January 2003

Daily Standard Obituaries
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01-31-03

Cyril Brackman
 Former St. Joe resident Cyril “Cy” H. Brackman, 62, of Union, died Jan. 29, 2003,  at his residence. Death was due to natural causes.
 He was born Feb. 6, 1940, in St. Joe, to Raymond and Anna Grube Brackman.
 Surviving are his wife, the former Joann Kothman, four sons, William (Laura) of Findlay, James (Faith) of Virginia, Patrick (Christine) of Covington, and Matthew (Lisa) of Springboro; two daughters, Elaine (Daniel) Shuga, Botkins, and Cris (Aaron) Barksdale, Michigan; two brothers, Linus (Frances) of Dayton and Dennis (Thelma) of St. Henry; a sister, Annette (Dale) Sutter, St. Marys; and 10 grandchildren.
 A brother, Alvin, is deceased.
 He retired as an accountant at Phillips Industries in Dayton after 28 years. He was a member of Precious Blood Catholic Church, Dayton, and a member and past grand knight of Marion Manor Council of the Knights of Columbus.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Bill O’Donnell officiating. Burial will follow at Royal Oak Memorial Gardens, Brookville.
 Calling is 2-5 p.m. Sunday and after 10 a.m. Monday at Kindred Funeral Home, Englewood.
 Contributions can be made to Community Blood Center or the American Red Cross.
 
John Reichert
 John F. Reichert, 89, formerly of Wourms Road, Fort Recovery, died at 10:06 a.m. Jan. 30, 2003, at Wapakoneta Manor Nursing Home.
 He was born Aug. 15, 1913, in Cassella, to Edward and Clara Langenkamp Reichert. In 1938, he married Luetta Kaiser who died in 1945. In 1948, he married Julitta Weitzel who died in 1967. In 1970, he married Wilma Rose who died in 1973. His fourth wife, Leatha Alexander, whom he married in 1990, survives.
 Also surviving are a son, Bernard of Fort Recovery; four daughters, Marlene (Ben) Hinkle, Vandalia, Clara (Tom) Linn, Wapakoneta, Barbara (Glenn) Nicodemus, Portland, Ind., and Laura (John) Olding, Brookville; seven stepchildren, a sister, Mary (Richard) Everman, Maria Stein; a sister-in-law, Alfreda Reichert, Maria Stein; 12 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a number of stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a daughter, Mildred; two brothers, Ralph and Sylvester; and a grandson.
 A retired farmer, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fort Recovery.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Sharpsburg, the Rev. Matt Jozefiak officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Friday and after 9 a.m. Saturday at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.
 
Ralph Schrolucke
 Ralph G. Schrolucke, 67, 5500 Wierwille Road, New Knoxville, died at 3:15 p.m. Jan. 30, 2003, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
 He was born Sept. 11, 1935, in New Knoxville, to Elmer and Louisa (Maneke) Schrolucke. The mother survives in Wapakoneta. On May 25, 1957, he married Annette Hinze and she survives.
 Also surving are a son, Mark (Beverly) of New Knoxville; three daughters, Susan (Lynn) Koenig and Jill (Chris) Tinnerman, New Knoxville, and Caryn (Joe) Niekamp, New Bremen; a brother, the Rev. Marvin of New Philadelphia; two sisters, Lela (the Rev. George) Van Leuven, St. Clair Shores, Mich., and Sharon (Bev) Minnich, Piqua; and nine grandchildren.
 A grandson is deceased.
 He was a 1953 graduate of New Knoxville High and a lifelong farmer. He was a member of First United Church of Christ, New Knoxville, where he had served as elder and deacon.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. David Hunt officiating. Burial will follow at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery, New Knoxville.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the church’s Heritage Room.
 Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home, New Knoxville, has charge of arrangements.
 Contributions can be made to the church’s radio broadcast fund or the New Knoxville Athletic Boosters.

George Schuette
 George Schuette, 83, 8103 Ohio 219, Celina, died Jan. 30, 2003, at his residence.
 Arrangements are pending at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.
 
Veceslav Sesek
 Veceslav Sesek, 96, 426 Magnolia St., Celina, died Jan. 30, 2003, at The Gardens at Celina.
 Arrangements are pending at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.
 
 
Julius Thobe
 Julius F. Thobe, 87, 12161 Fort Loramie-Swanders Road, Sidney, died at noon Jan. 30, 2003, at The Pavilion nursing home, Sidney.
 He was born Feb. 3, 1915, in Osgood, to Joseph and Helena (Eilerman) Thobe. On Feb. 19, 1941, he married Henrietta Bergman, who died Sept. 8, 2002.
 Surviving are a son, Virgil (Barb) of Sidney; a sister, Sister Mary Wilford C.P.P.S., Trotwood; two grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
 One brother and one sister are deceased.
 He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, McCartyville and the Knights of St. John, Fort Lormie. He also served on the board of Pioneer Rural Electric Cooperative, Piqua.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Pat Welsh officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 3-5 p.m. Sunday and 9-10 a.m. Monday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.
 Contributions can be made to Wilson Hospice Care.



01-30-03

Connie Heitkamp
 Connie S. Heitkamp, 66, of Rockford, died at 9:19 a.m. Jan. 29, 2003, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
 She was born June 28, 1936, in Rockford, to Carl E. and Edith L. Caywood Stetler. On July 28, 1956, she married Albert L. Heitkamp who survives.
 Also surviving are a son, Mark (Tina) of Rockford; a daughter, Vickie (Kevin) Fultz, Portage, Mich.; two brothers, Dick (Joan) Stetler, Rockford, and Ron (Hope) Stetler, Fairfield; and five grandchildren.
 A brother, Donald Stetler, is deceased.
 She retired from Tu-Way Products in Rockford. She also was a beautician, a homemaker and a member of St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, Rockford.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Rockford church, the Revs. Thomas Brenberger and Thomas Huff officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.
 Calling is 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. Friday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford.
 Contributions can be made to the Cancer Society of Mercer County.

Kenneth Huston
 Kenneth Lee Huston, 70, 400 E. Warren St., Celina, died on his birthday at 4 p.m. Jan. 28, 2003, at his residence.
 He was born Jan. 28, 1933, in Rockford, to Jessie and Barbara Daugherty Huston. On Sept. 29, 1956, he married Clara Richards. He later married Shelby Martin. They survive.
 Also surviving are three sons, Kenneth L. Jr. (Candi), Kevin R. (Traci) and Ronnie D. Sr. (Dorothy) all of Celina; two daughters, Earlina Lynn (Keith) Bond, Novi, Mich., and Pearl Naomi of Van Wert; a brother, Glenn, Celina; a sister, Ruth E. Shadrack, Celina; and 12 grandchildren.
 Deceased are four brothers, Clayton F., Arthur P., Eddie and Noah, and two sisters, Christina Grinner and Rosemary Hawky.
 He worked at Amstutz Hatchery for 32 years, retiring when the Celina business closed. He was a member of Abounding Grace Ministries Church, Celina, and a social member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Celina.
 Private graveside services will be at Willshire Cemetery.
 Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, has charge of arrangements.

Cyril Lochtefeld
 St. Rose native Cyril B. Lochtefeld, 82, of St. Paris, died Jan. 29, 2003, at Oak Ridge Nursing & Rehab Center, Richmond, Ind.
 He was born July 31, 1920, in Mercer County, to August and Flora Garman Lochtefeld. His wife, the former Loise E. Evans, died in 1987.
 Surviving are two sons, James M. (Jenny) Snetz, Walbridge, and Wayne L. (Bobbie) Kingery, West Carrollton; two brothers, Leroy of Sidney and Robert of Celina; a sister, Martha Kirk of Florida; and three grandchildren.
 Two sisters, Edna Camp and Alfreda Decker, are deceased.
 He retired from Frigidaire, Dayton, in 1973 after 30 years of service. He also drove a bus in the National Trail School District. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a member of American Legion Post 242, New Madison; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3288, Brookville; and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Greenville.
 Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Friday at St. John’s Catholic Church, New Paris, the Rev. J. Thomas Fitzsimmons officiating. Burial will follow at Springlawn Cemetery, New Paris, with the Darke County Honor Guard conducting military rites.
 Calling is 5-8 p.m. today at Barnes Funeral Home, New Paris.
 Contributions can be made to the Northwest Emergency Squad or the Preble County Unit of the American Cancer Society.

Gracie Parker
 Gracie Mae Parker, 67, 110 Parkview Drive, Celina, died at 6:15 a.m. Jan. 29, 2003, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 She was born May 6, 1935, in Fonde, Ky., to William Riley and Marie Barley Henderson. On Jan. 4, 1954, she married Cleatis Parker who survives.
 Also surviving are four sons, Michael, Timothy (Tammy) and Tobias of Celina, and Douglas (Marie) of Dalton, Ga.; two daughters, Deborah (Randy) Cottengain, Sidney, and Angela (Rex) Eberle, Columbus; 20 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
 Other survivors include two brothers, David (Connie) Henderson, Celina, and Steve (Sherry) Henderson, Montezuma; seven sisters, Betty (Henry) Rodriguez, Wilma (Dick) Abels, Mary (Bob) Perry, Trish (Barry) Baucher and Sheila (Steve) Humbert, Celina, Patsy McJunkin, Botkins, and Diane Gerber, Sidney; and a brother-in-law, Jerry Caldwell, Celina.
 Deceased are a daughter, Rhonda; a sister, Winnie; and two grandchildren.
 She was a homemaker and a member of Abounding Grace Ministries Church, Celina.
 Services are 1 p.m. Saturday at the church, the Revs. Rick Brosher and Tony Richmond officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens near St. Marys.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, and after noon Saturday at the church.
 Memorial contributions may be made to the Mercer County Cancer Association.



01-29-03

Kenneth Huston
 Kenneth L. Huston, 70, 400 E. Warren St., Celina, died Jan. 28, 2003, at his residence.
 Arrangements are pending at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.

Gracie Parker
 Gracie Parker, 67, of Celina, died at 6:15 a.m. today, Jan. 29, 2003, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 Arrangements are pending at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina.



01-28-03

Raymond Fullenkamp
 Raymond B. Fullenkamp, 88, formerly of Cranberry Prairie, died at 2:40 a.m. Jan. 27, 2003, at The Gardens at St. Henry.
 He was born April 14, 1914, in Maria Stein, to John and Gertrude Streacker Fullenkamp. On June 6, 1936, he married Emma Rita Richard who died Nov. 30, 1998.
 Surviving are a daughter-in-law, Betty (Steven) Heitkamp, Minster; a brother, Louis (Zita) Fullenkamp, St. Henry; three sisters, Rose Alma Lammers, Minster, Mary Agnes (Ed) Fiely, Centerville, and Mildred (Jerry) Vanderhorst, Fort Myers, Fla.;  a brother-in-law, Ralph Hartkemeyer, Millville; two sisters-in-law, Ruby Fullenkamp and Irene Fullenkamp, both of St. Henry; four grandchildren and a great-grandson.
 Deceased are two sons, Kenneth and Michael; three brothers, the Rev. Leonard, Merinus and Alfred; a sister, Irene Hartkemeyer; and a brother-in-law, Wilbur Lammers.
 He was associated with Fullenkamp Distributing Co. in St. Henry for 30 years. He was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, Cranberry Prairie.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. David Hoying officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday and 9-10 a.m. Thursday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry.

Herbert Grilliot
 Herbert J. Grilliot, 78, of Versailles, died at 11:15 a.m. Jan. 26, 2003, at his residence.
 He was born Nov. 13, 1924, in Darke County, to Herman and Vena Francis Grilliot. On June 18, 1949, he married Jean Bernholt who survives.
 Also surviving are four sons, Wayne (Pamela) of Kettering, Richard of Cumberland, R.I., Carl (Kathleen) of Vienna, Va., and David (Connie) of Versailles; a daughter, Bernice (Zane) Michael, Troy; two brothers, Earl (Joan) and Robert (Edna) of Versailles; two sisters, Mary Huelskamp, Greenville, and Dorothy (Clarence) Siefring, St. Henry; and nine grandchildren.
 A dairy and grain farmer in Darke County, he also owned and operated a milk hauling business. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church and the American Legion Post of North Star, Fraternal Order of Eagles and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, Greenville, and the Farmers Union.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. David Zink officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles, and after 9 a.m.  Thursday at the church.

Homer Rice Jr.
 Homer H. Rice Jr., 74, of Geneva, Ind., formerly of Mendon and St. Marys, died at 2:15 p.m. Jan. 27, 2003, at Adams County Memorial Hospital, Decatur, Ind.
 He was born Oct. 19, 1928, in Neptune, to Homer H. and Annabelle Stoner Rice. On Aug. 12, 1950, he married Patricia J. Emans who survives.
 Also surviving are a son, Dennis (Ann) of Celina; four daughters, Pamela Hahn, Celina, Kim (Terry) Bollenbacher and Connie Teeters, Geneva, and Tama Lu (Rickey A.) Smith, Berne, Ind.; two sisters, Marjorie (George) Kreachbaum, Upper Sandusky, and Gertrude (Stanley) Brookhart, Cridersville; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Brookhart Rice, Lima; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
 A brother, Raymond, is deceased.
 He retired from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., St. Marys, after 27 years of service. He was a 1946 graduate of Neptune High School.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Thursday at W.H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Randy Christian officiating. Burial will take place at a later date.
 Calling is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday and after 9 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to Shriner’s Hospital.



