Friday, June 24, 2011

1935 - Ottoville Obits

1-27-1935

Joseph Weber
Joseph Weber Is Summoned, Retired Ottoville Farmer Died Suddenly

Ottoville--- Joseph Weber, highly esteemed and life-long resident of this community, died suddenly Sunday afternoon at three-thirty at his home in Ottoville. He had been ill for only an hour before his death, which was due to apoplexy.

Mr. Weber was born in Monterey Township on October 5, 1865, the son of Anthony and Helena Weber. In April 1888, he was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Kiefer of Ottoville. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Weber. A daughter, Helena died in infancy.

Until several years ago Mr. Weber was engaged in farming. He was industrious, a good neighbor and staunch friend. He held the confidence and respect of all his acquaintances. At the time of his death he was sixty-nine years, three months and twenty-two days of age.

The widow and following children survive: Mrs. Elizabeth Gulker, Delphos; Mrs. Ed A. Eickholt and Mrs. B. J. Wannemacher, Ottoville; Ida Weber, New York City; Mrs. Clem Honigfort and Albert Weber, Ottoville; E. A. Weber, Pheonix, Ariz.; and Ed. Weber, Chesaning, Mich.

Two brothers, Charles Weber of Ottoville, and Andrew Weber of Flint Michigan, also survive. Two brothers and three sisters preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held Thursday morning at nine o'clock in the Immaculate Conception Church at Ottoville. Rev. Father J. S. Arnoldi, the pastor, entoned the requiem mass and delivered the funeral sermon. The remains were interred in the St. Mary's Cemetery, Ottoville.

2-1-1935

Donald A. Pohl (Infant)

2-4-1935

Rose M. Miller

2-6-1935
Gertrude Fierstos

2-19-1935
Peter J. Stahl

Peter J. Stahl, 52, is dead at his home here after a long illness. Born in Ottoville, June 6, 1882 to John and M. A. Fuerst Stahl. Stahl had lived here more than 20 years. He was a member of St. John's Catholic church.

Funeral service will be conducted at St. John's church at 9:30 a. m. Thursday. Burial will be in St. John's cemetery.

3-8-1935
Henry Beining Sr.

3-8-19354-23-1935

John A. Pohl


Cornelius Bedink

5-3-1935
Mary A. Freiburger

Alberta M. Fierstos

Rita Geier

6-6-1935
Anna Kromer

6-19-1935
Hubert G. Horstman

9-16-1935
Louis Peters

Louis Peters, 70, died Sunday at his home north of Ottoville following a long illness. He was the father of Harry Peters of this city.

Mr. Peters was a retired farmer and widely known through out the community where he had lived all his life. He was a member of Ft. Jennings Lutheran church.

Besides his son here, he leaves three others, Carl Peters, of Columbus Grove; Amos Peters, near Ottoville; Harold Peters at home; two daughters, Mrs. Katherine

Arn, Cloverdale; Mrs. Clara Baker, Grover Hill; 20 grandchildren; one brother, Fred Peters, Elida and three sisters, Mrs. Mary Martin, Delphos; Mrs. Louisa Fisher, Cloverdale and Mrs. Elizabeth Wink of near Ottoville. Funeral service will be held at

2 p.m. Wednesday at Ft. Jennings Lutheran Church, conducted by the Rev. Charles Stroh. Burial will be in Ft. Jennings Cemetery.

7-21-1935
Mary Wurst

9-11-1935
Peter Etgen


10-26-1935

Harry D. Giesken


11-10-1935
Wilhelmina Ricker


12-13-1935
Gilbert J. Shulte
DELPHOS TRUCK DRIVER KILLED
Gilbert Schulte, Former Boxer, Victim In St. Mary’s Crash
ST. MARY’S, Dec. 13—Gilbert Schulte, 26, of Delphos, truck driver for the Nathan Liff Co., junk dealers, was killed instantly at 4 a. m. today when the truck he was driving skidded on State Route 66, north of here, and struck a tree.
Schulte, former professional boxer, was en route to St. Mary’s with a load of scrap iron when his truck left the icy, snow-covered road as the driver attempted to negotiate a curve. The iron was shoved forward by the impact of the truck against a tree, pinning Schulte in the cab. His chest was crushed and he received a broken right leg and severe body bruises.
Schulte was found dead by Joseph Burris, of St. Mary’s, employee of the state highway department, who was scraping the road early this morning with a snowplow.
Burris reported the truck was in a ditch and that a smouldering fire was burning in the motor and cab.
The body was removed to St. Mary’s and was to be taken to Delphos this afternoon.
Schulte was widely known in athletic circles of northwestern Ohio because of his numerous boxing engagements.


12-24-1935
Mary Bendele

Joseph Dickman (infant)

1936 - Ottoville Obits

2-4-1936

Delores Pohl (Infant)
Rites Held For Ottoville Child

Services for Dorothy Rose, four week’s old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Pohl of two miles east of Ottoville wee held Thursday morning of last week in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Ottoville. Rev. J. S. Arnoldi officiated at the Angel’s Mass.

The infant was born January 4th and passed away Tuesday after an illness of several days.

2-24-1936
Elizabeth Pohl
Pohl Rites At Ottoville
Mrs. Frank Pohl Called Suddenly At Hospital

Funeral services for Mrs. Elizabeth Pauline Pohl, wife of Frank Pohl, of Ottoville, were held Thursday morning in the Immaculate Conception Church at nine o’clock. Rev. J. S. Arnoldi, the pastor, officiated. Interment was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

She was born at Ft. Jennings on October 11, 1895, the daughter of Barney and Catherine Cavelage. On April 20, 1920, she married Frank Pohl, at Ft. Jennings. There were eight children. A daughter died in September 1934.

When her death occurred, Mrs. Pohl was forty years, ten months and thirteen days of age. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church at Ottoville. She resided in Ft. Jennings and Ottoville her entire life.

Beside her husband, Mrs. Pohl leaves the following children; Robert, Gilbert, Norbert, Ruth, Alice, Bernard and Mary Catherine, all at home; and her mother, Mrs. Catherine Cavelage, Ft. Jennings. Three brothers and three sisters also survive; Felix, Harry, Frank and Mary Cavelage, all of Ft. Jennings; and Rita Cavelage and Mrs. Isabel Sheldon, of Los Angeles, Calif.

4-7-1936
Frank H. Helmkamp
Ft. Wayne Man Called
Frank H. Helmkamp Was Native Of Ottoville

Word was received in the county announcing the death of Frank H. Helmkamp, former Putnam County citizen, which occurred in his home at Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Wednesday morning of last week. His death followed and illness of several months.

Mr. Helmkamp was born in Ottoville and moved to Ft. Wayne about twelve years ago. He was sixty-seven years of age. He is survived by his widow, Josephine; three daughters, Misses Marcella, Marie and Angela Helmkamp, at home; three sons, Bernard of Ottoville, Joseph of Anderson, Indiana, and Norbert of Ft. Wayne; four sisters, a brother and six grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday morning at nine-thirty in St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Ft. Wayne. Rt. Rev. Msgr. Charles H. Thiele, officiated. Interment was made in the Catholic Cemetery in that city.

5-11-1936
Herman Ricker
Well Known Man Called
Rites Held Thursday For Herman Ricker

Herman Ricker, well known resident of the Ottoville vicinity, died at his home five miles west of Ottoville Monday at 5:30 p.m. He had been in ill health for the past year. His condition had been serious for the past five weeks. Cancer caused his death.

He was born in Glandorf on February 3, 1860, the son of George and Mary Ann Ricker. On April 21, 1885, he married Elizabeth Lehmkuhle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lehmkuhle.

Mr. Ricker leaves his widow, who is a sister of William Lehmkuhle, of Delphos; and two sons, Louis, six miles northwest of Ottoville; and William, at home. There are seven grandchildren.

A brother, Henry, of near Ottoville, also survives; two sisters, Mrs. David Hoffman, of Delphos, and Mrs. Matt Hoffman, of Arkansas, are dead.

The funeral was held at Immaculate Conception Church in Ottoville Thursday morning at 9:30 o’clock. Burial will be made in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

7-8-1936
Catherine Eickholt
Summoned By Death Angel
Mrs. Frank Eickholt Died Wednesday Morning

Mrs. Frank Eickholt, well known and highly respected citizen of Ottoville, answered the call of her Maker and passed to her eternal reward Wednesday morning at eight forty-five after a long illness due to complications. She had been confined to her home for two years prior to her departure.

Mrs. Eickholt was born north of Ottoville on January 12, 1869, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Shirack. Following her marriage to Mr. Eickholt on April 18, 1894, the couple located on a farm four miles southwest of Ottoville where they resided until 14 years ago when the moved to Ottoville.

Mr. and Mrs. Eickholt were the parents of five children, all of whom survive the passing of a loving and kind mother. The children are, Leo and Gilbert, of near Ottoville; Mrs. Ferd Wannemacher and Miss Armella Eickholt, of Celina; and Mrs. John Fenbert, of Ottawa. The husband also mourns the loss of a faithful and true companion.

She is also survived by three sisters, Mrs. Henry Kehres, Akron; Mrs. Jacob Sheibley, Delphos; Mrs. Frank Wannemacher, Cloverdale; a brother, Joseph Shirack, Delphos; a number of grandchildren and other relatives with scores of friends. Two sisters and a brother preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at nine o’clock in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Ottoville and interment will be made in St. Mary’s Cemetery there.

