1974 - Ottoville Obits

1-3-1974

Melvin J. Beining

Melvin J. Beining, 64, of Rt. 2, Fort Jennings, died at 10:30 p.m. Thursday in Del-Ward Nursing Home, Delphos.

Born Feb. 13, 1909 in Ottoville, he was the son of Henry and Mary Sanders Beining.

Surviving are four sisters, Mrs. Stephen (Veronica) Hilvers of Ottoville, Mrs.

Lawrence (Bertha) Kimmet, Mrs. Thomas (Martha) Noonan and Mrs. Eugene (Eleanor) Kimmet, all of Delphos; four brothers, Lawrence, John, Adolph and Oscar, all of Ottoville.

Mr. Beining served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church here and its Holy Name Society. He was a member of the Ottoville VFW. He was a farmer.

Mass of the Resurrection will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday in the church, Rev. Louis Huffman officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Friends may call at Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp Funeral Home after 7 tonight. The rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home.

1-5-1974

John Studenka

John Studenka, 67, of Rt. 2, died Saturday at 10:15 p.m. in St. Rita's Hospital, Lima, following an extended illness.

Born April 6, 1906, in Morovia, Czechoslovakia, the son of Frank and Magdlena Pala Studenka.

Survivors include a sister, Mrs. Ann Youtsey of 124 N. Cole, Lima, and three brothers, Charles and Louis, both of Delphos, and Steve of 1740 Frail Rd., Lima.

Mr. Studenka was a member of St. John Catholic Church in Delphos, the Czechoslovakian Society of America. He had been a farmer.

Funeral Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Tuesday in St. John Catholic Church, Delphos.Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

Friends may call at the Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp Funeral Home, Delphos Parish wake services will be at 8 tonight in the funeral home.

1-14-1974

Cecelia M. Wannemacher

Mrs. Cecelia M. Wannemacher, 89, of 327 W. Fifth, died at 2:40 p.m. Monday in St. Rita's Hospital, Lima, following an extended illness.

Born Sept. 22, 1884, in Ottoville, she was a daughter of Michael and Eva Hempfling Geier. On July 1, 1903, she married Charles B. Wannemacher, who died July 31, 1942.

Surviving are two daughters: Mrs. Carl (Gladys) King of Cloverdale and Mrs. Alfred (Mabel) Maher of Piqua; a son, Robert A. of Ottoville; 11 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Eva Wagner of Tiffin; and a brother. Fred Geier of here.

She was a member of St John's Catholic Church, Mass of the Resurrection will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville. Rev. Sylvester Schnipke celebrant. Burial will be in St Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

Friends may call at the Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp Funeral Home, Ottoville, after 7 tonight where parish rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

1-15-1974

Joseph H. Van Oss

Joseph H Van Oss, 86, of 734 N. Main died at 6 p.m. Tuesday in St. Rita's Hospital, Lima.

Born Aug. 13, 1887, in Ottoville, he was the son of Henry and Katherine Vonder Embes Van Oss. He was twice married, first Dorothy Vincke who died it 1944, and then to Leona Nomina in 1946, who survives.

Also surviving are four sons Virgil J. of 2680 W. Market, Lima, Edmund G. of Minster, Joseph F. of Ottoville, and John of Dayton; three daughters, Mrs. Wilbur (Agnes) Miller of Mt. Victory, Mrs. Vernon (Betty) Leist of 862 N. Main, Lima, and Mrs. Stanley (Dorothy) Hovest of Glandorf; 26 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren.

He was a member of St. John Catholic Church, Catholic Knights of Ohio and the church Holy Name Society. He was a retired custodian of the Ottoville School.

Funeral Mass will be recited at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

Friends may call at the Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp Funeral Home after 2 p.m. Thursday. Parish wake service will be 8 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.

1-18-1974

Alma E. Lauf

Alma E. Lauf, 58, of Rt. 3, died at 11:20 p.m. Friday.

Born Sept. 9, 1915, in Ottoville, she was the daughter of George and Fredricka Ruen Hoersten. She married Bernard M. Lauf in 1942 and he survives.