01-27-03

Grace Babcock
 Grace T. Babcock, 78, 1630 Ohio 707, Rockford, formerly of Tennessee, died Jan. 26, 2003, at her residence.
 She was born Jan. 23, 1925, in Glen Alice, Tenn., to Ruffus and Effie Sitzler Thomas. On Dec. 7, 1947, she married Morris T. Babcock who died Sept. 21, 1975.
 Surviving are two daughters, Kay (Craig) Pemberton, Rockford, and Sheila (Keith) Pemberton, Livingston, Tenn.; two brothers, Gene Thomas, Robbins, Tenn., and Kenneth Thomas, Glenmary, Tenn.; four sisters, Oma Cooper, Rockwood, Tenn., Marie Newport, Robbins, Tenn., Wanda Bowling, Elgin, Tenn., and Lucille Sexton, Norma, Tenn.; two grandchildren, five stepgrandchildren and three stepgreat-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a brother, Allen Thomas, and three sisters, Edith Speck, Gladys Moffett and Kathern Monroe.
 She was a homemaker and a member of Glenmary Baptist Church.
 Services are 8 p.m. Wednesday at Schubeit Funeral Home, Sunbright, Tenn., the Rev. Mike Smithers officiating. Burial will follow at 11 a.m. Thursday at Carson Memorial Gardens, Oneida, Tenn.
 Calling is 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
 Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, handled local arrangements.

Marcella Eifert
 Marcella S. “Sally” Eifert, 82, 1801 Ohio 119, Fort Recovery, died in a traffic accident near her home around noon Jan. 26, 2003.
 She was born June 11, 1920, in St. Henry, to John and Elizabeth Buehler Speck. On June 29, 1940, she married Ferdinand Eifert who died March 6, 1997.
 Surviving are a son, Dan (Dorothy) of Maria Stein; four daughters, Connie (Ron) Buschur and Joyce (Henry) Schwieterman, Coldwater, and Judy (Mark) Post and Pauline (John) Faller, Fort Recovery; 20 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are three brothers, Elmer (Margie) Speck, Coldwater, Richard (Edith) Speck, St. Henry, and John (Leona) Speck, West Milton; three sisters, Leona Meyer, Centerville, Alvira (Pete) Kostoff, Kettering, and Esther Wourms, St. Henry; and two sisters-in-law, Agnes Link, Celina, and Delores Speck, St. Henry.
 Deceased are a son, Paul; two brothers, Raymond and Clarence Speck; and a grandchild.
 She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Altar Sodality and the Catholic Knights of America, all of St. Joe.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Kenneth Alt officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and after 9 a.m. Wednesday at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.

Raymond Fullenkamp
 Raymond Fullenkamp, 88, of St. Henry, died today, Jan. 27, 2003, at The Gardens at St. Henry.
 Arrangements are pending at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry. A complete obituary will appear in Tuesday’s paper.

Marcellus Holthaus
 Marcellus Clemens Holthaus, 86, Basinburg Road, Fort Loramie, died at 6:15 p.m. Jan. 24, 2003, at his residence.
 He was born Sept. 20, 1916, in Fort Loramie, to Bernard and Caroline Prenger Holthaus.
 Surviving are four brothers, Lester, Victor and Anthony (Roseann) of Fort Loramie, and Bernard (Mary) of Anna; a sister, Catherine of Fort Loramie; and a sister-in-law, Mary R. Holthaus, Fort Loramie.
 Deceased is a brother, Alfred; a sister, Rita; and a sister-in-law, Ruth.
 He retired in 1979 as group leader at Copeland Corp., Sidney, after 34 years of service. He also retired from farming. He served 4 1/2 years as a tank battalion sergeant with the U.S. Army in the European Theatre during World War II. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, St. Joseph Men’s Sodality and the Apostleship of Prayer, Fort Loramie.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Steven Shoup officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the chuch cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at Gehret Funeral Home, Fort Loramie.
 Contributions can be made to Fort Loramie Rescue Squad or the church.

Cletus Rindler
 Cletus Rindler, 84, formerly of Burkettsville, died at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 25, 2003, at The Gardens at St. Henry.
 He was born Feb. 8, 1918, in Burkettsville, to Sebastian and Catherine Bohman Rindler. On May 10, 1941, he married Delores Hoehne who died Nov. 12, 1991.
 Surviving are seven sons, Ken (Sharon) and Tom (Deb) of New Bremen, David (Lucy) of St. Henry, Larry (Mary) of Fort Recovery, Dan (Nancy) of Coldwater, John (Janet) of Burkettsville, and Greg (Angie) of Fort Loramie; and seven daughters, Carolyn (Ken) Muhlenkamp, Fort Recovery, Judy Gaier, Dublin, Marlene (Harold) Rainey, Diana (Don) Ebbing and Nancy (Ronald) Pfaff, Coldwater, Wilma (Lavern) Bruns, St. Henry, and Denise (Jeff) Heinfeld, Troy.
 Other survivors include two brothers, Arthur of Burkettsville and Melvin (Luella) of Celina; three sisters, Lucille (Albert) Hoelscher and Armella (Jerry) Moeller, Fort Loramie, and Viola (Andy) Moeller, Burkettsville; 38 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a son, Mark, and two sisters-in-law, Dorina Rindler and Alvina Rindler.
 He was retired from farming and Pax Steel Products Inc., Coldwater. He was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, Burkettsville, and the Men’s Society of the church.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Matt Jozefiak officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry.

Mary Yeager
 Former Philothea resident Mary Yeager, 60, of Fairfax Station, Va., died at 9:05 p.m. Jan. 24, 2003, at her residence. Death was due to natural causes.
 She was born Aug. 21, 1942, in Coldwater, to Victor J. and Regina P. Albers Bruns. On Oct. 16, 1982, she married James Yeager who survives.
 Also surviving are three brothers, Paul (Rita) Bruns and David Bruns, Philothea, and Herbert (Lenora) Bruns, Baytown, Texas; a sister, Dorothy Bruns, St. Henry, and a brother-in-law, Gene Dues, Philothea.
 Deceased are a sister, Rita Dues, and a sister-in-law, Susannah Bruns.
 She was a member of St. Raymond of Penafort Catholic Church, Fairfax Station, and a former member of St. Marys Catholic Church, Philothea.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Philothea church, the Rev. Ronald Wilker officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Thursday and 9-10 a.m. Friday at Hogen-kamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.



01-25-03

Edna Speckman
 Edna E. Speckman, 82, Devonshire Drive, Celina, died Jan. 21, 2003, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 She was born Oct. 26, 1920, in Mercer County, to Lewis and Cora Studbaker Grunden. On June 7, 1941, she married Carl F. Speckman who is deceased.
 Surviving are a brother-in-law, Dick Bransteter, Geneva, Ind., and a sister-in-law, Marie McQueen, Vandalia.
 Deceased are a daughter, Sandra Mescher; three brothers and six sisters.
 She was a member of Montezuma United Methodist Church and a former member of Ars Nova Club, Celina, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary, St. Marys.
 Services are 2 p.m. today at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Douglas Meyer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.
 Calling is 1-2 p.m. today at the funeral home.



01-24-03

Rosetta Francis
 Rosetta B. Francis, 81, 230 W. Main St., Russia, died at 4:35 a.m. Jan. 23, 2003, at Wayne Hospital, Greenville.
 She was born Dec. 10, 1921, in Shelby County, to Edward and Alma (Monnin) Francis. On Sept. 7, 1940, she married Lavern S. Francis who died Nov. 26, 2000.
 Surviving are three daughters, Juliann Pierron and Carol Rindler, Versailles, and Becky (Herb) Ranly, Minster; three brothers, Vernon Francis, Middletown, Leon Francis, Sidney, and Edward Francis, Ludlow Falls; two sisters, Delores (Leroy) Frankenburg, Sidney, and Jane (William) Hill, Middletown; 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a son, Christopher; two sons-in-law, Paul Pierron and Gary Rindler; and a grandson.
 She retired from Copeland Corp., Sidney. She was a member of St. Remy Catholic Church, Russia.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Eugene Vonderhaar officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Sunday at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles.
 Contributions can be made to the Versailles Life Squad or the Ohio Parkinson’s Foundation.



01-23-03

Lillian Fleck
 Lillian Fleck, 78, 3381 Harrison Road, Celina, died at 12:23 a.m. today, Jan. 23, 2003, at Community Hospital, Coldwater.
 She was born Nov. 2, 1924, in Celina, to Bernard and Margaret Keller Homan. On July 6, 1946, she married John Fleck who survives.
 Also surviving are five sons, Paul (Shirley) and Mark (Jane) of St. Sebastian, George (MaryLynn) of Duluth, Ga., Johnny (Linda) of Minster, and Jim (Pam) of Chickasaw; four daughters, Carolyn (Jim) Kohlrieser, Carthagena, Irene Borgerding, Burkettsville, Alice (Hank) Kaiser, St. Sebastian, and Wilma (Dan) Timmerman, Fort Recovery; 34 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
 Other survivors include three sisters, Alvina Uhlenhake and Rose Ontrop, St. Henry, and Mary Borgert, Montezuma; three brothers-in-law, Jerome Siegrist, Anna, Robert Fleck, Chickasaw, and Lester (Margie) Fleck, St. Sebastian; and three sisters-in-law, Jean (Elmer) Wynk, St. Sebastian, Shirley (Elmer) Quinter, Wisconsin, and Janice (Tom) Rindler, North Star.
 Deceased are two sons-in-law, Robert Link and Raphael Borgerding; three brothers, Ferd, Ray and Bernard Homan; and two sisters, Marcella Smith and Ann Siegrist.
 She was a member of the St. Sebastian Catholic Church, the Rosary Altar Sodality of the church and the Knights of St. John Auxiliary, Maria Stein.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. John Bensman officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Friday and 9-10 a.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, St. Henry.
 Contributions can be made to the Cancer Association of Mercer County or the church.

William Oberholzer
 William L. Oberholzer, 93, South Eighth Street, Coldwater, died at 12:30 a.m. Jan. 22, 2003, at the Gardens at Celina.
 He was born April 30, 1909, in Dennison, to Gustave and Mary Rausch Oberholzer. On Aug. 12, 1935, he married Helen B. Baldwin who died April 14, 1992.
 Surviving are a son, William B. of Los Angeles, Calif.; two daughters, Linda (Paul) Haskett, Naples, Fla., and Susan (John) Lavent, New York, N.Y.; and four grandchildren.
 Deceased are an infant son, Tom; two brothers and a sister.
 A Miami University graduate, he was a teacher, coach and principal at Coldwater High School for 19 years, serving as the school’s first football, basketball and baseball coach. He was instrumental in selecting the Cavaliers nickname and was inducted into school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002. He retired in 1974 as an insurance agent after 25 years. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the Coldwater Lions Club and Mercer County Elks Club.
 Funeral Mass is 2 p.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Ronald Wilker officiating. Burial will follow at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.
 Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater, has charge of arrangements. There will be no calling.
 Contributions can be made to the Coldwater High School Athletic Department or the Coldwater Public Library.

Edna Speckman
 Edna E. Speckman, 82, Devonshire Drive, Celina, died Jan. 21, 2003, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 She was born Oct. 26, 1920, in Mercer County, to Lewis and Cora Studbaker Grunden. On June 7, 1941, she married Carl F. Speckman who is deceased.
 A brother-in-law, Dick Bransteter, Geneva, Ind., survives.
 Deceased are a daughter, Sandra Mescher; three brothers and six sisters.
 She was a member of Montezuma United Methodist Church and a former member of Ars Nova Club, Celina, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary, St. Marys.
 Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Douglas Meyer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.
 Calling is 1-2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.



01-22-03

Emma Hoelscher
 Emma “Emmy” L. Hoelscher, 78, 5049 Wabash Road, Coldwater, died at 2:25 a.m. Jan. 21, 2003, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
 She was born May 18, 1924, in Fort Loramie, to Bert and Rose Robbins Vonderhyde. Her husband, Thomas Hoelscher, died in 1964.
 Surviving are two sons, Steven (Ann) Hoelscher of Minster, and Mike (Tamara) Smith, Maplewood; four daughters, Shirley Ann Wiley, Sommerset, Ky., Linda (Jeff) Drees, Celina, Carolyn (Russ) McNeil, Anna, and Brenda Alderton, Wapakoneta; 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
 Other survivors include a brother, Leonard Vonderhyde, New Windsor, N.Y., and six sisters, Mary Leugers, Minster, Irene Grisez, Versailles, Dorothy (Norval) Hole and Elsie Winner, Celina, Katheryn (Walter) Bergman, Fort Recovery, and Norma Wellman, Coldwater.
 Deceased are two brothers, a sister, two grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
 She formerly worked at Wendy’s in Celina and Copeland Corp. in Sidney. She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Coldwater, and a former member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Fort Loramie.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Fort Loramie church, the Rev. Steven Shoup officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery, Piqua.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Thursday and 9-10 a.m. Friday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.