7-11-1936
Anna C. Sanders
Mrs. Sanders Passed Away
One Of The Oldest Citizens Of Monterey Township

Last rites for Mrs. Caroline Sanders, who died at her home west of Ottoville Saturday morning, were held in the Immaculate Conception Church Tuesday morning at nine o’clock. Her death followed an illness of four weeks. Her body was laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery at Ottoville.

Mrs. Sanders was one of the oldest and highly respected citizens of Monterey Township. She was born in France on October 7, 1849, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hug, and at the time of her death was almost eighty-seven years of age. She came to this country with her parents when two years of age and for more than seventy-five years resided in this county.

On October 29, 1872, she was united in marriage to John A. Sanders at Ottoville. Mr. and Mrs. Sanders were the oldest couple of the Ottoville parish. In 1932, with their children and other relatives, the couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

She leaves to mourn their loss, her husband, who is eighty-nine years of age; five daughters, Mrs. John Schneider, Mrs. William Bigelow, Mrs. Andrew Bendele and Mrs. Joseph Klima, all of Ottoville; Mrs. Ed Steinacker, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; one son, John G. Sanders, west of Ottoville; 35 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren; and scores of friends and other relatives. A sister residing in Fostoria, also survives.

Three sons and four sisters preceded her in death.

7-12-1936
Andrew Willacker
Aged Citizen Of Ottoville
Died Sunday Morning At Family Home

Andrew Willacker pioneer and prominent farmer of east of Ottoville, died at his home Sunday morning after an illness of five months. Complications due to heart trouble were the cause of his demise.

Mr. Willacker was born in Germany on March 29, 1855, and has resided in this community for sixty-eight years. At the time of his death he was eighty-one years, three months and thirteen days of age. His wife, who prior to their marriage was Miss Louisa Kuersting, preceded him in death.

He is survived by six children, Frank, of San Diego, Calif.; Mrs. Louis Schwertner, Flint, Mich.; George and Mrs. Fred Wanstroth, Delphos; Mrs. Harold Guendelsberger, Sandusky; and two brothers in Chesaning, Mich. A son, John, preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held Wednesday morning at nine o’clock in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Ottoville and burial was made in the parish cemetery.

7-18-1936
John A. Sanders
John A. Sanders Passed Away
One Of The Oldest Citizens Of Monterey Township

John A. Sanders, aged and respected citizen of northwest of Ottoville, passed away at his home Saturday evening at eight-forty o’clock, just one week after the death of his wife, Mrs. Caroline Sanders. Mr. and Mrs. Sanders were the oldest couple in the Immaculate Conception parish at Ottoville.

Mr. Sanders was past eighty-nine years of age and had been in failing health for several years, suffering from infirmities due to his advanced age.

He was born in New Reigel, Ohio, on April 29, 1847, a son of Mr. and Mrs. William Sanders. When he was one year of age his parents moved to Landeck and seven years later moved to Ottoville, where the deceased spent the remainder of his life.

He was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Hug at Ottoville on October 29, 1872. Mrs. Sanders and three sons preceded him in death.

He leaves to mourn the loss the following children; Mrs. John Schneider, Mrs. William Bigelow, Mrs. Andrew Bendele and Mrs. Joseph Klima, all of Ottoville; Mrs. Ed Steinacker, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; one son, John G. Sanders, west of Ottoville; 35 grandchildren; and 38 great-grandchildren; also survive.

Funeral services were held Tuesday morning at nine o’clock in the Immaculate Conception Church at Ottoville with Rev. J. S. Arnoldi in charge. Burial was made in the parish cemetery.

7-18-1936
Mary M. Wannemacher
Rites Held At Ottoville
Mrs. Lena Wannemacher Died Saturday

Mrs. Andrew Wannemacher passed away at her home two miles southwest of Ottoville at 11:20 o’clock Saturday evening. She had been ill for the past several years and her condition had been serious for five weeks past. Complications caused her death.

Mrs. Wannemacher was born on December 31, 1863, in Pilsen, Austria, the daughter of Thomas and Margaret Zahner. A year and a half later, the Zahner family moved to New Washington where they resided for more than eighteen years. They then moved to a farm seven miles west of Delphos.

On May 7, 1888, Miss Zahner married Andrew Wannemacher. For a period of fifteen years, Mr. and Mrs. Wannemacher lived northwest of Ottoville. Later, they moved to a farm southwest of that place.

Mrs. Wannemacher was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church at Ottoville and of the Alter Society. At the time of her death she was seventy-two years, six months and seventeen days of age.

Besides her husband, she leaves the following children; Albert C. and Walter Wannemacher, east of Ottoville; Isadore Wannemacher, of Ft Jennings; Fred, Andrew and Linus Wannemacher, all of Celina. There are 21 grandchildren. A brother John, of Shelby, also survives.

Five sisters and two brothers have preceded Mrs. Wannemacher in death.

Funeral services were conducted at Immaculate Conception Church Wednesday morning at 9:00 o’clock. Burial was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

7-31-1936
Isadore A. Wannemacher
Business Man Summoned At Ft. Jennings
Isadore Wannemacher Died Suddenly Friday
Was War Veteran
Funeral Held Monday In Catholic Church

Isadore A. Wannemacher, village blacksmith at Ft. Jennings, died suddenly while at work in the shop Friday evening at ten o’clock. He had been in good health prior to his death, which was due to a heart attack.

Mr. Wannemacher was born in Ottoville on June 18,1894, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Wannemacher. On October 24, 1922, he was united in marriage to Miss Eda Droll, of Cloverdale. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wannemacher resided in Cloverdale and eleven years ago moved to Ft. Jennings. At the time of his death he was forty-two years, one month and six days of age.

Mr. Wannemacher served in the United States Army for a period of thirteen months during the World War and was a member of the Ottawa Kerner-Slusser Post of the American Legion. He was a faithful and devout member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ft. Jennings, a member of the Men’s sodality of the parish and was also a member of the Catholic Knights of Ohio.

Mr. Wannemacher was well known in Putnam County and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He was an honest businessman, and upstanding citizen, a good neighbor, and a loving and kind husband and father. His mother preceded him in death on July 18th of this year.

He leaves to mourn their loss his wife; seven children, Roman, Helen, Hilary, Alberta, Margaret, Evelyn, and Mary Jane, all at home; his father Andrew Wannemacher, of near Ottoville; and five brothers, Albert and Walter, of Ottoville; Ferdinand, Andrew and Linus, of Celina.

Funeral services were held Tuesday morning at nine o’clock in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Rev. Father George May, the pastor, officiated. Interment was made in the Catholic Cemetery in Ottoville.

The services were attended in a body by members of the C. K. of O., the Ft. Jennings businessmen and members of the American Legion from Ottawa, Delphos and Continental.

8-21-1936
Angeline Hellman
Mrs. Hellman Passed Away
Young Wife And Mother Called To Eternity

Last rites for Mrs. Angeline Hellman, wife of Sylvester Hellman of east of Ft. Jennings were conducted at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Ft. Jennings Monday morning at 9:00 o’clock. Burial was made in the Church cemetery.

Mrs. Hellman died at St. Rita’s Hospital in Lima Friday afternoon at 1:00 o’clock. She underwent a major operation on Tuesday morning and apparently was convalescing nicely. However, her condition became critical Thursday morning.

Miss Angelina Mary Brinkman was born one and one-half miles east of Ottoville on May 23, 1898, the daughter of Gerhard and Mary Brinkman. She married Sylvester Hellman at Ottoville on May 23, 1922. Nine children were born to this union. Two twin boys, John and Joseph, died three years ago. Her father Gerhard Brinkman passed away in 1915.

When her death occurred, Mrs. Hellman was thirty0eight years, two months and twenty-eight days of age. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ft. Jennings, the Catholic Ladies of Columbia, Ft. Jennings Council, the Alter Rosary Society and the Sacred Heart League. She spent her entire life in the vicinity of Ottoville and Ft. Jennings and was well known.

Besides her husband, Mrs. Hellman leaves seven children; Emily, Dolores, William, Genevieve, George, Catherine, and Eileen, all at home; her mother, Mrs. Mary Brinkman, east of Ottoville; the following brothers and sisters; Mrs. Joseph Krietemeyer, near Columbus Grove, Mrs. Albert Hempfling, near Delphos, Mrs. Fred Koch, near Ottawa, Ben of Lima, Mrs. Isadore Friemoth, northwest of Delphos, Alex of Youngstown, Mrs. Frank Fenbert, near Columbus Grove, Loretta, east of Ottoville, and Sister M. Matthew of Carthagena, Ohio

9-29-1936
Edna Willacker
Death Due To Injuries
Former Ottoville Citizen Died In Michigan

The sad message announcing the death of Mrs. William Willacker, former resident of Ottoville, was received by local relatives Tuesday evening. Mrs. Willacker’s death was due to injuries received Tuesday afternoon in Flint, Michigan, when she was struck by a train. She was walking along the tracks to the depot in that city when the fatal accident happened.

Mrs. Willacker was born in Ottoville, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Friemoth and was forty-eight years of age. She had been a resident of Flint, Michigan, for a period of twenty years.

She is survived by her husband; six children, all of Michigan; her parents at Ottoville; and the following brothers and sisters; Theodore Friemoth, of near Ottoville, Frank Friemoth of East Troy, Wis., Otto and Alma Friemoth of Toledo, Amedeus, of Columbus, Mrs. H. A. Guske of Laperre, Mich., and Father William Friemoth, assistant pastor of St. John’s Church, Lima. Her husband is a relative of Father Carl Willacker, also an assistant in St. John’s parish, Lima.

