Jan. 20, 2008-June 21, 2012
Andrew J. “Drew” Knippen, 4, of Fort Jennings died at 12:16 p.m. Thursday at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.
He was born Jan. 20, 2008, in Lima to Andrew and Janelle (Hallard) Knippen, who survive in Fort Jennings.
Other survivors include four sisters, Hannah, Haven, Katelyn and Mollie Knippen; grandparents, Ralph and Doreen Knippen of Fort Jennings and Bruce and Deborah (Hallard) Denison of Cloverdale; and great-grandparents, Norman and Alice Knippen, Thomas and Carolyn Stocklin and Freda Hallard of Delphos.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Kaydence Knippen; grandfather, Mike Hallard; and great-grandparents Harold Recker, Josephine Kaufman and John R. Hallard.
Drew loved riding his bike and riding on the tractors and being on the farm. He always had a smile on his face and a hug and kiss for everyone.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Jennings, the Rev. Charles Obinwa officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Sunday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, where a parish wake will begin at 8 p.m. Friends may also call one hour prior to the Mass Monday at the church.

View Full Information → Andrew J. ‘Drew’ Knippen

Lela R. Richcreek, 98, died Thursday at Vancrest Healthcare Center in Delphos.
Arrangements are incomplete at Harter and Schier Funeral Home.

View Full Information → Lela R. Richcreek

Charlene Closson, 69, died Wednesday at Community Memorial Hospital.
Arrangements are incomplete at Harter and Schier Funeral Home.

View Full Information → Charlene Closson

Daniel Hoehn, 60, of Delphos, died today at his residence.
Arrangements are incomplete at Harter and Schier Funeral Home.

View Full Information → Daniel Hoehn

Feb. 7, 1957-June 24, 2012

Leo J. Ernst, 55, of Coldwater, died following an extended battle with cancer on Sunday at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater.

He was born Feb. 7, 1957, in Lima, to Arthur and Ruth Christine (Fischer) Ernst, who preceded him in death.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Coldwater, Burial will follow in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Coldwater and after 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Memorials may be directed to State of the Heart Hospice 210 W. Main St., Coldwater OH.

Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com

View Full Information → Leo J. Ernst

Mary Elizabeth Beckman, 90, of Delphos, died today at Vancrest Healthcare Center.
Arrangements are incomplete at Harter and Schier Funeral Home.

View Full Information → Mary Elizabeth Beckman

July 15, 1913-June 21, 2012
Lela R. (Peltier) Richcreek, 98, died at 7:20 p.m. Thursday at Vancrest Healthcare Center.
She was born July 15, 1913, in Delphos, to Ralph and Mable (Shinabery) Peltier, who preceded her in death.
On April 9, 1932, she married William Richcreek, who died in 1990.
Survivors include special friends, Hank and Linda Hughes,of Georgia, Clifford “Kip” Pomaroy of Indiana and Steve and Marty Mansfield and Ray and Jean Beair of Delphos.
She was preceded in death by a brother.
Mrs. Richcreek had been a teacher for several years in the Gomer-Elida school district, teaching mostly at the location that is now called the Century Club. She was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and American Legion Legionnaires in New Bremen. She was a 1931 Jefferson High School graduate who received her teaching license from Ohio University. She was an avid bowler, bowling in two different leagues. She enjoyed traveling and loved camping.
Graveside services will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday in Walnut Grove Cemetery, the Rev. David Howell officiating.
Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Friday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church.

View Full Information → Lela R. Richcreek

July 15, 1913-June 21, 2012
Lela R. (Peltier) Richcreek, 98, died at 7:20 p.m. Thursday at Vancrest Healthcare Center.
She was born July 15, 1913, in Delphos, to Ralph and Mable (Shinabery) Peltier, who preceded her in death.
On April 9, 1932, she married William Richcreek, who died in 1990.
Survivors include special friends, Hank and Linda Hughes,of Georgia, Clifford “Kip” Pomaroy of Indiana and Steve and Marty Mansfield and Ray and Jean Beair of Delphos.
She was preceded in death by a brother.
Mrs. Richcreek had been a teacher for many years in the Gomer-Elida school district, teaching mostly at the location that is now called the Century Club. She was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and American Legion Legionnaires in New Bremen. She was a 1931 Jefferson High School graduate who received her teaching license from Ohio University. She was an avid bowler, bowling in two different leagues. She enjoyed traveling and loved camping.
Graveside services will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday in Walnut Grove Cemetery, the Rev. David Howell officiating.
Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Friday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church.