Also surviving are four sons, Eugene of Middle Point, Donald and Paul, at home, and Robert of here; a daughter, Mrs. John (Mary Kay) Eilling of here; five grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Elbert (Mildred) Wieging of Ecorse, Mich.; four brothers, Arthur, Rudolph, Othmer and Harry, all of here.

She was a member of the Catholic Ladies of Columbia, the Altar Rosary Society, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ft. Jennings.

Mass of the Resurrection will be 10 a.m. Monday at the church, Rev. Robert Knoepfle celebrant. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Friends may call at the Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp Funeral Home, until time of services. Parish wake service will be 8 tonight in the funeral home.

2-6-1974

William J. Liebrecht

William J. Liebrecht, 92, of Toledo died at 10:15 p m. Wednesday in St. Vincent's Hospital there after being seriously ill for four days.

Born here Oct. 28, 1881, he was the son of Joseph and Mary Boedecker Liebrecht. He was married June 29, l92l, to Catherine Knapp, who died July 24, 1948.

Surviving are three sons, Claude of Toledo, Paul of Columbus Grove and Jerome of Gladstone, Mich.: 11 grandchildren: a brother, Frank of Dayton; and three sisters

Elizabeth Kastner of Dayton, Mathilda Kreinbrink of Kendalville, Ind., and Veronica Brickner of Kalida.

Mr. Liebrecht was an honorary life member of the Delphos Knights of Columbus, Ottoville Golden Age Club and the Holy Name Society of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church here. He was a retired employee of the Burlsey and Co. of Lima.

Mass of the Resurrection will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday in Immaculate Conception Church, Rev. Louis Huffman celebrant. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp Funeral Home. Knights of Columbus rosary will be tonight at 7:30, followed by a parish recitation at 8.

2-7-1974

Roman H. Koester

            Roman H. Koester, 51, route 2, Ft. Jennings, died at 5:05 p.m. Thursday in St. Vincent’s Hospital, Toledo, after an illness of three years.

            He was born in Ottoville on April 30, 1922, to Henry and Clara (Deitering) Koester. He never married.

            Surviving along with his mother are six brothers, Alphonse, Gerald, Victor, Clarence, all of Ottoville; Virgil, Lima; Jerome, Geneva, Ill.; five sisters, Mrs. Mildred Wannemacher, Mrs. Paul (Rita) Burgei, Mrs. Joseph (Eileen) Sanders, all of Ottoville, Mrs. Lawrence (Mary Jane) Burgei of Cloverdale; and Mrs. Donald (Irene) Friemoth of Van Wert.

            A farmer and an employee of the Ottoville Lumber Co., Mr. Koester was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, where services were offered at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Rev. Louis Huffman officiated. Burial was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

           

2-9-1974

Lawrence M. Merschman

Services for Lawrence M. Merschman, 66, of Rt. 2 will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, Rev. Louis Huffman officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Mr. Merschman died at 9 p.m. Saturday in his residence. Survivors include a daughter, Frances Merschman of 362 S. Jackson, Lima; three brothers, Harry of Rt. 1, Middle Point, William of Delphos and Al H. of Rt. 4, Cridersville; and three sisters, Mrs. Clara Landwehr of Delphos, Mrs. John (Anna) Krontz of Columbus Grove and Mrs. Edward (Mary) Wallen of Rt. 2, Fort Jennings.

Friends may call at the Kolkmeyer- Helmkamp Funeral Home, Ottoville, where the parish rosary will be recited at 8 tonight.

2-12-1974

Eleanor A. Becker

Eleanor A. Becker, 79, of Rt. 2 died at 9 a.m. Tuesday in St. Rita’s Hospital, Lima, following an extended illness.

Born here April 9, 1894, she was the daughter of Barney and Katherine Berheide Bruskoetter. She married August Becker in 1926, and he died in 1971.