Funeral services will be held Friday morning in Flint, Michigan, and interment will be made in the Catholic Cemetery in that city.

10-21-1936
Ralph Vincke
Ottoville Native Died In Seminary

Services for Brother Ralph Vincke, native of Ottoville, were held in St. Charles Seminary, at Carthagena, Ohio, Wednesday morning. He became suddenly ill on Saturday morning and died the following day.

He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand F. Vincke and was born in Ottoville on October 27, 1902. Had he lived until Tuesday he would have been thirty-four years of age.

He is survived by his father; four brothers, and three sisters; George, William, Mrs. Anna Giesken and Mrs. Dora Van Oss, all of Ottoville; Fred and Joseph, Lima; and Sister Mary Gertrude, Superior, Wis. His mother died in 1933.

10-22-1936
Joseph H. Brickner
Rites Held At Ottoville
Joseph H. Brickner Died Suddenly Thursday

Joseph H. Brickner, well known and highly esteemed farmer of Ottoville, died suddenly at his home Thursday evening at nine o’clock. His death was due to angina pectoris.

Mr. Brickner was born July 15, 1867, on a farm west of Delphos, a son of John and Caroline Brickner. He resided on the farm south of Ottoville for the past forty-five years.

He was united in marriage to Josephine Miller, of Ottoville, on April 14, 1881. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brickner. Two daughters preceded their father in death.

The widow, two daughters and six sons survive. The children are Mrs. Lena Snyder, Dayton; Mrs. Amelia Deitering, Wapakoneta; Andrew and John Brickner, near Ottoville; George Brickner, at home; Leo Brickner, northwest of Ottoville; Joseph, of Delphos; and William Brickner, of Middletown. He leaves a brother, George Brickner, of near Delphos; and a sister, Anna Brickner, of Dayton; and eleven grandchildren. A sister Phylis, died in Dayton a week ago. Two sisters and two brothers also preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held Monday morning at nine o’clock in the Immaculate Conception Church at Ottoville. Burial was made in the Ottoville cemetery.

10-23-1936
Henry E. Peters
Final Call Is Answered
Former Ottoville Citizen Died In Delphos

Funeral services for Henry E. Peters, former resident of Putnam County, were held in Delphos Friday afternoon and burial was made in Antioch Cemetery.

Mr. Peters died suddenly at his home in Delphos on Wednesday of last week. He had been in failing health for several years but was never bedfast a heart attack was the cause of death.

Mr. Peters was born on November 9, 1888, in Monterey Township, a son of Louis and Dora Peters. At the time of his death he was almost forty-eight years of age. The Peters family moved from Monterey Township to Delphos five years ago.

He is survived by his widow and six children. The children are, Gladys, Forest, Lloyd, Esther, Ruth, and Junior, all at home. He also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Katie Arn, of Cloverdale; Mrs. Clara Baker, of Haviland; three brothers, Carl Peters, Columbus Grove; and Amos and Harold Peters, of north of Ottoville.

10-27-1936
Oliver Sellet
Aged Citizen Is Summoned
Rites Held At Ottoville For Oliver Sellet

Funeral services for Oliver Sellet, Ottoville’s oldest resident, were held Friday morning at nine o’clock in the Immaculate Conception Church. Interment was made in the parish cemetery.

Mr. Sellet passed away Tuesday afternoon in St. Rita’s Hospital, Lima, after a long illness. Gangrene was the immediate cause of death.

He was born in Rheininger, Alsace-Lorraine, Germany, on March 31, 1849, the son of Morand and Maria Sellet. When he was four years of age he came to this country with his parents, who located in Seneca County, Ohio. Fifteen years later the family moved to Ottoville.

On November 16, 1871, he was united in marriage to Miss Wilhelmina Wannemacher. The family resided on a farm near Ottoville until 1913, when they moved to Ottoville.

In his younger years Mr. Sellet was Captain on a State Boat on the Miami and Erie Canal and worked on the route between St. Mary’s and Defiance.

He is survived by the following children, Charles, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Louis, Ottoville; Joseph, Dayton; Mrs. William Greulich, Ottoville; Sister Mary, LaCrosse, Wis.; and Mrs. Agnes Studer, St. Maries, Idaho. He also leaves twenty-four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife who died in 1934, three daughters, three sisters, and a daughter.

11-8-1936
John Plescher
Death Call Is Answered
John Plescher Died At Ottoville Home

John Plescher, a well known resident of a quarter of a mile north of Ottoville, passed away at his home at 12:15 p.m. Sunday following an illness of a year. His condition had been serious for the past several weeks. Complications caused his death.

Mrs. Plescher was born at Gottevitz, Austria on February 1, 1867, the son of Simon and Catherine Plescher. When he was fifteen years of age, he came to this country with his parents and settled in Jackson Township, Van Wert County, six and one-half miles northwest of Ottoville. On August 11, 1915, he was married to Miss Catherine Zahner. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Plescher moved to their present home.

At the time of his death, Mr. Plescher was sixty-nine years, eight months and twenty-four days of age. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church at Ottoville, and was also a member of the St. Joseph’s Society and the Ottoville council, Knights of Columbus.

Besides his widow, he leaves two sons, Herbert and John Plescher, two step-sons and a step-daughter. He was preceded in death by a step-daughter and four brothers.

Funeral services were conducted at the Immaculate Conception Church in Ottoville Wednesday morning at nine o’clock. Burial was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

11-17-1936
John Klima
Death Calls John Klima
Former Ottoville Man Died At Delphos

John Klima, former resident of Ottoville, died at his home north of Delphos, Tuesday morning after an illness of several years. He was sixty-four years of age.

On May 4, 1904, he was married to Miss Mary Kieffer in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Ottoville. he is survived by his widow and ten children. A son preceded him in death.

Brothers and sisters living are Joseph and W. J. Klima, Ottoville; Mrs. John Siern, Cloverdale; Mrs. Andrew Myers, Kalida; Mrs. Catherine Mersman, Delphos and Conrad Klima, Wapakoneta.

Mr. and Mrs. Klima moved to a farm near Delphos seventeen years ago. Previous to that time they resided in Ottoville.

Funeral services were held Friday in St. John’s Church at Delphos and burial was made in the parish cemetery.

1937 - Ottoville Obits

1-9-1937

Rose Guske

LAPEER, Mich., Jan. 9—Following a major operation a week ago, Mrs. Rose Guske, 38, sister of the Rev. William Friemoth, of St. Gerard church, Lima, Ohio, died Saturday.

She is survived by her husband and four children, Charles, Maria, John and Kenneth, all at home. Mrs. Guske, nee Rose Friemoth, was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.

John Friemoth, of Ottoville. She moved from the Lima area when she was married 20 years ago.

Besides her parents, five brothers and a sister survive. They are: Rev. William Friemoth; Theodore, of Ottoville; Frank, of East Troy, Wis.; Otto, of Toledo and A. J.

Friemoth, of Columbus, and Alma Friemoth, of Toledo. Another sister, Mrs. Will Willacker, of Flint, Mich., was killed there last October in a traffic crash.

Services will be at 10 a. m. Monday in Lapeer where she will be buried.

January 1937
Marilyn Schimmoeller (infant)

1-12-1937
Wilhemina Luebrecht
Young Lady Is Summoned
Luebrecht Rites Held Wednesday Morning

Funeral services for Mrs. Gilbert Luebrecht, young wife and mother, were held in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at Ft. Jennings, Wednesday morning at nine o’clock. Burial was made in St. Mary’s cemetery at Ottoville.

Mrs. Luebrecht underwent a major operation in St. Rita’s Hospital, Lima, Friday of last week and her death occurred Sunday evening at five-thirty. She was born in Ottoville, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Giesken, and at the time of her death, was twenty-six years of age.

She is survived by her husband, two children, Shirley and Betty, at home; her parents who reside near Ottoville, and seven brothers and two sisters. Mr. and Mrs. Luebrecht resided on a farm five miles northeast of Ft. Jennings.

1-12-1937
Andrew Kehres

Andrew Kehres, 83, died at his home, 108 E. Sixth-st, Tuesday. Mr. Kehres was born in Senaca-co and came to reside here several years ago from Ottoville.

He was a member of St. John's Catholic church. He also was affiliated with the Sacred Heart league and the Catholic Knights of Ohio.

Besides his wife, he leaves two sons, Cyril of Washington, D. C. and Eugene at home; eight daughters, Miss Elizabeth Kehres, Mrs. Joseph Hummer, Delphos; Mrs. W. H. Ames, Cincinnati; Mrs. Leona Hesseling, Mrs. Edith Kaverman, near Delphos; Misses Clara and Amelia Kehres, of Washington, D. C. One sister, Miss Elizabeth Kehres, Ottoville; two brothers, Sebastian, Attica, Ohio, and John Kehres of Ottoville and nine grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a. m., Friday in St. John's Catholic church. Burial will be in St. John's cemetery.

2-26-1937
Frank Beining
Last Rites Held Monday
Frank Beining Died In Toledo Hospital
Frank Beining, well known farmer of three and one-half miles northwest of Ottoville, died in St. Vincent’s Hospital, Toledo, Saturday morning at 7:15 o’clock. His death followed a major operation performed the week before.

Mr. Beining, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Beining, was born in Putnam County, and for the past twenty years resided on a farm northwest of Ottoville. He was never married.