View Full Information → Lela R. Richcreek

Aug. 24, 1921-June 26, 2012
Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Beckmann, 90, of Delphos, died at 7:28 a.m. Tuesday at Vancrest Healthcare Center.
She was born Aug. 24, 1921, in Delphos to Aloysius and Laura (Laudick) Kaverman, who preceded her in death.
On Nov. 28, 1945, she married Leonard Beckmann, who died Feb. 17, 2002.
Survivors include sons Robert (Carla) Beckmann of Delphos, George Beckmann of Cleveland, Donald (Cheryl) Beckmann of Delphos and Philip (Nora) Beckmann of Cincinnati; daughter Joan (Dennis) Patthoff of Lima; sisters Alice (Norman) Knippen and Margaret (Paul) Pohlman of Delphos, Dorothy Heitz of Wapakoneta, Alene Klausing of Delphos and Janet (Tom) Hiett of Spencerville; brothers Eugene Kaverman of Ottoville and Louis (Martha) Kaverman of Delphos; brother-in-law Ed Utrup; and 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Utrup.
Mrs. Beckmann had been owner of Drapery Stitch and Beckmann’s Furniture Store. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters of America and she was a 1939 St. John’s High School graduate.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Rev. Melvin Verhoff will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Friday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, where a parish wake service will be held at 7:30 p.m.

View Full Information → Mary Elizabeth Beckmann

Aug. 2, 1937-June 23, 2012

The Rev. Bill L. Hardy, 74, of Van Wert and formerly of Hudson, Mich., died Saturday at Van Wert County Hospital.

He was born Aug. 2, 1937, to James Ray and Ella Mae (Slagle) Hardy and was the oldest of eight children.

Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Patricia; sons William (Brenda), Wayne (Jessica) and Michael (Sherri); daughters Tammy (Joseph) Miskowski and Sarah (Douglas) Cripe; siblings H. Ray Gregory, Daniel P. Hardy and Wanda Kay Houston; 18 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers James, Dave and John Hardy; sister Patricia Ann Bowles; daughter Margaret Teresa DePew; and grandson Robert Lee DePew.

Rev. Hardy retired from Dana Corp., Toledo, where he was active within the UAW. His focus, heart and the thrust of his life was telling people about the Good News of Jesus Christ. He was an ordained minister with the Church of God of Cleveland, Tenn. He was a pastor and planted two churches, served as interim pastor at several others, was active in evangelism and evangelism training and various church scouting activities. Whenever he was out, he rarely missed an opportunity to talk to people about Jesus, even up to the day before he died. He loved all of his children and grandchildren. He was very proud of all of them and bragged about them whenever he could.

Funeral services begin at 2 p.m. Tuesday, at the funeral home, Pastor Dan Eaton officiating. Burial will follow at Ridge Cemetery in Middle Point.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. To 2 p.m. Tuesday at Cowan and Son Funeral Home in Van Wert.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at: cowanfuneralhome.com.

View Full Information → Bill Lyle Hardy

Glenna Carmean, 78, of Spencerville, died at 2:50 a.m. today at her residence following a 3-month illness.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, where visitation will be held Sunday.