Jack Lutz
 Mendon native Jack H. Lutz, 86, 8274 Bonanza Lane, Cincinnati, formerly of Lima, died at 9:45 a.m. Jan. 20, 2003, at his residence.
 He was born Jan. 3, 1917, in Mendon, to Fred C. and Lucy M. Maurer Lutz. On May 24, 1954, he married Kathryn Corcoran who died Sept. 22, 1969.
 Surviving are a son, Tom (Rita) of Cincinnati; a brother, Dr. Gene (Mary) of Lima; three sisters, Dorothy (Robert) Purdy, Berea, Carolyn (Arthur) Vittur, Port Orange, Fla., and Phyllis K’Meyer, Mogadore; and two grandchildren.
 One grandson is deceased.
 He retired as a mail carrier with the Lima Post Office after more than 37 years of service. A 1935 graduate of Neptune High School, he served with the U.S. Army’s 37th Infantry Division (Red Arrow) during World War II. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church, Elida, and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1911, Lima.
 Services are 2 p.m. Friday at W.H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Randy K’Meyer officiating. Burial will follow at Neptune Cemetery with military rites by Celina VFW Post 5713.
 Calling is after noon Friday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to Samaritan’s Purse.

William Oberholzer
 William Oberholzer, 93, of Coldwater, died today, Jan. 22, 2003, at the Gardens at Celina.
 Arrangements are pending at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

John Pecilunas
 John A. Pecilunas, 50, 1215 Canterbury Drive, Celina, died at 9:50 a.m. Jan. 21, 2003, at his residence of cancer.
 He was born Oct. 9, 1952, in Chicago, Ill., to Leonard and Letitia DeForest Pecilunas. On May 21, 1976, he married Leslie G. Rissman who survives.
 Also surviving are a son, David L., and a daughter, Kimberly A., both of Celina; three brothers, Paul (Pam) of Woodville, Wis., Mark (Cindy) of Peoria, Ariz., and James (Rita) of Claridon Hills, Ill.; and four sisters, Janet (Greg) Colby, Graze Lake, Ill., Ellen (Fred) Gutesha, Aurora, Ill., Mary of DeKalb, Ill., and Carol (Bill) Hoffman, Hellena, Mont.
 He was superintendent of Reynolds & Reynolds Plant 2 for seven years. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, he formerly worked at Duplex Products in Sycamore, Ill., taught seventh and eighth grade math, science and English in Shabbona, Ill., and served as junior high basketball coach and high school soccer coach there. He was president of the Celina Lions Club.
 Memorial service is 11 a.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church, Celina, the Rev. M. Stephen Merold officiating.
 Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, has charge of arrangements. There will be no calling hours.
 Contributions can be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital or Celina Visiting Nurses & Hospice.

Edna Speckman
 Edna Speckman, 83, of Celina, died Jan. 21, 2003, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 Arrangements are pending at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.



01-21-03

Thomas Fenner
 Thomas Fenner, 78, of Celina, owner and operator of Fenner’s Restaurant on Grand Lake St. Marys, died Jan. 17, 2003, at Grandview Hospital, Dayton.
 He was born Aug. 9, 1924, in Dayton, to Leland and Thelma O’Ryan Fenner.
 Surviving with Louella, his wife of 56 years, are a son, Thomas (Bonnie); three daughters, Lynda McCallister, Jackie (Jerry) Lacy and Merriann (Mark) Craig; his twin brother, Jack (Mary); 19 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
 A U.S. Navy veteran who served in World War II and the Korean conflict, he retired as a City of Dayton firefighter after 25 years and formerly served as secretary/treasurer for the Dayton Firefighters Union. He was a 32nd Degree Mason of the Valley of Dayton, a life member of St. Marys American Legion and Celina Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, and a member of the Masonic Lodge, Loyal Order of Moose and the Southshore Sportsman Club, Celina, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Minster.
 Graveside services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at Dayton Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial services are 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Montezuma church, the Rev. Jon Kraner officiating.
 Contributions can be made to the church building fund.
 Magetti Gavin Funeral Home, Dayton, has charge of arrangements.

Thomas Mescher
 Thomas Mescher, 58, South Sixth Street, Coldwater, died at 5:50 p.m. Jan. 20, 2003, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, Ind. Death was due to complications following heart transplant surgery.
 He was born Nov. 1, 1944, in Cincinnati, to Norbert and Virginia Carlin Mescher. On Dec. 2, 1967, he married Sarah Thomas who survives.
 Also surviving are a son, Thomas J. (Kathy) of Celina; four daughters, Renee (John) Luebke and Suzanne of Coldwater, Lisa (Jim) Coats and Tonya of Celina; a brother, Bill (Lois) of Coldwater; two sisters,  Helen Jacobs, Coldwater, and Paula (Ned) Hileman, Celina; and 12 grandchildren.
 He formerly worked at Minster Machine Co. and served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. A member of Coldwater American Legion Post 470, he was past post commander, district commander and state officer and active in Buckeye Boys State program. He also was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council 1991, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5135 and a past member of the fire department, rescue squad and Fraternal Order of Eagles, all of Coldwater.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Thomas Mannebach officiating. Burial will follow at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater, with military rites by the Coldwater Legion.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Friday and 9-10 a.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater. The Legion will have a prayer service there at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Evelyn Nixon
 Evelyn L. Nixon, 76, West Ward Street, Versailles, died Jan. 16, 2003, while on a Caribbean cruise aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas cruise ship.
 She was born Oct. 18, 1926, in Darke County, to Milo and Gladys Petersime Collins. Her husband, William J. Nixon, died in 1975.
 Surviving are four sons, Ronald (Patricia) of Mansfield, James W. (Sharon) of Celina, Michael A. of Gallino, La., and David L., with whom she resided; a daughter, Susan K. (Douglas) Agee, Dayton; a daughter-in-law, Sharon Nixon, Versailles; a brother, Edgar (Phyllis) Collins, Versailles; a sister, Virginia (Wayne) Pittsenbarger, Versailles; 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
 She had worked as a restaurant cook.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. at Versailles United Methodist Church, the Rev. Kelly Moody officiating. Burial will be at Beamsville Cemetery.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Thursday at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles.
 Contributions can be made to Versailles Life Squad or Shriner’s Hospital.

Rose Timmerman
 Mercer County native Rose Ann Timmerman, 85, 1401 N. Broadway St., Greenville, formerly of Rossburg, died at 2 p.m. Jan. 20, 2003, at Wayne Hospital, Greenville.
 She was born Sept. 25, 1917, in St. Henry, to John and Josephine Braun Uhlenhake. On April 14, 1945, she married Leander H. Timmerman who died May 15, 2001.
 Surviving are two sons, Kenneth (Lynne) of Ansonia and Steven (Penny) of Union City, Ind.; two daughters, Diane (Larry) Runkel, Fort Wayne, Ind., and Elaine (Bruce) Correll, Bethlehem, Pa.; two brothers, Richard (Lucille) Uhlenhake, St. Marys, and Herman (Bernice) Uhlenhake, Celina; a sister, Dolores (Joseph) Kuhn, Celina; and 10 grandchildren.
 Deceased are three brothers, Paul, Lawrence and Clarence, and a sister, Hilda Schleuter.
 She was a member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church and the Altar Sodality, Sharpsburg.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Matt Jozefiak officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday and after 9 a.m. Thursday at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.
 Contributions can be made to the Diabetes Foundation.



01-20-03

Marcella Duweling
 Former Coldwater resident Marcella E. Duweling, 91, of Tulsa, Okla., died at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 18, 2003, at her residence.
 She was born Jan. 28, 1911, in St. Sebastian, to John and Anna Schwegman Knapke. On May 30, 1934, she married Henry J. Duweling and he died Jan. 20, 1977.
 Surviving are a daughter, Ann (Lavern) Kremer, Tulsa; a daughter-in-law, B.J. Duweling, North Fort Myers, Fla.; two sisters, Marie (Francis) Groff, North Star, and Viola (Richard) Groff, Kettering; 11 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are two sons, Donald and Henry; a daughter, Marcella; three brothers, Albert, Norbert and Raymond Knapke; and three sisters, Leona Heuing, Alvina Mestemaker and Erma Bergman.
 She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, St. Ann Rosary Altar Sodality, St. Cecilia Auxiliary of the Knights of St. John and the Tuesday Night Rosary Group, all of Coldwater. She had been a volunteer at Community Hospital, Coldwater, and was past president of the Coldwater High School Band Boosters.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. Ronald Wilker officiating. Burial will follow at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Thursday and 9-10 a.m. Friday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

Ralph Fry
 Ralph William Fry, 84, 21719 Wetzel Road, Fort Jennings, died at 10:22 p.m. Jan. 17, 2003, at Lincolnway Home, Ridge Township.
 He was born Oct. 10, 1918, in Delphos, to Glenn and Saloma (Bryan) Fry. On Nov. 11, 1977, he married Alice Rider Little Wallick and she survives at Lincolnway Home.
 Surviving are a brother, Ernest (Delores) of Sarasota, Fla., and a sister, Marcile Crosby, Toledo.
 He was a retired farmer and a U.S. Army veteran who served in the South Pacific during World War II. He was a member of Grace Church, Middle Point, Isaac American Legion Post 178, Van Wert, and Robert G. Longwell Post 5803, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
 Services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, the Rev. Paul W. Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Mercer Cemetery.
 Calling is 3-6 p.m. today at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the Lincolnway Home Activity Fund or the church.

Rita McRae
 Former Maria Stein-area resident Rita McRae, 89, of Scarborough, Maine, died Jan. 10, 2003, following a brief illness.
 She was born Oct. 26, 1913, in the Maria Stein area, to Henry and Rosa Dahlinghaus. She and Albert McRae, her husband of 57 years, moved to Maine in June 2002. He survives.
 Also surviving are two daughters, Dr. Mary Ann (Dr. Kim Hodgson), Springfield, Ill., and Janice (Dr. Lawrence) Broda, Maine; a brother, Harold Dahlinghaus, Minster; two sisters, Dorothy (Cyril) Bertke, Celina, and Rosella (Vincent) Sdao, Ottawa; two grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
 Deceased are a son, James Henry; four brothers, Cyril, Ivo, Paul and Jerry Dahlinghaus, and three sisters, Esther Brun, Marie Studer and Palma Dahlinghaus.
 She worked at an advertising agency in Dayton for a short time and spent most of her married life as a homemaker. She was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Kettering, where she served as a Sunday greeter.
 Funeral Mass was 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Kettering church. Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery, Dayton.

Hilda Nerderman
 Hilda E. Nerderman, 89, 20 Elk Drive, New Bremen, died at 7:10 p.m. Jan. 18, 2003, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
 She was born June 6, 1913, in St. Sebastian, to Frank and Laura Steinke Meyer. On Aug. 24, 1940, she married Julius J. Nerderman who died Aug. 13, 1994.
 Surviving are four sons, Fred (Sharon) of Sidney, Richard (Norma) and Jerry (Marilyn), of New Bremen, and Ralph (Diane) of St. Marys; and three daughters, Marjorie (Robert) Lefeld, St. Henry, Alice (Tom) Tumbusch, Coldwater, and Doris of New Bremen.
 Other survivors include a brother, Paul (Georgie) Meyer, Dallas, Texas; four sisters, Norma Barga, Russia, Frances Wenning, Centerville, Rita (Robert) Buschur, New Weston, and Joann Bensman, North Star; 25 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a daughter, Carole, and two brothers and two sisters.
 She was a homemaker and one of the  original members of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, New Bremen. She also was a member of the Ladies Sodality of the church.
 Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Jack Kroeger officiating. Burial will follow at St. Louis Cemetery, North Star.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster, and after 9 a.m. Wednesday at the church.
 Contributions can be made to the ABC Learning Center, New Bremen.

Ray Parker
 Ray Parker, 72, 710 Devonshire Drive, Apt. 3, Celina, died at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 17, 2003, at his residence.
 He was born July 31, 1930, in Middlesboro, Ky., to Shaffer and Irene Brazor Parker. On Dec. 21, 1956, he married Betty Shinn  who died in 1991.
 Surviving are two sons, Conley (Eydie) of Clarafield, Tenn., and James of Miami, Fla.; two daughters, Laura Martin, Celina, and Marilyn, address unknown; two brothers, David (Karen) of Washington, and Cletus (Gracie) of Celina; one sister, Katie (Ralph) Lawson, Georgia; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
 A sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Woody Mason, are deceased.
 He served in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War. He was a construction worker and a retired employee of B & B Interiors.
 Private services are planned at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.

