Norbert J. Kohnen, age 95, of Celina, passed away Friday afternoon, October 14, 2016 at Celina Manor.

Born on February 1, 1921 in Mercer County, he was a Son of the late Leo & Frances (Nieport) Kohnen. Norbert and Mary Evelyn Meier were married on May 30, 1942, and had celebrated 73 years of marriage before her death on November 29, 2015. 

Surviving are their five Children: Karen (Kirk) Habegger of Decatur, Indiana, Marilyn Reser of Lima, and Patricia (Tom) McDermitt, Ronald (Karen) Kohnen and Timothy Kohnen (fiancée Tracy Lautzenheiser) all of Celina,19 Grandchildren: Kathie Kruse, Kristan Nussbaum, Kevin Habegger, Shane, Sean & Amy Reser, Jeremy & Jordan Mihm, Heather Hoffman,Jim McDermitt, Jaime Bergman, Seth, Corey, Jonathan & Wesley Kohnen, Lindsey Fullenkamp, Taylor & Ryan Lautzenheiser, and Beth Link, 30 Great Grandchildren, and a Sister, Rosemary Wendel of Wapakoneta.

He was preceded in death by Brothers & Sisters: Tony (Flora) Kohnen,Charlie (Esther) Kohnen, Sally (Ott) Dorsten, Loretta ("T") Dorsten, an infant Brother, Bernard Kohnen, and a brother-in-law, Louis Wendel.

Norbert had worked at the Amstutz Feed Mill & Hatchery in Celina, Superior Coach in Lima, Goodyear in St. Marys, and was a self-employed Poultry and Grain Farmer. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Celina.

After attending St. Henry School, Norbert joined the U.S. Army and served under General Patton during WWII. He was a Life Member of St. Marys V.F.W. Post #9289.

Norbert & Mary were extremely proud of their  four Grandsons who served in the military. Sean Reser, who retired after serving 20 years in the U.S. Air Force; Jordan Mihm served 8 years in the Air Force; Corey Kohnen, with 19 years of service in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps; and Jonathan Kohnen, who served 15 years of active duty with the U.S. Army and 2 years in the Army Reserves.

After retirement, Norb enjoyed fishing and teaching others how to fish. He also enjoyed horseshoes, playing cards, driving around and talking to people and riding the John Deere Gator. He liked to sit on his porch and watch the birds at the feeders. He especially loved spending time with the Grandkids, and cuddling with the little Great Grandkids.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, October 18, at Immaculate Conception Church in Celina, with Fr. Ken Alt, C.PP.S., presiding. Burial will follow at St. Marys Catholic Cemetery in Celina with military rites by the Celina VFW Post #5713 and Celina American Legion Post #210. 

Calling Hours are 2:00-6:00 P.M., Monday, October 17, and 9:15-10:15 A.M. on Tuesday, at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina.

Memorial Contributions may be made to: Operation Freedom Support Inc., 113 S. 7th St., Coldwater, OH 45828.

Condolences may be expressed at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.