March 12, 1918-Jan. 6, 2014

Ruth M. Brickner, 95, of Delphos, died at 6:28 p.m. Monday at St. Rita’s Medical Center.

She was born March 12, 1918, in Delphos to Thomas E. and Rickie (Huysman) Alspaugh, who preceded her in death.

In 1947, she married Arnold G. Brickner, who preceded her in death in 1980.

Survivors include a niece, Marie (Bill) Blymyer of Elida; four nephews, Kenneth (Edith) Miller and Thomas (Jane) Miller of Elida, Ron Alspaugh of Wotcollville, Ind., and Denny Alspaugh of Dunedin, Fla.; and many great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by sisters, Lydia Alspaugh and Oletha Marie Miller; and brothers, Milford and Howard Alspaugh.

Mrs. Brickner retired from Westinghouse after 39 years of service. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Delphos and a Jefferson High School graduate, member of the Women’s Birthday Club, Westinghouse Retirees Club and a volunteer at the Delphos Thrift Shop, where she enjoyed refurbishing the donated baby dolls.

Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, the Rev. Harry Tolhurst officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery.

Friends may call from 3-7 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the funeral service Saturday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to First United Presbyterian Church or the Delphos Interfaith Thrift Shop.

To leave online condolences for the family, visit www.harterandschier.com.

View Full Notice → Ruth M. Brickner

Dec. 16, 1950-Jan. 9, 2014

Theresa M. “Terry” Bertling Nathanson, 63, of Delphos passed away 8:32 a.m. Thursday at Community Health Partners Hospice in Van Wert.

She was born Dec. 16, 1950, in Lima to James F. and Margie M. (Miller) Bertling, who preceded her in death.

Terry is survived by her son, Toby Tippie of Lima; her grandchildren, Kendra, Rileigh, Olivia, Emma, Benjamin and Bristol; her siblings, Chuck Bertling of Bangkok, Thailand, Jane (Gary) Houg of Van Wert, Betty (Gary) Dilworth of Delphos, Marty (Steve) Mansfield of Delphos, Tom (Priscilla) Bertling of Scottsdale, Ariz., Jack (Cindy) Bertling of Delphos, Glenn (Julie) Bertling of Lima, Ann (Rob) Watkins of Delphos and James “Buddy” (Marcy) Bertling Jr. of Lompoc, Calif.

Also preceding her in death was a son, Travis Tippie; and two brothers, George and Daniel Bertling.

Mrs. Nathanson had spent her adult life as a caregiver. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and wonderful family.

A Memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

Friends and family may call from 2-8 p.m. Sunday at Siferd Orians Funeral Home, 506 N. Cable Road, Lima.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to her family.

Condolences can be made at www.siferd-oriansfuneralhome.com

View Full Notice → Theresa “Terry” M. Bertling Nathanson

Elmer A. Gerdeman, 91, of Columbus and formerly of Delphos, died at his home Friday evening.

Arrangements are incomplete.

View Full Notice → Elmer A. Gerdeman

Aug. 22, 1922-Jan. 11, 2014

Twila A. Coulter, 91, of Delphos died at 5:15 a.m. Saturday at Vancrest in Delphos.

She was born Aug. 22, 1922, in Henry County.

View Full Notice → Twila A. Coulter

May 23, 1922

Jan. 10, 2014

Elmer Arnold Gerdeman, 91, of Columbus and formerly of Delphos, passed away Friday evening at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born May 23, 1922, in Van Wert County, west of Delphos, to Alfred Joseph and Clara Leona (Reindl) Gerdemann.

View Full Notice → Elmer Arnold Gerdeman

May 2, 1946-Jan. 12, 2014

George F. Lang, 67, of Holland, passed away Sunday.

He was born May 2, 1946, in Delphos to James and Ann Lang, who preceded him in death.

View Full Notice → George F. Lang

Oct. 17, 1940

Jan. 2, 2014

Frank C. Williams, 73, of Queen Creek, Ariz., and formerly of Delphos, died on Jan. 2 after a prolonged illness.

He was born on Oct. 17, 1940, in Venedocia to John A. Sr. and Helen (Backus) Williams, who preceded him in death.

View Full Notice → Frank C. Williams

July 10, 1919-Jan. 15, 2014

Eloise R. Hullinger, 94, of Allentown died at 9:55 p.m. Wednesday at Vancrest of Delphos.