Surviving are five sisters and four brothers; Mrs. Henry Deitering, Mrs. William Koester, Mrs. Joseph Hoersten, Henry, Theodore, Oliver, and Joseph Beining, all of near Ottoville; Mrs. Mary Schulte, of Kalida; and Mrs. Ben Moeggenborg, of Alma, Mich.; A brother, Anthony, died nineteen years ago.

Mr. Beining, a member of Immaculate Conception Church at Ottoville, was an active member of the Ottoville Council of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the church choir.

Funeral services were conducted at Immaculate Conception Church Monday morning at 9:00 o’clock. Rev. Henry Gerwert, the pastor, officiated at the requiem high mass and delivered the funeral sermon. Burial was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery.


2-17-1937
Peter A. Gengler
P. A. Gengler is dead; resident here since 1878
Was prominent in fraternal circles
Peter A. Gengler, a pioneer and well known resident of Garrett, died at Sacred Heart Hospital at 11 o'clock Wednesday morning from heart trouble and complications.
Mr. Gengler had been ailing for six months and his condition became much worse two weeks ago. He was admitted to the hospital last Friday and his condition was considered grave at that time.
The final rights of the B. P. O. Elks will be conducted by Garrett Lodge at the Gengler residence, 217 South Guilford St., Friday evening. Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church Saturday morning at 9 o'clock. The pastor the Rev. J. G. Bennett, will officiate and interment will be made in the mausoleum of Calvary Cemetery, dear.
Mr. Gengler was in his 68th year, having been born May 20, 1869, at Ottoville, Ohio. He was a son of L. J. Gengler and the family moved to Auburn that to Garrett, locating and Garrett in 1878. L. J. Gengler became a well-known citizen, practicing law in serving as justice of the peace.
When he was 13 years old P. A. Gengler went to work for the Baltimore and Ohio as a call boy. Later he was a messenger boy in 1889 took employment as a brakeman. Afterward he was employed by the express company and in 1909 he opened in insurance, real estate and notary office. For many years he was located in his own building at 117 East King St. He had been manager of the Garrett automobile license bureau since its establishment in December, 1935.
Mr. Gengler was long prominent in fraternal circles. He had been secretary of the Garrett Elks Lodge ever since its institution in 1922. He was a charter member of the Garrett Airey, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and served as president for four years. He also was a member of the Tribe of Ben Hurs. He also was active in local Democratic politics.
Mr. Gengler and miss Clara Coates were married June 19, 1916. She survives, with one sister, Mrs. John L. Cogley of 401 West Adjutant St., Garrett, to have sisters and two half brothers, Mrs. John P. Coates of Chicago, and miss Cecilia Gengler and Sylvan and Louis Gengler, who live at the family home at 415 West Adjutant St., Garrett.
The body was taken to the residence this morning from the Dilgard – Zimmerman funeral home.


3-25-1937
John Zahm

John Zahm, 65, last of the pioneer blacksmiths in Putnam-co, died at 9:25 p.m. Thursday in St. Rita's Hospital, Lima, where he submitted to an operation Wednesday night.

Born in Ottoville on November 27, 1871, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Zahm. Zahm had lived here all his life.

On October 28, 1896, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Rekart, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Rekart, at Ottoville. At the time of his death he was sixty-five years, three months and twenty-eight days of age.

In this community he followed in the professional footsteps of his father, Nicholas Zahm, who as one of the early-settlers, had one of the first smithy shops here, forced during the ill health suffered the past several years had forced John Zahm's retirement altho he occasionally shod horses for the farmers.

Zahm was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church.

Surviving are his widow; four daughters, Mrs. T. J. Connell and Mrs. H. S. Nelson, both of Detroit; Mrs. J. B. Mensing of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Mrs. L. A. Metcalf, of Ottoville; three sisters, Mrs. John Winkelman, of Ft Wayne, Ind.; Mrs. Joseph Vincke, of 955 N. Elizabeth St, Lima, and Miss Anna Zahm, of Toledo, and a brother, Frank, of San Diego, Calif.

Funeral rites were held in the Immaculate Conception Church at Ottoville Monday morning at nine o’clock. The remains were laid to rest in the parish cemetery.

4-5-1937
Martin Obringer
Is Summoned To Eternity
Rites Held Last Thursday For Mr. Obringer

Last earthly rites were held in the Immaculate Conception Church at Ottoville, Thursday morning of last week, for Martin Obringer, well known resident of northeast of Ottoville, who died Monday following and illness of ten days.

He was born in Fremont and at the age of two years came to this county with his parents and located on a farm near Ottoville. He was seventy-four years of age. For the last forty years he resided with his sister, Mrs. Charles P. Weber.

He is survived by two brothers, M. E. Obringer, Ottoville; John Obringer, of Delphos; and two sisters, Mrs. Weber, of near Ottoville; and Mrs. Barbara Groves, of near Delphos.

Burial was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery at Ottoville.

4-5-1937
Elizabeth Winkelman
Winkelman Rites Held
Former Ottoville Citizen Died In Ft. Wayne

Last rites for Mrs. Mary E. Winkelman, former prominent citizen of Ottoville, were held Thursday morning of last week in the Immaculate Conception Church at that place, at ten o’clock. Mrs. Winkeman passed away Monday morning, April 5th, in her home at Ft. Wayne after an illness of several months due to complications.

Mrs. Winkelman was born in Ottoville sixty-seven years ago and resided there until 1925 when the family moved to Ft. Wayne. She had many relatives and friends in Putnam County.

She leaves to mourn their loss, a son, Felix; four daughters, Misses, Ida, and Frances, Mrs. Frank Redmond and Mrs. Harold Noll, all of Ft. Wayne; a brother, Frank Zahm, of San Diego, Calif.; two sisters, Mrs. Joseph Vincke, Lima; and Miss Anna Zahm, San Diego. A brother, John Zahm, of Ottoville, passed away two weeks ago.

4-17-1937
Mary Fuerst
Ottoville Native Dies
Mrs. Mary Fuerst Passed Away Suddenly

Mrs. Mary T. Fuerst, native of Ottoville, died suddenly at her home in Delphos at nine-thirty Thursday evening of last week. She was ill for only several hours and her death was attributed to angina pectoris.

Mrs. Fuerst was born in Ottoville on September 9, 1863, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Ruen. In 1883 she was united in marriage to John Fuerst at Ottoville. He preceded her in death eight years ago.

In 1930 Mrs. Fuerst moved from Ottoville to Delphos. At the time of her death she was seventy-three years, seven months and six days of age.

She is survived by six children; Mrs. Henry Utrup and John, of Delphos; Louise, at home; Peter, of Lima; Mrs. Andrew Ellerbrock, of Kalida; and Mrs. C. B. Bussing, Blissfield, Mich. Ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; two brothers, William Ruen, Cloverdale; Henry Ruen, Ottoville; a half brother, Frank Ruen, Ottoville; and two half-sisters, Mrs. Gus Trenkamp, Ottoville; and Mrs. Joseph Schmersal, Cuba, also survive.

Funeral services were held Monday morning at nine o’clock in St. John’s Catholic Church in Delphos. Interment was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

4-23-1937
Mary Eberle
Aged Citizen Passed Away, Was Oldest Resident of Ottoville Vicinity

Death called the oldest citizen in the vicinity of Ottoville Friday morning, when Mrs. Mary Eberle passed to her eternal reward at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Honigford, Sr., Her death occurred at five o'clock and followed a stroke of paralysis which she suffered two weeks prior to her demise.

Mrs. Eberle was born in Austria on December 11, 1843, the daughter of Simon and Anna Bedink. At the time of her death she was ninety-three years, five months and twelve days of age.

In 1864 she was united in marriage to John Eberle in Austria. The following year the couple sailed for the United States, first settling in New Washington, Ohio, and two and one-half years later moved to a farm one and one-half miles northwest of Ottoville.

Mrs. Eberle resided on that farm until nine years ago when she moved into the home of her daughter, Mrs. Honigford. Mr. Eberle passed away on May 27, 1904.

Mrs. Eberle is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Honigford, and Mrs. Andrew Wurst, both of near Ottoville; nine grandchildren; and seventy-seven great-grandchildren. Two daughters died in infancy and a sister and three brothers preceded her in death.

Last earthly rites were held Monday morning at 9 o'clock in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Rev. Henry Gerwert, the pastor, officiated. Interment was made in the parish cemetery, Ottoville.

4-19-1937
Al Roth
Rites Held In Akron Wednesday
Al Roth Former Ottoville Mayor, Called

Funeral services for Al Roth, of Akron, former Ottoville citizen, were held Wednesday morning in St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Akron, and interment was made in that city. He was fifty-nine years of age.

Mr. Roth was well known in Ottoville and surrounding community. At one time he was engage in the lumber and furniture business in Ottoville and also served several years as mayor of the village. He moved to Akron about twenty years ago where he engaged in the real estate business.

He is survived by the widow, who prior to their marriage was Miss Matilda Schulien of Ottoville, and six children.

Supt. And Mrs. F. J. Uhrich and Mrs. William Vincke, of Ottoville, were among those from this county who attended the last rites.

4-23-1937
Henry Kemper
Is Summoned To Eternity
Henry Kemper Is Called After Long Illness

Henry Kemper, native of Germany and well known citizen of Ottoville, passed away at the family home Friday evening at seven o’clock. He had been in failing health for almost three years and was in serious condition for four weeks prior to his demise. Complications were the cause of his departure.

