Willard D. Watkins, 86, of Gomer, died at 11:29 a.m. Monday at Vancrest Healthcare Center.
Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Harter and Schier Funeral Home.
Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday at Gomer United Church of Christ.
Further arrangements are incomplete.
View Full Notice → Willard D. Watkins
Oliver Pittman, 81, of rural Spencerville, died Monday at his home.
Arrangements are incomplete at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville.
View Full Notice → Oliver Pittman
April 12, 1916 – Oct. 19, 2012
Joseph L. Knippen, 96, of Delphos, died Friday at the Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.
He was born April 12, 1916, in Cloverdale to George and Caroline (Miller) Knippen.
On Jan. 3, 1948, he married Agnes Gasser, who died on Jan. 6, 2008.
Survivors include a son, Douglas (Melissa) Knippen of Van Wert; a daughter, Doris Showalter of Bowling Green; a sister, Margaret Hesseling of Delphos; a brother, George Knippen of Ottoville; three grandchildren, Nick (Julia) Showatlter of Columbus, Kristen (Joel) McClosky of Asheboro, N.C., and Brent Showalter of Fort Walton Beach, Fla; a great-grandchild, Lydia Showalter of Columbus; and Deloris Klapperish of Seattle, Cathy Lammers of Spencerville and Susan Kiene of Lambertville, Mich., who lived with the Knippen family for five years.
He was also preceded in death by brothers, the Rev. Charles Knippen, William Knippen Sr, and Sylvester “Pork” Knippen; and five sisters, Agnes Kehres, Sr. Mary Vita, Sr. Mary Berhcman, Sr. Mary Leonarda and Lucille Pohlman.
Mr. Knippen was a grain and livestock farmer and retired when he was 80. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the K of C since December 1941, was a Reds fan, loved to laugh and to make people laugh and always a believer the glass was half full.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Rev. Chris Bohnsack officiating. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.
Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Monday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, where a K of C service will begin at 7 p.m.
Preferred memorials are to St. John’s Church or the Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.
View Full Notice → Joseph L. Knippen
Sept. 7, 1926
Oct. 22, 2012
Willard “Willy” D. Watkins, 86, of Gomer, died at 11:29 a.m. Monday at Vancrest Healthcare Center.
He was born Sept. 7, 1926, in Gomer to Arthur and Cleo (Baumgardner) Watkins, who preceded him in death.
On Jan. 18, 1948, he married Betty Lou Conrad, who survives.
Other survivors include a son, Willard “Rodney” (Nancy) Watkins of Gomer; three daughters, Diana Barnt of Gomer, Mary Jane (Keaton) Vandemark of Spring Hope, N.C., and Sue (Jay) Grusenmeyer of Lima; eight grandsons, Trevor (Angie) Vandemark, Tyler (Boots) Vandemark and Dean (Christina) Vandemark of Spring Hope, Cory Barnt of Columbus, Jon Grusenmeyer of Columbus, Tod Grusenmeyer of New Orleans and Ethan and Travis Watkins of Gomer; and five great-grandchildren and one stepgreat-grandchild.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, Lester Watkins; and two sisters, Martha Ensler and Wilma Watkins.
Mr. Watkins was a 1944 graduate of Gomer High School and an Army veteran of World War II, serving in Germany and France. He was an avid Sprint race car fan, a lifetime member of the Gomer United Church of Christ and holder of the certificate for First Families of Allen County.
He was a retired farmer and member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters United Association 776. He retired in 1989 after working 20 years for G.L. Eagy Plumbing and Heating. He was a member of American Legion Post 96, Masonic Lodge 585 and was a 4-H advisor for 25 years for the Gomer Go-Getters. He also served two terms as Sugar Creek Township Clerk.
Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday at Gomer United Church of Christ, the Revs. Brian Knoderer and Terri Barnes officiating. Burial will be in Tawelfan Cemetery, with graveside military rites conducted by the Delphos Veterans Council.
Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. today at Harter and Schier Funeral Home.
Preferred memorials are to The Gomer Welsh Society of N.W. Ohio, c/o Mary Agler, 4430 Ridge Road, Elida OH 45807; and Gomer United Church of Christ, 7350 Gomer Road, Gomer OH 45809.