She was born July 10, 1919, in Allen County to William and Zelma (DeLong) Purdy, who preceded her in death.

On Jan. 10, 1942, she married Ralph O. Hullinger and he died April 3, 1982.

Survivors include two nephews, Ray (Barbara) Geary and Tim (Lori) Purdy; four nieces, Jean Palmer, Patty (Bill) Lewis, Deborah (Steve) Pitson and Sandra (Steve) Johnson; many great-nieces and great-nephews; and a sister-in-law, Stella Limbert.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth and Virgil Purdy; two sisters, Avanelle (Purdy) Palmer and Ann (Purdy) Geary; and a great-nephew, Steven W. Lewis.

Eloise was a “Rosie the Riveter,” who worked at Westinghouse Electric during World War II, retiring from there after 44 years of service. She was a 47-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Spencerville Chapter #130. Eloise volunteered at the Allentown Ball Park and loved watching ball games, both little league and high school. She was an avid shopper and a devoted aunt.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, Pastor Dottie Kiser officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Elida.

The family will receive friends 2-8 p.m. today at the funeral home, where an Eastern Star memorial service will be 7:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Delphos Little League Association.

View Full Notice → Eloise R. Hullinger

June 14, 1925-Jan. 16, 2014

Dorothy Ann Shalter, 88, of Continental died 1:50 p.m. Thursday at The Meadows of Kalida.

She was born June 14, 1925, in Columbus Grove, to Gerald P. and Josephine (Sehlhorst) Best, who preceded her in death.

On Feb. 16, 1952, she married Richard R. Shalter, who survives in Continental.

View Full Notice → Dorothy Ann Shalter

May 13, 1967-Jan. 18, 2014

Marcia L. Grone, 46, of Delphos, died at 5 a.m. Saturday at her residence surrounded by her loving family after battling cancer for the last five months.

She was born May 13, 1967, in St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima, to Irvin and Mary (Baldauf) Grone, who survive in Delphos.

Other survivors include her son, Zach Grone, at home in Delphos; his father, Nate Price of Fort Jennings; three sisters, Linda (Steve) Coil, Cindy (Kevin) Michel and Laurie (Ron) Culp of Delphos; a brother, Roger (Sara) Grone of Delphos; special friend, Clint Mox of Delphos; and eight nieces and nephews, Philip, Matt and Shannon Coil, Jeff, Jason and Rachel Michel and Aaron and Josh Culp.

Marcia started working at Mary’s A&W at the age of 11 and was currently manager. She also took part-time work for several years with the Old Barn Out Back. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, a 1985 graduate of St. John’s High School and graduated from Lima Tech with a two-year degree. She enjoyed gardening and taking care of the flowers at A&W. She loved animals but most of all, she loved spending time with her son, Zach, and going to his sporting and school events.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Rev. Dave Rienhart officiating. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery.

Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. today and 2-8 p.m. Monday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, where a Parish Wake will begin at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society, Delphos Hospice or Zach’s Education Fund.

Leave condolences at harterandschier.com.

View Full Notice → Marcia L. Grone

Nov. 16, 1932-Jan. 18, 2014

Norma A. Meyer, 81, of Ottawa, died 9:40 a.m. Saturday at her residence.

She was born Nov. 16, 1932, in Lima to Sylvester and Hilda (Schumaker) Schroeder, who preceded her in death.

On Sept. 13, 1952, she married Daniel Meyer, who survives in Ottawa.

Norma is also survived by two sons, Dean (Charlotte) Meyer and Mike (Pat) Meyer both of Ottawa; a daughter, Jill (Tom) Bullinger of Fort Jennings; seven grandchildren; a great-grandchildren and one on the way; two stepgrandchildren and two stepgreat-grandchildren; a brother, Howard (Jeannie) Schroeder of Columbus Grove; and a sister, Virginia (Don) Holtkamp of Kalida.

She is also preceded in death by a brother, Mark Schroeder.

Norma was a homemaker. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa, and its Altar Rosary Society; Catholic Ladies of Columbia; Minister of Praise; Eucharistic Minister and a Mass server. She was a servant of God and servant of others. Norma was also president of Best Grandchildren’s Club. Also a member of CRHP class three.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin 10 a.m. Tuesday at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa, with Fr. Matt Jozefiak officiating. Burial will follow at church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m.today at Love Funeral Home, Ottawa, where there will be a Scripture service at 8 p.m. today.