Survivors include five daughters, Mrs. Leander (Rosemary) Wittler of here, Mrs. Rufus (Helen) Bonifas, Jane Kimmet and Mrs. Jerome (Martha) Etzkorn, all of Delphos, and Mrs. Larry (Marilyn) Woods of South Bend, Ind.; a brother, Leander Bruskoetter of here; three sisters, Verona Becker of Canton, Helen Bruskoetter of Toledo and Mrs. Omer(Florence) Kortier of Inkster, Mich., 23 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, its Altar Rosary Society and Catholic Ladies of Columbia.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church with Rev. Louis Huffman celebrant. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

Friends may call at the Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp Funeral Home, Ottoville, after 7 tonight. CL of C memorial services will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home and parish rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Thursday.

2-18-1974
Albert Krebs

Albert Krebs died at his residence at 114 Beverly Ct., Elyria Monday morning.
            He was born in Ottoville, the son of Henry and Theresa Krebs.  His wife Annie survives, and two sons, Paul and Lawrence of Elyria, also survive.

He was preceded in death by a daughter Martha.

Mr. Krebs was a member of the Eagles Lodge.  Funeral arrangements are incomplete in Elyria.

2-26-1974

J. Henry Schimmoeller

            J. Henry (Hank) Schimmoeller, 73, route 3, Ottawa, died at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Rita’s Hospital, Lima, following a seven month illness.

            Born November 14, 1900 in Ottoville, he was a son of Frank and Philomena (Pohl) Schimmoeller. He married Selma Schroeder and she died in 1961.

            Mr. Schimmoeller is survived by two sons, Eugene, route 1, Ottawa, and John, Defiance; a daughter Mrs. Eugene (Evelyn) Inbody, route 3, Ottawa; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Leon, Delphos; three sisters, Mrs. Frances Bendele, Delphos, Mrs. Lucy Rayman, Ottoville, Mrs. Anna Miller, Toledo.

            A retired employee of the Ottawa Feed and Grain Company, Mr. Schimmoeller was a member of the Ottawa Eagles Club, and Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

            Funeral Mass will be offered by Rev. Werner Verhoff at 10 a.m. Thursday in the church. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery, Delphos.          

            Scripture Services will be at 8:15 p.m. today, Wednesday at the McCrate Funeral Home, Ottawa. Visitation is underway.

3-6-1974

Ricka P. Bendele

Ricka P. Bendele, 90, died at 4 a.m. Wednesday in Paradise Oaks Nursing Home, Cloverdale, following a six-week illness.

She was born July 20, 1883, in Ottoville, the daughter of Louis and Riclta Hausman Peters. She married Joseph Bendele in 1938, and he died in 1966.

Survivors also include two stepsons, Idadore Bendele of Uniopolis and John Bendele of Ottoville; five stepdaughters, Mrs. Armella Boschett of Fort Wayne, Mrs. Joseph (Rosin} Severin of Auburn, Ind., Mrs. Fred (Loretta) Work of Orland, Ind., Mrs. Raymond (Bernetta) Allemeier of Boise, Idaho, and Mrs. Anthony (Gertrude) Schlagbaum of Ottoville; 28 step-grandchildren; and 57 step-great- grandchildren.

She was a member of St. John Catholic Church. Mass of the resurrection will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in St. John's Catholic Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Friends may call at Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp Funeral Home after 7 tonight. A parish

wake will be held at 8 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.

3-15-1974

Elizabeth Wannemacher

Former Ottoville native, Elizabeth Wanamaker, 87, of Union, died at 10:25 p.m. Friday in her residence following a three day illness.

Born Aug. 18, 1886, in Ottoville, she was the daughter of Henry and Marie Wanstroth Utrup. She was married on June 16, 1920, to Martin J. Wannemaker, who died Dec. 13, 1943.

Surviving are four sons, Francis of Dayton, Cmdr. John of the U.S. Navy at Fairfax, Va., Charles of Columbus and Louis of Woodbridge, Va.; seven grandchildren; and two sisters, Mrs. Emma Kelbley of Delphos and Mrs. Rose Martin of Fort Jennings.

Mass will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church by Rev. Louis Huffman, with burial in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Friends may call at Kolkmeyer-Helmkainp Funeral Home after 2 p.m. Monday, where the parish Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m.

