway Booster Club or Celina Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice.



02-25-04

Mark Gast
 Coldwater native Mark A. Gast, 45, of Cloverdale, Ind., died Feb. 23, 2004, at Clarian Health University Hospital in Indianapolis, Ind. Death was due to lung cancer.
 He was born Oct. 19, 1958, in Coldwater, to John Lewis and Marjorie Elaine Buschur Gast. His father and stepmother, Martha Gast, survive in Fort Myers, Fla. On June 26, 1982, he married Denise Owings who survives.
 Other survivors include two sons, Joseph and Jonathan, and a daughter, Anna, all of Cloverdale; two brothers, Charles of Dayton and Richard of Greenfield, Ind.; and three sisters, Nancy Holle, Indianapolis, Becky Adams, Clay City, Ind., and Jennifer of Greenwood, Ind.
 A daughter, Ashley, is deceased.
 He was employed as a machine repairman at Allison Transmission, Indianapolis. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church, Coatesville, Ind.
 Services are 1 p.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. Wayne L. Dafoe. Burial will follow at Cloverdale Cemetery.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Whitaker Funeral Home, Cloverdale.



02-24-04

None Reported



02-23-04

 Rev. Emil Dinkle
 The Rev. Emil F. Dinkle C.PP.S., 78, of Bellevue, died Feb. 20, 2004, at St. Vincent Hospital, Toledo.
 He was born Nov. 13, 1925, in Walker, Kansas, to Peter and Anna Mary HaberKorn Dinkle.
 Surviving are two brothers, Ralph (Bubina) of Oakley, Kansas, and Virgil of Glen Burnie, Md.; and a sister, Arnita Scheck, Victoria, Kansas.
 Deceased are three brothers, Edward, Alfred J. and Alvin C., and three sisters, Sister Appolonia C.S.A., Sister Lioba C.S.A., and Anna Laura Miller.
 He entered Brunnerdale Seminary, Canton, Sept. 10, 1940 and was ordained to the priesthood May 18, 1952, at St. Charles Seminary, Carthagena. He served in the South American missions until 1978, after which he ministered in Michigan, Oklahoma, Ohio, California, Kansas and North Dakota.
 Funeral Mass is 2 p.m. Friday at St. Charles, with burial to follow at the community cemetery there.
 Calling is 6-9 p.m. Thursday at St. Charles.
 Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry, has charge of arrangements.
 Contributions can be made to the Sorrowful Mother Shrine in Bellevue.

Wilbur Haffey
 Wilbur D. “Bill” Haffey, 71, 1306 Queensbury Drive, Celina, died at 1:45 p.m. Feb. 19, 2004, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 He was born July 23, 1932, in Canal Winchester, to Ernest E. and Clara G. Troup Haffey. On Nov. 6 1955, he married Judith E. Balderson who died Oct. 16.
 Surviving are a son, Larry D. (Pam) of Celina; three daughters, LuAnne M. of Portland, Maine, Tamara J. (Ron) Boess and Ria C. (Robert) Schroeder, all of Celina; two brothers, Paul (Jo) of Upper Saddle River, N.J., and Gene (Helen) of Carroll; a sister, Meriam (Paul) Ernsberger, Westerville; seven grandchildren and a great-grandson.
 A photographer from 1952 to 1978, he owned Townhouse Studio in Celina from 1959 to 1978. He was a realtor for Century 21 Masterkey, a Dayton Daily News transfer driver, a licensed auctioneer and a licensed appraiser. He served eight years in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Ohio Board of Realtors.
 Services were 10:30 a.m. today at the church, the Rev. Douglas Meyer officiated. Burial followed at North Grove Cemetery with the Celina Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts conducting military rites.
 Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, had charge of arrangements.
 Contributions can be made to the church or the Cancer Association of Mercer County.

Theresia Ontrop
 Former Dayton and Coldwater resident Theresia Ontrop, 91, of Minster, died at 8:30 p.m. Feb. 21, 2004, at Heritage Manor Nursing Center, Minster.
 She was born June 20, 1912, in St. Peter, to Henry and Sophia (Weigel) Ontrop.
 Surviving are a sister, Ida Marie Voskuhl, Minster; and nephews and nieces.
 Five brothers, Cyril, Urban, Eugene, Candizas and Sylvester, are deceased.
 She had worked at Inland and NCR in Dayton for 27 years and was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Coldwater.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Ronald Wilker officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter Cemetery near Fort Recovery.
 Calling is 3-8 p.m. Wednesday and 9-10 a.m. Thursday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.
 Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice.

Lorna A. Piper
 Lorna A. Piper, 46, 162 Lock Two Road, New Bremen, died at 6:50 a.m. Feb. 19, 2004, at the Cleveland Clinic following an extended illness.
 She was born Oct. 21, 1957, in Celina, to John K. and Lorene (Guingrich) Zuber, who survive in Coldwater. On Sept. 23, 1978, she married Jeff Piper, who survives in New Bremen.
 Also surviving are two sons, Doug and Ryan, New Bremen; a brother, Gary (Kathy) Zuber, Beavercreek; two sisters, Chris (Mark) Nagel, Wapakoneta, and Donna (Mark) Brown, Englewood; and her father and mother-in-law, Meredith and Jean Piper, Celina.
 Deceased is a son, Nicholas.
 She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church on St. Anthony Road near Coldwater and had sung in the choir. She was an active member of New Bremen Athletic Boosters and the American Legion Post 214 Auxiliary, New Bremen.
 She was employed at Crown Equipment Corp., New Bremen, for the past seven years where she was a materials planner. She also had worked as a branch manager at the former Citizens Commercial Bank, Celina.
 Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Paul United Church of Christ, New Bremen, the Revs. Richard Weir, Douglas Meyer and Arvid Harklau officiating. Burial will be in German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.
 Calling is 3-9 p.m.today in the assembly room at the New Bremen church and after 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church.
 Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen, has charge of arrangements.
 Contributions may be made to the Hope Lodge of Cleveland, or to the American Cancer Society.

Allen Poeppelman
 Allen B. Poeppelman, 56, Coble Road, Yorkshire, died at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 20, 2004, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys. He had been seriously ill the past six weeks.
 He was born July 16, 1947, in Celina, to Lawrence F. and Mercedes M. Luttmer Poeppelman who survive in Maria Stein. On May 8, 1968, he married Nancy K. Curl who survives.
 Also surviving are a son, Jeffrey A. (Shiela) of Yorkshire; and a brother, Myrle (Lois), also of Yorkshire.
 A son, Kevin, died in infancy.
 He was an auctioneer and realtor with Emerson Wagner Realty, Sidney, and a part-time trucking dispatcher at Weaver Brothers, Versailles. He was a 1965 graduate of Marion Local High School and a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Osgood, St. Denis Council 1756 Knights of Columbus, Versailles, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1391, Minster, Fort Loramie Racing Club, Houston Community Association, Darke County Realtors, Ohio Association of Realtors and the Ohio Auctioneers Association.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. David L. Zink officiating. Burial will follow at St. Martin’s Cemetery, Osgood.
 Calling is 3-8 p.m. Wednesday and 9-10 a.m. Thursday at Gehret Funeral Home, Fort Loramie. A K of C prayer service will be held there at 8 p.m.
 Contributions can be made to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Shelby and Darke counties, Osgood Fire Department and Osgood Rescue Squad.

Donald Temple
 Donald D. Temple, 62, 751 Deford St., Celina, died Feb. 21, 2004, at his residence. Death was due to an apparent heart attack.
 He was born April 6, 1941, in Celina, to Guy and Doris Houts Temple. On Aug. 9, 2002, he married Sharon Hecht who survives.
 Also surviving are three sons, Rex (Bonnie) and Randy (Jeannine), all of Florida, and Chris (Terri) of Columbus; two daughters, Rhonda of Columbus, and Vicki (Don) Shattuck, Geneva, N.Y.; a stepson, Mickey (Rocki) Hecht, Celina; a stepdaughter, Lynnette Hecht, also of Celina; three brothers, Doug (Tina) and Tom (Nancy), all of Celina, and Larry (Joyce) of St. Marys; 16 grandchildren, three stepgrandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
 A brother, James, is deceased.
 He was employed at Countryside Waste Hauling, Celina.
 Services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, the Rev. John Bernstein officiating. Burial will follow at Botkins Cemetery near Montezuma.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Vivian Wilcox
 Vivian M. Wilcox, 85, 124 S. Lake St., Celina, died at 2:34 a.m. Feb. 21, 2004, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, Ind.
 She was born Jan. 6, 1919, in Decatur, Ill., to Wilbur E. and Floid William Downing. On Feb. 26, 1938, she married Charles H. Wilcox who died May 4, 1971.
 Also surviving are a son, Dean E. of Albion; a brother, Noel (Joan) Downing, Dublin; three grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
 Deceased are a son, Gene; a daughter, Sharon Fortner; a brother, Roger; and a granddaughter.
 She had worked as a cook at the Mercer County Jail and was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Celina, and the Mercer County Council on Aging. She was a past member of the Shakespeare Club.
 Memorial services will be 3 p.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Stephen Merold officiating. Burial will follow at Swamp College Cemetery.
 Calling is 2-3 p.m. Saturday at the church.
 Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, has charge of arrangements.
 Contributions can be made to the church.



