Albert F. Freytag, 87, Minster, died at 10:23 a.m. March 13, 2013, at Joint Township Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.

He was born Nov. 21, 1925, in Fort Loramie, to Albert and Amelia Boerger Freytag. On June 12, 1948, he married Marjorie M. "Marj" DeLaet at St. Michael Catholic Church, Fort Loramie, and she survives in Minster.

He is also survived by children, Marge (Wayne) Jones of Loveland, Dr. Thomas R. (Gwynne) Freytag of Wapakoneta, William J. (Joyce) Freytag of Botkins, and Joseph R. (Lisa) Freytag of Minster; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law, Ellen Freytag of Sidney and Anne Freytag of Minster.

He was preceded in death by a son, Albert F. Freytag Jr.; two brothers, Karl and Robert; and five sisters, Marie Winklejohn, Louis Tebbe, Elsie VanOss, Paula Monahan and Margaret Schrimpf.

He was a 1943 graduate of Fort Loramie High School. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Minster, past president of the Minster and Fort Loramie historical societies, and past president of the Minster Civic Association. He was part of a group that brought quality nursing home care to Minster with the creation of Heritage Manor Nursing Center. He developed the first oversight board for the St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery in Minster. Concerned that victims of the 1849 cholera epidemic were not being adequately remembered, he created a monument in the cemetery to honor them.

He was the owner and operator of Albert F. Freytag Masonry for more than 40 years, starting the company when he was just 18 years old. He was justifiably proud of the many churches, schools and private homes his company built in the area. He represented many generations of fine stone and brick masons, beginning in Germany. In retirement, he pursued his love of history, especially family history.

A born storyteller, he loved to regale children and grandchildren with tales of his childhood. He gathered recollections of his childhood in the autobiographical Turp & Eb, published in 2002 by the Fort Loramie Historical Association. His most recent work was a biographical novel of his wife's great uncle.

He and his wife Marj enjoyed traveling throughout the world, especially in Europe. For many years he and Marj vacationed in Marco Island, Fla., where they researched her family history. His biggest passion was his extended family, his children, but most especially his wife, who was the love of his life. He was an avid horseman and collected antiques of all kinds, including antique carriages.

Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Augustine Catholic Church, the Rev. Rick Nieberding officiating.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Friday and 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster. Burial will take place in St. Augustine Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to The Center for Neurological Development.

Condolences may be made at www.hogenkampfh.com.