4-14-1974

Mary C. Wittler

Mrs. Mary C. Wittier, 78, of Paradise Oaks Nursing Home died Sunday at 9:50  a.m. in St Rita's Hospital, Lima.

Born June 8, 1895, in Glandorf, she was the daughter of Christopher and Anna Meyer Schulte. She married Joseph F. Wittler on April 71, 1915. He died Feb. 17, 1959.

Survivors include six daughters, Mrs. Norbert (Alvera) Stippich of 1233 N West, Lima, Mrs. Edward (Alma) Schnipke, of Ottawa, Mrs. Howard (Elanor) Gordon of Rock Hill, S.C. Mrs. Wendell (Agnus) Fusselman of Craigville, Ind., Mrs Justin (Alice) Wannemaker of Ft. Jennings and Mrs. William (Sylvia) Horstman of here; son, Albert of Sebring, Fla.; 3 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mrs. Harry (Frances) Horstman of Cloverdale and Mrs. Lee Clara) Omlor of Wapakoneta.

She was a member of the Ottoville Catholic Ladies of Columbia, VFW Auxiliary, Ottoville Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and was a retired employee of St. Mary’s Food of Delphos.

Mass of the Resurrection will celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, by Rev. Louis Huffman. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Ft. Jennings.

Friends may call at Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp Funeral Home after 7 tonight. CL of C

services will be held in the funeral home Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. followed by parish rosary at 8 p.m. and VFW memorial service at 8:15.

4-16-1974

Orville A. Miller

MONTPELIER - Orville A. Miller, 52, formerly of Lima, died late Tuesday afternoon in Clearlake, Ind., following an apparent heart attack.

Born Oct. 13, 1921, in Ottoville, he was the son of Joseph and Estella Gasser Miller.

Survivors include his wife, the former Floria McElroy; daughter, Beth Chapman of here; a grandchild; two sisters, including Mrs. Pat (Dorothy) Bergfeld of 1285 Be1videre, Lima; and two brothers.

He was an employee of The Bursley Co. in Lima for 15 years and was a member of the Lima Elks Lodge.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in the Sacred Hearth Catholic Church, Rev. John McClure officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 tonight and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 Thursday at Thompson Funeral Home where rosary will be recited at 8:45 p.m. Thursday.

Memorial may be made in lieu of flowers to the Williams County Heart Fund.

5-3-1974

Frank M. Gasser Sr.

Frank M. Gasser Sr., 84, Ottoville, died unexpectedly at 1 p.m. Friday in the Del-Ward Nursing Home, Delphos.

            He was born on September 28, 1889, to Gebhart and Anna (Honigford) Gasser. His wife the former Catherine M. Burgei, whom he married on April 29, 1914, died on May 12, 1969.

            Survivors include, seven sons, Edwin, Jerome, Eugene and Frank Jr., all of Ottoville, Arnold of Delphos, Carl and Joseph, both of Ft. Jennings; three daughters, Mrs. Bernard (Barbara) Kramer and Mrs. Bernard (Marie) Gerdeman, both of Ottoville, and Mrs. John (Felicitas) Kill of Delphos; two brothers, Gebhart, Ottoville and William Sr. of Delphos; one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Beining, Ottoville; 48 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.

            Mr. Gasser was a retired stationary engineer of the Gramm Tailer Co. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, Ottoville, the Holy Name Society and the Catholic Knights of Ohio.

            Mass of the resurrection was offered in the church by Rev. Louis Huffman at 10:30 a.m. Monday. Burial was in St Mary's Cemetery.

5-13-1974

Margaret J. Scharf

Mrs. Margaret J. Scharf, 84, of Rt. 1, Cloverdale, died at 7:25 a.m. Monday at St. Rita's Hospital, Lima, following an extended illness.

She was born Oct. 16, 1889, at Ottoville, the daughter of Henry and Theresa Brookman-Geyer, and was married Sept. 18, 1923, to Aloysius Scharf who died Sept. 14, 1966.