02-21-04

Adele Hilgefort
 Adele J. Hilgefort, 87, formerly of Greenback Road, Fort Loramie, died at 8:12 a.m. Feb. 20, 2004, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Minster.
 She was born Dec. 27, 1916, in Fort Loramie, to Anton and Alvina Seger Hoelscher. On June 30, 1936, she married Mathias N. Hilgefort who died Jan. 26, 1968.
 Survivors are two sons, Jim (Judy) and Karl (Kathy), all of Fort Loramie; three daughters, Ruth (Dick) Bruggeman, Maria Stein, Kathleen Schemmel, McCartyville, and Linda (John) Poynter, Troy; a half-brother, Jerome (Doris) Wissman, New Bremen; 19 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are five stepbrothers, two stepsisters and two grandchildren.
 She was a retired wedding and special occasion cook and a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, its St. Anne Ladies Sodality and Apostleship of Prayer. She also was a charter member of the Knights of St. John Ladies Auxiliary, Fort Loramie.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church, the Rev. Steven Shoup officiating. Burial is at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 3-8 p.m. Monday and 9-10 a.m. Tuesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.
 Contributions can be made to the Fort Loramie Rescue Squad.

Rosemarie Baugher
 Rosemarie Baugher, 73, 338 Leisure Lane, died at 11:38 p.m. Feb. 19. 2004 at her residence.
 She was born May 27, 1930, in Coldburg, Germany. She married Richard Craft, who is deceased. On Dec. 29, 1969, she married Bevon E. Baugher, who survives.
 Also surviving are a son, Bill (Rita) Baugher, Celina; a stepson, Larry E. (Candace) Baugher, Troy; a daughter, Frances (Albert) Sue, Woodland, Tex.; a stepdaughter, Karen Nichols, Troy; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
 Deceased is a son, Larry Craft, a brother, and two sisters.
 She formerly worked with Kuck Realty, St. Marys.
 Services are 1 p.m. Monday at Lehman Funeral Home, the Rev. Richard Reidel officiating. Burial is at Swamp College Cemetery.
 Calling is 4-6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
 Contributions may be made to the Cancer Association of Mercer County.

Lorna A. Piper
 Lorna A. Piper, 46, 162 Lock Two Road, New Bremen, died at 6:50 a.m. Feb. 19, 2004, in the Cleveland Clinic following an extended illness.
 She was born Oct. 21, 1957, in Celina to John K. and Lorene (Guingrich) Zuber, who survive in Coldwater. On Sept. 23, 1978, she married Jeff Piper, who survives in New Bremen.
 Also surviving are two sons, Doug and Ryan, New Bremen; a brother, Gary (Kathy) Zuber, Beavercreek; two sisters, Chris (Mark) Nagel, Wapakoneta, and Donna (Mark) Brown, Englewood; and her father and mother-in-law, Meredith and Jean Piper, Celina.
 Deceased is a son, Nicholas.
 She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Coldwater, and had sung in the choir. She was an active member of New Bremen Athletic Boosters and the American Legion Post 214 Auxiliary, New Bremen.
 She was employed at Crown Equipment Corp., New Bremen, for the past seven years where she was a materials planner. She also had worked as a branch manager at the former Citizens Commercial Bank, Celina.
 Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church , the Revs. Richard Weir, Douglas Meyer and Arvid Harklau officiating. Burial will be in German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.
 Calling will be 3-9 p.m. Monday in the assembly room at the church and after 9:30 a.m. Tuesday also at the church.
 Contributions may be made to the Hope Lodge of Cleveland, or to the American Cancer Society.

Allen Peoppelman
 Allen Peoppelman, 56, Coble Road, Yorkshire, died Feb. 20, 2004, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys, following a brief illness.
 Arrangements are pending at Gehret Funeral Home, Fort Loramie.



02-20-04

Mary Baugher
 Mary Ellen Baugher, 338 Leisure Lane, Celina, died at 11:38 p.m. Feb. 19, 2004, at her home.
 Funeral arrangements are pending at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.

Beverly Dixon
 Beverly Ann Dixon, 66, formerly of 337 N. Cherry St., St. Marys, died at 9:38 p.m. Feb. 3, 2004, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Minster.
 She was born June 17, 1937, in St. Marys, to Forest and Clara Heath Dixon.
 She is the last of her immediate family.
 Deceased is a sister, Jane.
 She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, St. Marys.
 Private services and burial were held.
 Funeral arrangements were handled by Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys.

Wilbur Haffey
 Wilbur D. Haffey, 71, 1306 Queensbury Drive, Celina, died Feb. 19, 2004, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 Funeral arrangements are pending at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.

Lorna Piper
 Lorna A. Piper, 46, of New Bremen, died Feb. 19, 2004, at the Cleveland Clinic.
 Funeral arrangements are pending at Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen.

Donald Poeppelman
 Donald C. Poeppelman, 73, 7980 Ohio 119, McCartyville, died at 6:30 a.m. Feb. 19, 2004, at his home.
 He was born June 13, 1930, in McCartyville, to August and Mary Ann Lemkuhl Poeppelman. On Aug. 9, 1958, he married Verona Otting who survives.
 Other survivors are three sons, Tom (Laura) and Dave (Stephany), all of Anna, and John (Amy) of Minster; three daughters, Cathy (Steve) Hoying and Margie (Ron) Bruns, all of Anna, and Linda (Larry) Homan, Chickasaw; a brother, Wilbur (Virginia) of Botkins; a sister, Alma (Ray) Heilers, Anna; a sister-in-law, Dorothy of Anna; and 15 grandchildren.
 Deceased are two brothers and four sisters.
 He was a retired farmer and part-time employee at Precision Strip Inc., Minster. A 1948 graduate of Minster High School, he was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and its St. Joseph Mens Sodality, and Knights of Columbus, both of McCartyville. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Patrick Welsh officiating. Burial is at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Sunday and 9-10 a.m. Monday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.
 Contributions can be made to the Shelby County Cancer Society.

Mary Schindler
 Mary Quinn Schindler, 90, formerly of North Ash St., Celina, died at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18, 2004, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 She was born Sept. 29, 1913, in Delphos, to David Lee and Clara Best Fuller. On Jan. 15, 1938, she married William J. Schindler who died March 22, 1996.
 Survivors are a son, Bill (Mary) of Dayton; a sister, June (Wayne) Davis, Louisville, Ky.; a sister-in-law, Joann Fuller, Springfield; and three grandchildren.
 She was a registered nurse and worked at the former Gibbons and Otis hospitals in Celina, and St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. She was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, the Eastern Star, Phi Beta Psi Sorority, all of Celina, and a life member of the Altrurian Club.
 A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Kathleen Hayes officiating. Burial is at North Grove Cemetery, Celina.
 Calling is at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church.
 Contributions can be made to the church or the Mercer County Library, Celina.



02-19-04

Donald Rowan
 Donald E. Rowan, 81, 213 Concord Ave., St. Marys, died at 11:25 a.m. Feb. 14, 2004, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
 He was born Feb. 2, 1923, in Danville, Ill., to Ivan and Helen White Rowan. On Oct. 8, 1947, he married Jean T. Townsley who survives.
 Other survivors are a daughter, Linda (Donald) Meyers, Gainesville, Fla.; a brother, Robert of Portland, Ore.; a sister, Willa Jean Rowan-Tucker, Piqua; two grandsons and a stepgrandson.
 Deceased is an infant son, Steven.
 He retired as a manufacturer’s representative in the electronics industry. A 1941 graduate of Stivers High School, Dayton, he was a U.S. Coast Guard veteran of World War II, a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars post 9289 and a member of American Legion post 323, both of St. Marys.
 Graveside services are 1 p.m. Feb. 27, 2004 at Woodland Cemetery, Xenia. There are no calling hours.
 Funeral arrangements were handled by Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys.

Mary Schindler
 Mary Quinn Schindler, 90, formerly of 658 N. Ash St., Celina, died Feb. 18, 2004, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 Funeral arrangements are pending at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.



02-18-04

Margaret Kennedy
 Celina native Margaret E. Kennedy, 58, of Largo, Fla., died Feb. 14, 2004, at Palms of Pasadena Hospital, Largo.
 She was born Sept. 18, 1945, in Celina, to Wayne H. and Alura Betty Miller Kennedy. Her father survives in Mendon.
 Also surviving are live-in companion of 23 years, Roger B. Allton, Largo,; her three sons, Joseph J. Buchanan, Franklin, Eric J. Buchanan, St. Petersburg, Fla., and Curtis W. Horton, Fort Myers, Fla.; a daughter, Amanda K. Horton, Winter Haven, Fla.; and a sister, Lucille Binkley, McEwen, Tenn.
 A graduate of Ohio State University, she had worked as a system operator supervisor for the State of Florida Department of Corrections.
 Services were Feb. 17 at Moss Feaster Funeral Homes, Serenity Gardens Chapel, Largo.
 Contributions can be made to the Hospice of the Florida Sun Coast.

