Edward J. Wehrkamp, 78, of Fort Recovery, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 5, 2023, at his home.
  He was born March 8, 1945, in North Star, Ohio, to the late Ernest and Mary Jean (Stammen) Wehrkamp.
  Ed is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marlene (Metzger) Wehrkamp, whom he married on November 16, 1974; his children, Brian (Kim) Wehrkamp of Troy, Ohio, Kyle (Sarah) Wehrkamp of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Nicholas (Allison) Wehrkamp of Muncie, Indiana, Kevin (Erica) Wehrkamp of Fort Recovery, Ohio, and Jill (Patrick) Nixon of Fort Recovery, Ohio; his grandchildren, Blake, Angelina, Cassie, Julianna, Vivian, Jonathan, Victor, Henry, Krew, Edward, Clara, and Baby Nixon on the way; his siblings, Mike (Dixie) Wehrkamp of Versailles, Ohio, Carol Francis of Versailles, Ohio, Joyce (Ron) Hiestand of North Star, Ohio, Mark (Diane) Wehrkamp of Versailles, Ohio, Leo (Linda) Wehrkamp of North Star, Ohio, and Melanie Parin of Greenville, Ohio; and his in-laws, Bob (Linda) Metzger of Fort Recovery, Ohio, Elaine Phillips of Centerville, Ohio, Dolores (Jim) Gaerke of Russia, Ohio, and Carol (Lloyd) Stammen of Fort Recovery, Ohio.
  In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Richard Francis; his father and mother-in-law, Victor and Rosemary Metzger; and his in-laws, Bob Phillips and Jim Metzger.
  Ed was a 1963 graduate of Versailles High School. He was a member of the United States Army National Guard, where he served his country honorably. Ed worked for the family business, North Star Blue Flame until 2001. After he "retired", he then continued to work for Cooper Farms and the Fort Recovery Parks for several years.
  The Fort Recovery community was important to Ed. He was a volunteer fireman for the Southwest Fire District for 20 years. Ed, along with several other community members, started the football program in Fort Recovery and was a charter member of the Fort Recovery Athletic Boosters. He coached little league baseball and Jr High Football for many years and was a proud member of the "chain gang". Ed was an avid sports fan and was a known Ohio State Buckeyes fan. He especially enjoyed football, golf, and baseball. Ed was also a member of the Fort Recovery Knights of Columbus, Fort Recovery Legion Post 345, and the Fort Recovery Community Club.
  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Sharpsburg, with Father Alexander Witt celebrating. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in the church cemetery.
  Guests may visit with Ed's family on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM and again on Wednesday from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at Brockman Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery. Knights of Columbus and American Legion prayer services will be conducted on Tuesday at 6:45 PM at the funeral home.
  Memorial contributions may be given to the Alzheimer's Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter, 480 W. Dussel Drive, Suite 140, Maumee, Ohio 43537 or Everheart Hospice, 1350 N. Broadway Street, Greenville, Ohio 45331.
  Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.brockmanboeckmanfh.com.