Bonnie Pifer
 Bonnie Lee Pifer, 51, 5619 Brown Road, Celina, died at 6 a.m. Jan. 19, 2003, at her residence. Death was due to natural causes.
 She was born Nov. 18, 1951, in Celina, to Nelson and Betty Ginter Doenges. On Aug. 21, 1971, she married Roy Pifer who survives.
 Also surviving are two sons, Daniel (Stephanie) of Hillsdale, Mich., and Ryan of Columbus; two daughters, Carrie (Travis) Braun and Christa, all of Celina; a sister, Sally (John) Fischer, Celina; her mother-in-law, Margie Pifer, also of Celina; and three grandchildren.
 A 1970 graduate of Celina High School, she was office manager at Celina Orthodontic Associates. She was a member of Celina First Church of God and the church council.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Bruce Strine officiating. Burial will follow at Swamp College Cemetery, Celina.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, and after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Katlin Puschel
 Katlin Elizabeth Puschel, infant daughter of Keith and Laura Kidwell Puschel, 648 N. Walnut St., Celina, was stillborn at 6:52 a.m. Jan. 16, 2003, at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton.
 Surviving with the parents are three brothers, Jacob, Phillip and Andrew; a sister, Ashley; grandparents, Fred and Delores Puschel, St. Marys, and Tony and Connie Kidwell, Celina; and great-grandparents, William and Delores Winget, Celina.
 Services are 1 p.m. Tuesday at Abounding Grace Church, Celina, the Rev. Rick Brosher officiating. Burial will follow at North Grove Cemetery, Celina.
 Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, has charge of arrangements. There will be no visitation.

G. Maxine Witten
 G. Maxine Witten, 92, 14913 U.S. 127 South, Van Wert, died at 1 a.m. Jan. 19, 2003, at Van Wert Manor Nursing Home.
 She was born Nov. 4, 1910, in Ohio City, to Peter F. and Mabel Colbry Dibert. On Aug. 28, 1932, she married Roy Mathias Witten who died March 9, 1977.
 Surviving are three sons, Peter (Bonnie) of Delta, Pa., Donald E. (Linda) of Ohio City, and Hugh of Tipp City; and two daughters, Dorothy (John) Beck, Grand Ledge, Mich., and Phyllis (Paul) Schroer, St. Henry.
 Other survivors include two brothers, LaRue (Margaret) Dibert, East Tawas, Mich., and Carl (Juanita) Dibert, Alma, Mich.; a sister, Velma Jones, Perrysburg; a brother-in-law, Francis (Peg) Baker, Van Wert; 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are two brothers, Noble and Thomas Dibert, and two sisters, Norma Baker and Irene Neva Galloway.
 A 1930 graduate of Ohio City-Liberty High School, she attended business school in Toledo for two years. She was a homemaker and former secretary at Sharp Canning Co. She was a member of Ohio City United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, the church prayer group and the Ohio City Town & Country Home Extension Club.
 Services are 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, the Rev. Mike Waldron officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Ohio City.
 Calling is 5-8 p.m. Tuesday and after 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the church.



01-18-03

Luella Cordonnier
 Burkettsville native Luella M. Cordonnier, 85, of Dayton, died Jan. 17, 2003, at  Hospice of Dayton.
 She was born April 9, 1917, in Burkettsville, to Lawrence and Rosa Broerman Cordonnier.
 Surviving are two brothers, Eugene (Lucy) of Centerville and Carl (Clara) of LaPeer, Mich.; and a sister, Carolyn (Gale) Shepard, Clayton.
 Deceased are a brother, Elmer; and three sisters, Geraldine Moore, Charlotte Rathweg and Joann Moebus.
 She worked at International Envelope Co. for 30 years and retired in 1982 from Inland Manufacturing.
 Funeral Mass is 11 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Dayton, the Rev. Anthony J. Geraci officiating. Burial is at Calvary Cemetery, Dayton.
 Calling is 9:30-11 a.m. Monday at the church.
 Funeral arrangements are being handled by Tobias Funeral Home, Dayton.
 Contributions can be made to Hospice of Dayton.

Bernard Davidson
 Bernard Francis Davidson, 80, of 7100 Medford Road and formerly of 12506 Reed Road, Versailles, died at 11:45 p.m. Jan. 16, 2003, at his home.
 He was born Aug. 4, 1922, in Versailles, to John Allen and Elizabeth Matilda Shappie Davidson. On Nov. 30, 1941, he married Thelma Carr and she survives.
 Other survivors are a son, John (Naomi) of Worcester, Mass.; a daughter, Linda (James) Pohlman, Versailles; a sister, Ruth Thobe of Hawaii; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a brother, Robert; three sisters, Thelma West, Mary Frantz and Pauline Orthman; and a grandson-in-law.
 He worked on the railroad for 15 years and later at Worch Lumber, Versailles. He also drove a milk truck for Larger Brothers and retired from Clopay Corp. in Russia after 15 years. A U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, he was a member of St. Denis Catholic Church and a past member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, both of Versailles.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. David Vincent officiating. Burial will military rites will follow at St. Valbert Cemetery, Versailles.
 Calling is 2-6 p.m. Sunday at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles.
 Contributions can be made to Hospice of Darke County.

Mary Hall
 Mercer County native Mary Kramer Hall, 59, of Grove City, died Jan. 16, 2003, at Mount Carmel Medical Center, Columbus. Death was due to cancer.
 She was born Sept. 8, 1943, in Granville Township, Mercer County, to Frank and Lula (Heinnickel) Kramer. Her mother survives. On March 30, 1973, she married Robert L. Hall and he also survives.
 Other survivors are two stepdaughters, Angie (Corkie) Wong and Patti Brown, both of Columbus; three brothers, Albert Kramer, Grandview Heights, Charles Kramer, Celina, and William (Amy) Kramer, Canal Winchester; three sisters, Thelma (Louis) Heitkamp, St. Henry, Margie (Randy) Manning, Kansas City, Mo., and Connie (Allen) Flowers, Celina; a brother-in-law, John Post, Celina; four stepgrandchildren and two stepgreat-grandchildren.
 Deceased is a sister, Wilma Post.
 A 1961 graduate of St. Henry High School, she attended Franklin University. She retired as an engineer with Ohio Bell and Ameritech after 25 years of service.
 Services are 1 p.m. Tuesday at Tidd Funeral Home, Hilliard. Burial will follow at Alton Cemetery.
 Calling is 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday and after noon Tuesday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or Mount Carmel Hospice.

Ray Parker
 Ray Parker, 72, 710 Devonshire, Celina, died at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 17, 2003, at his home.
 Funeral arrangements are pending at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina.



01-17-03

Mary Hall
 Former Celina resident Mary K. Hall, 59, of Grove City, died Jan. 16, 2003, at Mount Carmel Medical Center, Columbus. Death was due to natural causes.
 Arrangements are pending at Tidd Funeral Home, Hilliard.

Marcellus Siefring
 Marcellus A. “Mark” Siefring, 88, 2226 Burkettsville-St. Henry Road, St. Henry, died at 8:25 a.m. Jan. 16, 2003, at his residence.
 He was born April 23, 1914, in New Weston, to William and Caroline Miller Siefring. On Oct. 9, 1940, he married Christina Knapke and she survives.
 Also surviving are three sons, Dennis (Diana) of Fort Recovery, Larry (Kris) of Troy, and Ed (Dana) of New Weston; two daughters, Mary Lou (Ron) Stammen, Fort Recovery, and Donna (Steve) Braun, St. Henry; and a son-in-law, John (Alice) Otte, Maria Stein.
 Other survivors include a brother, Julius (Mary Ann) of New Weston; a sister, Henrietta (Viro) Will, Fort Recovery; three sisters-in-law, Veronica (Art) Hermiller, Coldwater, Rosalinda Siefring, Rossburg, and Sally Siefring, Burkettsville; 23 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are two sons, Robert and Dale; two daughters, Helen Siefring and Ruth Otte;  four brothers, Morris, Florence, Leo and Norbert; a sister, Anna Homan; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
 He was a retired farmer and a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society, both of Burkettsville, and the Knights of Columbus, St. Henry.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Matt Jozefiak officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Sunday and after 9 a.m. Monday at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.
 Contributions can be made to Mercer/Darke County Hospice.

Leroy Black
 Graveside services for Leroy S. Black, 82, 1100 Myers Road, Apt. 11, Celina, will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at Mercer Memory Gardens, the Rev. Katie Hayes officiating.
 The Celina Veterans of Foreign Wars Post will conduct military rites.
 He died at 8:26 a.m. Jan. 16, 2003, at Community Hospital, Coldwater.
 Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, has charge of arrangements. There is no visitation.

Edna Sloan
 Edna Bernice Sloan, 85, a resident of The Gardens of Celina, died there at 6:35 p.m. Jan. 14, 2003.
 She was born Feb. 12, 1917, in Mercer County, to William and Gertrude VanTilburg Fast. She married Ralph D. Sloan in 1953 and he is deceased.
 Surviving are a stepson, David (Carol) of Madison, Ind.; a sister, Murlie Boroff, Celina; and several stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren.
 Deceased are four brothers, Ivan, Donald, Harold and Oreal, and three sisters, Helen Hott, Florence Braun and Ruby Shaner.
 She had worked as a waitress at restaurants in the Fort Wayne, Ind., and Chicago, Ill., areas.
 Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Kenneth Laffin officiating. Burial will follow at Roebuck Cemetery, Center Township.
 Calling is after noon Saturday at the funeral home.



01-16-03

Eugene Davis
 Eugene Harmon Davis, 87, 1108 Kingswood Court, Celina, died at 9:02 p.m. Jan. 15, 2003, at Colonial Nursing Center, Rockford.
 He was born Feb. 8, 1915, in Celina, to Rowland and Cora Etta Siler Davis. On March 22, 1941, he married Marjorie K. Seward who is deceased.
 Survivors are three brothers, Robert (Clara), Edward (JoAnn) and Armon (Virginia), all of Celina; a sister, Romola (Charles) Beougher, Rockford; and a sister-in-law, Ruth, St. Marys.
 Deceased are a brother, Kenneth, a sister, Zella Ruth Harter, and an infant brother, Russell.
 He was a member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church, Celina, and a member of the American Legion post #0178, Van Wert. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict.
 Services are 1 p.m. Saturday at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Katie Hayes officiating. A military graveside burial will be held at North Grove Cemetery, Celina.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Alvin Goettemoeller
 Alvin J. “Peck” Goettemoeller, 74, 5303 St. Anthony Road, Celina, died at 7:50 p.m. Jan. 14, 2003, at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton.
 He was born Jan. 12, 1929, in Cassella, to Gregor and Mary Kramer Goettemoeller. On July 1, 1952, he married Verena K. Homan and she survives.
 Also surviving are four sons, Charles (Doris) of Coldwater, Alan (Jean) of Lumby, British Columbia, Gary (Karen) and Eric (LeeAnn), both of Celina; two daughters, Angela (Brent) Campbell, Vandalia, and Judy (Garrett) Hellwarth, Celina; 24 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
 Other survivors include three brothers, the Rev. Leonard of Liberty, Mo., Harold of Botkins, and Ivo (Esther) of St. Henry; and  four sisters, Mildred (Ray) Wuebker and Edna (Norb) Kremer, both of St. Henry, Wilma (Lawrence) Link and Marie (George) Minnich, both of Fort Recovery.
 A sister-in-law, Delores Goettemoeller, is deceased.
 He was a farmer and a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Council 1800, both of Celina.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. Richard R. Riedel officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Celina.
 Calling is 2-9 p.m. today at W.H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Celina.
 Contributions can be made to the Immaculate Conception Education Endowment Fund or charity of the donor’s choice.

Adam Harner
 Adam Michael Glen Harner, 6, of Mendon, died at 6:58 a.m. Jan. 15, 2003, in a one-car accident on Mercer Road in Union Township.
 He was born Aug. 16, 1996, in Lima, to Michael Glen and Sheryl Ann Bye1r Harner. They survive in Mendon.
 Also surviving are a brother, Austin, at home; six sisters, Sarah of Celina, Ashley, a student at St. Francis College in Fort Wayne, Ind., Andrea, Abby, Amy and Audrey, also at home; and the grandparents, Glen and Katherine Harner, Mendon, and Richard and Linda Byer, Willshire.
 He was a kindergarten student at Parkway Local Schools and a member of Hamilton-Bethel United Methodist Church, Mendon.
 Services are 10 a.m. Saturday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, the Rev. Randy Christian officiating. Burial will follow at Hamilton-Bethel Cemetery, Mendon.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Friday and after 9 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the Long-Range Fairground Improvement Fund for the Mercer County Fairgrounds, in care of the Mercer County Civic Foundation.

Roy Black
 Roy S. Black, 82, 1100 Myers Road, Apt. 11, Celina, died at 8:26 a.m. today, Jan. 16, 2003.
 He was born April 18, 1920, in Rockford, to Noah and Matilda Stoll Black. On March 28, 1970, he married Annabelle Klenz who died June 30, 1998.
 Surviving are several nieces and nephews.
 Deceased are two brothers, Leslie and Raymond.
 He was a retired farmer and member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Celina.  He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, both of Celina.
 Service times are pending at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina. Burial is at Mercer Memory Gardens, Celina.