Joan Prenger
 Joan D. Prenger, 46, 23 Exchange St., Chickasaw, died Feb. 17, 2004, in the emergency room at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater. Death was due to natural causes.
 She was born Feb. 15, 1958, in St. Marys, to Ray and Rita Ranly Flaute. They survive in Cassella. On Aug. 1, 1980, she married Ken Prenger who survives.
 Also surviving are three sons, Brian of Coldwater, Eric and Mark, both of Chickasaw; a daughter, Kimberly, also of Chickasaw; two brothers, Bill (Jane) Flaute, Riverside, and Tom (Pat) Flaute, Minster; four sisters, Ruth (Bill) Kuhlman, Kalida, Marj (Mike) Millennor, Sharonville, Teresa (Ken) Gerlach and Ann (Mike) Hemmelgarn, both of Carthagena; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edwin and Mildred Prenger, Coldwater; two brothers-in-law, Nicholas Prenger and Daniel (Joyce) Prenger, both of St. Henry; two sisters-in-law, Carol Flaute, New Bremen, and Debra (Randy) Rindler, Tipp City.
 Deceased are a son, Christopher; three brothers, Steve, David and Gabriel Flaute; and a sister-in-law, Mary Kay Prenger.
 She was employed as a clerk at Chickasaw Quik Stop. She was a member of Precious Blood Catholic Church, the Ladies Sodality of the church and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, all of Chickasaw, and the Catholic Knights of America, Cassella. She also was a CCD aide, a 4-H adviser and a Marion Local Band Boosters officer.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. John Bensman officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Thursday and 9-10 a.m. Friday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

Hilda Thobe
 Hilda R. Thobe, 101, 1111 Circle Drive, St. Marys, died at 9:45 p.m. Feb. 16, 2004, at Otterbein Retirement Community, St. Marys.
 She was born Jan. 10, 1903, in Maria Stein, to Henry and Elizabeth Vehorn Rolfes.
 Surviving are a son, Neil (Shirley) of Dayton; two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
 Deceased is a daughter, Norma Sucher, and a grandson.
 She was a homemaker and a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Akron.
 Graveside services are 2 p.m. Monday at Holy Cross Cemetery, Akron.
 Calling is 1-4 p.m. Sunday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.



02-17-04

James Gusching
 James V. Gusching, 39, 432 West Haven Drive, New Bremen, died at 11:34 a.m. Feb. 15, 2004 at his residence. Death was due to cancer.
 He was born July 27, 1964, in Sidney, to Nagle V. and Helen Meyer Gusching. His mother survives in Sidney. On Nov. 2, 1991, he married Teresa O’Callaghan who survives.
 Other survivors are two sons, Jacob and Nicholas, both at home; three brothers, Alan (Mine) and David (Susan), all of Piqua, and Gregory (Suzanne) of Battle Creek, Mich.; and parents-in-law, Robert and Judith O’Callaghan, Bloomington, Ind.
 He was an engineering manager of the electrical/electronic market of Minster Machine Co., where he worked for 20 years. A 1982 graduate of Lehman High School, Sidney, a 1987 graduate of the University of Cincinnati, and a 1989 graduate of Indiana University-Kelly School of Business, he was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
 He also was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, New Bremen, the Knights of Columbus, Sidney, and was a den leader for Cub Scout Pack 61, New Bremen.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Thomas Mannebach officiating. Burial is at German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen, and 9:30-10:10 a.m. Thursday at the church when the rosary will be prayed.
 Contributions can be made to the Tri-County Visiting Nurses/Hospice or to the educational fund being established for his sons.

Richard Kidwell
 Richard L. Kidwell, 72, 8583 Ohio 219, lot 245, Hecht’s Landing, Celina, died at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 15, 2004, at his home.
 He was born Jan. 2, 1932, in Comberland County, Tenn., to Beecher and Ona Eldridge Kidwell. His wife, Stella Beech is deceased.
 Survivors are a son, Rick (Ginger) Moore, McComb; a daughter Cathy (Ernie) Gibson, Celina; five sisters, Wanda Smith, Linda Stuthers and Vivian Rinehart, all of Dayton, Alice Baker, Russells Point, and Sue Burchfield of Florida; two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
 Deceased is a brother, John.
 A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he was a member of the American Legion and Fraternal Order of Eagles lodge, both of Dayton.
 Private family services will be held at a later date with burial at Dayton Memorial Park.
 There are no calling hours.
 Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Home Health and Hospice of Mercer County.
 Funeral arrangements were handled by Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.

Ernest Loy
 Ernest L. Loy, 67, 1435 North 800 East, Portland, Ind., died Feb. 15, 2004, at his home.
 He was born Sept. 9, 1936, in Jay County, to Herschel and Carrie May Loy. On July 3, 1955, he married Martha Jean Smitley who died Feb. 22, 1989.
 Survivors are two sons, Gary and Doug; a daughter, Sherry (Steve) Feathers; two brothers, Calvin and Donald; and a sister, Alice (Hugh) Strohl, all of Portland; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
 He was owner and operator of Ernest Loy Real Estate and Auctioneering, Portland, and was a member of Noble Christian Church, Portland Evening Optimist, International Order of Oddfellows (I.O.O.F.), Loyal Order of Moose, Jay County Historical Society and Headwaters Heritage, all of Portland. He also served on the Jay County Fair Board and school board.
 Services are 11 a.m. Thursday at Baird-Freeman Funeral Home, Portland, the Rev, Mike Harris officiating. Burial is at Green Park Cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the Jay County Cancer Society or Portland Foundation.

Cathy A. Price
 Cathy A. Price, 51, 1517 Mary Lane, Celina, died of leukemia at 1 p.m. Feb. 15, 2004, at her residence.
 She was born Aug. 18, 1952, in Lima, to Oliver and Mildred Olsen Elliott, who survive in Wapakoneta. On Oct. 16, 1971, she married Jerry L. Price, who survives in Celina.
 Also surviving are two sons, Eric, at home, Josh (Christina), Columbus; a daughter, Becky (Brad) Suhr, Celina; two sisters: Susie Elliott, Wapakoneta, Barbi (Dave) Gardner, Wapakoneta; five brothers: Dennis (Mary Ann) Elliott, Columbus, John (Marcia) Elliott, Spencerville, Carl (Beth) Elliott, Lima, Pat (Paula) Elliott, New Bremen, and Mike (Pam) Elliott, Wapakoneta; and three grandchildren.
 A 1970 graduate of St. Joseph High School, Wapakoneta, she was a counselor at Westwood Behavioral Health Center, Van Wert. She was a member of Grace Missionary Church.
 Services are 10 a.m. Thursday at the church with the Rev. Dave Biberstein officiating. Burial will follow at German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.
 Calling is 2 -4 and 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesday at Cisco Funeral Home and after 9 a.m. Thursday at the church.
 Contributions may be directed to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.



02-16-04

Richard Boeckman
 Richard B. Boeckman, 82, of Coldwater, died at 10:35 a.m. Feb.14, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 He was born Feb. 15, 1921, in Philothea, to Albert and Julia (Homan) Boeckman. On Oct. 16, 1943, he married Rita Will who survives.
 Also surviving are three sons, Terry (Margie) and Rick (Shirley), all of Coldwater, and Mike (Darcy) of Bay Village; and four daughters, Karen (Terry) Wenning and Lori, all of Coldwater, Deb (Tom) Ritter, Scotch Plains, N.J., and Angie (Tom) Borders, Portland, Ind.
 Other survivors include a brother, Bill (Jane) of Coldwater; a sister, Mary (Ralph) Tumbusch, St. Henry; three sisters-in-law, Ethel and Mary Agnes Boeckman, both of Coldwater, and Eileen Boeckman, St. Peter; 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are three brothers, Ralph, Robert and Arthur, and a sister, Wilma.
 He was the former co-owner and operator of Boeckman’s Union 76 in Coldwater. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the Men’s Holy Name Society and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3025, all of Coldwater, and Mercer County Elks Lodge 2170. He was a former member of the Coldwater Exempted Schools board of education and Coldwater Village Council.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Ronald Wilker officiating. Burial will follow at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

Richard Kidwell
 Richard L. Kidwell, formerly of Dayton, died Feb. 15, 2004, at his daughter’s home at 8583 Ohio 219, Lot 245, Celina.
 Arrangements are pending at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.

Cathy Price
 Cathy Price, 51, of Celina, died Feb. 15, 2004, at her residence. Death was due to natural causes.
 Arrangements are pending at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina.

Edna Stover-Staver
 Edna M. Stover-Staver, 82, of Ansonia, died Feb. 13, 2004, at Wayne Hospital, Greenville.
 She was born Aug. 2, 1921, in Zanesville, to Lawrence and Mariena Weakly Lemmon. Her first husband, Robert L. Stover, died in 1960 and her second husband, George M. Staver, died in 1974.
 Surviving are a son, Lawrence Stover, Dayton; four daughters, Mary Kaiser, Burkettsville, Carrie Hall and Kim Dohme, both of Ansonia, and Edna Wycuff, St. Marys; two stepsons, Robert Staver, Greenville, and David Staver, Rossburg; two stepdaughters, Sharon Lyme, Ansonia, and Judith Simmons, Newport; a sister, Betty Brock, Zanesville; 29 grandchildren, 10 stepgrandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are two sons, Robert Jr. and John Stover; a daughter, Elizabeth Varnell; two brothers, Harry and Bob Lemmon; and two sisters, Goldie and Thelma Lemmon.
 She retired from Lambert’s in Ansonia after 15 years and was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, Burkettsville, and Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Darke County.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Oliver Funeral Home, Greenville, the Rev. Matt Jozefiak officiating. Burial will follow at Ansonia Cemetery.
 Calling is 5-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the Ansonia Rescue Squad or the Cancer Association of Darke County.