Surviving are a son, Edmund of here, and three grandsons. Mrs. Scharf was a member of St. Barbara's Catholic Church, its Altar-Rosary Society and Catholic Knights of Ohio.

Mass of the Resurrection will be offered at 7 a.m. Thursday in the church by Rev. Virgil Riedlinger Burial will be in St. Barbara's Cemetery.

Friends may call at Kolkmeyer- Helmkamp Funeral Home in Ottoville after 7 tonight. Parish Rosary will be recited at 8 p m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

5-20-1974

Leo J. Wannemacher

Leo J. Wannemacher, 78, of Rt 2, Fort Jennings, died at 1:30 this morning in Paradise Oaks Nursing Home, Cloverdale.

Born March 14, 1896, in Ottoville, he was a son of John and Emily Rekart Wannemacher. On Sept. 22, 1926 he married Ida Lauer, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, Paul of Rt 2, Fort Jennings, and a sister, Mrs. Florence Cassel of Toledo.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and its Holy Name Society and the Van Wert Elks Lodge. Mr. Wannemacher was a retired banker.

Mass of the Resurrection will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the church by Rev. Louis Huffman. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp Funeral Home after 7 tonight where the parish rosary will be recited at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

6-4-1974

Oliver G. Schneider

Mass of the Resurrection for Oliver G. Schneider, 84, who died at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday in St. Rita's Hospital, Lima, following an illness of two weeks, will be celebrated Friday at 10 a.m. in St. John Catholic Church, with burial in the parish cemetery.

Born in Ottoville, Dec. 23, 1889, he was a son of Joseph and Mary Meyer Schneider.

Mr. Schneider was a member of St. John Catholic Church, honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus, the Men's League, Eagles and Ohio State Patrol Auxiliary. A veteran of World War I, he was also a life member and past commander of American Legion Post 268.

Surviving are one brother, Rudy, of Saginaw, Mich., and two sisters, Mrs. Martha Miller of Sandusky and Mrs. Victoria Vincke of 234 N. Pierce, Lima.

Friends may call at the Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp Funeral Home until time of the services, where Eagle memorial services will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. today, American Legion services at 7:45 p.m., Parish Wake Service at 8 p.m. and K of C Rosary at 8:30 p.m.

6-16-1974

Bernard M. Ricker

Bernard Matthew Ricker, two-day-old son of Edwin H and Janet Wieging

Ricker of Rt. 1, Cloverdale, died at 9:15 a.m. Sunday in St. Rita's Hospital, Lima.

Other survivors include four brothers, Michael of Delphos and Mark, Timothy and David, all at home; eight sisters, Julia, Kathleen, Laura, Margaret, Deanna, Elaine, Amy and Malinda, all at home; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Ricker of Columbus Grove, maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Felix Wieging of Middlepoint; and paternal great-grandfather, Bernard J. Maag of Glandorf.

Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Rev. Louis Huffman officiating.

Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

8-2-1974

Rosa Koester

            Mrs. Rosa Koester, 84, Ottoville, died Friday at 3:30 p.m. in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Norbert Langhals, Cloverdale.

            Born on November 20, 1889, in Ottoville, she was the daughter of Henry and Mary (Dulmer) Beining. On May 6, 1914, she married William F. Koester and he died on July 7, 1948.

            Survivors include four sons, Hilarius, Ottoville; Celestine, Shepherd, Mich.; Ambrose and Richard, Ft. Jennings; three daughters, Mrs. Elmer (Rosemary

0 Markward and Mrs. Cyril (Alberta) Weber, Ottoville; and Mrs. Norbert (Lucinda) Langhals, Cloverdale; 35 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

            Mrs. Koester was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, its Alter Rosary Society and the Ottoville Senior Citizens Club.

            Mass of the Resurrection was officiated by Rev. Roger Bonifas at 10:30 a.m. Monday in the church. Burial was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery.       

8-3-1974

Elenora C. Ricker

Funeral services for Elenora C. Ricker, 79, route 3, Delphos, were at 1 p.m.