View Full Notice → Willard ‘Willy’ D. Watkins
Oct. 30, 1919-Oct. 25, 2012
Alice M. Maag, 92, of Fort Jennings died at 9:20 a.m. Thursday at Vancrest of Delphos.
She was born Oct. 30, 1919, in Ottoville to Sylvester and Regina (Wurst) Wannemacher, who preceded her in death.
On Aug. 10, 1939 she married Cletus Maag, who died June 24, 1985.
Survivor include 10 children, Ronald (Joyce) Maag of Fort Jennings, Gary (Diane) Maag of Kalida, Bill (Norma) Maag of Fort Jennings, Judy (Karl) Fortman of Kalida, Janice (Alan) Schroeder of Fort Jennings, John Maag of Lima, Randy (Rita) Maag of Cloverdale, Rick (Laurie) Maag of Fort Jennings, Tim (Janet) Maag of Monroe, Mich., and Terry (Mary) Maag of Fort Jennings; 33 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great granddaughter.
She was also preceded in death by four grandchildren, Steve Maag, Kelly Maag, Robert Maag, and Rob Kortokrax; four brothers, Earl, Richard, Norval and Robert Wannemacher; and three sisters, Jean Leonard, Priscilla Wannemacher and Rita Eickholt.
Mrs. Maag retired from GTE Sylvania formerly of Ottawa. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Jennings, and its Rosary Altar and Catholic Ladies of Columbia societies.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Revs. Joseph Weigman and Charles Obinwa officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. today at Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Jackson Township (corner of St Rts 224 & 634); and one hour prior to the mass on Saturday at the church. There will be a scripture service at 2 p.m. and a rosary at 8 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences can be expressed at: www.lovefuneralhome.com.
View Full Notice → Alice M. Maag
Donna Williams, 74, died Thursday at St. Rita’s Medical Center.
Arrangements are incomplete at Harter and Schier Funeral Home.
James “Jim” Wilcox 66, of Delphos passed away on Thursday at Zusman Community Hospice in Columbus.
Arrangements are incomplete at Harter and Schier Funeral Home.
Nov. 12, 1973-Nov. 5, 2012
Jennifer A. Hill, 38, of Odessa, Texas, and formerly of Oakwood, died at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 5 at Medical Center Hospital, Odessa.
She was born Nov. 12, 1973, in Defiance to Robert and Jacquelyn (Geddings) Baldwin, who survive in Oakwood.
On April 9, 2005, she married Kenneth Hill, who survives.
Also surviving are three brothers, Steven (Karen) Baldwin of Louisville, Ky,; Bradley (Sherry) Baldwin of Defiance and Anthony (Lisa) Baldwin of Ottawa Lake, Mich.; grandparents Tom and Helen Geddings of Delphos; and 19 nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents Delaine and Arlene Baldwin.
Mrs. Hill was a homemaker. She was a graduate of Paulding High School and Defiance College. She loved all animals and enjoyed spending time with her family. Jennifer shared the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, Continental, the Rev. Herman Scherger officiating. Burial will follow in St. Barbara’s Cemetery, Cloverdale.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday at Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Oakwood, and one hour prior to service Saturday at the church.
Memorials may be made to the family.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com
Agnes F. Bohnlein, 91, of Delphos, died today at Van Wert Inpatient Hospice Center.
Arrangements are incomplete at Harter and Schier Funeral Home.
Sept. 28, 1946
Nov. 9, 2012
Frank “Butch” Sanders, 66, of Bluffton, died at 4:20 p.m. Friday in his wife’s arms surrounded by family after a year-long battle with esophageal cancer.
He was born Sept. 28, 1946, in Lima to Levi and Loretta (Prine) Sanders, who preceded him in death.
On Oct. 8, 1993, he married Deborah D. Webb, who survives in Bluffton.
Other survivors include three sons, Chad (Cindy) Sanders of Lima, Ryan (Staci) Wingfield of Harrod and Thad Wingfield of Bluffton; two daughters, DeEtte “Dee” (Darren) Helms of Delphos and Nicole “Nikki” (Joel) Dunifon of Bluffton; four brothers and six sisters; a sister-in-law, Bert Sanders of Delphos; 28 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; and special friend, Jim Reams of Bluffton.