02-14-04

Albert Hemmelgarn
 Albert L. Hemmelgarn, 76, 40 E. Star Road, North Star, died at 6:41 a.m. Feb. 13, 2004, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater.
 He was born Sept. 13, 1927, in Burkettsville, to Joseph and Mary Backs Hemmelgarn. On March 22, 1952, he married Ruth M. Stammen who died Jan. 18, 2001. On April 19, 2002, he married Dianne Subler who survives.
 Other survivors are four sons, Dave (Deb), Chuck (Johna), Ken (Joyce) and Tim (Debbie), all of North Star; two daughters, Susan (Terry) Householder, McCartyville, and Donna (Don) Rutschilling, Maria Stein; a stepson, Kevin of North Star; and a stepdaughter, Lisa (Joe) Rush, Versailles.
 Also surviving are three brothers, Leonard (Berdella) of St. Henry, and Ed (Mary Ann) and Ivo (Doris), all of Dayton; five sisters, Della (Jerry) Halpin and Alma (Joe) Graves, all of Dayton; Bertilla (Paul) Ernst, Pleasant Hill, Calif., Eileen (Harold) Heuker, Minster, and Anna Lee (Jack) Kunkel, Land Harbor, Newland, N.C.; 25 grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a brother-in-law, Charles Roessner; a sister-in-law, Ruth Hemmelgarn; and a grandchild.
 He was co-owner of North Star Hardware and Implement and founder of North Star Plumbing. A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, he was a member of the American Legion post, North Star, Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks of Greenville and the Catholic Order of Forresters. He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church, North Star.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. David Zink officiating. A military funeral will be conducted by members of the American Legion. Burial is at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Sunday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry, and 9-10:15 a.m. Monday at the church.

Ermal Dock
 Ermal Dock, 99, of Lima, died at 12:15 p.m. Feb. 12, 2004, at Shawnee Manor Nursing Home, Lima.
 She was born on Sept. 6, 1904, in Geneva, Ind., to Charles and Lizzie Chrisman Morton. On July 13, 1925, she married Norgo V. Dock, who died May 6, 1982.
 She is survived by three daughters, Norva Dock, Doris (Earl) Zimmerman and Francine (Ray) Dunlap, all of Lima; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and eight great great-grandchildren.
 She was preceded in death by four brothers, Lloyd, Santford, Ercle and Kenneth Chrisman; two sisters, Josephine Chrisman and Cora Boyd; a half-sister, Mary Fenstermaker; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
 She was a clerk at the Leader Store in Lima and was a member of the Sugar Creek Church of the Brethren, Lima. She later attended Sharon Park Church, Lima.
 Services are at 3 p.m. Sunday at Siferd Funeral Home, Westwood Chapel, Lima, with the Rev. Mary Kay officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima.
 Calling is from 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Carolyn Thut
 Carolyn J. Schell Thut, 65, of Wapakoneta, died on Feb. 10, 2004, at the Cleveland Clinic, in Cleveland. She was born Nov. 30, 1938, in Celina, to Harry A. and Grace J. Manor Schell. On Oct. 16, 1959, she married Don Thut, who survives.
 Also surviving is her mother in Berne, Ind.; and a brother Alvin (Darlene) Schell, of Portland, Ind.
 She was preceded in death by a bother Harry A. Schell Jr.
 She was a member of the First Missionary Church, in Berne. She worked for the Ekerd Drug Corp. and retired from Arab Pest Control, in Florida.
 Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in West Alexandria.
 Calling is from 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the donor’s local humane society.



02-13-04

Ruth Boley
 Ruth H. Boley, 96, 5411 Township Line Road, Coldwater, died at 6:08 p.m. Feb. 11, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 She was born Feb. 25, 1907, in Mercer County, to Ralph and Caroline McDonald Grier. On April 12, 1939, she married Homer Boley who died Oct. 10, 1955.
 Survivors are a son, John of Clinton, S.C.; two daughters, Polly (Dick) Berkenstock, and Connie (Jim) Johnson, all of Coldwater; a sister, Velma (Stanley) Coppock, Springer, N.M.; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are four brothers, Harold, Jim, Lawrence and Glenn; six sisters, Lela, Eileen, Jean, Mabel, Norma and Edith; a daughter-in-law, Valerie Boley; and a grandson.
 A memorial service is 3 p.m. Feb. 22 at Erastus United Methodist Church.
 Calling is 1:30-3 p.m. at the church the day of the service.
 Contributions can be made to Briarwood Manor Nursing Home or the church.
 Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, handled arrangements.

Dean Catron
 Dean Catron, 69, of the Mercer County Home, Celina, died at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 12, 2004, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 He was born Sept. 29, 1934, to Ceciel and Doris Alma Catron.
 Surviving is a son, Keith, no known address.
 Deceased is a son, Kevin.
 He was a salesman in the Dayton area where he resided for many years.
 Services will be held at a later date.
 There are no calling hours.
 Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, handled arrangements.

Charles Deitrick
 Charles E. Deitrick, 67, formerly of 5708 Johnston Road, Celina, died at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 12, 2004, at Plus Health Care Center, Lima.
 He was born July 18, 1936, in Celina, to Paul and Helen McDermitt Deitrick. On Nov. 15, 1960, he married Ruth Lane who died Sept. 25, 1987.
 Survivors are a son, Rick (Charlene) Brooks, Coldwater; a daughter, Kimberly Ann Mott, Van Wert; a sister, Phyllis (Harry) Dahlinghaus, Minster; and four grandchildren.
 Deceased is a grandson.
 He  retired as an equipment operator for West Ohio Pipeline and Joe Ross Pipeline, and was the owner of the former Coldwater Creek Landing and the C&R Tavern in Montezuma. He was a life member of the American Legion, a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and a former member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles lodge, all of Celina. He portrayed Santa Claus for the city of Celina.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Monday at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Kathleen Hayes officiating. Burial is at Mercer Memory Gardens, Celina.
 Calling is 2-6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or the Cancer Association of Mercer County.

Ethan Dwenger
 Ethan Andrew Dwenger, 1-day old infant of Christopher Todd and Marlene Keller Dwenger, 35 N. Jefferson St., Minster, died at 3:05 p.m. Feb. 10, 2004, at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton.
 Surviving with his parents are a brother, Austin, and two sisters, Lauren and Allison, all at home; grandparents, Ron and Carol Keller, Celina, and Jerry and Margene Dwenger, Minster; and great-grandparents, Alvina Keller, Fort Recovery, Elmer and Drucella Schlamb, Rossburg, and Velma Dwenger, Glynwood.
 He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Minster.
 A Mass of Christian burial is 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Louis Schmit officiating. Burial is at the church cemetery.
 There are no calling hours.

Gilbert Hirschfeld
 Gilbert Hirschfeld, 94, 8460 Clover Four Road, New Bremen, died at 2:15 p.m. Feb. 11, 2004, at Valley Nursing Home, St. Marys.
 He was born Feb. 4, 1910, in Mercer County, to Edward and Elizabeth Bergsieker Hirschfeld.
 He is survived by 22 nieces and nephews.
 Deceased are three brothers, Victor, Edwin and Leroy; and three sisters, Gladys Hirschfeld, Ada Johnson and Freda Ankerman.
 He was a farmer and a licensed pilot who flew skydivers. He was a member of the Montezuma Methodist Church and the Fraternal Order of Eagles lodge 767 of St. Marys.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Miller Funeral Home on Celina Road in St. Marys, the Revs. John Craner and Gene Hegemier officiating. A private family burial will be held at Lock Two Cemetery, New Bremen.
 Calling is 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Anna Katterhenry
 St. Marys native Anna E. “Annie” Katterhenry, 79, 1242 Quail Run, Wapakoneta, died at 8:45 a.m. Feb. 12, 2004, at Hospice of the Valley, Mesa, Ariz. She also resided in Phoenix, Ariz.
 She was born April 21, 1924, in St. Marys, to Dan and Alice Spicer Hay. On Jan. 9, 1945, she married Robert Katterhenry who survives.
 Other survivors are a son, Kevin (Anna) of St. Marys; a daughter, Michel (Patrick) Wilds, Tempe, Ariz.; a brother, Dan (Frieda) Hay, St. Marys; a sister, Mary Longemeyer, St. Marys; two sisters-in-law, Betty (Bob) Keller and Shirley Baughman, all of Wapakoneta; nine grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
 Deceased are three brothers-in-law, Richard Longemeyer, Richard Katterhenry and Richard Baughman.
 She was the former owner of Snack Time Drive-In Restaurant in St. Marys, and worked in the tax department of the Auglaize County Treasurer’s Office for more than 20 years. She was a member of the Mother’s Study Club and St. Paul United Church of Christ, Wapakoneta.
 Services are 3 p.m. Saturday at Miller-Long & Folk Funeral Home, on High Street in St. Marys, the Rev. Kim Bayless officiating. Burial is at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys.
 Calling is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Frances Moore
 Frances W. Moore, 96, 1420 White Oak Drive, St. Marys, died 2:56 a.m. Feb. 12, 2004, at St. Marys Living Center.
 She was born Sept. 23, 1907, in New London, Iowa, to Thomas and Ora Chandler White. On Sept. 22, 1934, she married Charles Moore who died Feb. 22, 1981.
 Survivors are a daughter, Susan Bales, St. Marys; two grandsons and two great-grandsons.
 She was a homemaker and a former school teacher. A graduate of Iowa Wesleyan College, Mount Pleasant, Iowa, she was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority and the Episcopalian Church.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Feb. 16, 2004, the Rev. Edward DenBlannwen officiating. Burial is at Bushnell Cemetery, Bushnell, Ill.
 Funeral arrangements were handled by Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys.