View Full Information → Glenna Carmean

Jan. 7, 1981-June 27, 2012
Gregory A. Horstman, 31, of Ottoville died at 3:10 p.m. Wednesday at Van Wert Inpatient Hospice surrounded by his wife, kids, family and friends. Despite a courageous 3-year battle with cancer, he leaves us with memories of his heartwarming smile, determination and willingness to always “Make it Enough.”  
He was born Jan. 7, 1981, in Lima to Lawrence and Judy (Knippen) Horstman, who survive in Cloverdale.
On Sept. 17, 2004 he married Sarah Kunkleman, who survives in Ottoville.
Also surviving are his five children, Carter, Landon, Brynn, Ty and Mya, all at home; two brothers, Kevin (Beth) Horstman of Ottoville and Ryan (Karen) Horstman of Cloverdale; a sister, Marla (Rick) Dienstberger of Delphos; father-in-law, Gregg (Sandi) Kunkleman of Lima; mother-in-law, Nancy Kunkleman of Lima; and several nieces, nephews, in-laws and godchildren.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ben and Donelda Horstman and William and Anna Knippen.
Mr. Horstman was a construction worker for Krietemeyer Concrete, Fort Jennings. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, and the Ottoville Knights of Columbus. He was a 1999 graduate of Ottoville High School where he played basketball, ran track, cross country and was a member of the school record-holding 4 x 800 relay team. He was a graduate of Northwestern Business College, where he received his accounting degree. He enjoyed being out in the fields farming, coaching T-Ball, Upwards Basketball and YMCA Youth Soccer. He was a runner and completed the Detroit and Columbus Marathons. He was a fan of  the Reds, Bengals and  Ohio State Buckeyes. Horstman was a family man who always had fun with his children and was a very loving husband, dad, son, brother and uncle.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Rev. John Stites officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, Ottoville.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Saturday and 2-8 p.m. on Sunday at Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Jackson Township (at the corner of St. Rts. 224 & 634). There will be a Knights of Columbus service 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Greg’s Children’s Education Fund c/o Ottoville Bank or to the Ottoville Athletic Boosters.
Condolences can be expressed at: www.lovefuneralhome.com.

View Full Information → Gregory A. Horstman

Dec. 11, 1936-June 27, 2012
Verna I. Bible, 75, of Lima, died at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Vancrest Healthcare Center in Delphos.
She was born Dec. 11, 1936, in Uniopolis to Delmar and E. June (Thompson) Epps. Her father preceded her in death. Her mother, now E. June Huston, survives in Lima.
On May 18, 1957, she married Robert L. “Bob” Bible Sr., who survives.
Survivors also include son Robert L. “Bobbie” Bible Jr., of Tiffin; daughters Patricia Stuart of Holiday, Fla., Debra Conner of Lima and Tamara (Stephen) Kraft of Elida; sister Roberta Bible of Lima; grandchildren Maggie, Melissa, Jennifer, Ryan, Michelle, Danny, Michael and Andrea; and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Jack E. Huston; and a great-grandson, Matthew E. Craft.
Mrs. Bible was a 1955 graduate of Lima South High School. She had been a clerk and sales associate with the Leader Store and Elder Beerman for many years, retiring in 1990. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed reading, bowling and knitting. She also enjoyed teaching her grandchildren how to play cards, until they started beating her at her own game. Then she accused them of cheating and refused to play with them anymore. She will be dearly missed by her family. She loved her dog, Shelby.
Services will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation, Eastside Chapel. The Rev. Jerry Hall will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita’s Hospice or Vancrest Healthcare Center.

View Full Information → Verna I. Bible

Sept. 5, 1935-July 7, 2012

Donnabelle Mae Shawver, 76, of Paulding, died at 5:48 a.m. Saturday at the Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.

She was born Sept. 5, 1935, in Delphos, to Charles and Nellie (Martin) Stocklin.

On Aug. 14, 1967, she married Edward Miller, who preceded in death. On March 8, 1979, she married Frank Shawver, who also preceded in death.

Survivors include daughter Catherine (Bernard) Beard of Paulding; step son Ronald (Carol) Shawver of Junction; brothers Kenneth (Dorothy) and Thomas (Carolyn) Stocklin of Delphos; sisters Mary Catherine Klemons of Lima, JoAnn Hollowell of Bryan and Edna Kesler of Delphos; three grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by 12 brothers and sisters.

Mrs. Shawver was a homemaker who enjoyed bingo, camping, fishing and scratch off lottery tickets. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a past member of Delphos First Assembly of God Church.

Services begin at 2 p.m. Thursday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, Pastor Dan Eaton officiating. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery.

Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials are to the family.

