John Hierholzer, 95, passed away at his home in Avon Park, Florida on April 7,2016. Mr. Hierholzer was born on October 22, 1920 in Celina, Ohio to Leo E. and Agnes A. Winkeljohn Hierholzer.   

He served as a pilot in the US Army Air Corps during World War II.

On November 8, 1944, he married Catherine M. Staubach, who survives along with nine children: Mary Kay (William) Kern, Portsmouth, OH; Larry (Christy) Hierholzer, Lighthouse Point, FL; Jane (Charles) Loomis, Columbia City, IN; Mark (Pamela) Hierholzer, Ansonia, OH; Rebecca (Raymond) Payne, Avon Park, FL; and Donald "Pete" (Joyce) Hierholzer, Nancy (Douglas) Ballinger, Gary (Kay) Hierholzer, and Connie (Joe) Voss, all of Celina, OH, 28 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren.

Also surviving are one sister, Martha Dykstra, of Utah, sister-in-law Joan Hierholzer of St. Marys, OH, brothers and sisters-in-law Bob and Jean Staubach and Ray and Jan Staubach of Cincinnati, OH.   

He was preceded in death by one grandson, Robbie Hierholzer, brothers Charles and Thomas Hierholzer, brothers and sisters-in-law Ernst and Mary Staubach and Edward and Kay Staubach of Cincinnati, OH.

John and his brother Charles opened the Celina Wine & Beverage Store in May, 1946 in Celina, OH. The business was relocated to its current location in 1972 and remains in the family. Many patrons fondly remember John for calling them "Myrtle," "Clyde," or "Clem" when they were young. John retired in 1977 and wintered in Florida but remained a life-time member of the Mercer County Elks where he pursued his love of golf.

A celebration of Big John's life will take place at the Mercer County Elks on Sunday, April 17th from 3 to 7 p.m.

In Florida, a Memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Avon Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the I.C. Parish Endowment Fund, 229 W. Anthony St., Celina.

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