02-12-04

Gilbert Hirschfeld
 Gilbert Hirschfeld, 94, 8460 Clover Four Road, New Bremen, died at 2:15 p.m. Feb. 11, 2004, at Valley Nursing Home, St. Marys.
 Funeral arrangements are pending at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys.

Ruth Boley
 Ruth H. Boley, 96, of Coldwater, died in the evening of Feb. 11, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 Funeral arrangements are pending at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina.

Michael Koesters
 Michael Koesters, 33, 1201 N. Main St., Celina, died Feb. 10, 2004, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys, immediately following a car accident on Howick Road in Celina.
 He was born Sept. 22, 1970, in Celina, to Leo and Shirley Knapke Koesters. His mother died Oct. 10, 1996; his father resides in Celina.
 Other survivors are his former wife, Julie Riley of Celina; a daughter, Audrey, and a son, Devin, both at home; a brother, Gary (Annetta) of Lima; and two sisters, Sue (Harold) Minch, Celina, and Deborah (Bill) Grady, Valdosta, Ga.
 He was a HVAC technician for Consolidated-Hunter Plumbing & Heating, Celina, and member of St. John Lutheran Church, Celina. A 1988 graduate of the former Mendon High School, he was a U.S. Air Force veteran of Desert Storm and member of the Loyal Order of Moose lodge in Celina.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, Pastor Douglas Meyer officiating. Burial is at North Grove Cemetery, Celina.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, and one hour before the service at the church.
 Contributions can be made to a trust fund for his children.



02-11-04

Oliver Gast
 Oliver L. Gast, 91, 811 W. Vine St., Coldwater, died at 10:35 p.m. Feb. 7, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
   He was born Feb. 10, 1912, in Coldwater, to J.R. and Adeline Grieshop Gast. His wife, the former Rosella Dorsten, survives.
 Other survivors are a son, John of Fort Myers, Fla.; two daughters, Dianne (Michael) Kugel, Dayton, and Kathy (Russell) Gilmore, Tipp City; two sisters, Dorothy (Ralph) Harlamert, Coldwater, and Mildred Neumann, Dayton; seven grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
 Deceased is a brother, Harold; a brother-in-law, Lamar Neumann; and a daughter-in-law, Jackie Gast.
 He was owner/operator of the former Gast Appliances, Coldwater, and retired from Lima Plumber’s Union Local 776. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aeries 3025 and Knights of Columbus Council 1991, all of Coldwater.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Thomas Dorn officiating. Burial is at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Friday and 9-10 a.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

Robert Kelly
 Former Celina resident Robert William Kelly, 57, of Michigan, died Jan. 30, 2004, at a hospital in Grand Blanc, Michigan. The cause of death is undetermined.
 He was born Sept. 6, 1946, to William and Ruth Kelly. His mother and stepfather, John Schnack Sr. survive in Celina. Also surviving is his wife, Pamela,
 Other survivors are a stepson, Martin (Christina) Drigotas of Arizona; a stepdaughter, Laura Drigotas of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; a brother, John Schnack, New Bremen; a sister, Kathy (Tom) Sprague, Wapakoneta; his mother-in-law, Josephine Themos of Maryland; and a granddaughter.
 Deceased is his father-in-law, Benjamin Themos.
 He retired as a network engineer at NCR Corp. of Dayton, and was a member of St. Daniel Catholic Church of Michigan. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and earned the designation of Army Ranger.
 Services were held Feb. 3 in Michigan.
 Contributions can be made to the Michigan Humane Society.

Helen Schurman
 Former Fort Recovery resident Helen E. Schurman, 92, died at 9 p.m. Feb. 9, 2004, at the Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 She was born July 30, 1911, in St. Anthony, to Theodore Rosalia Laux Schurman.
 She was the last of her immediate family.
 Deceased are two brothers, Roman and Isadore; and a half sister, Anna Borns.
 She was a member of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Fort Recovery, and its Altar Sodality.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Paul Wohlwend officiating. Burial is at St. Anthony Cemetery.
 Calling is today from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and 9-10 a.m. Thursday at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery. A prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.



02-10-04

Oliver Gast
 Oliver L. Gast, 91, 811 W. Vine St., Coldwater, died at 10:35 p.m. Feb. 7, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 He was born Feb. 10, 1912, in Coldwater, to J.R. and Adeline Grieshop Gast. His wife, the former Rosella Dorsten, survives.
 Other survivors are a son, John of Fort Wayne, Ind.; two daughters, Dianne (Michael) Kugel, Dayton, and Kathy (Russell) Gilmore, Tipp City; two sisters, Dorothy (Ralph) Harlamert, Coldwater, and Mildred Neumann, Dayton; seven grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
 Deceased is a brother, Harold; a brother-in-law, Lamar Neumann; and a daughter-in-law, Jackie Gast.
 He was owner/operator of the former Gast Appliances, Coldwater, and retired from Lima Plumber’s Union Local 776. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aeries 3025 and Knights of Columbus Council 1991, all of Coldwater.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Thomas Dorn officiating. Burial is at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Friday and 9-10 a.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

Carl Reichert
 Former Celina resident Carl Reichert, 82, died Feb. 8, 2004, in Dayton.
 He was born Aug. 30, 1921, in St. Anthony, to Aloys and Anna Reichert. On Nov. 22, 1951, he married Mary E. Vander Horst who survives in Dayton.
 Other survivors are four sons, Greg (Yoshimi) of Alameda, Calif., Kurt (Susan) of Carrolton, Texas, Mark of Hornbrock, Calif., and Bill (Trisha) of Anna; six daughters, Cheryl (Kenneth) Treadway, Dayton, Diane (Craig) Tribuzi, Plano, Texas, Janis (Richard) Browning, Columbus, Karla (Carl) Brun, Dayton, and Phyllis (George) Strizak and Agnes (Keith) Spoelker, of Cincinnati.
 Other survivors are two sisters, Katherine Albers, Dayton, and Clara (Cletus) Wilker, Coldwater; two brothers-in-law, Harold (Rosemary) Vander Horst, Lexington, Ky., and Russell Vander Horst, Pittsburgh, Pa.; five sisters-in-law, Irene Reichert and Ruth Smith of Celina, Berneice of Montezuma, Alberta of Van Wert, and Kay (Morris) Spees, Dayton; and 21 grandchildren.
 Deceased are three brothers, Ray, Arnold and Daniel; two sisters, Rosemary and Loretta; and a granddaughter.
 He was a teacher at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Celina, Ligonier, Ind., Versailles and the Oakwood school district where he retired. He was a graduate of Findlay College and the University of Dayton, and a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Dayton.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church.
 Calling is 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Martin Funeral Home, Dayton.

Helen Schurman
 Former Fort Recovery resident Helen E. Schurman, 92, died at 9 p.m. Feb. 9, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 Funeral arrangements are pending at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.

Mary Vorhees
 Mary D. Vorhees, 45, 221 W. Fulton St., Celina, died Feb. 8, 2004, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater, after collapsing while working at the V.F.W. hall in Coldwater. A cause of death has not yet been determined.
 She was born July 30, 1958, in Celina, to James P. and Diane Creeden. Her former husband, Randy Vorhees, survives in Celina.
 Other survivors are a son, Shawn, serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq; a daughter, Dawn (Adam) Barnett, Philadelphia, Pa.; two brothers, Frank Creeden, and Randy (Marlena) Creeden, all of Celina; a sister, Paula (Dennis) Bollenbacher, Celina; and two grandchildren.
 She was manager at the V.F.W. in Coldwater, and an auxiliary member of the American Legion post in Celina.
 Services are 11 a.m. Thursday at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, Pastor Kathleen Hayes officiating.
 Calling is 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to Angels for Animals.

Ruth Wyatt
 Former St. Henry resident Ruth Ann Wyatt, 39, of Louisville, Ky., died Feb. 8, 2004, following an accident on Watterson Expressway in Louisville.
 She was born Sept. 15, 1964, in Coldwater, to Carl and Ethel Borger who survive in St. Henry. In 1990, she married Kevin Wyatt who survives in Louisville.
 Other survivors are a son, Urban, and daughter, Evelynn, both at home; five brothers, Dale (Vivian) Borger and Gary (Ruth) Borger, all of Coldwater, Fred Borger, St. Henry, Charlie (Julie) Borger, Washington Court House, John (Shana) Borger, West Chester; four sisters, Beverly (Doug) Thobe, Celina, Mary (Greg) Petkoff, Alexandria, Va., Brenda (Romie) Schwieterman, Coldwater, and Jean Borger, Ann Arbor, Mich.; and parents-in-law, Dale and Maxine Wyatt, Louisville.
 She was an art therapist at several Louisville area centers including the Coleridge Taylor Montessori School, the Churchill Park School for the Handicapped and the Lighthouse, a center for troubled youths which she was instrumental in creating. A 1982 graduate of St. Henry High School and a 1987 graduate of the University of Cincinnati, she held a masters degree in art therapy from the University of Louisville where she also taught. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Louisville, and served in the church’s ministry program.
 Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Thursday at the church.
 Calling is 1-4 and 6-9 p.m. Wednesday at Highlands Funeral Home, Louisville.