Mr. Kemper was born in Alphonses, Germany, on October 17, 1855, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Kemper. He came to this country at the age of twenty-five years; locating first in Cincinnti and later moving to a farm near Ottoville. At the time of his death he was eighty-one years, six months and six days of age.

In February 1886, he was united in marriage to Louisa Schulte of Ottoville. The Kemper family moved from their farm near Ottoville twenty years ago.

He is survived by the widow; five children, Herman, Mrs. Louis Ricker, and Mrs. Joseph Hoehn, all of Ottoville; Mrs. Martin Didion, Ft. Wayne; and Mrs. Al Hoehn, Detroit; 50 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren also survive. Two children and four brothers preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held Monday morning at ten-thirty in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Ottoville. Burial was made in the parish cemetery.


5-16-1937
Joseph Odenweller
            Joseph Odenweller, 52, partner in the Odenweller Clothing Co., died in a Toledo Hospital. He was in St. Rita’s Hospital and later in the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Toledo.
            Odenweller was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and the men’s organization of the parich. He was widely known thru his business and church connections. He resided at 333 S. Pierce St.
            Besides his wife, he leaves, three sons, Herbert, George and Alfred Odenweller, and the following brothers, Edward, William, Alexander, Theodore, Leo, Sylvester, Arnold and a sister, Miss Catherine Odenweller and his mother.


5-25-1937
LaVern Kramer
Death Calls Young Man
Had Been An Invalid For Six Years

Lavern Kramer died at his home in Ottoville Tuesday morning at 3:30 o’clock. Bronchial Influenza was the direct cause of his death.

Lavern was born in Ottoville on August 11, 1918, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Kramer. He attended school at Ottoville until the sixth grade when he was stricken with infantile paralysis. He had been a cripple since that time.

When his death occurred, he was eighteen years, nine months and fourteen days of age.

Besides his parents, he leaves six sisters, Velma, Covington, Ky.; Permilla, Honolulu; Elenetta, Joan, Norma, and Carolyn, all at home; and four brothers, Paul, Ed., Jr., Alfred and Richard, all at home; Frank Pahl, Ottoville; is Lavern’s grandfather. A brother, Roman, died four years ago.

The funeral will be held in Immaculate Conception Church in Ottoville Friday morning at 9:00 o’clock. Burial will be made in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

5-29-1937
Paul Kramer
Paul Kramer Passed Away
Second Son Of Family Is Called To Eternity

Paul Kramer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kramer of Ottoville, passed away at the family home Saturday. He followed his brother Lavern, in death by five days. Both of the young men suffered from infantile paralysis for several years. There deaths, however, were due to bronchial influenza.

Paul was born in Ottoville and spent all of his life in that community. He was sixteen years of age. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kramer; and the following brothers and sisters, Velma, Covington, Ky.; Permilla, Honolulu; Elenetta, Joan, Norma, Carolyn, Edward, Jr., Alfred and Richard, all at home. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Roman and Lavern.

Funeral services were held Tuesday morning in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, at nine o’clock. Interment was made in the parish cemetery.

7-4-1937
Donna J. Brandehoff (Infant)
Young Child Died In Lima Hospital

Last earthly rites for Donna Jean, two-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Brandehoff, north of Ottoville, were held Tuesday morning at nine o’clock in the Immaculate Conception Church at Ottoville. Interment was made in the parish cemetery.

The infant passed away in Memorial Hospital, Lima, Sunday morning. She is survived by her parents and three brothers.

7-16-1937
Mary Freiburger
Miss Freiburger Is Summoned

The funeral of Miss Mary Freiburger, who died Friday, was held at Immaculate Conception Church in Ottoville Monday morning at 9 o’clock. Rev. Henry Gerwert, the pastor, officiated at the requiem high mass and gave the funeral sermon.

Miss Freiburger, who was nearing the age of eighty-six, died at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schurer, one mile west of Ottoville.

She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Frank Distel, of Toledo; and two brothers, Joseph, of Ottoville; and William, of Dearborn, Mich. Three brothers and two sisters preceded her in death.

Katherine Biedenharn

7-26-1937
Frank Brokamp
Brokamp Dies At Ottoville
Had Been Poor Health For Eight Months

Frank Brokamp died at his home in Ottoville at 2:00 o’clock Monday morning. Eight months ago he suffered a stroke and had been in failing health since that time.

Mr. Brokamp was born in Glandorf on May 25, 1853, the son of Andrew and Elizabeth Brokamp, he spent his early life in that place and was married there on April 11, 1891, to Elizabeth Scherzinger, daughter of Michael and Mary Scherzinger. The Brokamp’s resided in Kalida for ten years and then moved to Ottoville.

At the time of his death Mr. Brokmap was eighty-four years, two months and seven days of age.

Besides his widow, Mrs. Brokamp is survived by two sons, John and Edward, at home. A son Andrew, of Delphos, died in 1931 and a brother and three sisters preceded him in death.

The funeral was held at Immaculate Conception Church in Ottoville Wednesday morning at 9:00 o’clock. Interment was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

9-3-1937
Joseph Beckman (Infant)


9-13-1937
Helen Bendele (Infant)


9-23-1937
Donald R. Eickholt (Infant)
Infant Rites At Ottoville

Funeral services for the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Eickholt, of northwest of Ottoville were held Monday morning in the Immaculate Conception Church at Ottoville. The remains were interred in the parish cemetery with Rev. Gerwert in charge.

The child, named Donald Raymond, was born Thursday and passed away Sunday. The parents, two sisters and a brother survive.

10-1-1937
Catherine Metz
Metz Rites Held Monday
Mrs. Clement Metz Died Friday Morning

Mrs. Clement Metz, prominent and well known citizen of Ottoville, passed to her reward in St. Rita’s Hospital, Lima, Friday morning at three o’clock. She had been ill for four weeks and was removed to the hospital two weeks prior to her demise when her condition became serious.

Prior to her marriage, she was Miss Catherine Krebs and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Krebs. She was born in Cleveland on December 10, 1875, and at the time of her death was sixty-one years, five months and eleven days.

When she was twelve years of age she accompanied her family to Danburry, Conn. On September 12, 1893, she was married to Clement Metz in Cleveland. In 1915 Mr. and Mrs. Metz and children moved to Napoleon where they resided until five years ago when they moved to Ottoville.

She is survived by her husband; four daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Cline and Mrs. Helen William, of Ravenna; Mrs. Catherine Gordon, of Ottawa; Miss Marie Metz, Decatur, Ind.; and John Metz, also at home. Nine grandchildren; two sisters and a brother also survive. Seven children preceded her in death.

Last rites were held Monday morning at nine o’clock in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Ottoville with Rev. Henry Gerwert the pastor in charge. The body was laid to rest in the parish cemetery.

11-28-1937
Henry Lehmkuhle
Lehmkuhle Rites Held
Services Saturday For Ottoville Citizen

Funeral services for Henry Lehmkuhle were held in Immaculate Conception Church, Ottoville, Saturday morning at nine-thirty o’clock. Rev. Father Gerwert officiated. His body was laid to rest in the Catholic Cemetery at Ft. Jennings.

Mr. Lehmkuhle, a lifelong resident of Putnam County, died at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Hohlbein, three miles east of Ottoville, at 10:00 o’clock Tuesday night. He had been in failing health for the past two years and was seriously ill for the past week.

He was born at Ft. Jennings on August 30, 1857, the son of Casper and Elizabeth Lehmkuhle. In April 1885, he was married at Ft. Jennings to Anna Schneeg, daughter of Paul and Elizabeth Schneeg. Mr. and Mrs. Lehmkuhle lived at Ft. Jennings for several years after their marriage and later moved to a farm three miles east of Ottoville. Mrs. Lehmkuhle preceded her husband in death thirty-five years ago.

12-16-1937
Elizabeth M. Wanstroth
Wanstroth Rites Held
Native Of County Died In Delphos

Mrs. Elizabeth M. Wanstroth, 72, died unexpectedly Thursday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Hermina Wechta, N. Main-st.

Mrs. Wanstroth had lived in this city nearly a quarter of a century, making her home with her daughter. She was widely known in the community and was a member of St. John's church.

Mrs. Wanstroth was born in Ft. Jennings on September 24, 1865 the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rose. Her husband Herman Wanstroth passed away in 1901.

Besides her daughter, she leaves a son, Fred Wanstroth of Delphos. She also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Mary Suever and Mrs. George Hofstetter of Ft. Jennings; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She was the mother-in-law of John B Lehmkuhl, council president-elect.

Funeral will be held at 9 a.m. Monday at St. John’s church. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery Ottoville.

1938 - Ottoville Obits

1-18-1938

Elizabeth Koester
Death Call Is Answered
Rites For Mrs. Koester Held Friday

Last rites for Mrs. Elizabeth Koester were held Friday morning at nine o’clock in the Immaculate Conception Church at Ottoville. She passed away Tuesday of last week following an illness of four years.

Mrs. Koester was born a farm west of Ottoville on September 3, 1871, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Hilvers. She was married to Christian Koester, on June 15, 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Koester resided on a farm west of Ottoville during their entire married life. He preceded her in death thirteen years ago.

She leaves to mourn their loss, five sons, Anthony, Ben, William and Henry, of near Ottoville; Christian, at home; a daughter, Mrs. Roman Miller, Ottoville; twenty-eight grandchildren. Two daughters, two sons, two brothers and a sister preceded her into eternity.

