July 24, 1925-Dec. 5, 2013

John E. Schweller, 88 of Ottoville, died 7:19 p.m. Thursday at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.

He was born July 24, 1925, in Ottoville, to Julian and Regina (Hilvers) Schweller, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by a brother, Henry (Jeanette) Schweller of Ottoville; two sisters, Marie Ernst of Inyokern, Calif., and Frances Grothouse of Delphos; two sisters-in-law, Jane Schweller of Ottoville and Jeannie Schweller of Paulding; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by three brothers, Charles, Walter and Donald Schweller; a sister, Anna Allersmeyer; sister-in-law, Leona Schweller; and three brothers-in-law, Tom Ernst, Don Grothouse and Al Allersmeyer.

Mr. Schweller was a longtime farmer and member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ottoville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin 11 a.m. today at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, the Rev. Jerome Schetter officiating.

Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

Memorials may be given to the charity of donor’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed to: www.lovefuneralhome.com.

View Full Notice → John E. Schweller

March 22, 1952-Dec. 13, 2013

Jeffrey N. Detwiler, 61, of Delphos and formerly of Van Wert, died at 11:23 a.m. Friday at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.

He was born March 22, 1952, in Van Wert to Joe and Dixie (Rise) Detwiler, who preceded him in death.

View Full Notice → Jeffrey N. Detwiler

Jan. 12, 1924-Dec. 14, 2013

Jane F. Ebbeskotte, 89, of Lima died at 8:40 a.m. Saturday at St. Rita’s Medical Center.

She was born Jan. 12, 1924, in Van Wert County to Albert and Veronica (Schon) Kimmet, who preceded her in death.

On June 2, 1948, she married Alfred H. Ebbeskotte, who preceded her in death on Oct. 19, 1988.

View Full Notice → Jane F. Ebbeskotte

Alice Williams, 83, of Delphos passed away Thursday afternoon at St. Rita’s Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.

Arrangements are incomplete at Strayer Funeral Home, 1840 E. Fifth St., Delphos.

View Full Notice → Alice Williams

May 25, 1932-Dec. 18, 2013

Alice M. Kahle “Town Alice”, 81, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family at 9:10 p.m. Wednesday.

She was born May 25, 1932, in Ottoville to Frank and Rose (Hilvers) Allemeier, who preceded her in death.

On Oct. 11, 1958, she married William A. Kahle, who also preceded her in death.

Survivors include three sons, Dennis Kahle and Tim (Lori) Kahle both of Kalida and Darren Kahle of Findlay; one daughter, Sandra (Dennis) Ostendorf of Rockford, Ill.; five grandchildren, Brant and Deanna Kahle and Danielle, Megan and Rachel Ostendorf; two sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Allemeier of Hunker, Penn., and Judy Allemeier of Delphos; and one brother-in-law, Manford Gremaux of New Haven, Ind.

She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Leroy Allemeier, Robert Allemeier and Fredrick (Jean) Allemeier; and one sister, Lucille Gremaux.

Alice was a homemaker and a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Kalida and its Altar Rosary Society. She also enjoyed volunteering at The Meadows of Kalida.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Michael Catholic Church, Kalida, with Fr. Mark Hoying and Fr. Elmer Wurth officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. today at Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Jackson Township, 16085 St. Rt. 634, Fort Jennings.

Memorial contributions may be made to Putnam County Hospice or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences can be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.

View Full Notice → Alice M. Kahle

Feb. 7, 1923-Dec. 19, 2013

Luella Katherine Mary Fuller, 90, of Bucyrus died early Thursday at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus.

She was born Feb. 7, 1923, in Fort Jennings to Herbert and Velma (Pangle) Allemeier, who preceded her in death. Growing up on a family farm during the depression and her father’s death when she was 8 years old taught her the value of hard work, but not without a mischievous sense of humor even in her early years. She graduated from Fort Jennings High School in 1940 and worked a number of places before meeting Paul Richard Fuller at a dance in Delphos. They were married Dec. 8, 1945, and Paul preceded her in death in 1989.

View Full Notice → Luella Katherine Mary Fuller

Oct. 12, 1930-Dec. 19, 2013

Alice L. Williams, 83, of Delphos passed away Thursday afternoon at St. Rita’s Medical Center surrounded by her loving family.

Her Family…. She was born Oct. 12, 1930 in Moorefield, West Virginia, to Clyde and Pauline (Sherman) Bohn.

View Full Notice → Alice L. Williams

Nov. 14, 1973-Dec. 23, 2013

Christopher Leo Kemper, beloved husband and father, passed away Monday morning at the age of 40 at his residence in Delphos surrounded by his loving family.