02-09-04

Lora Lehman
 Celina native Lora Suzanne Lehman, 61, of Eaton, died Feb. 7, 2004, at Vancrest Nursing Center, Eaton. Death was due to cancer.
 She was born Jan. 29, 1943, in Celina, to Wendell B. and Lenora Riesen Elder. In 1963, she married Larry D. Lehman who survives.
 Other survivors are a brother-in-law, Denny (Marsha) of Friendship Village, Md.; a sister-in-law, Barbara (Harold) Lunsford, St. Marys; and several nieces and nephews.
 She was a school teacher and retired in 1993 from the Trotwood Madison School district. An accomplished pianist and vocalist, she attended grade school in Neptune, and later received a bachelor of arts at Miami University, Oxford. She was a member of Salem Church of God, Dayton, and its choir, and the Christian Womens’ Association.
 Services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at Eaton United Church of Christ, the Rev. Randall Brakemeyer officiating. Burial is at Mound Hill Union Cemetery, Eaton.
 Calling is 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Girton-Schmidt-Boucher Funeral Home, Eaton, and one hour prior to services at church Wednesday.
 Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, Eaton.

Irene Otte
 Irene L. Otte, 86, 6123 Dirksen Road, Maria Stein, died at 4:28 p.m. Feb. 8, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 She was born Jan. 4, 1918, in Egypt, to Joseph and Cecelia Wehrman Prenger. On April 16, 1941, she married Louis E. Otte who survives.
 Other survivors are three sons, Joseph (Judith) of New Weston, John (Alice) of St. Henry, and Charles (Kathy) of Maria Stein; five daughters, Marlene (Jim) Dahlinghaus, Martha (Robert) Pohlman and Karen (Gerald) Moeller, all of Maria Stein, Dianne (Bill) Glaser, Celina, and Ruth (Joe) Kahlig, Coldwater; a brother, Vic (Alma) Prenger, Maria Stein; two sisters, Stella Piekenbrock, and Velma Bergman, of Maria Stein; a sister-in-law, Irene Prenger, Egypt; 39 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased is a brother, Marcus Prenger; three sisters, Loretta Huelskamp, Bernadine Hoelscher and Marcella Sommer; a daughter-in-law, Ruth Otte; two grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
 She was a homemaker and member of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, Cassella, the Ladies Sodality of the parish and the Knights of St. John Auxiliary, Maria Stein. She was a former member of the Mercer County Farm Bureau.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Ken Schroeder officiating. Burial is at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

Kathryn Sullinger
 Kathryn S. Sullinger, 87, 117 Dutton St., Mendon, died at 12:10 a.m. Feb. 7, 2004, at the Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford.
 She was born March 13, 1916, in Fort Wayne, Ind., to John Harvey and Grace Sweeny Leonard.
 Survivors are a son, Terry (Elaine) of Mendon; a daughter, Lois Studer of Van Wert; a brother, John H. (Deanna) Leonard Jr., Hicksville; and two grandchildren.
 Deceased are a brother, Jerry D. Leonard; and three sisters, Grace Krudop, Doris Elliott and Betty Mettert.
 She was a retired school teacher from Perry Local, Lima and St. Marys Catholic School of Van Wert. She was a 1935 graduate of Central High School, Fort Wayne, and received her teaching degree from Ohio Northern University. She was a member of Mendon United Methodist Church.
 Services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev.  Paul Bunnell officiating. Burial is at Mendon Cemetery.
 Calling is at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church.
 Contributions can be made to the church or the activities department at the Laurels of Shane Hill.
 W.H. Dick & Sons Funeral  Home, Celina, handled arrangements.

Juanita Temple
 Juanita Maxine Temple, 89. of Rockford, died at 10:25 a.m. Feb. 8, 2004, at The Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford.
 She was born Aug. 29, 1914, in Rockford, to Oscar William and Ora Belle Chrisenberry Harruff. On Jan. 28, 1935, she married Ivan Temple who died June 16, 1992.
 Survivors are two sons, Noel (Jackie) of Raleigh, N.C., and Rick (Deb) of Rockford; a daughter, Shirley (Jim) Scarpella, Fort Myers, Fla.; 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a brother, Pete Harruff, two sisters, Ruth Reed Driskell and Mary Margaret Toms; and a grandchild.
 She worked at Tu-Way Products, Rockford, and previously owned and managed The Home Plate Restaurant in Rockford with her husband. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) Auxiliary 1292 and the Ladies of the Moose chapter 0138, Greencastle, Ind.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, Pastor Mike Berne officiating. Burial is at Riverside Cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to services Wednesday at the funeral home. The F.O.E. will hold a special service at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the Parkway Booster Club.

Oliver Gast
 Oliver Gast, 91, of Coldwater, died Feb. 7, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 Funeral arrangements are pending at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

Mary Vorhees
 Mary (Creeden) Vorhees, 45, of Celina, died Feb. 8, 2004, after collapsing while working at the V.F.W. hall in Coldwater. The cause of death was undetermined at press time.
 Funeral arrangements are pending at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.

Martha Wiessinger
 Martha V. Wiessinger, 86, formally of 705 Willow St., Celina, died at 3:50 a.m. Feb. 9, 2004, at St. Marys Living Center.
 She was born Sept. 2, 1917, in Eaton, to George and Maude Coleman. On Feb. 15, 1942, she married Freeman Wiessinger who died Aug. 6, 1992.
 Survivors are two daughters, Barbara (Michael) Weadock, St. Marys, and Marilyn Singleton, Margate, Fla.; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
 Deceased are three brothers, Russ, Harry and Kenneth Coleman; and a sister, Ruth Shindler, West Carrollton.
 She retired after 42 years at Huffy Bicycle Co. formerly of Celina, and attended St. Johns Lutheran Church, Celina.
 Services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Douglas Meyer officiating. Burial is at Mercer Memory Gardens, Celina.
 Calling is 12-2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.



02-07-04

Melvin Buschur
 Melvin V. Buschur, 83, 4870 Ohio 219, Coldwater, died at 7:20 p.m. Feb. 5, 2004, at Kettering Memorial Hospital, Kettering.
 He was born July 28, 1920, in Philothea, to Albert Buschur and Minnie Uppenkamp Buschur-Luken. On Sept. 12, 1942, he married Audrey Frank who survives.
 Also surviving are three sons, Dale (Joan), Jerry and Mike (Mary), all of Coldwater; two daughters, Connie (Anthony) Schoenlein and Phyllis (Dick) Gansert, all of Coldwater; a daughter-in-law, Margie Buschur, Celina; three sisters, Wilma Meckstroth, St. Marys, Margie (Dick) Neu, Lima, and Janet (Ed) Dillhoff, Arlington, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Jeanie Luken and Martha Buschur, both of Coldwater; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a son, Richard; his stepfather, Arthur Luken; two brothers, Tom Luken and Robert Buschur; and a brother-in-law, Roland Meckstroth.
 He retired as a supervisor at Hemmelgarn & Sons. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, both of Coldwater, St. Henry American Legion Post and a member and past governor of the Loyal Order of Moose, Celina. He was a member of the 92nd Evacuation Hospital while serving in the Pacific Theatre during World War II.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Thomas Dorn officiating. Burial will be at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater, with St. Henry American Legion and Coldwaer VFW conducting military rites.
 Calling is 1-7 p.m. Sunday and 9-10 a.m. Monday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

Marie Glosette
 Mercer County native Marie Glosette, 81, of Van Wert, died at 8:06 p.m. Feb. 5, 2004, at Van Wert County Hospital.
 She was born Sept. 13, 1922, in Mercer County, to Walter Ray and Lela Seifert Linton. On July 6, 1947, she married Arland L. Glosette Sr., who died Jan. 4, 1991.
 Surviving are a son, Arland L. Jr. (Laurita) of Celina; a sister, Marilyn (Howard) Leever, San Diego, Calif.; three grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a brother, Ray Noland Linton, and four sisters, Mary Ann and Margaret Linton, Dorothy Irene Marple and Harriett Humerickhouse.
 A 1940 graduate of Van Wert High School, she retired as a seamstress at Van Wert Manufacturing Company and was a member of Calvary Evangelical Church, Van Wert.
 Private services will be at the convenience of the family with burial to be at Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.
 Cowan and Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, has charge of arrangements.

Harry Hicks Jr.
 Harry Hicks Jr., 79, 546 S. Second St., Coldwater, died at 1 p.m. Feb. 6, 2004, at his residence.
 He was born July 9, 1924 in Greenville, to Harry and Hazel Brenner Hicks. On April 2, 1965, he married Barbara Hotmire who survives.
 Also surviving are three sons, Steven of San Antonio, Texas, Robert of New Iberia, La., and Jonathan (Mary) of Celina; four daughters, Esther of Tustin, Calif., Jackie Courville of Laurelville, La., Jennifer (Lynn) Brewer, Virginia Beach, Va., and Kelli (Tony) McNeil, Coldwater; 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
 Other survivors include five brothers, Paul (Jane) of Irving, Texas, F. William (Judy) of Welston, Mich., and Richard (Karen), Teddy (Sue) and Donald (Lois), all of Three Rivers, Mich.; and three sisters, Phyllis (Glen) Cook and Mary Jo (Dean) Reams, both of Three Rivers, and Linda (Don) Leister, Oaklahoma City, Okla.
 Deceased are a son, Joe, and two brothers, Larry and Charles.
 He retired from Mersman Tables in Celina and later worked at Hoyng Hardware and as a Cheryl Ann van driver. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, American Legion Post 470, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5135 and Knights of Columbus Council 1991, all of Coldwater, and the Disabled American Veterans Post.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church, the Rev. Thomas Dorn officiating. Burial will follow at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Monday and 9-10 a.m. Tuesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.