Rev. Henry Gerwert, pastor of the church, officiated at the last rites, and interment was made in the parish cemetery.

1-21-1938
Mary Becker
Becker Rites To Be Held At Ottoville

Services for Mrs. Mary Becker, who died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Albert Hohlbein, in Ottoville Friday at 10:30 a.m., will be conducted at Immaculate Conception Church at that place Monday morning, at 9:30 o’clock. Burial will be made in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Mrs. Becker, mother of Ed H. Becker, North Pierce Street, suffered a stroke on Tuesday ands since that time her condition had been serious.

Miss Mary Meyer, daughter of Anton and Elizabeth Meyer was born in Glandorf on April 3, 1860. She married August C. Becker at Glandorf on April 27, 1878. The Becker’s moved to a farm three and one-half miles east of Ottoville. Fourteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Becker. Three died in infancy. Mr. Becker died in January twelve years ago.

When her death occurred, Mrs. Becker was seventy-seven years, nine months and nineteen days of age.

She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church and the Alter Rosary Society. For the past seven years she had been making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Hohlbein.

Eleven children survive. They are, Anthony Becker, Dayton; Rev. Father John Becker, Winamac, Ind.; William Becker, Dayton; Frank and August Becker, near Ottoville; Bernard Becker, Frankfort, Ind.; Ed. H. Becker, Delphos; Mrs. Joseph Schlagbaum, near Ottoville; Mrs. Peter Fischbach, near Ottoville; Mrs. Lawrence Hoffman, Columbus Grove; and Mrs. Albert hohlbein, Ottoville. There are forty-seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Mrs. Becker is also survived by two brothers, William and Henry Meyer, Glandorf. A brother, Anthony Meyer, and a sister, Mrs. John Selhorst, Columbus Grove, are dead.

2-9-1938
Vincent Schlagbaum
Schlagbaum Rites Held
Ottoville Young Man Called To Eternity

The funeral of Vincent Schlagbaum, well known resident of near Ottoville, were held in Immaculate Conception Church, Ottoville, Saturday morning at 9:00 o’clock. Burial was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Mr. Schlagbaum died at the University Hospital in Columbus at 4:30 o’clock Wednesday morning. He was taken ill about the middle of December and on January 15 was removed to University Hospital. Several transfusions failed to provide sufficient strength and for the past week, his condition was critical. Sarcoma caused his death.

Mr. Schlagbaum was born at Ottoville on December 23, 1909, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schlagbaum. On August 6, 1937, he was married at Ft. Jennings to Miss Coletta Wieging, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Wieging, Ft. Jennings. Until his marriage he lived with his parents one mile east of Ottoville. His married life was spent on a farm one-half mile south of Ottoville.

He was a graduate of Ottoville High School, class of ’27.

At the time of his death, Mr. Schlagbaum was twenty-eight years, one month, and fifteen days of age. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. He was very well known in Ottoville and vicinity.

Surviving are his widow; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schlagbaum, east of Ottoville; two brothers, Anthony and Othmer Schlagbaum, at home; and seven sisters, Mrs. Kenneth Roth and Mrs. Charles Heathman, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; and Clotilda, Dorothy, Marie, Phyllis and Joan, all at home.

4-9-1938
John Van Oss
John Van Oss Is Summoned
Was Ottoville Blacksmith For Many Years

John Van Oss died at his home in Ottoville at 4:00 o’clock Saturday afternoon. In 1928, he was stricken with creeping paralysis and had been an invalid since 1930. For the past six months, his condition was serious.

Mr. Van Oss was born at Delphos on January 26, 1876. The family moved to a farm one and one-half miles west of Ottoville and Mr. Van Oss resided there until 1900 at which time he took up the blacksmith trade in Ottoville. Because of his ill health he was compelled to retire in 1930. In June 1900, he was married to Margaret Nomina, Delphos, daughter of John and Mary Nomina. A son, Hilarius Van Oss, of Marion, Ohio, was born to that union.

After his first wife’s death, Mr. Van Oss was united in marriage to Margaret Hammons, of near Ottoville, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Hammons. Two children were born to this union, Roland Van Oss, at home; and Mrs. Raymond Flemming, of Lima. Mrs. Van Oss died and on November 25, 1925, Mr. Van Oss married Mrs. Julia Fischbach, at Ottoville. She survives as do the three children; two step-children, Mrs. A. E. Sadler, Ft. Jennings; and Henry Fischbach, of Littleton, Colo.; and five grandchildren.

Surviving are the following brothers and sisters; Theodore, Joseph, and George Van Oss and Mrs. Joseph Schurer and Mrs. George Vincke, all of Ottoville; Mrs. Ed Kaple, Lima; and Mrs. William Schlembach, of Delphos.

At the time of his death, Mr. Von Oss was sixty-two years of age and was a member of the Ottoville branch C. K. of O. and of Delphos Eagles.

Funeral services were held at nine o’clock Tuesday morning in the Immaculate Conception Church at Ottoville with Rev. Henry Gerwert in charge. Interment was made in the parish cemetery.

5-11-1938
Louise Rayman
Former Lady Of Ottoville
Passed Away In Toledo; rites Saturday

Last rites for Mrs. Lousie Rayman, of Toledo, a former resident of Putnam County, were held Saturday morning in the Immaculate Conception Church at Ottoville with interment in the Ottoville parish cemetery. She passed away Wednesday of last week at the home of her daughter in Toledo. She had been ill for the last seven months.

Mrs. Rayman was born north of Glandorf, Germany, on May 13, 1851, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Doepker. She passed away two days prior to her eighty-seventh birthday. When she was twenty years of age she came to America and first settled in Glandorf, this county.

On September 14, 1876, she was married to Henry Rayman at Dayton and resided on a farm near that city for a year following their marriage. Then they moved to a farm north of Ottoville where they resided until Mr. Rayman’s death in 1895. Mrs. Rayman then moved to Ottoville where she resided until fourteen years ago when she moved to Toledo.

She is survived by the following children, Henry Rayman, of Delphos; Mrs. Mary Schwertner, Maidstone, Ont.; Mrs. Louise Brockman, Ft. Jennings; Ben and John Rayman, of near Ottoville; Mrs. Catherine Brady and Mrs. Therese Hardin, of Toledo. Two daughters and five brothers and two sisters preceded her in death.

5-21-1938
Infant son of Earl Huysman

7-1-1938
Leo Herman
Passed Away Friday Night
Leo Herman Of Ottoville Died Suddenly

Leo Herman, resident of two miles northwest of Ottoville, died suddenly following a heart attack Friday evening. He had been ailing for the last several months, however, suffering from a heart ailment.

Mr. Herman was born in Canton on August 25, 1876, the son of Anton and Mary Herman. He came to this county with his parents when a child of eight years and has resided near Ottoville since that time.

In 1892, he was united in marriage to Miss Philomena Herman, and since that time resided on the farm where his death occurred. He was sixty-one years of age. He is survived by his widow; a daughter, Miss Gertrude, at home; two sons, Gilbert, at home; and Edwin, of near Ottoville. He also leaves two brothers, Louis and Albert, both of Ottoville and four grandchildren.

Last rites were held in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Ottoville Tuesday morning at 9 o’clock. Interment was made in the parish cemetery.

7-3-1938
Mary J. Wannemacher

7-14-1938
Susan Eickholt
Last Rites At Ottoville
Mrs. Susan Eickholt Is Called To Eternity

Funeral services for Mrs. Susan Eickholt, who died at her home north of Ottoville, Thursday afternoon of last week, were held in the Immaculate Conception church at Ottoville, Monday morning at nine o’clock. Interment was in the parish cemetery. Mrs. Eickholt’s death was due to a heart ailment and followed a short illness.

Mrs. Eickholt was born in Grand Junction, Tenn., on April 29, 1862, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Moore. Her early life was spent in that state and she was married to Edward O. Eickholt in the community of her birth. Following their marriage the couple located on the farm near Ottoville where her death occurred. At the time of her demise she was seventy-five years of age.

She is survived by her husband; seven children, Dr. Charles J. Eickholt, Columbus; Edward Eickholt, Alberta, Canada; Dr. J. L. Eickholt, Toledo; George J. Eickholt, and Henry B. Eickholt, of Columbus; Mrs. Marie Ebbeskotte, Ottoville; and Frank Eickholt, at home.

She also leaves fifteen grandchildren; a brother, John P. Moore, Little Rock, Ark.; and two sisters, Mrs. Cecelia Tarpay, Humboldt, Tenn.; and Miss Julia Moore, Jonesboro, Ark.

7-21-1938
Laura Wurst
Wurst RitesHeld Monday
Ottoville Lady Did Friday Morning

Mrs. Laura Wurst, widow of the late John Wurst, died as the result of a heat trouble at her home in Ottoville, Friday morning at ten-fifteen. She had been seriously ill for three weeks prior to her demise.

Mrs. Wurst was born in Ottoville on April 14, 1871, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wannemacher. She was married to John Wurst forty-three years ago. He preceded her in death in 1927. At the time of her death she was sixty-seven years, three months and eight days of age.

Eleven years ago the family moved from Ottoville to Toledo, but returned to Ottoville to reside in 1935. She is survived by five children, Albert, Duluth, Minn.; LeRoy, Toledo; Herbert, Arizona; and Richard and Mary, at home. She also leaves seven grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. George Rieger, Ottoville; and Mrs. Charles Kalt, Toledo; and two brothers, George Wannemacher, Toledo; and C. B. Wannemacher, Ottoville. Two children and a brother preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held Monday morning at nine o’clock in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Rev. Henry Gerwert in charge.