His Family… Chris was born Nov. 14, 1973, in Lima to Jerry and Cyndi Kemper. On June 2, 2007, he married Erin (Gorman) Kemper.

Chris is survived by his mother, Cyndi of Delphos; his wife Erin of Delphos; two daughters, Cecilia “C.J.” Kemper and Christina Kemper, both at home; a brother, Jeff (Missy) Kemper and their children, Kevin and Brittany of Delphos; maternal grandmother, Cecilia Nartker of Delphos; father- and mother-in-law, Bill and Elaine Gorman of Delphos; and two brothers-in-law, Joe (Annette) Gorman and their children, Bailey, Joe and Tyler of Delphos and Gordon (Jenni) Richard and their son, Liam of Nashville, Tenn.

He was preceded in death by his father; two brothers, Scott Kemper and Kevin “Spanky” Kemper; his maternal grandfather, Robert E. Nartker; and paternal grandparents, Leo and Angela Kemper.

His Legacy… Chris was a teacher at Delphos St. John’s. He was a 1992 graduate of Delphos St. John’s and a 2000 graduate of Bowling Green State University. He was a substitute teacher for several years in the surrounding communities where he also coached junior varsity baseball for Ottoville High School. He was a Delphos Little League coach and worked for Delphos Parks and Recreation. As a member of the athletic boosters, Chris enjoyed working the concession stands for the Blue Jays. He was an avid Blue Jay and Chicago Cubs fan. Chris had a tremendous love for God, family and education believing that “with God all things are possible”. He was a loving devoted husband and father; his girls were his pride and joy. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church where he was a Eucharistic minister.

His Farewell Services… Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Rev. Dave Reinhart officiating. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Thursday and from 2-8 p.m. Friday at Strayer Funeral Home, 1840 E. Fifth St., Delphos, where a Parish Wake Service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday.

Memorial Contributions… In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for an education fund for C.J. and Christina Kemper or to St. John’s Teacher Endowment Fund. Online condolences may be shared at www.strayerfuneralhome.com.

View Full Notice → Christopher Leo Kemper

July 8, 1930-Dec. 18, 2013

Loretta Eleanor Hasenkamp Calvelage, 83, of Scottsdale, Ariz., was called to Heaven Wednesday surrounded by family at home.

She was born in Cloverdale July 8, 1930.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Robert J. Calvelage. She is also survived by her six children, Suzanne Rohn (Robert), Steve, Stan (Kim), Scott, Sharon Weber (Steve) and Stuart (Liz); 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Henrietta Calvelage of Kalida.

Loretta was a remarkable seamstress, loved crafting, gardening, traveling and especially being surrounded by her children.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the St. Bernadette Catholic Church Building Fund, Scottsdale, Ariz.

View Full Notice → Loretta Eleanor Hasenkamp Calvelage

April 11, 1938-Dec. 23, 2013

Ronald L. Klopfenstein, 75, mayor of the Village of Elida, passed away Monday afternoon at the St. Rita’s Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.

His Family… Ronald was born April 11, 1938, in Anna to Ernest and Mae (Wrigley) Klopfenstein, who preceded him in death. On Aug. 25, 1956, he married Loretta (Bell) Klopfenstein, who survives in Elida.

Ron is also survived by his children, Kim (Jim) Kline of Lakeview, Kurt (Pam) Klopfenstein of Huber Heights and Kent Klopfenstein of Ada; 12 grandchildren, Jace Metzner, Zach Metzner, Meghan Coil, Trevor Kline, Ronnie Milam, Jeremy Klopfenstein, Matthew Klopfenstein, Da’Oshia Klopfenstein, Da’Laquan Klopfenstein, Elicia Ross, Evanne Klopfenstein and Trey Klopfenstein; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Harold (Bev) Klopfenstein of Jackson Center and Russell (Linda) Klopfenstein of Beavercreek; and a son-like friend, Joe Wells.

He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Milam; and a grandson, Jonathon Klopfenstein.

His Legacy… Ron graduated from Anna High School in Shelby County; went to Ohio Northern studying engineering; was an operator of heavy equipment at K&P Construction and then Degan Excavation, where he retired; was superintendent for a local construction company; mayor of the village of Elida; president of Division II of Bulldog Club of America; president of the Buckeye Bulldog Club; and show chairman for local and national shows BCA. He joined Elida Community Fire Company, Inc., as a volunteer firefighter, became an EMT with the fire company and later an EMT Advanced, starting IVs and defibrillation, and certified arson investigator through the state. Ron held various offices in the fire company and had been chairman of the board of directors of the fire company. He was a member of the Delphos Eagles Aerie 471, was an avid Buckeye fan and followed surrounding local sports accompanied by his wife.