Memorials may be given to Putnam County Hospice or American Heart Association.

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

View Full Notice → Norma A Meyer

Sept. 17, 1950-Jan. 19, 2014

Dale J. Nienberg, 63, of Kalida died Sunday at his residence.

He was born Sept. 17, 1950, in Lima to John Nienberg and Marcile (Elwer) Nienberg-Schmitz, who preceded him in death.

He is survived by a nephew, Mike (Teresa) Nartker of New Riegel; a niece, Paula Nartker of New Riegel; five great-nieces; one great-great-nephew; and two great-great-nieces.

He was also preceded in death by his sister, Susan Nartker.

In 2003, after 30 years of teaching, coaching and administration, Dale retired as Kalida High School’s principal. He was a 1973 graduate of The Ohio State University, Columbus, and a member of The Ohio State University Alumni Association, the Van Wert and Paulding chapters. He was the president of the Putnam County Library, a Master Gardner and a member of the Kalida Lions Club.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Michael Catholic Church, Kalida, Father Mark Hoying officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday and 2-8 p.m. Thursday at Love Funeral Home, Ottawa.

Memorials may be made to the Putnam County Library or Planned Pethood, P.O. Box 350908, Toledo 43635.

Condolences can be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.

View Full Notice → Dale J. Nienberg

Oct. 28, 1950 Jan. 19, 2014

Joseph L. Osenga, 63, of Fort Jennings died at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Ohio State University Hospital in Columbus.

He was born Oct. 28, 1950, in Lima to Joseph E. and Mildred (Thatcher) Osenga. His father survives in Cloverdale and his mother preceded him in death.

He married Susan Keeling on Dec. 12, 1980, and she survives in Fort Jennings.

Mr. Osenga is also survived by his son, Brent (Bethann Martin) Osenga of Delphos; his daughter, Hollie Rust of Dayton; two brothers, Kim (Pam) Osenga of Van Wert and Scot (Marcia) Osenga of Van Wert; and four grandchildren, Cole Gasser, Skyler, Liberty and Piper Osenga.

He was also preceded in death by his half-brother, Dennis Pollack.

He was a member of the National Guard for six years and a 1968 graduate of Grover Hill. He had worked at Orbitron for 20 years, where he was the union president, on the union committee for many years and was highly respected for his leadership abilities. After the closing of Orbitron, he was currently working on his 19th year at Eaton.

He truly enjoyed his grandchildren and his life revolved around his family. He enjoyed fishing, camping and traveling with his Susie. He was an avid Buckeye fan.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Father Chris Bohnsack officiating, at Harter and Schier Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Walnut Grove Cemetery.

Visitation will also be from noon-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.harterandschier.com.

View Full Notice → Joseph L. Osenga

Aug. 17, 1926- Jan. 20, 2014

Bernice Keselica, 87, of Delphos, died at 1:22 p.m. Monday at St. Rita’s Medical Center.

She was born Aug. 17, 1926, in Chenoa, Ky., to Ledford and Ollie (Lee) Webb, who preceded him in death.

In 1966, she married to Joseph Keselica, who passed in 1978.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda (Brooks) Klaus of Delphos; her grandson, Brent (Kim) Binkley of Delphos; three great-grandchildren, Makayla, Hunter and Cole Binkley; many nieces, nephews and friends; and her brother, Donald (Ella) Webb of Ypsilanti, Mich.

She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Kenneth J. Klaus; her brothers, Kelly, Rufus, Etna and Colson Webb; her sisters, Nadine Epperson, Mabel Webb and Rose Collins; her sister-in-law, Dorothy Webb; brother-in-law, Henry Collins and nephew, Michael Webb.

She retired in 1988 after 22 years at Teleflex in Van Wert. She attended First Baptist Church in Van Wert.

Bernice was a very special person and a great mom, grandmother and great-grandma, always being there for them and putting them first. She will be forever missed by those who loved her. She enjoyed traveling and doing things with her longtime friends, Pat, Linda, Shirley and Marilyn. One of her favorite things was her return trips home to Kentucky.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, the Rev. Steve Robertson officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Van Wert.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or Relay for Life.