01-15-03

Maurice Elking
 Maurice A. Elking, 80, 65 W. Wayne St., Chickasaw, died at 3:35 a.m. today, Jan. 15, 2003, at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 He was born Oct. 11, 1922, in Chickasaw, to Frank and Francis Bruggeman Elking. On Sept. 25, 1948, he married Eleanor Abels and she survives.
 Also surviving are two sons, Daniel of Chickasaw and Patrick (Janet) of St. Henry; a daughter, Cynthia of Medway; a son-in-law, Dave Knapke, St. Henry; and five grandchildren.
 Other survivors include a brother, Charles (Lillian) of Springboro; a sister, Marie (Ben) Riethman, McCartyville; and three sisters-in-law, Marita Brockman, St. Henry, Rita Elking, New Bremen, and Matilda Elking, Chickasaw.
 Deceased are a daughter, Kathleen Knapke; three brothers and a sister.
 He had worked as a milk hauler for Fisher Cheese for 20 years and at Superior Silo in Coldwater for 25 years. He also worked at Homan Equipment for five years.
 A past fire chief with Chickasaw Community Fire Department, he also drove bus for the former St. John High School in Maria Stein. He was a member of Precious Blood Catholic Church, Chickasaw.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. John Bensman officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-9 p.m. Friday and 9-10 a.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.
 Contributions can be made to St. Peter Neurological Center, Burkettsville.

Alvin Goettemoeller
 Alvin “Peck” Goettemoeller, 5303 St. Anthony Road, Celina, died Jan. 14, 2003, at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton.
 Arrangements are pending at W.H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Celina. A complete obituary will appear in Thursday’s paper.

Edna Sloan
 Edna Sloan, 85, of Celina, died Jan. 14, 2003, at the Gardens at Celina.
 Arrangements are pending at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina. A complete obituary will appear in Thursday’s paper.

Charles Spaulding
 Charles A. Spaulding, 77, 303 S. Pear St., St. Marys, died at 5:45 p.m. Jan. 13, 2003, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
 He was born May 17, 1925, in Lima, to Otto and Marie Burklo Spaulding. In 1955, he married Betty Jean Flanagan and she survives.
 Also surviving are a son, the Rev. Michael (Kathy) of St. Marys; five daughters, Catherine (Dick) Klosterman, Deb (Randy) Fuson and Melissa (Dan) Williams, all of St. Marys, Barb (J.D.) Secession and Kip (Mac) Macklin, both of Lima; three sisters, Virginia Johnson, Columbus, Wilma Cathcart, St. Marys, and Betty Hoselton, Celina; 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
 A brother, James, and a sister, Mary Catherine, are deceased.
 He retired from the U.S. Navy after serving tours of duty during World War II and the Korean Conflict. He later retired from the St. Marys Municipal Power Plant as a boiler operator. He was a member of Calvary Christian Fellowship, St. Marys.
 Services are 11 a.m. Friday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, the Rev. Thomas Brodbeck officiating. Burial with military rites will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.



01-14-03

Nilah Booth
 Nilah A. Booth, 73, 550 Bristol Drive, Geneva, Ind., died Jan. 12, 2003, at Chalet Village, Berne, Ind.
 She was born July 23, 1929, in Randolph County, Ind., to Ralph and Clara Michael Evans. On April 11, 1946, she married Charles F. Booth and he died Dec. 28, 1995.
 Surviving are three sons, Arthur of Geneva, and Charles Jr. and Robert, both of Ridgeville, Ind.; a daughter, Dorothy (Terry) Teeters, Celina; a sister, Ruth Eley, Portland, Ind.; several grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
 She was a homemaker and a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Portland.
 Services are 10 a.m. Thursday at Baird-Freeman Funeral Home, Portland, Ind., the Rev. Robert Sutton officiating. Burial will follow at Antioch Cemetery.
 Calling is 3-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to Mooseheart.

Thomas Boroff
 Thomas J. Boroff, 56, 24 N. Hamilton St., Minster, died at 2:39 p.m. Jan. 12, 2003, at Wilson Memorial Hospital, Sidney. Death was due to natural causes.
 He was born July 3, 1946, in Columbus. His father was Louis Boroff.
 There are no survivors.
 He had resided at Heritage Manor Residential Center in Minster since September 1982 and had worked at Auglaize Industries, New Bremen, since 1989. He participated in various community events, including Special Olympics.
 Services are 2 p.m. Thursday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, the Rev. David Woodyard officiating.
 Calling is after noon Thursday at the funeral home.

Naomi DeArmond
 Naomi R. DeArmond, 85, of Celina, died Jan. 10, 2003, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 She was born March 8, 1917, in Adams County, Ind., to Harley and Emma Becker Reef.
 Her husband Don DeArmond is deceased.
 Surviving are a son, James Dale of Celina; a foster sister, Jean Ross, Decatur, Ind.; two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
 A sister, Imogene Priebe, is deceased.
 She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Celina, a volunteer at Celina Manor, organist at Peace Lutheran Church in Berne, Ind., and a multiple gallon blood donor for the American Red Cross.
 Memorial service is 11 a.m. Saturday at the Celina church, the Rev. Doug Meyer officiating.
 Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, has charge of arrangements. There is no visitation.
 Contributions can be made to the Celina church.

Richard Grimm
 Richard W. Grimm, 90, 1106 Hawthorne Drive, St. Marys, died at 8:47 a.m. Jan. 12, 2003, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
 He was born July 29, 1912, in Mercer County, to Delmar and Mildred West Grimm. In 1934, he married Doris Brodbeck and she died May 4, 1985. He later married Mary Beckstedt and she survives at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 Also surviving are a son, Richard (Dorothy) of Neptune; a brother, Fred of Celina; a sister, Forest Stuart, Dayton; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are two brothers, Harold and Edward; two sisters, Mary Williams and Dorothy Grimm; a half brother, Herbert; and a half sister, Marie Rickard.
 He retired as a supervisor at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., St. Marys.
 Private services will be held for the family with burial to follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens near Moulton.
 Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, has charge of arrangements.

Virginia Kaup
 Virginia Kaup, 59, 325 E. Elizabeth St., Coldwater, died at 6:55 a.m. Jan. 13, 2003, at her residence. Death was due to natural causes.
 She was born Jan. 21, 1943, in Coldwater, to Urban and Luella Weitzel Wuebker. On Feb. 10, 1962, she married Floyd Kaup and he survives.
 Also surviving are four sons, Jeff (Carol) of Troy, Rod (Maribeth) of New Carlisle, Michael (Melissa) of New Knoxville and Stephen of Coldwater; three daughters, Sandy (Rod) Staugler, Coldwater, Mary of St. Henry and Lizbeth (Mark) Johnson, Jackson Center; and nine grandchildren.
 Other survivors include three brothers, Gary (Judy) Wuebker, Seattle, Wash., Mark (Jill) Wuebker, Beavercreek, and Richard (Trish) Wuebker, Centerville; and five sisters, Marge (Paul) Steinke, Montezuma, Karen (Jeff) Calhaun, Wellsville, Lori (Duane) Brunswick, Coldwater, Mary Beth (Bob) Yeater, New Bremen, and Nancy Kruger, Montezuma.
 A brother, Larry, is deceased.
 She was a member of Grace Missionary Church, Celina.
 Services are 10 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Steve Howell officiating. Burial will follow at Mercer Memory Gardens, Celina.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday and 9-9:30 a.m. Thursday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.
 Contributions can be made to Mercer/Darke County Hospice.

Charles Spaulding
 Charles Spaulding, 77, 303 S. Pear St., St. Marys, died at 5:45 p.m. Jan. 13, 2003, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
 Arrangements are pending at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys. A complete obituary will appear in Wednesday’s paper.



01-13-03

Patricia Balderaz
 Patricia L. Balderaz, 61, 649 Grove Lane, St. Marys, died at 8:35 a.m. Jan. 11, 2003, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. Death was due to natural causes.
 She was born Sept. 17, 1941, in Dayton, to John Sr. and Olive Wendel Doll.
 Surviving are a son, Bill (Christi) of Raymond; three daughters, Susan (David) Begley, Lakeland, Fla., Becky (Jake) Cramer and Renee, both of St. Marys; a brother, John Doll Jr., Pine Bluff, Ark.; a sister, Alberta Stein, Fort Recovery; and seven grandchildren.
 A 1959 graduate of Fort Recovery High School, she was employed as a social worker with Sources Community Network Services in Celina.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, the Rev. Charles Richtmyer officiating. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Ulys Davis
 Ulys “Butch” Davis, 59, 505 W. Columbia St., Rockford, died at 11:50 a.m. Jan. 12, 2003, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys. Death was due to natural causes.
 He was born Jan. 28, 1943, in LaFollette, Tenn., to Clifford Ulys and Lottie Henson Davis. His mother survives in LaFollette.
On Dec. 9, 1967, he married Sharon Ann Longsworth and she survives in Rockford.
 Also surviving are a son, Dwight of Rockford; a daughter, Rhonda of Celina; and two sisters, Brenda (Bert) Henson, Phillipsburg, and Judy (Daved) Taylor, LaFollette.
 He retired from Decatur Casting, Decatur, Ind.
 Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, the Revs. Alva Daniel and Robert Loar officiating. Burial will follow at Swamp College Cemetery, Celina.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday and after 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Lewis Garman
 Lewis H. Garman, 74, 1305 Fairground Road, Celina, died at 10:35 p.m. Jan. 10, 2003, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 Surviving are his wife, Eris Garman, Celina; a son, Karey of Washington; and three daughters, Carel Strawn, Celina, Vicki Jones, Idaho, and Laurie Bigford, Washington.
 Memorial service is 6 p.m. Tuesday at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Kathleen Hayes officiating. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family.
 There is no calling at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the Cancer Association of Mercer County or Mercer/Darke County Hospice.

John Gerker
 John Gerker, 74, of Fort Jennings, died at 3:55 p.m. Jan. 11, 2003, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
 He was born Oct. 4, 1928, in Fort Jennings, to Richard and Anna Fisher Gerker. On Feb. 9, 1946, he married Dolores Wieging and she survives.
 Also surviving are a son, Bob (Jane) of Roswell, Ga.; two daughters, Bev (Jay) Korte, Celina, and Pat (Tom) Liebrecht, Fort Jennings; a sister, Wilma (Bob) Rose, Fort Wayne, Ind.; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
 A sister, Mildred Wildenhaus, is deceased.
 He owned and operated the Sohio Service Station in Fort Jennings and previously worked at Lennox Furnace Co. in Lima. He was a former member of the Fort Jennings Fire Department, serving two terms as fire chief, and a former member of the Fort Jennings Lions Club, serving three terms as president. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Jennings; the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Delphos; and the Knights of Columbus, Kalida.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Tony Borgia officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-9 p.m. Tuesday at Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp-Orians Funeral Home, Delphos. A parish wake service will be held there at 3 p.m. Tuesday, with a K of C rosary service set for 8 p.m.
 Contributions can be made to the church building fund.

Richard Grimm
 Richard W. Grimm, 90, 1106 Hawthorne Drive, St. Marys, died Jan. 12, 2003, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
 Arrangements are pending at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys. A complete obituary will appear in Tuesday’s paper.

Virginia Kaup
 Virginia Kaup, East Elizabeth Street, Coldwater, died early today, Jan. 13, 2003, at her residence.
 Arrangements are pending at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater. A complete obituary will appear in Tuesday’s paper.

Berdella Keller
 Berdella R. Keller, 73, 918 Watkins Road, Fort Recovery, died Jan. 11, 2003, at her residence.
 She was born Feb. 16, 1929, in St. Henry, to William and Regina Bertke Schmitt. On Aug. 16, 1951, she married Paul F. Keller and he survives.
 Also surviving are five sons, Don (Sandy), Dave (Kathy) and Gerard, all of Fort Recovery, Steve (Jane) of New Weston, and Paul W. (Carol) of Maria Stein; two daughters, Ann (Jerry) Wendel, New Weston, and Janet (John) Rindler, Burkettsville; 20 grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
 Other survivors include a brother, Ralph (Dorothy) Schmitt, St. Henry; and two sisters, Alice (Wilbur) Feltz, St. Henry, and Rose Ann (Ed) Bulcher, Rossburg.
 A 1947 graduate of St. Henry High School, she formerly worked at Reynolds & Reynolds, Celina. She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Sharpsburg, where she taught religion for 30 years, served as a lector and was a member of the Altar Sodality. She also was a member of Daughters of Isabella #810 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 345, both of Fort Recovery. She also served as a volunteer for the American Red Cross Bloodmobile.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church, the Rev. Matt Jozefiak officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. today and after 9 a.m. Tuesday at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.