Monday in Immaculate Conception Catholic Chcurch, Ottoville, Rev. Roger Bonifas. officiated. Burial was in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Mrs. Ricker died Saturday at 4:30 a.m. in the Del-Ward Nursing Home of an extended illness.

            A native of Ottoville, she was born on September 30, 1894, to Michael and Elizabeth (Eickholt) Miller. She married Joseph Ricker on May 21, 1918 and he died March 28, 1965.

            Those surviving her include three sons, Ambrose, Ottoville: George, route 3, Delphos and Omer, Delphos: four daughters, Mrs. Irvin (Adeline) Pohlman and Mrs. Robert (Jeanette) Brickner. Delphos: Mrs. James (Margaret) Schimmoeller, Fort Jennings and Mrs. Virgil (Marceil) Bellman, Ottawa: 22 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren: two brothers, Albert and Victor Miller, Ottoville and three sisters, Miss Rosa Miller. Ottoville; Mrs. Anthony (Emma) Dibling. Carey and Mrs. John (Gertrude) Schwab, Deshler.

Mrs. Ricker was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and its Alter Rosary Society.

           

8-18-1974

George J. Smith

            Funeral services for George J. Smith, 74, Delphos, were at 10 a.m. this morning, Wednesday, in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville. Rev. Roger Bonifas officiated. Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

            Mr. Smith died at 3 a.m. Sunday at the home of his sister, Mrs. Bryan (Margaret) Kaverman in Lima.

            Born in Cloverdale on January 6, 1900, he was the son of August and Eva (Janka) Smith.

            Surviving in addition to Mrs. Kaverman are two other sisters, Mrs. Regina Weber, Delphos, and Mrs. Mildred Bowers, Lima, and a brother, Henry, Northfield.

            Mr. Smith was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, and was a retired telegrapher for the Norfolk and Western Railroad.

8-30-1974

Denise Honigford

The infant daughter of Victor and Doris (Smith) Honigford, route 2 Ft. Jennings died at birth at 4:10 Friday morning in St. Rita's Hospital, Lima.

            Surviving along with the parents are four sons, Eugene, Ronald, William and Brian and three sisters, Debra, Dianne, Darlene, all at home; maternal grandmother, Mrs. Loretta Smith, Ottoville, maternal great-grandmother, Mrs. Lucy Schulte, Delphos; paternal grandmother, Theresa Honigford, Delphos.

            Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ottoville Rev. Roger Bonifas officiated.

8-30-1974

Jennie Miller

Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Immaculate Conception Church for Mrs. Jennie Miller, 85, of here. Rev. Roger Bonifas will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery.

She died at 10 p.m. Friday in her residence.

Born in Celina April 5, 1889, she was the daughter of John and Catherine Desch

Gast. She was married in 1017 to Alex J. Miller, who died in 1954.

Surviving are a son, Alex E. of here, three daughters, Emmett (Ruth) Ratterman

Louisville, Ky., Mrs. Walter (Jane) Koty of Foster City, Calif., and Irene of here; 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Friends may call at Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp Funeral Home where the Parish Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. today.

8-31-1974

Peter J. Thitoff

            Peter J. Thitoff, 70, died at 7:30 a.m. Saturday in his sister's residence at 621 W 2nd.

Born in Ottoville May 18, 1904, he was the son of Jacob and Emma John Thitoff.

Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Lee (Betty Lee) Baldwin of Marion; a son, Raymond of Bucyrus; two sisters, Mrs. Agnes Stewart of here and Mrs. John (Rita) Miller of Grover Hill; three brothers, Vincent of Wapakoneta, Richard of here, and Donald of Celina; and six grandchildren.

Mass of Resurrection will be offered at 11 a.m. Tuesday in St. John’s Catholic Church. Burial will be made in the church cemetery.

Friends may call at the Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp Funeral Home after 2 p.m. today. Parish wake services will be held at 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

9-7-1974

Arthur F. Beining

Ottoville Man Dies In 1-Car Rt. 224 Crash

A 55-year old Ottoville man was killed in a one-car accident at 9 a.rou Saturday on Rt. 224, west of-Ottoville.