He was also preceded in death by the parents who raised him in Delphos, Stanton “Bus” and Margaret (Trempert) Sanders; and four brothers and two sisters.
Mr. Sanders was a U.S. Air Force veteran during Vietnam. He worked in maintenance at Fruehauf for more than 25 years, at PSI in Ottoville and the Lima City Schools. He was a member of High Street Free Will Baptist Church, American Legion Post 96, VFW Post 1275 and the Delphos Bass Club; an honorary lifetime member of Forest L. Wood Outdoor; and a lifetime member of the NRA. He was an avid fisherman and hunter.
Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Shawnee Chapel Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation, the Rev. James Webb officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the VFW Post 1275 and the U.S. Air Force. Burial will be in Dayton National Cemetery.
Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to the family for medical expenses.
Nov. 26, 1945 – Nov. 8, 2012
James Lee “Jim” Wilcox, 66, of Delphos, died at 9:35 a.m. Thursday at Zusman Community Hospice in Columbus.
He was born Nov. 26, 1945, in Lima to Eugene Robert and Theola (Faulder) Wilcox, who preceded him in death.
He was formerly married to Connie (Kimmet) Wilcox, who survives in Delphos. He is also survived by his special lady friend Linda Guthrie.
Survivors also include four daughters, Jenny (Jeff) Fischer of Columbus, Sarah (Benjamin) Abernethy of Dayton, Katie Wilcox of Columbus and Ashleigh Wilcox of Dayton; six grandchildren, Logan and Ethan Fischer and Eden, Seth Isaac and Elise Abernethy; and other survivors, Renee (Keith) Burritt, Megan Klausing and Laura Klausing; and lifelong friend, Larry Grothous.
He was also preceded in death by a brother, Willbur “Bill” Wilcox.
Jim was owner and operator of the Knotty Pine in Fort Jennings for 15 years and worked for Clark Equipment for 18 years. He was the kitchen manager at the Delphos Eagles Lodge for 12 years and was currently enjoying his retirement by volunteering his cooking skills to whoever needed them. He served in the Navy Reserves in Lima then went into active duty on the U.S.S. Wasp during the Vietnam War.
Jim was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and also attended Trinity United Methodist Church. He was a Golden Eagle member of Eagles Lodge 471, a life member of American Legion Post 268 and VFW Post 3035, Lima Moose Lodge 199, Van Wert Elks 1197 and the Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the St. John’s Band Boosters and Athletic Boosters.
Jim’s true passion was cooking for others. He was a Notre Dame and Cleveland Browns fan and a devoted St. John’s supporter.
Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Monday at Trinity United Methodist Church, the Rev. David Howell officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by the Delphos Veterans Council.
Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Sunday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, where a Lima Masonic service will begin at 7 :30 p.m.; and one hour prior to the service Monday at the church.
Preferred memorials are to St. John’s Tuition Assistance, Trinity United Methodist Church (Kitchen Fund) or Zusman Community Hospice,
Jan. 8, 1930-Nov. 8, 2012
Gertrude R. Schmitz, 82, of Ottawa, died Thursday at St. Rita’s Medical Center.
She was born Jan. 8, 1930, in Ottoville to Theodore and Bernadine (Hellman) Beining, who preceded her in death.
On May 5, 1951, she married Alvin Schmitz, who died June 1, 1989.
Survivors include a son, Thomas (Gretchen) Schmitz of Glandorf; four daughters, Marilyn (Roger) Ellerbrock of Glandorf, Eileen (Dennis) Vennekotter of Continental, Diane (Douglas) Deitering of Glandorf and Nancy (Gary) Erhart of Kalida; 16 grandchildren, Michelle (Joel) Rampe, Dana Ellerbrock, Jenna Ellerbrock, Rachel (Jeremy Marx) Schmitz, Josh Schmitz, Andrew Schmitz, Evan Barrett, Kyle (Jessica Brown) Vennekotter, Ryan (Cobin) Vennekotter, Cody Vennekotter, Heather Deitering, Ross Deitering, Benjamin Deitering, Emily Erhart, Matt Erhart and Lindsey Erhart; a brother, Ray Beining of Delphos; three sisters, Mary (Herb) Hempfling of Delphos, Alice Arnzen of Delphos and Irene (Joe) Schroeder of Ottawa.