02-06-04

Louise Bennett
 Louise A. Bennett, 80, 400 E. Warren St., Celina, died at 12:10 a.m. Feb. 5, 2004, at Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus.
 She was born March 5, 1923, in Van Wert, to Edward and Helen Lee Roesner.
 Surviving with her husband, John Arnold, are four sons, Fred (Judy) of Port Isabel, Texas, and Greg (Mary), Joe (Karen) and Randy (Cindy), all of Celina; two daughters, Cathy (Doug) Bruns, Celina, and Jane Patterson, Lima; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
 A brother, Fred Roesner, is deceased.
 She was a former nurse’s aide and a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Celina.
 Private family services are planned with the Rev. Douglas Meyer officiating.
 Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, has charge of arrangements. There is no public visitation.
 Contributions can be made to Iota Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Psi, Lima, for cancer research.

Virginia Broyles
 Virginia Fischer Broyles, 84, 423 N. Wayne St., St. Marys, died at 6 p.m. Feb. 4, 2004, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
 She was born May 17, 1909, at Appomattox Court House, Va., to William and Lottie Scheffler Fischer. On June 22, 1940, she married Warren Broyles who died March 17, 1982.
 Surviving are two sons, Thomas (Linda) of Ottawa and Edward (Cheryl) of St. Marys; two daughters, Barbara Morris, Livingston, Tenn., and Debra (Richard) Mohr, DeGraff; a sister, Oneta Fischer Orgler, Novelty; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a son-in-law, David Morris, and two brothers, Don and Kermit Fischer.
 She was a member of Wayne Street United Methodist Church, St. Marys, and the Moon Light Ramblers Chapter of the Holiday Rambler Association, a 1937 graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School, a former Girl Scout leader and a former Adult Basic Education Program tutor.
 Services are 11 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Ed Groff officiating. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys.
 Calling is 1-4 p.m. Sunday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, and after 10 a.m. Monday at the church.
 Contributions can be made to the church.

Marie Glosette
 Marie A. Linton Glosette, 81, of Van Wert, died at 8:06 p.m. Feb. 5, 2004, at Van Wert County Hospital.
 Arrangements are pending at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert.



02-05-04

Louise Bennett
 Louise A. Bennett, 80, East Warren Street, Celina, died early today, Feb. 5, 2004, at Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus.
 Services are pending at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.

Virginia Broyles
 Virginia F. Broyles, 84, 423 N. Wayne St., St. Marys, died at 6 p.m. Feb. 4, 2004, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
 Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, has charge of arrangements.

Leroy Droesch
 Former Egypt resident Leroy U. Droesch, 67, 102 VanDemark Road, Sidney, died at 9:58 a.m. Jan. 31, 2004, at Heritage Manor Nursing Center, Minster.
 He was born Dec. 15, 1936, in Egypt, to Camillus and Dorothy Rosenbeck Droesch. On May 15, 1960, he married Mary F. Henke who died Sept. 5, 1997.
 Surviving are two sons, Jerry (Nickie) of Minster and Jeffery (Robin) of Fort Loramie; a daughter, Denise of Sidney; a brother, Ralph of Versailles; three sisters, Mary Ann (Robert) Hoying, Fort Loramie, Dorie (John) Springer, Tipp City, and Marlene (William) Schrage, Columbus; and three grandchildren.
 A brother is deceased.
 He retired as an assembler at Ford Motor Co. in Lima in 1987 after 18 years of service. He was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, Sidney, and a U.S. Army veteran.
 Funeral Mass was 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Earl Fernandes officiated. Burial followed at Miami Memorial Park, Covington.
 Cromes Funeral Home, Sidney, had charge of arrangements.
 Contributions can be made to Heritage Manor.

Lester Wynk
 Lester J. Wynk, 74, 42 N. South St., Osgood, died at 9:05 p.m. Feb. 3, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 He was born Jan. 25, 1930, in Montezuma, to John and Catherine Stueve Wynk. His first wife, the former Wilma Bellert, is deceased. On May 14, 1964, he married Wilma Studer Bergman and she survives.
 Also surviving are a son, Kenneth (Margo) of Coldwater; a daughter, Janet (Chuck) Kemper, Crestline; five stepsons, David (Mary) Bergman, North Star, Daniel (Donna) Bergman, Florida, Patrick (Marilyn) Bergman, Versailles, Mark Bergman, Osgood, and Carl (Karen) Bergman, Coldwater; a stepdaughter, Mary (Gary) Reinhart, Coldwater; and 21 grandchildren.
 Other survivors include a brother, Elmer (Jean) of St. Sebastian; a sister, Lorena (Othmar) Reichert, St. Rose; three brothers-in-law, Richard (Betty) Bellert, Minnesota, Alvin (Alice) Bellert, Dayton, and Paul Studer, Celina; and four sisters-in-law, Freda (Ray) Beaver, Pennsylvania, Rita Wynk, Carthagena, Dorothy Wilker, Montezuma, and Jeanette Studer, Dayton.
 Deceased are four children, Mary, Karen, Joseph and Anthony Wynk; a brother, Robert; and a sister, Dorothy.
 He was a farmer and a member of St. Louis Catholic Church and the American Legion, both of North Star, and the Loyal Order of Moose, Celina.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. David Zink officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 1-8 p.m. Friday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater, and 9-10:15 a.m. Saturday at the church.
 Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice.



02-04-04

Vernon Frey
 Osgood native Vernon “Morrie” Frey, 77, 17 Elm St., Fort Loramie, died at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 3, 2004, at Heritage Manor Nursing Center, Minster.
 He was born Feb. 5, 1926, in Osgood, to Joseph and Cecelia Bruening Frey. On May 15, 1951, he married Juliana Schlater who survives.
 Also surviving are a son, Rex (Louise) of Fort Loramie; a daughter, Patrice (Kevin) Muhlenkamp, Egypt; one brother, Walter (Bernice) of Osgood; five sisters, Dorothy (Herbert) Hoying, Sidney, Marian (Walter) Braun and Betty Ann (Cyril) Overman, all of Maria Stein, Marilyn (Don) Homan, Coldwater, and Alberta (Willard) Bruns, St. Sebastian; and six grandchildren.
 Two brothers and a sister are deceased.
 A retired barber, he served as Fort Loramie Police chief for 21 years and Fort Loramie fire chief for 12 years. He was instrumental in starting the Fort Loramie Rescue Squad in 1975 and served as chief for 10 years. He also was instrumental in organizing Shelby County Veterans Services and served on Fort Loramie Village Council for seven years.
 He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, the Men’s Society of the church and the Booster Club, all of Fort Loramie, the Newport Sportsmen Club, Minster Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1391, the National Federation of Police and Miami Valley Council Boy Scouts of America Troop 355. He was a Second District American Legion Hall of Fame inductee, a charter member of Fort Loramie Kiwanis and a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. Steven Shoup officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery with the American Legion conducting military rites.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Thursday and 9-10 a.m. Friday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.
 Contributions can be made to the Fort Loramie Rescue Squad and Fort Loramie Fire Department.

Ronald Gallaway
 Ronald E. Gallaway, 81, of Ohio City, died at 5:15 p.m. Feb. 2, 2004, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
 He was born May 16, 1922, in Van Wert County, to Lawrence and Elfie Tindall Gallaway.
 Surviving are two sons, James (Sue) of Convoy and Terry J. (Brenda) of Ohio City; a daughter, Mary of Ohio City; three sisters-in-law, Flo Gallaway, Claribel Gallaway and Rosemary Gallaway; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and two stepgrandchildren.
 Deceased are a son, Larry, and three brothers, Carl, Glenn and Doyt.
 He owned and operated Gallaway Grain and Gallaway Transport, both of Ohio City. He also was a Van Wert County farmer.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert. Burial will be at a later date.
 Calling is 1-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to St. Rita’s Medical Center.

Robert Post
 Robert F. “Shorty” Post, 75, 726 Skeels Road, Celina, died at 3:44 p.m. Feb. 3, 2004, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater.
 He was born Jan. 2, 1929, in Celina, to William and Antoinette Beutle Post. On Oct. 16, 1954, he married Lucille Kunk, who died April, 17,1995.
  Surviving are a son, Ron (Linda) of Celina; three daughters, Pat (Randy) Burden, Linda Post and Joyce (Bruce) Wendel, all of Celina; four brothers, Harold (Mary Margaret), Thomas (Ann) and Richard (Rosie), all of Celina, and Donald (Mary Ann) of Coldwater; a sister, Alice (Urban) Grevenkamp, Celina; two sisters-in-law, Opal Post and Yvonne Post, both of Celina; and six grandchildren.
 Deceased are three brothers, Ralph, William and Urban.
 He retired from the former Mersman Furniture Co. and farming. He was a member of the St. Anthony Catholic Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6515, Fort Recovery, and American Legion Post 470, Coldwater. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. Kenneth Alt officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Thursday and 9-9:45 a.m. Friday at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery. A prayer service will be held there at 3:30 p.m. Thursday.