7-28-1938
Irene Ruen
Young Lady Passed Away
Ottoville Graduate Is Laid To Rest

Miss Irene Ruen, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ruen, two miles northeast of Ottoville, died at St. Rita’s Hospital, Lima, Thursday afternoon of last week. She had been ill since shortly after her graduation from the Ottoville High School in May. She was taken to the hospital a month ago. Her death was due to acute ulcerated colitis.

Miss Ruen was born near Ottoville on March 26, 1920. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception parish and the Young Ladies Sodality. She was a young lady of pleasing personality and had many friends throughout Ottoville and Monterey Township. She was eighteen years, four months and two days of age at the time of her demise.

She leaves to mourn their loss, her parents; two brothers, Alex and John Ruen, at home; and three sisters, Miss Martha Ruen, Ottoville; Miss Marcella Ruen, Lima; and Mrs. Raymond Hiett, southeast of Landeck.

Funeral rites were held Monday morning at nine o’clock in the Immaculate Conception church at Ottoville. Rev. Henry Gerwert, the pastor, officiated. The remains were laid to rest in the parish cemetery.

9-21-1938
Theresa Ernst
Ernst Rites At Ottoville
Well Known Lady Died Wednesday Night

A well known resident of Ottoville, Mrs. Thersia Ernst, died at her home at 9:00 o’clock Wednesday evening of last week, the result of complications. Her condition had been serious for the past several weeks.

Mrs. Ernst was born in Ottoville on January 20, 1861, the daughter of Peter and Agnes Wannemacher. On November 24, 1885, she was married at that place to Henry Ernst. Mrs. Ernst spent all of her life in Ottoville.

Her husband preceded her in death on March 19, 1929. Nine of her eleven children died in infancy.

When her death occurred, Mrs. Ernst was seventy-seven years and eight months of age. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church, the Catholic Ladies of Columbia and the Alter Society.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Mayme Harman, at home; and Mrs. Fred Lauer, Toledo; and five grandchildren. Mrs. Ernst also leaves a sister, Mrs. Anna Hotz, Delphos, and two brothers, William Wannemacher, Delphos; Peter Wannemacher, Coulee City, Washington. Four brothers and one sister are deceased.

The funeral was held at the Immaculate Conception Church in Ottoville at 9:00 o’clock Saturday morning. Interment was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

10-7-1938
Elizabeth Miller
Miller Rites Held Monday
Ottoville Resident Is Laid To Rest

Services for Mrs. Elizabeth Miller, resident of two miles west of Ottoville for the past fifty years, were conducted at Immaculate Conception Church, Ottoville at 9:00 a.m. Monday. A solemn requiem high mass was intoned with the pastor, Rev. Henry Gerwert, as celebrant, Rev. Henry Wichman, St. Barbara’s parish, Cloverdale, deacon, and Rev.

John H. Miller, St. Joseph’s, parish, Ft. Jennings, sub-deacon.

Mrs. Miller died suddenly at her home at 3:15 Friday afternoon. Her death was attributed to coronary thrombosis.

She was born on February 7, 1868, the daughter of Mathias and Bernadina Eickholt. On October 27, 1888, she was united in marriage at Ottoville to Michael Miller, who died on September 30, 1920.

At the time of her death, Mrs. Miller was seventy years, eight months and three days of age. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception church and the Alter Society.

Surviving are seven children, Paul, Victor and Rose Miller, at home; Mrs. Joseph Ricker, three miles southwest of Ottoville; Albert Miller, Akron; and Emma and Gertrude Miller, Toledo; and the following brothers and sisters, Mrs. Veronica Miller, west of Ottoville; Mrs. Samuel Hessian, west of Delphos; Miss Clara Eickholt, Delphos; Andrew Eickholt, southwest of Ottoville; and Stephen Eickholt, west of Delphos. A son Urban, died in 1918.

Burial was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

10-26-1938
Louis B. Ricker
Louis Ricker Passed Away
Father Of Ten Children Died Suddenly

Louis B. Ricker, a prominent resident of three miles southwest of Ottoville, died at St. Rita’s Hospital, in Lima, at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, following a brief illness. He was taken ill suddenly at noon on Tuesday and underwent an emergency operation at the hospital Tuesday afternoon. A blood transfusion on Wednesday failed to aid the stricken man.

Mr. Ricker was born on a farm two miles west of Ottoville on July 10, 1884, the son of Henry and Mary Ricker. On June 27, 1908, he was united in marriage at Ottoville to Anna Kemper, daughter of Henry and Louisa Kemper. For twelve years following their marriage, the couple lived on a farm three miles east of Cloverdale. From that place they moved to their present home. Mr. Ricker was a very well known and lifelong resident of Putnam County. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church and of the St. Joseph’s Society.

When his death occurred he was fifty-four years, three months and sixteen days of age.

He is survived by his widow; and ten children, Mrs. Frank J. Foster, Florence, Alabama; Isadore, Gilbert, Marcus, Richard, Harold and Mary Ricker, all at home; Rita and Alfred Ricker, Florence, Alabama; and Mrs. Harry Backus, southeast of Delphos; and five grandchildren. Surviving also are the following brothers and sisters, Joseph and Herman Ricker, west of Ottoville; Mrs. Herman Kemper, Mrs. Jacob Burgei and Mrs. William Gasser, all of Ottoville; and Mrs. Elizabeth Meyers, Norwalk. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter.

The funeral was held at Immaculate Conception Church in Ottoville Saturday morning at 9:00 o’clock with Rev. Gerwert officiating. Burial was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

10-31-1938
Rev. Ralph Mueller
Death Calls Rev. Mueller Of Ottoville
Was Assistant Pastor Of Catholic Parish
Ill Short Time
Pontifical Requiem On Thursday Morning

Members of the Immaculate Conception parish at Ottoville and citizens throughout that community and county were shocked and grieved Monday morning when word was announced that Rev. Father Ralph J. Mueller, assistant pastor of the Ottoville parish, had passed away.

Father Mueller had been the beloved assistant of the Ottoville parish since February 1935, and since that time he has endeared himself to the people of that parish, and community. He held the confidence of his parishioners and all who knew him; he was diligent and prompt in performing his religious duties and he was particularly interested in the activities of the younger folks of the parish. He was zealous and sincere at all times, and was respected and held in the highest esteem by all who knew him.

Father Mueller became ill two weeks prior to his death and was taken to St. Rita’s Hospital, Lima, on Thursday of last week. He suffered a severe throat infection, which caused his death at one o’clock Monday morning.

Father Mueller was born west of Landeck on September 5, 1905, the son of Peter and Mary Mueller. He attended the parochial school at Glandorf for eight years and then entered St. Joseph’s College at Collegeville, Indiana. He spent the next two years at St. Gregory’s preparatory seminary at Norwood and completed his studies for the priesthood at Mount St. Mary’s seminary, Cincinnati.

He was ordained to the holy priesthood at the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral, Toledo on August 15, 1931, by the Most Reverend Karl J. Alter, DD, Bishop of Toledo. He celebrated his first solemn high mass in St. John the Baptist Church at Landeck on August 16, 1931. He was assigned assistant pastor of the Immaculate Conception parish in Bellevue, where he remained for three and one-half years. In February 1935, he was appointed assistant at Ottoville and has been stationed there since that time.

At the time of his death Father Mueller was thirty-three years, one month and twenty-six days of age. He was a member of the Landeck Branch of the Catholic Knights of Ohio and of the Sacred Heart League. He was also a member of the Alumni Association of St. Joseph’s College.

Father Mueller is survived by his bereaved father, Peter Mueller, of Landeck; two brothers, Aloysius and Oliver, of Landeck; four sisters, Mrs. Syl. Brinkman, near Ottoville; Mrs. Clarence Gerdeman and Mrs. Walter Gerdeman of near Delphos; and Miss Alberta Mueller, at home; and a half-sister, Mrs. Leo Mueller, west of Landeck.

Father Mueller was preceded in death by his mother who died on January 25, 1925, a sister and a brother.

Following the death of Father Mueller his remains were taken to the rectory in Ottoville. On Wednesday afternoon the body was removed to the Church where vespers of the dead was chanted at three o’clock. A guard of honor was stationed at the bier from Wednesday afternoon until time for services.

A Pontifical Requiem High Mass was entoned Thursday morning at ten o’clock in the Immaculate Conception Church. A large number of visiting clergy attended the last rites. The remains were laid to rest in St. John’s Cemetery, Landeck.

11-2-1938
Elizabeth Ricker
Mrs. Ricker Passed Away
Was Well Known Woman Of Near Ottoville

The funeral of Mrs. Herman J. Ricker, who died at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday at the home of her son, William J. Ricker, four and three-quarter miles northwest of Ottoville, were held in Immaculate Conception Church at that place Saturday morning at 9:00 o’clock. Interment was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Mrs. Ricker had been an invalid for the past ten years.

She was the former Elizabeth Lehmkuhle and was born at Glandorf on January 26, 1869, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Lehmkuhle. She was married at Ottoville to Herman J. Ricker on April 21, 1885. Mr. Ricker preceded his wife in death on May 11, 1936.