She was also preceded in death by a grandchild, Joseph Schmitz; two sisters, Mildred Beckman and Angela Kimmett; a brother, Rudy Beining.
Mrs. Schmitz was a homemaker. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Glandorf, were she was a Eucharistic Minister, religion teacher for over 30 years and a member of the Altar Rosary Society, Catholic Ladies of Columbia, Ladies CHIRP and nurtured the flowers in church; and also a volunteer at The Meadows of Ottawa-Glandorf. She was a companion of the Ministeries of the Precious Blood. She was very active in Right-to-life, loved spending time with her grandchildren and attending their activities. She was a wonderful caregiver and enjoyed making food for the sick.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, the Rev. Tony Fortman officiating. Burial will follow in church cemetery.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Saturday and 2-8 p.m. Sunday at Love Funeral Home, Ottawa where there will be a parish rosary at 7:30 p.m.
Memorials may be given to the charity of donor’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to: www.lovefuneralhome.com.
Jan. 16, 1938 – Nov. 8, 2012
Donna J. Williams, 74, of Gomer passed away Thursday at St. Rita’s Medical Center.
She was born on Jan. 16, 1938, in Cairo to Hugh and Merle (Sandy) Fisher, who preceded her in death.
On Sept. 15, 1956, she was united in marriage to William ‘Bill’ Williams, who survives in Gomer.
Survivors also include her children, Wayne (Lori) Williams of Elida, Debra (Bob) Ritchey of Elida, Susan (Jim) Siefker of Delphos and Jan (Louie) Siefker of Elida; 10 grandchildren, Chris Lester, Ray Thomas and Brooke Liebrecht, Kayla Williams, Nicholas Siefker, Angie Siefker, Doug Siefker, Joe Siefker, Katie Siefker and Emily Siefker; and four great grandchildren.
Mrs. Williams was a teller at The Commercial Bank for 22 years, mostly at the branch in Gomer. She enjoyed bowling and truly loved to go watch her grandchildren’s sporting events. She was a member of Gomer United Church of Christ and Fidelis Woman’s Circle. She also served on several committees throughout her lifetime.
Funeral Service will be at 1 p.m. on Monday at Gomer United Church of Christ. Burial will be in Pike Run Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Sunday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gomer United Church of Christ.
Feb. 1, 1924-Nov. 16, 2012
Irene E. Schnipke, 88, of Kalida died 10:25 a.m. Friday at the Meadows of Kalida.
She was born Feb.1, 1924, in Ottoville to Leo and Mary (Smith) Eickholt, who preceded her in death.
On Aug. 2, 1947, she married Leo William Schnipke, who died May 7, 2005.
Survivors include nine children: Judy (Bill) Trenkamp of Kalida, James (Margaret) Schnipke of Ottoville, Linda (Dave) Recker of Glandorf, Marilyn (Dennis) Wenzlick of Otttoville, Michael (Dolly) Schnipke of Kalida, Dave (Donna) Schnipke of Kalida, Dennis (Pat) Schnipke of Kalida, Kenneth Schnipke of Rockford, Ill., and Charlie (Nadine) Schnipke of Kalida; 23 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Rita Ricker and Martha (Louis) Kaverman of Delphos.
She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Lawrence and Jerome Eickholt.
Mrs. Schnipke was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Kalida, its Altar Rosary Society and Catholic Ladies of Columbia.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Michael Catholic Church, the Rev. Mark Hoying officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. on Sunday at Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Jackson Township (corner of St Rts 224 and 634).
Memorials may be made to St. Michael Catholic Church or to The Meadows of Kalida.
Condolences can be expressed at lovefuneralhome.com.
Katherine White, 83, died at 5 a.m. today at Van Wert County Hospital.
Arrangements are incomplete at Harter and Schier Funeral Home.
Nov. 28, 1928-Nov. 19, 2012
Katherine L. White, 83, of Middle Point, died at 5 a.m. Monday at Van Wert County Hospital.
She was born Nov. 28, 1928, in Delphos to Howard and Levina (Baber) Hoover, who preceded her in death.