View Full Notice → Bernice Keselica

Sept. 19, 1943

Jan. 16, 2014

Ervin “Butch” E. Fabian, 70, of Delphos died Thursday at his residence.

He was born Sept. 19, 1943, in Convoy to Ervin “Dutch” and Elizabeth (Burk) Fabian, who preceded him in death.

Survivors include his children, Keith (Maria) Fabian of Willcox, Ariz., Holly (Dave) Baird of Delphos, Stacy (Robert) Wilson of Convoy and Nicole Riley of Celina; stepchildren, Eunice Bernhardt of New Bremen, Texas, and Kevin Miller of Benson, Ariz.; brothers, Ed (Faith) Fabian of Convoy and Paul (Robin) Fabian of Van Wert; a sister, Donna Scott of Paulding; grandchildren, Ashley Nicole Tosh, Jamie Bennett, Derek Poling, Dallas Baird, Rachael Wilson, Christian Riley, Elizabeth Baird, Reanna Wilson, Deberah Wilson, Cade Riley, Andrew Siqueiros, Amanda Enrico and Raymi Rios; five great-grandchildren; and his dog, “Bosco.”

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Raymone E. Fabian.

Fabian retired from Kennedy Kit Manufacturing in Van Wert. He was a United States Army veteran and a lifetime member of the Van Wert American Legion and V.F.W., where he was a member of the Color Guard. He was also a big supporter of giving blood to the American Red Cross. He had previously been a member of the Van Wert and Delphos Eagles.

A Military Committal Service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert

Friends may call from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the Van Wert American Legion or DAV.

View Full Notice → Ervin ‘Butch’ E. Fabian

Aug. 18, 1932 Jan. 17, 2014

Robert A. “Bob” Brinkman, 81, of Tawas City, Mich., died Friday at Tawas St. Joseph Hospital.

He was born Aug. 18, 1932, in Delphos to Joseph and Lenore Brinkman, who preceded him in death.

Bob is survived by his companion, Ruth Coleman; daughter, Laurie (Rick) Rakestraw of Port Charlotte, Fla.; three sisters, JoAnn Klausing, Ruth Klima and Marge (Gene) Price; brother and sisters-in-law, Donna Brinkman, Gary (Delores) Whitford, Sherry Meske, Roger Whitford (Barb), Ronald Whitford (Susie), Larry (Kathy) Whitford, Bill (Sandy) Whitford, Dennis (Patti) Whitford and Terry (Jane) Whitford; three grandchildren, Jamie (Andrea) Rakestraw, Benji (Laura) Rakestraw and Amanda (Kevin) Dillon; five great-grandchildren, Nicholas Rakestraw, Ethan Rakestraw, Tess Rakestraw, Liliana Dillon and Owen Dillon; along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Pat (Whitford) Brinkman on Dec. 9, 2000; his brother, Jerry; brothers-in-law, Donald Klausing and Leonard Klima; and sisters-in-law, Kay Stephan and Fay Whitford.

Bob served during the Vietnam War in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged after 20 years of service.

He worked as an auto mechanic at Herb’s Auto and later at Zubek Motors.

Bob enjoyed entertaining at the losco Medical Care Facility and the Senior Center for 20 years playing and singing and also participating in the senior band in Oscoda. He was known to many as “Uncle Bob” and he loved his country western music and was always found wearing a cowboy hat.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today at Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City.

Condolences may be offered at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com.

View Full Notice → Robert A. ‘Bob’ Brinkman

Aug. 23, 1935-Jan. 23, 2014

Caroline “Tiny” Pavel, 78, of Delphos died at 8:43 a.m. Thursday at Vancrest Healthcare Center.

She was born Aug. 23, 1935, in Delphos to George and Dora (Kitchen) Hoffman, who preceded her in death.

She married Lowell “Topp” Pavel, who preceded her in death on Dec. 13, 2003.

Survivors include two sons, Ronald (Linda) Pavel of Leipsic and Keith Pavel of Chillicothe; a daughter, Janet (Vernie) Gales of Spencerville; six grandchildren, Sandra Miller, Eric Pavel, Jackie Wood, Brian Pavel, Allen Pavel and Heather Pavel; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by two children, Gregory and Gordon Pavel; one brother; and five sisters.

Mrs. Pavel was a homemaker and member of Delphos Wesleyan Church and American Legion Post 268 in Delphos.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Monday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, Pastor Pam King officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery.