Marie Smith
 Former Celina resident Marie R. Smith, 94, of Greenville, died Feb. 2, 2004, at her residence.
 She was born April 3, 1909, in Frenchtown, to Nicholas and Justine Mathew Frantz. On Nov. 24, 1932, she married Carl W. Smith who died Jan. 19, 1987. Her second husband, Robert Jackson, is also deceased.
 Surviving are two daughters, Charlene (Rod) Applegate, Greenville, and Caroline (George) Bennett, no town listed; a brother-in-law, Francis (Anna Margaret) Smith, Celina; a grandson and a great-grandson.
 Deceased are a stepson, Kenny Jackson; a brother, Elmer Frantz; and three sisters, Ella (Roy) Baltes, Elizabeth (Clarence) Grilliot and Theresa (Bernard) Busse.
 She initially worked at the Buckeye Overall factory in Versailles before attending beauty school in Cincinnati and opening beauty shops in Celina and Anderson, Ind. She later attended candymaking classes in Chicago and established Marie Smith Candy, a company she operated in Greenville for 52 years.
 Funeral Mass is 11 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. John R. White officiating. Burial will follow at St. Marys Catholic Cemetery, Celina.
 Calling is 4:30-7 p.m. Thursday at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville. A prayer service will be held there at 4 p.m. with the Rosary Altar Society reciting the rosary at 6:45 p.m.
 Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice, Greenville Area Rescue Squad, Greenville Animal Shelter, Darke County Humane Society, the Greenville church or Fort Jefferson United Methodist Church.

Lois Squire
 Former Celina resident Lois H. Squire, 75, of St. Petersburg, Fla., died Feb. 1, 2004, at Bell Air East Nursing Home, Clearwater, Fla.
 She was born Sept. 29, 1928, in Rockford, to Buress and Leona Becher McBride. Her husband, George Squire, is deceased.
 Surviving are a son, G. Roger (Dee) of Orlando, Fla.; four daughters, Sharon (Lonnie) Gresley, Kenneth City, Fla., Deborah (Todd) Smith, Coldwater, Darlene (Glenn) Gierhart, Miamisburg, and Marlene (Mark) Springer, Celina; a brother, Leland (Clara) McBride, Celina; 18 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
 She was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church, Celina.
 Services are 11 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. Donald I. Ramsey officiating.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.
 Contributions can be made to the West Central Ohio Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association or the Celina Area Visiting Nurses.

Lester Wynk
 Lester Wynk, 73, of Osgood, died Feb. 3, 2004, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 Funeral Mass is Saturday at St. Louis Catholic Church, North Star.
 Arrangements are pending at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater. A complete obituary will appear in Thursday’s paper.



02-03-04

Jessie Hill
 Jessie Krugh Brewer Hill, 95, formerly of Celina, died at 9 p.m. Feb. 1, 2004, at The Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford.
 She was born Sept. 17, 1908, in Mendon, to M.O. and Minnie Johnson Krugh.
 Surviving are a son, Ronald J. (Virginia) Brewer, Celina; two daughters, Gloria (Meredith) Brewer Vantilburg, Kenosha, Wis., and Marilyn Hill Shinn, Celina; a sister, Mildred Fox, Bryan; 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a brother, Lawrence Krugh, and four sisters, Hazel Moggs, Lucille Fisher, Rhea Krugh and Josephine Goodwin.
 She retired from the Mercer County Welfare Department in 1973 and also worked at Production Credit in Celina. She was a 1927 graduate of Celina High School and a member of St. Pauls United Methodist Church.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Kathleen Hayes officiating. Burial will follow at Tomlinson Cemetery.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice.

Lois Squire
 Former Celina resident Lois H. Squire, 75, of Clearwater, Fla., died Feb. 1, 2004, at Bell Air East Nursing Home, Clearwater.
 Arrangements are pending at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.

James Zellner
 James E. Zellner, 59, of Reynoldsburg, died suddenly Jan. 30, 2004, at his residence. Death was due to natural causes.
 He was born Jan. 17, 1945, in Mansfield, to George M. and Jane F. Zellner.
 Surviving are three daughters, Tami (Kerry) Ford, Reynoldsburg, Jami (Jeff) Hensley, Pickerington, and Ami (Larry) Boley, Celina; and five grandchildren.
 He was a member of the Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church, Willard Jaycees and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, also of Willard. He was past president of the Willard Golf Course.
 Services are 7 p.m. Thursday at Cotner Funeral Home, Reynoldsburg.
 Calling is 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or the Miss Lake Festival Scholarship Program.



02-02-04

Edward Clementson
 Edward Emil Clementson, 55, 9081 Ohio 49, Celina, died at 5 p.m. Jan. 31, 2004, at his residence. Death was due to natural causes.
 He was born Aug. 5, 1948, in Augsburg, Germany, to George and Emilie Ruetsch Clementson. On July 21, 1978, he married Nila Green who survives.
 Also surviving are a daughter, Heather, at home; two brothers-in-law, Lyn (Rose) Green and Richard (Pat) Green, all of Celina; and his father-in-law, Paul Green, also of Celina.
 He was a corrections officer and a firearms training instructor at the Allen Correctional Institution, Lima, where he had worked 15 years. He was  a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5713, Celina, and the National Street Rod Association. A 1966 graduate of Rancocus Valley High School in Mount Holly, N.J., he served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at W. H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Mark Wakeland officiating. Burial will follow at Swamp College Cemetery with the VFW and American Legion posts conducting military rites.
 Calling is 3-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Thelma Davidson
 Thelma Eileen Davidson, 80, 7100 Medford Road, Versailles, died at 1 p.m. Jan. 31, 2004, at her residence.
 She was born Oct. 13, 1923, in Uhrichsville, to Russell and Maude Staley Carr. On Nov. 30, 1941, she married Bernard Davidson who died Jan. 16, 2003.
 Surviving are a son, John (Naomi) of Wooster, Mass.; a daughter, Linda (James) Pohlman, Versailles; a son-in-law, Dale Armstrong, Russia; nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a daughter, Donna Armstrong; a sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Woodrow Wilson; and a grandson-in-law.
 She was a homemaker, a member of St. Denis Catholic Church, Versailles, and a former member of the Daughters of Isabella, Versailles.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. David Vincent officiating. Burial will be at St. Valbert Cemetery, Versailles.
 Calling is 3-8 p.m. Tuesday at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles.
 Contributions can be made to State of the Heart Home Health & Hospice.

Leroy Droesch
 Former Egypt resident Leroy U. Droesch, 67, 102 VanDemark Road, Sidney, died at 9:58 a.m. Jan. 31, 2004, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Minster.
 He was born Dec. 15, 1936, in Egypt, to Camillus and Dorothy Rosenbeck Droesch. On May 15, 1960, he married Mary F. Henke who  died Sept. 5, 1997.
 Surviving are two sons, Jerry (Nickie) of Minster and Jeffery (Robin) of Fort Loramie; a brother, Ralph of Versailles; three sisters, Mary Ann (Robert) Hoying, Fort Loramie, Dorie (John) Springer, Tipp City, and Marlene (William) Schrage, Columbus; and three grandchildren.
 A brother is deceased.
 He retired as an assembler at Ford Motor Co. in Lima in 1987 after 18 years of service. He was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church, Sidney, and a U.S. Army veteran.
 Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Earl Fernandes officiating. Burial will follow at Miami Memorial Park, Covington.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at Cromes Funeral Home, Sidney.
 Contributions can be made to Heritage Manor.

Jessie Hill
 Jessie Hill, 91, of Celina, died Feb. 1, 2004, at The Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford.
 Arrangements are pending at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina.

Melody Weaver
 Melody Ann Weaver, 52, 1101 Yorkshire Court, Celina, died Jan. 30, 2004, at her residence. Death was due to natural causes.
 She was born May 4, 1951, in Muncie, Ind., to Claude Pete and Roberta Sears. Her mother survives in Florida. Her husband William Edward Weaver also survives.
 Other survivors include two sons, Brock (Sherree) Sturgeon, Shawnee, and William Weaver, Lima; a daughter, Shannon (Shawn) Perry, Celina; four brothers, Claude and Thomas Sears, both of California, Peter Sears, Arkansas, and Bryan Sears, Massachusetts; a sister, Bobby Pratt, Spencerville; and six grandchildren.
 She was a housewife.
 Services are 1 p.m. Wednesday at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Robert Young
 Robert E. Young, 55, 833 Columbia St., St. Marys, died at 10:54 a.m. Jan. 31, 2004, in the emergency department at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys. Death was due to natural causes.
 He was born Aug. 31, 1948, in St. Marys, to Charles and Harriet Ball Young. He first married Deborah Petry Smith who survives in St. Marys and later married Peg Beaumont who survives in Wapakoneta.
 Also surviving are two sons, Robert (Imogene) of Columbus and Joseph of Marysville; a daughter, Leslie Angel (Bobby) Winget, St. Marys; a brother, Ronnie (Lori) of St. Marys; five sisters, Mary Toler and Crystal (James) Adkins, all of Wapakoneta, Joyce (Larry) Lindeman, Delphos, Rose Krauss and Ola (Dave) Crist, all of St. Marys; and seven grandchildren.
 Deceased are two brothers, Drake and Charles, and a sister, Charlene Leonard.
 He was a longtime employee of JB Tool Corporation, Wapakoneta, and more recently worked at Wycuff Farms.
 Services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, the Rev. Herb Berry officiating. Private burial services will follow.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Daily Standard Obituaries
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