Investigating patrolmen from the Lima Post of the State Highway Patrol said Arthur F. Beining was traveling west on St. 224 when he lost control of his vehicle, crashed into a ditch and overturned in a cornfield.

Police said Mr. Beining was pronounced dead at the scene and the body was taken to Lima St. Rita's hospital for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Born in Ottoville July 26, 1919 he was a son of Veronica Koetter Beining and the late Joseph Beining, He was employed as an electrician and was a veteran of World War II.

Mr. Beining was a member, of the Immaculate Conception Church, Ottoville Fire Department, Ottoville VFW Post and the Fort Jennings American Legion Post.

Surviving in addition to his mother are his wife, the former Ruth Ann Martin, whom he married on Sept. 29, 1948; two sons, Douglas of Ottoville, and Jeffrey at home; two daughters, Kathy of 1475 Edgewood Dr., Lima, and Lynn at home; three brothers, Walter of Lima; Joseph Jr. of Findlay and Eugene of Ottoville; and two sisters, Mrs. Mary (Loretta) Miller, of Ottoville and Mrs. Ralph (Hilda) Ricker of Delphos.

Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Immaculate Conception Church, Rev. Roger Bonifas celebrant. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp Funeral Home after 7 p.m. today. Parish Wake Service will be conducted at 8 p.m. Monday.

9-20-1974

Leo J. Hemmelgarn

Leo J. Hemmelgarn, 83, died at 11:05 pm. Friday m St. Rita's Hospital, Lima.

Born June 15, 1891, in St. Wendlin, he was the son of Paul and Elizabeth Lemn Hemmelgarn He was married in 1914 to Catherine Backs, who survives.

Also surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Edward (Mary Kay) Dondero of Long Beach, Calif., Mrs. Ray (Ruth) Miller of here, and Sister Laurene and Mrs. Ralph (Esther) Link, both of Dayton; five sons, Rev. Werner of Killdeer, N.D., Ralph and Robert of Dayton, Arnold of Louisville, Ky., Cyril of Worthington and Louis of South Bend, Ind.; a brother, Henry of St. Henry; 28 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Mass of Resurrection will be offered at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church by his son, Rev. Werner Hemmelgarn. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Friends may call after 2 p.m. today at Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp Funeral Home, where parish wake services will be held at 8 p.m. Monday.

9-24-1974

Harold G. Wannemacher

Harold G. Wannemacher, 53 year-old former mayor of Ottoville, died suddenly Tuesday morning at 8:20 in Lima St. Rita's Hospital.

A resident of 279 Canal Street, Ottoville, he was born in Ottoville on January 14, 1921, to Arthur and Cecelia (Miehls) Wannemacher. He was married on February 14, 1946, in Columbus Grove to Evelyn Maag and she survives.

Also surviving are four sons, Gerald, Ottoville, Kenneth, Eugene, William, at home; three daughters, Pamela at home, Mrs. Anthony (Judith) Horstman, Ottoville, and Mrs. Tim (Joyce) Drewyore, Delphos; four grandchildren: two brothers. Lester, Ottoville; and Ambrose Delphos. One brother, Leonard is deceased.

Mr. Wannemacher or “Spotty” as he was known was a former councilman along with being mayor from 1971 to 1973. He was owner of George Wannemacher Company and was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville and its Holy Name Society. He was also a member of the Ottoville VFW and the Ottoville Lions Club.

Rev. Roger Bonifas will, officiate- the 10 a.m. funeral mass Friday in the church. Burial will be made in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

Visitation will be at the Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp Funeral Home after 7 p.m. this evening, Wednesday. Services will be in the funeral home at 8 p.m. Thursday.

10-11-1974

Brenda Jo Hoersten

Funeral services for Brenda Jo Hoersten, daughter of Robert and Mary Lou Boehmer Hoersten, Ottoville, were Saturday in St. Mary's Cemetery. The Rev. Roger Bonifas officiated at the graveside rites.