On Oct. 11, 1945, she married Robert White, who died on Aug. 2, 2006.
Survivors include four sons, Robert H. (Mary) White of Delphos, William “Russ” White of Lima, Edward White of Middle Point and Chris John (Freelyn) White of Fort Worth, Texas; three daughters, Clara (Rick) Eberle of Middle Point, Beverly (Keith) Winget of South Whitley, Ind., and Christina (Jim) Reynolds of Venedocia; a brother, Melvin (Val) Hoover of Marietta; and 18 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a grandson, Benjamin White; a sister, Louise Fair; and three brothers, Ben, Milton and Howard Hoover Jr.
Mrs. White was a homemaker and attended Middle Point United Methodist Church. She enjoyed puzzles, playing games and being outside. She especially enjoyed feeding birds and gardening.
Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, the Rev. Mark Fuerstenau officiating. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point.
Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to the Salvation Army.
Sept. 28, 1920-Nov. 15, 2912
Donald R. Young, 92, of Delphos, died at 9:55 p.m. Thursday St. Rita’s Medical Center.
He was born Sept. 28, 1920, Clendenin, W.Va., to George and Camie (Welch) Young.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
There is no visitation.
Preferred memorials are to Grace Community Church, Elida.
Arrangements are by Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory.
Condolences may be expressed at alspachgearhart.com.
Roger Miller died at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday at his residence.
Arrangements are incomplete at Harter and Schier Funeral Home.
Jan. 5, 1921-Nov. 21, 2012
Martha M. Flanagan, 91, of Delphos, died at 5:50 a.m. Wednesday at St. Rita’s Medical Center.
She was born Jan. 5, 1921, in Allen County to John and Irene (Mueller) Youngpeter, who preceded her in death.
On Feb. 14, 1942, she was united in marriage to Robert Flanagan, who died April 25, 1984.
Survivors include two sons, Dennis (Nancy) Flanagan of Illinois and Harry (Annita) Flanagan of Delphos; two daughters, Kathie (Thomas) Winter and Tina (Jeff) Grothouse of Delphos; a sister, Velma Kinstle of Florida; a brother, Eugene Youngpeter; a stepdaughter-in-law, Pam Harpster of Columbus; and 19 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Carol Flanagan Harpster; a son-in-law, Danny Harpster; three brothers, Louis, Hubert and Franklin Youngpeter; a sister, Lillian Reindel; and one great-grandchild, Troy Reindel.
Mrs. Flanagan was a house wife. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. She enjoyed working crossword puzzle and after her husband passed away, she would do ministry for others when she was missing him. Martha made hundreds of afghans, giving all away to family, friends and St. John’s Fall Festival. She was well-known for baking and had chocolate chip cookies for all who visited. She spent many hours sitting on her front porch. She had a green thumb and enjoyed her flowers.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Rev. Chris Bohnsack officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, where a parish wake will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Preferred memorials are to St. John’s Parish Foundation.
June 18, 1927-Nov. 20, 2012
Mary Jeanne Schaffner, 85, of Delphos, died at 7:02 p.m. Tuesday at Vancrest Healthcare Center.
She was born June 18, 1927, in Delphos to Med H. and Irene (Auer) Granger, who preceded her in death.
On Aug. 6, 1947, she married Paul Schaffner, who died March 25, 2007.
Survivors include two sons, James (Anne) Schaffner and Michael (Karen) Schaffner of Delphos; three daughters, Janet Burklo of Arizona, Marilyn (Jim) Robinson of Nevada and Sue Anne Warnecke of Columbus; two sisters, Ruth Stump of Van Wert and Katherine (Tom) Smith of Landeck; three brothers, G. Thomas Granger of Oklahoma, Ralph “Bud” (Ruth) Granger of Sydney and Donald “Butch” (Audrey) Granger of California; 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
She was also preceded in death by brothers Robert, Michael, Jim, John and Carl Granger; and a grandson, Chad Burklo.
Mrs. Schaffner was a house wife and mother. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, CL of C, American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary and Van Wert Genealogy. She was an avid race car fan, enjoyed genealogy and collected bells from all over the world.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:30 p.m. Saturday and St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Rev. Chris Bohnsack officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home.
Preferred memorials are to the family.