His Farewell Services… A celebration of his life will begin at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Elida, Rev. Paul Scannell officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at the church fellowship hall with burial to follow at Pearl Cemetery, Sidney.

Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Strayer Funeral Home, 1840 E. Fifth St., Delphos, and for one hour prior to services Monday at the church.

Memorial Contributions… Memorials may be made to the Hope Lodge at the Cleveland Clinic or the St. Rita’s Oncology Department.

Online condolences may be shared at www.strayerfuneralhome.com.

View Full Notice → Ronald L. Klopfenstein

Robert “Bob” Neumeier, 79, of Delphos passed away on Thursday at Van Wert County Hospital. Arrangements are incomplete at Harter and Schier Funeral Home.

View Full Notice → Robert “Bob” Neumeier

Sept. 22, 1919-Dec. 27, 2013

Rita Jane (Bertling) Daley, 94, of Lima passed away at 1 a.m. Friday at Lima Manor, Lima.

She was born Sept. 22, 1919, in Muntanna to George William & Mabel (Kestley) Bertling, who preceded her death.

View Full Notice → Rita Jane (Bertling) Daley

June 18, 1926 Dec. 30, 2013

Howard James “Smitty the Cop” Smith, 87, of Delphos died at 10 a.m. Monday at Van Wert Manor.

He was born June 18, 1926, in Jenera to Oliver H. Smith and Mary R. (Smith) Hole, who preceded him in death.

View Full Notice → Howard James Smith

May 19, 1947-Dec. 31, 2013

John S. Meyer, 66, of rural Spencerville died at 12:24 p.m. Tuesday at Lima Memorial Health System with his family at his side following an extended illness.

He was born May 19, 1947, in Lima to Leonard Bernard and Mary Elizabeth “Libby” (Klaus) Meyer, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by four children, Chad (Betsy) Meyer of Spencerville, Elizabeth Reinsel of Chattanooga, Tenn., Jonathan (Ashley) Meyer and Samantha (Bryan) Bowman, both of Spencerville; seven grandchildren, Brandon and Whitney Meyer, Kayli, Kendyl, Kynzie and Sheldon Meyer and Kollin Bowman; and siblings, Francis B. “Frank” (Carolyn) Meyer of Spencerville, Paul E. (Esther) Meyer of Elida, Michael J. Meyer of Boston, Mass., Marie J. Meyer of St. Marys, Lucian J. “Lou” Meyer of Wapakoneta and Elizabeth J. Meyer of St. Marys.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Christopher G. Meyer.

John was a 1965 graduate of Delphos St. John’s High School and became a mechanical engineer and was a lifelong farmer. He served in the Army as an M.P. and worked 40 years in Spencerville with the former Hayes-Albion/Harvard Industries/ Trim Trends Corp. as an engineer. His great joy, along with his family, was helping friends and neighbors with repairs of their farm equipment

The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Saturday at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville. Private family services will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Allen County Cancer Society or to the Spencerville EMS.

Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rr.com.

View Full Notice → John S. Meyer

Phyllis J. Neiford, 86, of Delphos passed away at 12:45 p.m. Thursday at Vancrest Healthcare Center.

Arrangements are incomplete at Harter and Schier Funeral Home.

View Full Notice → Phyllis J. Neiford

May 5, 1921

Jan. 2, 2014

Eldin Edison “Bus” Brown, 92, died in Roselawn Manor in Spencerville on Thursday of natural causes.

Bus was born on May 5, 1921, in Lima to Bearl and Ethel Pearl Cummins Brown, who preceded him in death.

He married Julia Good and the union produced five children. The marriage ended in divorce. Bus married Olga Jacecko on Dec. 27, 1969. She survives.

Surviving relatives include three sisters, Betty Roose and Gloria Jenner of Lima and Donna Mae Deitzel of Canton; all five children, Georgeana (Stan) Strayer of Gatlinburg, Tenn., Marcia Frankhouser of Pittsburg, Calif., Glenna Dray of Ludington, Mich., Dorene Cardozo of Bloomington, Ill., and Emerson Brown of Alameda, Calif.; and Olga’s daughter, Patricia Cooper; and grandchildren Christopher (Nicole) Strayer of Columbus, Heidi (Jeff) Wilcox of Marysville, Jessica Strayer of Nashville, Tenn., Blake (Jamie) Osting of Kossuth, Alana (Rick) Moore of Lima, Brian (Stephanie) Dray of Gomer, Greg (Kim) Dray of Dallas, Texas, Rachel Cardozo of Austin, Texas, and Joel Cardozo of Bloomington.

Also surviving are 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Four brothers and a sister also preceded Bus in death: Jay Brown, Russell Brown, Claude Brown, Don Brown and Barbara Ream.