View Full Information → Donnabelle Mae Shawver

July 5, 1933-July 4, 2012
Clara E. Linscott, 78, of Fort Jennings, died at 1 p.m. Wednesday at St. Rita’s Medical Center.
She was born July 5, 1933, in Eaton, to Gray and Enda (Collins) McCampbell, who preceded her in death.
On Oct. 18, 1961, she married Stanley Linscott, who also preceded her in death.
Survivors include three daughters, Annetta (Chester) Steen of Derry, N.H., Donna (David) Kern of Texas and Marcia (Michael) Fiedler of Ohio; a brother, Meryl (Virginia) McCampbell of Camden; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; and three nephews.
She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Harry and George McCampbell; and a sister-in-law, Flow McCampbell.
Mrs. Linscott was a homemaker and member of Protestant Roselms Christian Church, where she had played piano for eight years and was a member of the Roselms Ladies Aid. She was also a member of the Food Pantry Committee for the Paulding area, mentoring partner at Grover Hill Elementary School for two years and she was a past Girl Scout leader. She enjoyed reading.
Funeral services will being at 10 a.m. Monday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, with Ronald Bear officiating. Burial will be in College Corner Cemetery, with Ray McCampbell officiating.
Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to Fort Haven Senior Living.

View Full Information → Clara E. Linscott

Feb. 10, 1961-July 6, 2012
Donna Marie Fifer, 51, of Delphos, died Friday at her residence.
She was born Feb. 10, 1961, in Allen County to Kenneth and Velma (Hoffman) Fifer, who preceded her in death.
Survivors include sons John L. Miller and Don W. Miller of Republic; daughter Dawn C. Miller of Republic; sister Cheryl (Dennis) Schroeder of Leipsic; brother Dennis J. Fifer of Delphos; nieces Jennifer Schroeder of Leipsic, Heather (Scott) Kuhlman of New Cleveland and Ada Fifer of Lima; nephews Kyle Schroeder of New Cleveland, Tyler Schroeder of Leipsic and Nathan Schroeder of Leipsic; two great-nieces and four great-nephews; and one grandchild.
Mrs. Fifer was a homemaker who enjoyed crocheting. She was a past member of the Delphos Eagles and was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and a 1980 Jefferson High School graduate.
Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Rev. Melvin Verhoff officiating. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery.
Friends may call from 9-10:00 a.m. Saturday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home.
Memorials are to the family.

View Full Information → Donna Marie Fifer

Jan. 16, 1933
July 14, 2012

Rex E. Shaffer, 79, of rural Spencerville, died at 6:05 p.m. Saturday at The Ohio State University Hospital East, Columbus, where he had been a patient for two months with an extended illness.
He was born Jan. 16, 1933, in Van Wert County to Homer Earl and Flossie Mae Etchison Shaffer, who preceded him in death.
On April 7, 1956, he married Dorothy K. Robey, who survives.
Survivors also include sons William Clark (Nancy) Shaffer of Spencerville, Brent Allen Shaffer of Wapakoneta and Richard Neal (Patty) Shaffer of Delphos; grandchildren Calla Marie Shaffer of Spencerville and Cassandra Louise “Cassie” and Cory James Schimmoeller of Delphos; sisters Rosa Marie (Jerry) Moreland of Auburn, Ind., and Gladys Ann (Ronald) Mumma of New Haven, Ind.; sister-in-law Ramona Shaffer of Sherwood; brothers-in-law John Robey Jr. of Van Wert and David Robey of Michigan; sisters-in-law Florence (Lowell) Nolan and Mary (Raymond) Young of Venedocia, Carol (Darrel) Bowers of Lima, Nancy Robey of Spencerville and Daomi Robey of Van Wert; and several nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, William Clark Shaffer; and four brothers-in-law, Franklin, William, Richard and Donald Robey.
Mr. Rex served in the U.S. Army in Korea. He was a farmer and worked 42 years at the former Nameplate/Hayes Albion/Trim Trends factory in Spencerville doing maintenance work. He was a member of the United Auto Workers union Local 961 and was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6772. He was a 1951 York High School graduate.
A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, the Rev. John G. Medaugh will officiate. Burial will be in Spencerville Cemetery with military rites by the Spencerville Veterans.
Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Spencerville Veterans Memorial Park or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