Robert Litchfield
 Former Celina resident Robert F. Litchfield, 77, of Cridersville, died at 11:15 a.m. Jan. 12, 2003, at SCCI Hospital, part of St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.
 He was born April 8, 1925, in Nacogdoches, Texas, to Arthur Dawson and Ruth Esther May Litchfield. On March 10, 1946, he married Emma Mabel Willeke who died Aug. 28, 1973. On July 5, 1974, he married Flora A. Pelfrey Fredericks and she survives.
 Also surviving are a son, Paul (Roberta) of Cridersville; two daughters, Janet Marie (Tim) Landis, Covington, and Barbara Ann Ruch, Troy; four stepsons, William (Mary) Fredericks, Centerville, Mike (Terri) Fredericks, Wapakoneta; Paul Fredericks, Lima, and Jeff (Wanda) Fredericks, Coldwater; and two stepdaughters, April (Mike) Powell, Willshire, Jean (Tim) Taggi, Kalida; two sisters, LaVerne Litchfeld and Martha Ann (Hugh) Mann, both of Greensboro, N.C.; 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
 A brother, Ansel O., is deceased.
 He retired from Ford Motor Co. as a job setter. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and volunteered for the Servants on Wheels program for 10 years. He was a member of Harvest Baptist Church, Wapakoneta, and United Auto Workers Local 1219.
 Services are 2 p.m. Thursday at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville, the Revs. Gary Bragg and Toni Dirr officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima, with military rites conducted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1275.
 Calling is noon to 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to Servants on Wheels, Lindale, Texas.

Ruth McDonough
 Ruth E. McDonough, 89, formerly of 811 E. Columbia St., St. Marys, died at 3:05 p.m. Jan. 11, 2003, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
 She was born Dec. 5, 1913, in Spencerville, to Enos and Edna Harter Roberts. On Nov. 5, 1935, she married Paul J. McDonough who died May 31, 1976.
 Surviving are a son, Robert J. (Donna) of Celina; two daughters, Patricia (Jerry) Wesner and Mary Ellen (Gary) VanTilburg, both of St. Marys; a son-in-law, Frank Stager, North College Hill; two brothers, Richard Roberts, Spencerville, and James Roberts, Wapakoneta; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a daughter, Barbara Stager; two brothers, Vincent and Max Roberts; and three sisters, Nellie Roberts, Anne Rhoads and Joline McGowan.
 She retired as a press operator from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., St. Marys. She was a graduate of Spencerville High School and a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and the Ladies Sodality, both of St. Marys.
 Funeral Mass is 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church, the Rev. David A. Heinl officiating. Burial will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery, St. Marys.
 Calling is 5-8 p.m. today at Miller-Long & Folk Funeral Home, St. Marys.

Frieda Miller
 Frieda Cleone Miller, 57, 221 S. Wayne St., Van Wert, died at 5 a.m. Jan. 11, 2003, at Ohio State University Hospital, Columbus. Death was due to natural causes.
 She was born Jan. 29, 1945, in Fort Wayne, Ind., to William E. and Frieda Cleone Beard Hurless. Her father and stepmother, Helen, reside in Rockford. On Oct. 19, 1968, she married Richard M. Miller Sr. and he survives.
 Also surviving are a son, Richard Jr., and a daughter, Cathleen, both of Van Wert; two brothers, Robert Owens, Whittier, Calif., and William Loader, Venice, Fla.; a sister, Donna Schultz, Valley Center, Calif.; and a grandchild.
 One sister, Lucille Delores Hurless, is deceased.
 A 1964 graduate of Crestview High School, she was owner and operator of Stitch-in-Time Mending and Alteration, Van Wert. She was a member of First Friends Church and the Loyal Order of Moose, both of Van Wert.
 Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, the Rev. Gene Moser officiating. Burial will follow at Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.
 Calling is 5-8 p.m. Tuesday and after 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association.



01-11-03

Richard Kunk
 Richard J. Kunk, 87, Celina, formerly of Versailles, died Thursday, Jan. 9, 2003 at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 He was born April 5, 1915 in St. Rose to Clem and Cecelia Heyne Kunk. On Sept. 1, 1936 he was married in Cassella to Alvina Otte, who survives.
 Also surviving are two sons, Carl (Phyllis), Lumberton, Texas, and Ralph (Diane), Russia; five daughters, Julietta (Virgil) Schwieterman-Trafzer, Celina; Mary Kay (Bernard) Fullenkamp, Plant City, Fla.; Barbara (Virgil) Thobe, Sidney; Rose Ann (Paul) George, Sunburst, Mont., and Kathleen (Leo) Heitkamp, Versailles; a brother, Leo (Pauline) Kunk, Ariz.; three sisters, Luella (Othmar) Klenke, Coldwater; Dolores (Newton) VanDeMark, New Bremen; and Mary Ann Oertman, Versailles; a daughter-in-law, Carol Kunk, Silsbee, Texas; a brother-in-law, Leo Prenger, Minster; 30 grandchildren; 53 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
 Preceding him in death was a son, Eugene; two brothers, Ray Kunk and Ed Kunk; two sisters-in-law, Emma Kunk and Sally Kunk; a sister, Katherine Prenger; and one grandchild.
  He was retired from Carl Subler Trucking, Versailles and member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Celina, and the Celina Knights of Columbus.
 Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception church. Burial will be at St. Valbert Cemetery, Versailles, where there will be a graveside service at 2:30 p.m.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Monday at Lehman  Funeral Home, Celina, and 9-10 a.m. Tuesday.

Odelia Bruns
 Odelia Josephine Bruns, 90, formerly of E. Main St., Coldwater, died Friday, Jan. 10, 2003 at Briarwood Manor Nursing Home, Coldwater.
 She was born Feb. 23, 1912 in Fort Recovery to Herman and Margaret Braun Garke. On Nov. 11, 1933, she was married in Coldwater to Bernard Bruns, who preceded her in death May 26, 1975.
 Surviving are a son, Dale (Marilyn), Fort Recovery; three daughters, Mary (Bud) Granger, Marlene (Jerry) Schmitz and Carol (John) Ranly, all of Fort Recovery; a daughter-in-law Mary Alice Bruns, St. Henry; 20 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren.
 Preceding her in death was a son, Donald; four brothers and three sisters.
 She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Coldwater, the St. Ann’s Rosary Altar Sodality; Fort Recovery Daughters of Isabella and Coldwater Hospital Auxiliary.
 A funeral Mass will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Coldwater, with burial in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.
 Calling hours at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater, are 2-6 p.m. Sunday and 9-10 a.m. Monday.
 Contributions may be made to the Coldwater Emergency Squad 7.



01-10-03

Imogene Beeks
 Imogene Beeks, 80, of Rockford, died at 11:15 a.m. Jan. 9, 2003, at The Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford.
 She was born March 11, 1922, in Iroquois County, Ill., to Shirley and Iva Kolb Hickman. On Dec. 23, 1945, she married Herman Beeks, who survives.
 Also surviving are a son, Ralph H. (Vicki) of Fort Wayne, Ind.; three daughters, Yvonne Lautzenheiser, Fairfield, Roberta (Richard) LePage, Rockford, and Regina (Bill) Jenkins, Mesa, Ariz.; a brother, Shirley (Burr) Hickman, Hayword, Calif.; two sisters, Beryl (Bill) Johnson, also of Hayword, and Helen Krohn, Carrollton, Texas; nine grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
 She was a homemaker and a graduate of Huntington College. A resident of the Rockford area since 1959, she was a member of New Horizons Church and a former member of the Parkway Band Boosters.
 Services are 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the church, the Rev. Robert Loar officiating. Burial will follow at Otterbein Cemetery near Rockford.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Saturday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, and at 12:30 p.m. Sunday at the church.
 Contributions can be made to the church.

Loretta Brown
 Loretta H. Brown, 87, formerly of 223 Sturgeon St., St. Marys, and a resident of Otterbein St. Marys Retirement Community, died at 3:36 a.m. Jan. 9, 2003, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.
 She was born July 14, 1915, in Delphos, to Henry and Carolyn (Martz) Huysman. On Dec. 27, 1943, she married Dr. Robert Brown, who survives at Otterbein.
 Also surviving are a daughter, Linda (Glenn) Fisher, Elida; a sister, Viola Lovelace, Dayton; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are three brothers, Earl, Arnold and Clayton Huysman, and three sisters, Velma Wannamacher, Evelyn Schaffter and Alice Patterson.
 She was a homemaker and a 1933 graduate of Delphos Jefferson High School. She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, the Rosary Altar Sodality and the Catholic Ladies of Columbia.
 Funeral Mass is 11 a.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. David Heinl officiating. Burial will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery, St. Marys.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Long and Folk Funeral Home, St. Marys.
 Contributions can be made to Holy Rosary School.

Richard Kunk
 Richard Kunk, 87, formerly of Carmel Church Road, Celina, and Versailles, died in the evening of Jan. 9, 2003, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
 Arrangements are pending at Lehman Funeral Home, Celina. A complete obituary will appear in Saturday’s paper.

Eileen Staton
 Eileen H. Staton, 73, 323 S. Washington St., New Bremen, died at 7:15 a.m. Jan. 9, 2003, at Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, St. Marys.
 She was born Feb. 12, 1929, in Covington, Ky., to Richard and Marie (Rauf) Lehman. On July 1, 1950, she married James E. Staton, who died Jan. 11, 1992.
 Surviving are three sons, James R. (Elaine), Robert (Gwen) and Michael (Jeanette), all of New Bremen; three daughters, Kathy (Dave) Bergman, Sanford, Fla., Deb (Dan) Koverman, Minster, and Karen Koverman, Troy; a brother, Richard (Sophie) Lehman, Norwood; 21 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a brother, Don Lehman, and a sister, Jeanne Boyd.
 She worked at the former Hotel Bar in New Bremen for several years. She was a member of the Church of the Holy Redeemer and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 241, both of New Bremen, and a former New Bremen Girl Scout leader. In 1987, she was named “mother of the year” by The Evening Leader.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. James F. Trick officiating. Burial will follow at German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. today at Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen, and 9:30-10:10 a.m. Saturday at the church. The rosary will be recited at church following calling hours.
 Contributions can be made to the New Bremen Girl Scouts.



01-09-03

Berniece McMullen
 Former Fort Recovery resident Berniece H. McMullen, 97, of Metairie, La., died Jan. 6, 2003, in Metairie.
 She was born May 3, 1905, in Portland, Ind., to William and Maude Waggoner Thwaits. On June 25, 1938, she married Don McMullen and he died Sept. 11, 1998.
 Surviving are a daughter, Thelma Smith, St. Petersburg, Fla., and two grandchildren.
 She received a nursing degree from Cleveland City College and worked as a nurse. She was a member of White Dove Fellowship Church, Metairie.
 Graveside services are 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Holsapple Cemetery in Darke County, the Rev. Verl Ballmer officiating. There is no visitation.
 Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery, has charge of local arrangements.

Melvin Miars
 Melvin B. Miars, 77, 206 W. Madison St., St. Marys, died at 7:15 p.m. Jan. 7, 2003, at Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, St. Marys.
 He was born Feb. 7, 1925, in Pleasant Hill, to Vernon and Emma Rohrbach Miars.
 Surviving are a companion, Waneta Wolfe, St. Marys; two brothers, Orville and Robert, both of St. Marys; and three sisters, Jessalyn Miller and Frieda (Dan) Hay, both of  St. Marys, and Wilda (John) Felten, Mills, Wyo.
 A brother, Gail, and a sister, Virginia Burden, are deceased.
 He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and retired as a grave digger at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys. He was a member of American Legion Post 323, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9289 and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 767, all of St. Marys.
 Services are 2 p.m. Friday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, the Rev. Herb Berry officiating. Burial with military graveside rites will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery.
 Calling is after noon Friday at the funeral home.

Joel Riley
 Former Celina resident Joel K. Riley, 97, of Mason, Mich., formerly of Royal Oak, Mich., died Jan. 7, 2003, at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, Mich.
 He was born Jan. 3, 1906, in Celina, to Dr. Robert E. and Addie B. Riley.
 Surviving with his wife of 72 years, the former Ruth French, are a son, Robert (Betty) of Illinois; a daughter, Carma (William) Philip, Mason; six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
 A brother, Horatio, is deceased.
 A 1930 graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, he retired as a Detroit banker after 45 years and was a 75-year member of the Masonic Lodge in Celina.
 Memorial service is 2 p.m. Saturday at Gorsline-Runciman Co. Ball-Dunn Chapel, Mason, the Rev. Charles A. Herrick officiating.
 Calling is after 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the Mercer County Historical Society.



01-08-03

Adeline Almeida
 Adeline “Al” Almeida, 73, 12043 Lotus Road, Minster, died at 4:50 p.m. Jan. 6, 2003, at Joint Township District Hospital, St. Marys.
 He was born June 14, 1929, in Bristol, R.I., to Jose and Maria Rebello Almeida.
 Surviving with his wife, Loraine Yeater, are a son, Robert (Beth) Yeater, and a daughter, Brenda (Robert) Klein, both of New Bremen; two brothers and two sisters, all of Rhode Island; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
 He retired as a press operator from Marwil Products Co., Fort Loramie, in 1982. He previously worked at the former Val Decker Meat Packing plant in Piqua.
 Graveside services are today at 1:30 p.m. at the German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen, with Pastor Al Carter officiating. Gilberg-Hartwig Funderal Home had charge of arrangements.