Bus served with the United States Army from 1944-46. He was employed for many years by the Elida Local Schools as a maintenance manager. He was previously employed by Neal Machine & Tool and Steeles Paints Co.

Bus enjoyed playing bluegrass music on his harmonica with his friends at many gatherings and special events. Grover Hill was one of his favorite jam venues.

Visitation is from 10 a.m.– noon Monday at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel, 1170 Shawnee Road, Lima. The funeral service will begin immediately after the visitation at noon, the Rev. Jerry Hall officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, with military rites by the U.S. Army Honor Guard.

Condolences may be expressed at chiles-lamanfh.com.

View Full Notice → Eldin Edison ‘Bus’ Brown

Paul E. Fisher, 92, of Fort Jennings passes away on Thursday at The Meadows of Kalida.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. on Thursday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, with Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. on Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Further arrangements are incomplete at the funeral home.

View Full Notice → Paul E. Fisher

June 16, 1921-Jan. 2, 2014

Paul Edward Fisher, 92, of Fort Jennings died at 11:29 p.m. Thursday at The Meadows of Kalida.

He was born June 16, 1921, in Putnam County to Albert H. and Genevieve (Mescher) Fisher, who preceded him in death.

In April 1945, he married Theresa Fisher, who died on Jan. 2, 2010.

Survivors include two sons, Philip (Alice) Fisher of Fort Jennings and John (Carol) Fisher of Columbus Grove; two daughters, Dorothy (Tom) Mershman of Columbus Grove and Jane (Tom) Niedzwiecki of Beaver Creek; eight grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by a son, Thomas Fisher; and a sister, Margaret Askins.

Mr. Fisher was a farmer and hauled livestock. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fort Jennings. He enjoyed livestock and dairy cattle and also going to livestock sales. He also loved the Lawrence Welk Show.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Rev. Norbert Howe officiating. Burial will be in church cemetery.

Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Thursday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, where a Parish Wake will begin at 6 p.m.

Preferred memorials are to the church.

To leave condolences, visit harterandschier.com.

View Full Notice → Paul Edward Fisher

Jan. 9, 1934-Jan. 6, 2014

lizabeth “Betty” J. Swick, 79, of Delphos passed away Monday morning at her residence.

Her Family

She was born Jan. 9, 1934, in Delphos to John I. and Mary (Carder) Grothouse, who preceded her in death.

On Feb. 2, 1957, she married Jack L. Swick, who preceded her in death Nov. 30, 2006.

Betty is survived by a daughter, Laura (Mark) Hammons of Delphos; four sons, Jack L. Swick II of Summerville, S.C., and Greg (Jill) Swick, Mike (Denise) Swick and Dan (Jenny) Swick of Delphos; 14 grandchildren, Andrea (Ryan) Hamlin, Katrina (Adam) Smith, Jessica Hammons, Alexa and Kevin Swick, Sara (Brian) York, Ashley (Will) Oxendine, Nick Baldauf, Curtis and Tori Swick, Madison Ellis, Elijah, Aidan and Amyah Swick; five great-grandchildren; three brothers, Robert (Luella) Grothouse, Larry (Sue) Grothouse and John E. (Diane) Grothouse of Delphos; a sister-in-law, Alice Grothouse of Delphos; and many nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by a brother, Hubert “Beeze” Grothouse.

Her Legacy

Betty was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Delphos Eagles Auxiliary, Delphos Area Art Guild and volunteered at the Thrift Shop. She graduated from Delphos St. John’s in 1951 and then attended the Dayton Art Institute. Betty retired from Delphos Granite Works. She also worked as a waitress at The Carriage Inn, taught art at Delphos St. John’s and did a variety of freelance art work including portraits, book and CD covers, the first DSJ Blue Jay mascot emblem, Delphos bicentennial coins and the Ohio Jaycee state emblem. In addition, she designed the layout for Delphos Veterans Memorial and other monuments located throughout the community. Betty was a homemaker and a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Her Farewell Services

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Rev. Dave Reinhart, officiating. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday with a V.F.W. Auxiliary Service at 7:30 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Friday with a Parish Wake Service at 7:30 p.m. at Strayer Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Delphos St. John’s Parish Foundation or the St. John’s Teacher’s Endowment Fund.

Online condolences may be shared at www.strayerfuneralhome.com

View Full Notice → Elizabeth ‘Betty’ J. Swick

March 29, 1939-Jan. 8, 2014

Sandy Averesch, 74, of Delphos, died at 8 a.m. Wednesday at St. Rita’s Medical Center.

She was born March 29, 1939, in Delphos to Leander and Pricilla (Kiggins) Best, who preceded her in death.

View Full Notice → Sandy Averesch