View Full Information → Rex E. Shaffer

Nov. 16, 2011-July 14, 2012
Danika M. Deitering, 7 months, of Ottoville, died 3:04 a.m. Saturday at her residence after a long battle with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. 
She was born Nov. 16, 2011 in Lima to Scott and Danielle (Brandt) Deitering of Ottoville.
She is also survived by a brother, Michael Deitering at home; paternal grandparents, Larry A. and Diane Deitering of Delphos; and maternal grandparents, Debra and Gary Gottschalk of Wilshire and David and Marti Cosaboom of Cincinnati.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, the Rev. John Stites officiating.          
Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. today and Tuesday at Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Jackson Township, corner of St. Rt. 224 and 634.
Memorials made be give to the charity of donor’s choice.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.lovefuneralhome.com.

View Full Information → Danika M. Deitering

March 1, 1918-July 15, 2012
Arthur A. Heidenescher, 94, of Lima, died at 6 p.m. on Sunday at Elmcroft Assisted Living, Lima.
He was born March 1, 1918, in Delphos to John and Frances (Weiging) Heidenescher, who preceded him in death.
On Feb. 19, 1941, he married Bernadine Marie Schnipke, who preceded him in death on Oct. 22, 2005.
Surviving are sons, John A. (Cheryl) Heidenescher of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Robert Joseph (Edie) Heidenescher of Lima and Roger Alan (Kate) Heidenescher of Columbus; a daughter, Joan (Jerry) Stuby of Connersville, Ind.; eight grandchildren, Lois Heidenescher, Jim Heidenescher, Bobby Heidenescher, Katie Mills, Shelly Wetzel, Cathy Stenzel, Jason Heidenescher and Luke Heidenescher; 15 great-grandchildren, Eric, Ryan, Skylar, Amber, Kory, Katelyn, Katerina, Alex, Emma, Isabella, Jake, Kaleb, Kamden, Ava and Edie; sister, Rosie Murray of Delphos; and a sister-in-law, Alice Heidenescher of Delphos.
He was also predeceased by a great-grandchild, Kaiden Heidenescher; three brothers, Richard Heidenescher, Paul Heidenescher and Clarence Heidenescher; and two sisters, Mary Heidenescher and Rita Klinger.
Mr. Heidenescher retired from Stiener Brothers/Lennox/Warner-Swazey after 40 years, and was the owner and operator of B&W Log Splitters and Bait and Tackle for 26 years. He was a member of St. Gerard’s Catholic Church; a life member of the Elks BPOE 54; the Catawba Yacht Club and a past commodore. He loved to fish, was an avid race fan and one heck of a good dad, a wonderful grandfather and a great grandfather.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Gerard Catholic Church, the Rev. Mike Houston officiating
Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, where a parish wake service will be held at 8 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Gerard Catholic Church 240 W. Robb Lima, OH 45801.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com

View Full Information → Arthur A. Heidenescher

Sept. 18, 1936-July 12, 2012
William F. “Bill” Lane, 75, died Thursday at Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center, Van Wert.
He was born Sept. 18, 1936, in Van Wert to Benjamin Franklin and Juanita Parrish Lane, who preceded him in death.
On June 14, 1958, he married Helen Joan White, who died Aug. 12, 1996. He then married Mary Ward, who survives in Lima.
Survivors include sons Billy (Barb) Lane and Chris (Peggy) Lane, both of Delphos; daughters Suzette (Kevin) Sanders, Diane (Jim) Diltz and Gail Lane-Clark, all of Delphos; brothers Jim (Betty) Lane of Van Wert and Gary Lane of Michigan; sister-in-law Sandy Lane; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and his chihuahua, Precious.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Shirly Forwerck.
Mr. Lane retired from Fruehauf after 35 years. He was a National Guard veteran. He was a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 370. He attended Trinity Friends Church in Van Wert. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast who enjoyed riding his Goldwing on yearly trips with his friends. He enjoyed horses and pigeons and was an avid fan of The Ohio State University Buckeyes. He also enjoyed to dance with his friends at the Botkins Dance Club.
Services will begin at 2 p.m. Monday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, The Rev. Neil Hammonds will officiate. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery in Middle Point with military rites by Delphos Veterans Council.
Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

View Full Information → William F. “Bill” Lane