Peter Hugelen
 Former Celina resident Peter Byrne Hugelen, 79, of Anchorage, Alaska, died Dec. 29, 2002, at his residence.
 He was born March 22, 1923, to Rienhart and Henrietta Olson Hugelen.
 Surviving is a sister, Patricia (Clifford) Freeman, Viera, Fla.
 A sister, Lauretta, is deceased.
 He was the Long Shoreman’s Union Dock Charge in Alaska before retiring in 1980.
 Graveside services will be held in July at Swamp College Cemetery, Celina.
 Lehman Funeral Home, Celina, has charge of local arrangements.
Melvin Miars
 Melvin B. Miars, 77, 206 W. Madison St., St. Marys, died at 7:15 p.m. Jan. 7, 2003, at Valley Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in St. Marys.
 Arrangements are pending at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys.

Gary Stemley
 Former New Weston area resident Major General Gary A. Stemley, 67, of Sparta, N.J., died Jan. 3, 2003, at Morristown Memorial Hospital, Morristown, N.J. Death was due to complications of lymphoma.
 He was born March 27, 1935, in Elroy, to Charles and Lillian Smith Stemley. The mother survives in New Weston.
 Surviving with his wife, the former Eileen Scheckelhoff, are two sons, Craig and Charles R.; two daughters, Jeannette Stemley-Dickinson and Dr. Sharon Stemley-Agnello; a brother, Neil of New Weston; and two grandchildren.
 He graduated in 1957 from the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., with a bachelor of science degree in engineering and in 1960 from the University of Kansas with a master of science degree in petroleum management.
 While serving in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1970, he completed assignments in the United States, Korea, France, Germany, Turkey and Vietnam. He became ranger certified and a master parachutist, serving as parachute resupply officer and deputy director of fuel supply for both the Army and Air Force. As such, he was responsible for coordinating daily parachute drops of ammunition and food to embattled Marines who were surrounded for a two-month period in 1968.
 From 1970 to 1987, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves as commander of the 301st Support Group and the 411th Engineer Brigade at Fort Totten, N.Y. In 1981, he graduated from the Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., and was promoted to brigadier general six years later.
 He was recalled to active duty for the Persian Gulf War, serving as deputy commander of the Army Corps of Engineers for Operation Desert Shield/Operation Desert Storm in 1987. He worked as assistant chief of engineers for Mobilization, Reserve Affairs and Logistics at the Pentagon from 1987 to 1991. From 1991 to 1994, he was director of the Reserve Component Automation System at Fort Belvior, Va., leading a team of government employees and contractors who designed, developed and installed the National Guard’s largest computer system in the United States.
 He retired from the Army in 1993 after 37 years of service. In civilian life, he worked as vice president in charge of computer systems for Merrill Lynch and Co., New York, and as national sales manager for Army operations at SUN Microsystems.
 Funeral Mass is 9:30 a.m. Jan. 14 at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Sparta. Burial will follow at West Point Cemetery.
 Calling is 2-5 p.m. Jan. 12 at Goble Funeral Home, Sparta.
 Contributions can be made to the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center in Morristown.



01-07-03

Ida Homan
 Ida M. Homan, 93, 3139 Mercer-Darke County Line Road, Fort Recovery, died at 9:10 p.m. Jan. 6, 2003, at the Gardens at St. Henry.
 She was born Feb. 10, 1909, in Minster, to Charles and Agnes Meier Schulte. On May 10, 1938, she married Anthony B. Homan and he died Sept. 11, 1992.
 Surviving are two sons, Gerald (Delores) and Herb (Charlene), all of Fort Recovery; and six daughters, Mary (Joseph) Keller and Doris (Phil) Sheffer, all of Fort Recovery, Janet (James) McEldowney, Versailles, Mildred (James) Boehmer, Kettering, Eileen (Art) Dapore and Carolyn (David) Kreischer, all of Sidney.
 Other survivors include two sisters-in-law, Agnes Schulte, Chickasaw, and Hilda Siefring, Burkettsville; 35 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren and four stepgreat-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a son-in-law, Wally Thien; two brothers, Clem and Norbert Schulte; four sisters, Hilda Heitkamp, Mary Homan, Eleanora Homan and Alvina Rammel; a grandchild and a great-grandchild.
 She was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and the Altar Sodality, both of Sharpsburg.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Albert Reed officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Wednesday and after 9 a.m. Thursday at Brockman & Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery. A prayer service will be held there at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.
 Contributions can be made to Catholic Social Services.

Robert Miller
 Robert Miller, 70, 933 Tecumseh Drive, St. Marys, died at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 6, 2003, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. Death was due to an apparent aneursym.
 He was born Dec. 30, 1932, in Mercer County, to Hubert and Elizabeth Painter Miller. On Dec. 20, 1975, he married Helen Given Flinn and she preceded him in death.
 Surviving are a companion, Judy Gray, St. Marys; two sons, Robert Jr. of Celina and James (Donna) of Mount Airy, N.C.; two daughters, Pamela (Henry) Neal, Celina, and Kathy (Bill) Dague, Berne, Ind.; two stepsons, James and Tim Flinn, both of St. Marys; two stepdaughters, Rhonda Hawkins, Celina, and Linda Boysell, St. Marys; a sister, Marilyn (Don) Fennig, Van Wert; nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, six stepgrandchildren and one stepgreat-grandchildren.Two brothers, Dave and Larry, are deceased.
 He was a 1950 graduate of Celina High School and a U.S. Army veteran. He retired from Foremost Tool Co. and was currently employed as a janitor at East Elementary School, St. Marys. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 323 and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 767, all of St. Marys.
 Services are 11 a.m. Thursday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys, the Rev. Patricia Minnick officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the Teddy Bear Fund at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.

Lois Pohlmann
 Lois J. Pohlmann, 69, 1890 Ohio 716, Maria Stein, died at 4:45 a.m. Jan. 6, 2003, at her residence. She had been ill three months.
 She was born April 16, 1933, in Sharpsburg, to Raymond and Agnes Jacobs Brunswick. On May 5, 1956, she married Leo H. Pohlmann and he survives.
 Also surviving are two sons, Mark (Pam) of Maria Stein and Tom (Marianne) of Boston, Mass.; two daughters, Cheryl (Jim) Puthoff, St. Henry, and Chris (Dan) Kramer, Maria Stein; and 14 grandchildren.
 Other survivors include two brothers, Larry (Mary) Brunswick, Orman Beach, Fla., and Lonnie (Janice) Brunswick, Monroe, Mich., and three sisters, Betty (Ivo) Homan, Mary Kay Brunswick  and Dianne (John) Dippold, all of St. Henry.
 Deceased is an infant daughter, Mary.
 She retired as treasurer of the Marion Local Schools. She was a member of St. John Catholic Church, the Ladies Auxiliary of the church and member and past president of American Legion Auxiliary 571, all of Maria Stein.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church, the Rev. Ken Schroeder officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
 Calling is 3-8 p.m. Wednesday and 9-10 a.m. Thursday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.
 Contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research.

Olaf Thompson Jr.
 Olaf Thompson Jr., 75, 628 Murlin Ave., Celina, died at 1:37 a.m. Jan. 6, 2003, at his residence.
 He was born Sept. 10, 1927, in Findlay, to Olaf Sr. and Olive Crawford Thompson. On June 28, 1950, he married Wilma Jean Worley and she survives.
 Also surviving are five sons, Greg, Olaf, Larry and Don (Terina), all of Celina, and James Clinton of Kenton; a daughter, Linda Schott, Celina; 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
 Other survivors include a brother, Robert of Long Beach, Calif., and four sisters, Helen Belcher, Bryan, Toni LeMonde, Westland, Mich., Sheri Adeline, Livonia, Mich., and Trei Gaushas, Bear Born Heights, Mich.
 Deceased are three brothers, Paul, Albert and Charles, and three sisters, Gloria, Dolly and Shirley.
 He retired as communication foreman with Conrail Railroad and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
 Memorial service is 2 p.m. Wednesday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Bruce Head officiating.
 There will be no visitation.



01-06-03

Omer Bruns
 Mercer County native Omer B. Bruns, 63, Butler Township, Dayton, died Jan. 3, 2003, at Good Samaritan Hospital, Dayton.
 He was born Jan. 19, 1939, in Mercer County, to Elmer and Luella Meier Bruns.
 Surviving with Jeanette, his wife of 43 years, are three sons, Keith (Lori) of Tipp City, Ron (Beth) of Chicago, Ill., and David (Jennifer) of Kettering; a daughter, Lisa (David) O’Hanian, Ann Arbor, Mich.; six brothers, Willy and Dennis of Celina, Gene and John of Maria Stein, Lavern of St. Henry,  and Mark of Fort Recovery; three sisters, Evelyn Bensman, Anna, Mary (Paul) Gagel, Maria Stein, and Lois Kremer, Fort Recovery; 10 grandchildren and two stepgrandchildren.
 He was employed at Captor Corp. He was a member of Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church, where he was a Eucharistic minister, three-time president of the parish council, a member of the parish finance committee for 20 years, a member of the Building Fund-Raising Committee and a member of the Parish Athletic Committee. He also was a member of Knights of Columbus Marion Council 3754.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Dayton.
 Calling is 5-8 p.m. today at George C. Martin Funeral Home, Northridge Chapel, Dayton. Prayers will be offered there at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
 Contributions can be made to the church.

Jeff Davis
 Jeff R. Davis, 66, 507 W. Market St., Rockford, died Jan. 3, 2003, at his residence following a lengthy illness.
 He was born July 30, 1936, in Pleasant View, Ky., to Andrew Jackson and Mary D. Caddell Davis. On May 27, 1978, he married Mary Jane Clink and she survives.
 Also surviving are a son, Jeffery R. of Celina; a stepson, Timothy Errett, Sandusky; two daughters, Sherry Abson, Walkerville, Mich., and Jodi of Painesville; a stepdaughter, Debora (Larry) Kramer, Van Wert; a brother, Lawrence of Geneva, Ind.; two sisters, Rhoda Hudson, Portland, Ind., and Kathleen (Charles) Ridenour, Fair Oaks, Calif.; 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
 A U.S. Army veteran, he had been employed as a welder with Boiler Makers Union #85 in Rossford for 39 years. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Munice, Ind.
 Services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Portland, Ind., Chapel of Williamson and Spencer Funeral Homes Inc., the Rev. Robert Loar officiating. Burial will follow at Gravel Hill Cemetery West, Bryant, Ind., with military rites conducted by American Legion Post 211.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to Mercer/Darke County Hospice.

Pamala Ford
 Pamala Joe Ford, 50, 224 E. Main St., Gettysburg, died at 4:05 a.m. Jan. 4 at Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton. Death was due to natural causes.
 She was born July 31, 1952, in Greenville, to Robert C. and Joan Dynes Ford. Her mother survives in Greenville.
 Also surviving are four uncles, James Dynes, Bob (Jane) Dynes, Lewis (Mary) Dynes and Gene Ford; and four aunts, Jackie Balfour of Celina, Joan Fitzsimmons, Dolores Dynes and Eva Dynes.
 Deceased are four uncles, Walter Dynes, J.W. Dynes, Tom Ford and Robert Norse; and two aunts, Maxine Norse and Dorothy Dynes.
 She was a corrections officer with the Darke County Sheriff’s Office. She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary and the Loyal Order of Moose Auxiliary, both of Greenville, and the Fraternal Order of Police.
 Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, the Rev. Sonny Petty officiating. Burial will follow at Greenville Township Memorial Gardens.
 Calling is 4-6 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the Darke County Cancer Society.

Paul Goubeaux
 Paul M. Goubeaux, 68, of Versailles, died at 11:32 p.m. Jan. 3, 2003, at Wilson Memorial Hospital, Sidney.
 He was born April 23, 1934, in Versailles, to Martin and Bernadette Francis Goubeaux. On Aug. 27, 1960, he married Evelyn Eischen and she survives.
 Also surviving are two sons, Michael of Versailles and Dale (Brenda) of Russia; a daughter, Carol (Charles) Kunkler, Fort Loramie; a brother, Joseph of Russia; two sisters, Zita (Louis) Fullenkamp, St. Henry, and Sister Rosemary Goubeaux, Dayton; and four grandchildren.
 Two sisters, Adeline Riethman and Jean Goubeaux, are deceased.
 He was a Darke County dairy farmer and a member of St. Denis Catholic Church and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, both of Versailles; Darke County Farm Bureau, Minster Farmers Cooperative Inc., Fort Recovery Equity Exchange and Darke County Right to Life. He had served in the Ohio National Guard and was president of the Russia High School Class of 1952.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. David Vincent officiating. Burial will follow at St. Valbert Cemetery, Versailles.
 Calling is 2-8 p.m. Thursday and after 11:30 a.m. Friday at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles.
 Contributions can be made to Darke County Right to Life.