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

Preferred memorials are to Vancrest Healthcare Center.

Leave condolences at harterandschier.com.

View Full Notice → Caroline ‘Tiny’ Pavel

Sept. 11, 1929-Jan. 25 2014

Elizabeth “Betty” Jane McKowen, 84, of Delphos, passed away Saturday evening at Bridge Hospice Care Center in Findlay.

Her Family… She was born Sept. 11, 1929, in Claridge, Pa., to John and Mary (Butcher) Bittner, who preceded her in death.

On June 27, 1953, she married Robert T. McKowen, who preceded her in death on March 12, 1964.

Betty is survived by her children, James (Linda) McKowen of Tipp City, Rebecca (Jim) Kellam of Lima and Thomas McKowen of Marion; five grandchildren, Jordan Kellam, Marie (Andrew) Wylie, Victoria Kellam, Emily McKowen and Daniel McKowen; one great-granddaughter, Anna Rose; brothers-in-law, Al Zolyak of Monroeville, Pa., Jim (Lois) McKowen of Fort Jennings, Tim McKowen of Naples, Fla., and Michael (Barbara) McKowen of Lima; sister-in-law, Audrey McKowen of Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by a grandson, Jason Kerns; brothers, William and Martin (Joan) Bittner; sisters, Mildred (Frank) Cinti and Helen Zolyak; brother-in-law, Daniel McKowen; and sister-in-law, Nancy McKowen.

Her Legacy… Betty was an active member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. She was a Delphos Canal Commission trustee and volunteered at the Canal Museum. She had a passion for genealogy and was an avid historian. She was the first Tri-County Woman of the Year in 1967. In 1994, she retired as vice president of human resources from The Commercial Bank. Betty loved tennis and quilting, but her greatest love was her grandchildren.

Her Farewell Services… Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday with a Parish Wake Service at 7:30 p.m. at Strayer Funeral Home, 1840 E. Fifth St., Delphos.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Delphos Canal Commission, American Cancer Society or The Bridge Hospice Care Center and because of her love of shoes, bring a pair of shoes to donate to those who are in need.

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

View Full Notice → Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Jane McKowen

Dec. 17, 1961-Jan. 23, 2014

Sharon A. Minnig died Thursday at St. Joseph Hospital.

She was born Dec. 17, 1961, in Lima to Camillus J. and Alma (Burgei) Minnig, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by a son, Cameron Mock of Monroeville, Ind.; a daughter Emily Mock, of Monroeville; sisters Karen (twin sister of Sharon) Adkins of Van Wert and and Diane Feathers of Monroeville; brothers, Frank (Mary) Minnig, Robert (Jean) Minnig of Van Wert and Jeffery Minnig and Joseph Minnig of Delphos; sister in law Kim Ralston of Fort Jennings; and her companion, Steve Spuller of Fort Wayne.

She was also preceded in death a brother James; twin brothers John and Joseph; twin sisters Carolyn and Marilyn; and a sister-in-law, Rebecca Minnig.

A Celebration of Life Service is planned for a later date.

Preferred Memorials are to be made to the family which they will administrate until a memorial gift can be decided.

Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Winchester Rd. Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

View Full Notice → Sharon A. Minnig

Sept. 6, 1930- Jan. 26, 2014

I. Jean Paullus died at her Van Wert residence on Sunday.

She was born on Sept. 6, 1930, to George and Mary (Geise) Brickner.

On Sept. 6, 1952, she married Jack Paullus, who survives her.

She was a loving mother to her children, Joi (Paul) Mergy, Joe (Jessica) Paullus and Jeff (Trudy) Paullus. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Alek Mergy, Anthony Gober, Jason Paullus and Kathryn Oder; a great-grandchild, Maddison Mergy; and two sisters, Marcile Rinard and Rita Myers.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Arnold, Carl F. and Paul Brickner; and three sisters, Margaret Alexander, Irene Ditto and Delores Gribler.

She had been employed as an executive secretary at the Van Wert Borden’s Cheese Plant and later at the Van Wert Chrysler Amplex Plant.

The family will receive visitors from 1-2 p.m. Friday at Brickner Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Van Wert Civic Theater.

Condolences may be left on our website, www.bricknerfuneralhome.com or sent to bricknerfuneralhome@bright.net.

View Full Notice → I. Jean Paullus