            The infant was dead at birth at 8:20 a.m. Friday in St. Rita's Hospital, Lima. She is survived by a brother Bruce and a sister Barbara, both at home; maternal grandmother, Mrs. Regina Boehmer of Ft. Jennings; maternal great-grandmother, Mrs. Mary Boehmer of Ft. Jennings, maternal great-grandfather, William Gasser of Delphos and paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Hoersten of Ottoville.

10-19-1974

Daniel J. Niemeyer

Youth Dies In High Speed Chase

A 19-year-old Ft. Jennings youth. who was attempting to outrun a Putnam County sheriff's deputy, was killed at 2:30 a.m. Saturday when his car went out of control, flipped over and threw him out.

Daniel J. Niemeyer was taken from the scene to Lima St. Rita's hospital where he was dead on arrival.

The accident occurred at the intersection of Road O and Route 634 about three and one-half miles north of Ft. Jennings.

Deputy Sheriff reported that he was patrolling on. Route 224 northwest of Ft. Jennings when he saw a car going west at a high rate of speed and went in pursuit. The car turned off Route 224 onto Road 22-K and then onto Road O. Straley reported the car stopped until the deputy was within one-fourth of a mile of it and then sped away again. The officer said the chase reached speeds of 115 miles per hour.

The Niemeyer car went out of control as it crossed Route 634, rolled over crashed into a woods and caught fire. The youth was found lying outside the car.

The Ottoville fire department was called to the scene.

Daniel Niemeyer was born in Van Wert on July 27, 1955, to Alphonse and Rose Mary (Giesken) Niemeyer. He was employed at Kill Brothers Cp., Delphos and was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Ottoville.

Surviving are his parents, six brothers. Jerome, Columbus Grove; Ronald. Ft. Jennings: Paul, Kalida, Timothy, Sandusky, Charles, Lima and Alan at home; and seven sisters. Mrs. Wayne (Norma) Turk, Ft. Wayne, Mrs. Bernard (Mary Jane) Averesch Kalida, Mrs. Eugene (Ruth) Hoorman, Cloverdale, Mrs. Jerold (Janice) Eickholt, Delphos; and Marcia, Mary Jo, and Rosalie, at home.

Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Monday in the church with the Rev. Roger Bonifas officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

The youth's death was the seventh traffic fatality in Putnam County this year and the second in six days.

10-25-1974

Helen M. Williams

12-11-1974

Lawrence W. Merschman

Services for Lawrence M. Merschman, 66, of Rt. 2 will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, Rev. Louis Huffman officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Mr. Merschman died at 9 p.m. Saturday in his residence.

Survivors include a daughter, Frances Merschman of 362 S. Jackson, Lima; three brothers, Harry of Rt. 1, Middle Point, William of Delphos and AI H. of Rt. 4, Cridersville; and three sisters, Mrs. Clara Landwehr of Delphos, Mrs. John (Anna) Krontz of Columbus Grove and [Mrs. Edward (Mary) Wallen of Rt. 2, Fort Jennings.

Friends may call at the Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp Funeral Home, Ottoville, where the parish rosary will be recited at 8 tonight.

12-13-1974

Theresa M. Honigford

            Funeral mass for Theresa M. Honigford, 78, Ottoville, was Monday morning in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, where she was a member. The Rev. Herbert Weber officiated, and the burial was in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ottoville.

            Mrs. Honigford died Friday afternoon in the Del Ward Nursing Home, Delphos, after an extended illness. She was born March 20, 1896, in Ottoville to John and Rosalia (Gasser) Weber. She married John F. Honigford on July 7, 1919, and he died August 4, 1965.

            Surviving are two daughters Mrs. Rosalia Miller, Lima; Cyril (Anna Marie) Kahle, Ottawa; five sons, Urban (Bud), and Walter, both of Delphos; Alfred and Victor, both of Ottoville; Roger, Kalida; 32 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Miller and Mrs. Lena Perrin, both of Ottoville; three brothers, Frank and Ludwig, both of Ottoville, Anthony, of Delphos.

            Mrs. Honigford was past president of the VFW Auxiliary No. 3740 in Ottoville, and also past president of the Catholic Ladies of Columbia.