Paul Hausfeld
 Paul H. Hausfeld, 82, 403 S. Market St., Coldwater, died Jan. 3, 2002, at Community Hospital, Coldwater.
 He was born Jan. 7, 1920, in Coldwater, to Edward and Mary Neumeier Hausfeld. On June 3, 1944, he married Elizabeth Gilliam and she died Sept. 8, 2000.
 Surviving are two sons, Keith (Cherie) of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Michael (Maureen) of Dublin; a daughter, June (Ray) Opp, Union City, Ind.; two sisters, Rita (Jim) Bonifas, Coldwater, and Ruth (Joe) McDonald, Celina; and seven grandchildren.
 Deceased are five brothers, Ben, Louis, Linus, Adolph and James.
 He retired from the former Pet Milk Co. in Coldwater after 43 years of service. He served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Coldwater.
 Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Thomas Mannebach officiating. Burial will follow at St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.
 Calling is 4-7 p.m. Tuesday and 9-10 a.m. Wednesday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Coldwater.

Sharon Heitkamp
 Sharon “Sherry” Eileen Heitkamp, 57, of Union City, Ind., died Jan. 4, 2003, in Portland, Ind. Death was due to right lobar pneumonia, according to a spokesman for the Jay County Coroner.
 She was born May 19, 1945, in Cincinnati, to Ralph and Mildred Besecker Pound.
 Surviving are a son, Matthew of Coldwater; two daughters, Annette (Jim) Bertke, New Bremen, and Christa of Fairborn; two sisters, Pat (Bill) Corzatt, Englewood, and Micki of Troy; and three grandchildren.
 A sister, Sheila, is deceased.
 She was a hairdresser and a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary, Union City, and the Loyal Order of the Moose, Portland, Ind.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Versailles.
 Calling is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Lois Pohlmann
 Lois Pohlmann, 69, 1890 Ohio 716, Maria Stein, died today, Jan. 6, 2003, at her residence.
 Arrangements are pending at Hogenkamp Funeral Home, Minster.

Olaf Thompson
 Olaf Thompson, 75, of Celina, died today, Jan. 6, 2003, at his residence.
 Arrangements are pending at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina



01-04-03

Gladys Gray
 Gladys C. Gray, 82, 310 Beaver St., Celina, died at 7:10 p.m. Jan. 2, 2003, at Community Hospital in Coldwater.
 She was born April 15, 1920, in Celina, to Ralph and Irene Wehrkamp Gray.
 Survivors are two brothers, Gerald (Dorothy) and Thomas (Esther), both of Celina.
 She had worked as a secretary for Carroll Stubbs Insurance Agency, and during World War II at the selective service board. She retired in 2002 after many years of service at The Daily Standard. She graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1938 and was a member of Immaculate Conception Church.
 There will be no visitation. Her body will be cremated and burial will be at St. Marys Catholic Cemetery in Celina at the convenience of the family.
 Contributions can be made to the Gladys Gray Scholarship Fund through the Mercer County Civic Foundation.

Harry Taylor
 Harry L. “Bubbin” Taylor, 62, 105 Ohio St., St. Marys, died at 10:25 a.m. Jan. 3, 2003, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital in St. Marys.
 He was born May 5, 1940, in St. Marys, to Fred and Ethel Ashbaugh Taylor. His mother survives in Wapakoneta. In January 1965, he married Katherine Steinbrunner, who survives.
 Also surviving are a sister, Susan Dodson of St. Marys; and a brother, William (Carol) of Wapakoneta.
 He was employed at the former Jaspersen Supply Co. in St. Marys, Steele’s Automotive Supply in Lima and had been employed as a custodial worker at roadside rest areas through RT Industries in Troy. He attended Hillsdale United Brethren in Christ Church in St. Marys. He was a graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School and Griffith College.
 Services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at Miller Funeral Home in St. Marys, the Rev. Al Carter officiating. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens, Moulton.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the Arthritis Foundation.

Donald Stetler
 Donald “Butch” Eugene Stetler, 64, Rockford, died at 4:20 a.m. Jan. 3, 2003, at Van Wert County Hospital, Van Wert, due to natural causes
 He was born Dec. 12, 1938, in Decatur, Ind., to Carl and Edith Kaywood Stetler. On April 29, 1960, he married Marvel Etzler, who survives.
 Other survivors are two sons, Steve (Dawn) of Dayton and Tim (Heidi) of Willshire; a daughter, Deb (Mike) Lowry of Lima; a sister, Connie Sue (Albert) Heitkamp of Rockford; two brothers, Dick (Joan) of Rockford and Ron (Hope) of Fairfield; and five grandchildren.
 He was an auctioneer and a township trustee. He was a member of Shanes Lodge 377 Free and Accepted Masons.
 Services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, the Rev. Randy Christian officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside cemetery in Rockford.
 Calling is 3-9 p.m. Monday and prior to the service Tuesday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the donor’s choice.

Howard Grodey
 Howard W. Grodey, 83, 314 E. State St., Botkins, died at 4:05 p.m. Jan. 3, 2003, at Sidney Care Center.
 He was born March 8, 1919, to Benjamin Franklin and Sophia Christina Katterhinrich Grodey in Botkins.
 On Nov. 8, 1945, he married Evelyn C. Kies and she died Aug. 3, 1973. On July 6, 1979, he married Esther M. Gallihugh and she died Oct. 25, 2002.
 Survivors are two step-daughters, Rebecca (James) Harrass of Columbus and Nancy (Sam) Bernning of Botkins; a sister, Esther Dietz of Botkins; seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a stepson.
 He was a truck driver with Provico Feed and Grain, retiring in 1980 after 40 years of service. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran and a member of Christ the King Church in Jackson Center.
 Services are at 10 a.m. Monday at Cromes Funeral Home in Sidney, the Rev. James Maxwell officiating. Burial will follow at Loramie Valley Cemetery in Botkins. Full military services will be held.
 Calling is 1-4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to the Botkins Rescue Squad.



01-03-03

Gladys Gray
 Gladys C. Gray, 82, 310 Beaver St., Celina, died at 7:10 p.m. Jan. 2, 2003, at Community Hospital, Coldwater.
 She was a longtime employee of The Daily Standard.
 Arrangements are pending at W.H. Dick & Sons Funeral Home, Celina. A complete obituary will appear in Saturday’s paper.

Mabel Purdy
 Celina native Mabel Ruth Purdy, 91, of Morrow, formerly of Cincinnati, died Jan. 2, 2003, at Loveland Health Care Center, Morrow.
 She was born Oct. 11, 1911, in Celina, to Henry and Ethel Bryan Bobenmoyer. Her husband, Kenneth Earl Purdy, died in 1968.
 Surviving are two sons, Kennth C. of Memphis, Tenn., and James E. of Osgood, Ind.; two daughters, Diana Mummert, Morrow, and Judy L. Wegener, Indianapolis, Ind.; a sister, Jean Hurst, Battle Creek, Mich.; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
 Deceased are a brother, Ross Bobenmoyer, and two sisters, Vivian McEowen and Helen DiGinova.
 She graduated from Celina High School and Miami Business College. She was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority and the College Hill Presbyterian Church.
 Services are 1:30 p.m. Monday at Vale-Hoskins Funeral Home, Morrow, the Rev. Charles Roborts officiating. Burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Gardens, Cincinnati.
 Calling is after 12:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
 Contributions can be made to Innovative Hospice Care, Vitas Hospice, Cincinnati.

Richard Shrider
 Richard G. Shrider, 74, of Rockford, died at 8:05 p.m. Jan. 1 at Van Crest Nursing Home, Van Wert.
 He was born April 21, 1928, in Sylvania, to Kenneth R. and Helen Kerns Shrider.
 Surviving are three sons, Dudley (Charlotte) of Napoleon, Mike (Kathy) of Rockford, and Jeff (Sue) of Mendon; two sisters, Lillian (Bill) Scantlen, Perrysburg, and Jean Doyle, West Palm Beach, Fla.; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
 He retired from Huffy’s in Celina and was a U.S. Army veteran. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Rockford, the United States Trotting Association and the Mercer County Horsemen Association for the past 30 years.
 Services are 1 p.m. Monday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, the Rev. Mike Berne officiating. Burial will follow at Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday and after noon Monday at the funeral home.



01-02-03

Mike Fetters
 Mike R. Fetters, 60, of Ohio City, died at 8:15 a.m. Jan. 1, 2003, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. Death was due to cancer.
 He was born April 4, 1942, in Mercer County, to Buck and Kathleen Ellis Fetters. They reside in Celina. On Feb. 14, 1990, he married Colleen Boyer and she survives.
 Also surviving are a son, George (Candes) of Celina; two daughters, Cathy (Todd) Duff, Union City, and Karen (Butch) Adams, St. Marys; two sisters, Bev and Deb Fetters, both of Celina; two stepsons, Rob Zizelman and Marc (Joyce) Zizelman, both of Celina; three stepdaughters, Jamie (John) Henne, Dayton, Lisa Thompson, Celina, and Staci (Chris) Norris, Sidney; his mother-in-law, Dorothy Boyer, Ohio City; eight grandchildren, 11 stepgrandchildren and four stepgreat-grandchildren.
 He retired from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in St. Marys. He was a member of the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association, Buckeye Farm Antiques Inc. and the Fall Harvest Festival Association.
 His body was donated to the Ohio State University College of Medicine. A memorial service is planned at a later date.
 Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, handled arrangements.
 Contributions can be made to Ohio City Emergency Medical Services and Ohio City Youth Activity.

James Hensley
 James “Muscles” Hensley, 75, 105 Gas St., St. Marys, died at 11:40 a.m. Dec. 31, 2002, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys, following an extended illness.
 He was born July 28, 1927, to Mayo Hensley and Rebecca Caudill Hensley Smallwood. The mother resides in St. Marys.
 Surviving are six sons, Larry (Mary), James (Deb), Steve (Kathy) and Donald, all of St. Marys, and  Thomas and Roger, both of Botkins; a daughter, Brenda (Mike) Price, Hagerstown, Md.; a brother, Alvie Smallwood, St. Marys; a sister, Anna Rose Dicke, Fort Smith, Ark.; 19 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
 Two brothers, Charles and Ivan Hensley, and a sister, Betty Jo Jurosic, are deceased.
 He retired from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., St. Marys, after 35 years of service. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II and a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9289, St. Marys.
 Services are 11 a.m. Monday at Miller Funeral Home, St. Marys. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys.
 Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Bernard Moore
 Former Celina resident Bernard W. Moore, 82, 6408 N. 300 E., Leesburg, Ind., died at 5:55 a.m. Dec. 31, 2002, at Lakeland Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, Milford, Ind.
 He was born April 8, 1920, in New Albin, Iowa, to William A. and Marguerite Latronche Moore. On Dec. 6, 1943, he married Marguerite H. Raftery and she survives.
 Also surviving are three sons, Dr. Thomas of Crestview Hills, Ky., Jim (Georgia) of Cincinnati, and Kevin (Joanne) of Cromwell; two daughters, Mary (Mike) Steinke, Indianapolis, Ind., and Ann (Anthony) Honaker, Carroll; three sisters, Mary May and Kathleen Engle, both of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Marjorie Byrne, Cincinnati; 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
 Six brothers and a grandson are deceased.
 An insurance underwriting executive, he moved from Celina to Leesburg in 1984. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and was a member of St. Martin De Porres Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, both of Syracuse, Ind.
 Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Friday at the church, the Rev. Terry Place officiating. Burial will follow at Oswego Cemetery.
 Calling is 6-8 p.m. today at Mishler-Eastlund Funeral Home, Harris Chapel, Syracuse. The rosary will be recited there at 7:30 tonight.
 Contributions can be made to the Kosciusko County Historical Society in Warsaw, Ind.

James Vehorn
 James Vehorn, 75, of West Milton, died Jan. 1, 2003, at Koester Pavilion in Troy.
 He was born June 3, 1927, to Edward and Ruth Grieshop Vehorn.
 Surviving with his wife, the former Mary Ann Heitbrink, are two sons, Dave of Colman, S.D., and Dale (Cathy) of Ludlow Falls; three daughters, Jan (Tom) Connors, West Milton, Sarah (Ted) Bergman, Maria Stein, and Joan (Bill) Layne, Clayton; a brother, John of Maria Stein; a sister, Carol Mescher, Clayton; 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
 He retired from NCR and Furst-McNess and formerly worked for the city of Union. He was a member of Transfiguration Catholic Church and American Legion Post 487, both of West Milton, and the Loyal and Benevolent Order of Elks #58, Dayton.
 Funeral Mass is 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the  church, the Rev. John MacQuerrie officiating.
 Calling is 4-8 p.m. Friday at Hale-Sarver Funeral Home, West Milton.
 Contributions can be made to Hospice of Miami County.

Daily Standard Obituaries
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