Surviving are two children; William J. Ricker and Louise Ricker, northwest of Ottoville; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Two brothers and one sister also survive. They are, William Lehmkuhle, Delphos; Ben Lehmkuhle, Ft. Jennings; and Mrs. Theresa Voges, Omaha, Nebraska. She was preceded in death by four sisters.

At the time of her death, Mrs. Ricker was sixty-nine years, nine months and six days of age.

11-9-1938
Clara Etgen
Death Calls Clara Etgen
Was Well Known Lady Of Monterey Township

Mrs. Clara Etgen, lifelong resident of Putnam County, died at her home near Ottoville, Wednesday night of last week at eleven o’clock. She had been in poor health for several months and suffered a stroke of paralysis on Friday evening prior to her demise.

Mrs. Etgen was the daughter of Fred and Clara Brinkman and was born at Ft. Jennings on January 28, 1865. She was married to Peter Etgen on May 6, 1884. Mr. Etgen preceded her in death three years ago. At the time of her death, Mrs. Etgen was seventy-three years, nine months and eleven days of age.

Mrs. Etgen is survived by eleven; Mrs. Frank Utrup, Columbus Grove; Frank Etgen, at home; Mrs. Lena Carder, Inkster, Mich.; Peter Etgen, Wapakoneta; Mrs. Laura Wickiser, Cuyahoga Falls; Mrs. Clem Klausing and Mrs. Alex Schweitzer, Wapakoneta; Ben Etgen, Van Wert; and Louis Etgen, Ft. Jennings. She also leaves a sister, Mrs. Henry Ellerbrock, Ft. Jennings; a brother, John Brinkman, Miller City; thirty-nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Saturday morning at nine o’clock in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Ottoville. Rev. Henry Gerwert, the pastor, officiated. Interment was made in the parish cemetery.

12-4-1938
Patricia Byrne (Infant)

1939 - Ottoville Obits

1-3-1939

William Klima

1-18-1939
Sophie Baken
Baken Rites At Ottoville
County Native Died In Toledo Wednesday

Last earthly rites for Mrs. Wardy Baken, of Toledo, former resident of Ottoville, were held Saturday morning at nine o’clock in the Immaculate Conception Church at Ottoville.

Mrs. Baken was the former Miss Sophia Schneider of Ottoville. She passed away unexpectedly at her home in Toledo Wednesday night of last week following a heart attack. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Schneider and was born on December 21, 1899. She resided in Ottoville until ten years ago when she moved to Toledo. She was thirty-nine years of age.

On June 8, 1930 she was married at Toledo to Wardy Baken who survives. She also leaves her parents; a step-daughter, Mrs. Grace Schneider, Toledo; three brothers, Leo, of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Gregory and Elmer Schneider, of Ottoville; and two sisters, Mrs. Eli Kruse, Elida; and Mrs. Robert Kiefer, Lima. A sister preceded her in death.

The remains were brought from Toledo and taken to the home of her parents until time for the services. Interment was made in the Ottoville parish cemetery.

1-18-1939
Frank Gmeiner
Frank Gmeiner Died Sunday In St. Petersburg
Prominent In County And Local Activities
A Good Citizen
Funeral Services Held Thursday Morning

Frank Gmeiner, a prominent and beloved citizen of Putnam County, was called to his eternal reward at a hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida, Sunday afternoon at three-thirty. Word of his death was received in Ottawa by relatives and brought an expression of sadness from his untold number of friends throughout Putnam County.

Me. Gmeiner has spent the last several winters in the south, and became ill last fall shortly after his arrival in St. Petersburg. Complications and infirmities due to his advanced age were the cause of his departure.

Frank Gmeiner occupies an important place in the history of Putnam County. Coming from sturdy Austrian stock, he was a man of high character and high ideals. He was upstanding in every detail and faithful in every performance.

He was born on December 3, 1852, the son of Frank and Mary Gmeiner, and came to this country with his parents from Vorardelberg, Tyrol, Austria, when six years of age. The family located in Sandusky County, near Fremont, where they resided until the close of the Civil War, when the father purchased eighty acres of timber land in Monterey Township, Putnam County, northwest of Ottoville. He was eighty-six years of age.

In October 1875, when Frank Gmeiner was about twenty-three years of age, his father and mother both passed to their eternal home, leaving a family of six children. Frank was the oldest of the family and at his father’s request took his place at the head of the family and took charge of the farm, while a sister, fourteen years of age, immediately became the housekeeper for the orphan children.

Some several years later Frank Gmeiner moved to Ottoville where he and the late J. J. Miller and Andrew Kehres started a tile factory. He continued in that business for about six years and then disposed of his interests and went into partnership with William Gasser in the planing mill at Ottoville. He remained in that business for about seven years, after which he engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business.

Early in life, Mr. Gmeiner displayed his ability as a leader and executive. He filled many positions of trust and responsibility in his township and county. At the age of twenty-two he was elected justice of the peace and served two terms. He was also called upon frequently to serve as and executor, administrator and guardian of estates. In 1902 he was elected recorder of Putnam County and held that position for a period of seven years.

Following his retirement from county office he continued to reside in Ottawa and engaged in various lines of activity. Interested in anything pertaining to the welfare of the county. During the last quarter century he did a considerable amount of land abstracting, bought and sold real estate, and continued in the legal capacity as administrator and guardian of many estates. His honesty and integrity were of the highest degree. In 1913 he was appointed a member of the Board of Liquor License Commissioners for Putnam County and served in that capacity until the time of prohibition. He also served as councilman of Ottawa and on untold number of committees and commissions for local and county functions.

On June 7, 1893, Mr. Gmeiner was married to Miss Mary Mallifiski of New Washington, Ohio. This couple lived happily together until August 11, 1929, when Mrs. Gmeiner was called to her heavenly reward. No children were born to this union. Mr. Gmeiner was a faithful spouse, a kind and willing neighbor, a true friend. In politics he was a staunch democrat and was always interested in the principles of the party and its candidate.

He was a faithful member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ottawa and was also affiliated with the local council, Knights of Columbus, of which he was a charter member; the Catholic Knights of Ohio and the Sts. Peter and Paul aid Society.

The remains were brought to Ottawa early Wednesday morning and were taken to the Heringhaus and Pope Funeral Home.

He leaves to mourn their loss, two brothers and two sisters; Mrs. Mary Duvall, Burgettsville, Pa.; Mrs. Joseph Leatherman, of near Findlay; Leonard and George Gmeiner, Ottawa. He is also survived by a number of other relatives and scores of friends. A brother Gebhart, preceded him in death several years ago, and a brother and sister passed away in infancy.

Solemn funeral services were held in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church at Ottawa, Thursday morning at nine o’clock. Rev. Father Krull, the pastor, was celebrant of the Solemn High Mass, Father Vincent Mallifiski, a nephew, was deacon, and Father Walter Junk, was sub-deacon. The remains were laid to rest in the Catholic Cemetery in Ottoville.

1-27-1939
Edward Eickholt
Rites Held At Ottoville

Edward Eickholt Died Friday Evening

Edward Eickholt, retired farmer of near Ottoville, died at his home one and one-half miles north of Ottoville, Friday evening at eight o’clock. He suffered a stroke of paralysis on January 12th, and on Thursday of last week was stricken the second time, from which attack he failed to rally.

Mr. Eickholt was born northwest of Delphos on December 29, 1859, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Eickholt. At the time of his death he was seventy-nine years of age.

He was untied in marriage to Miss Susan Moore in Tennessee. His wife preceded him in death on July 14th of last year.

He is survived by seven children; Dr. Charles Eickholt, Columbus; Edward, of Alberta, Canada; Dr John Eickholt, Toledo; George, of Columbus; Mrs. Marie Ebbeskotte, northwest of Ottoville; Frank, at home; and Henry, of Columbus. Sixteen grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services were held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ottoville, Tuesday morning at nine o’clock. Rev. Sylvester Schnipke officiated. Interment was made in the parish cemetery.

2-6-1939
Frank Fortener
Rites Held At Ottoville
Frank Fortener Died At The Home Of Son

Frank Florian Fortener passed away at the home of his son Robert Fortener in Ottoville Monday morning at six o’clock. Mr. Fortener had been seriously ill for the past two weeks suffering from complications.

Mr. Fortener was born on August 26, 1867, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Fortener. In 1892, he was married to Miss Magdalena Krebs, who preceded him in death in 1909. He was seventy-one years of age.

Mr. Fortener spent the greater part of his life as a resident of Delphos and had lived with his son in Ottoville for the last eight years. In addition to his son in Ottoville he leaves another son and three daughters; three brothers; three sisters, and eight grandchildren; Mrs. P. A. Scharf, of Cloverdale, is a sister.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at nine o’clock in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Ottoville. Interment was made in St. John’s Cemetery, Delphos.

3-26-1939
Alexander F. Wannemacher
Postmaster At Ottoville Died Sunday
Alex F. Wannemacher Well Known In County
Rites Wednesday
Submitted To Operation March Twentieth

Alex F. Wannemacher, postmaster of Ottoville, civic leader, and prominent resident of Putnam County, died in St. Rita’s Hospital, Lima, Sunday evening at six o’clock. He was removed to the hospital on Wednesday, March 8th, and underwent a major operation on Monday of last week. His condition became critical on Wednesday of last week.

Mr. Wannemacher was a lifelong and respected citizen of Ottoville. He was born in that village on May 30, 1876, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wannemacher, and at the time of his death was sixty-two years, nine months and twenty-five days of age.

On August 17, 1911 he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Jerwers, at Glandorf. The latter the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jerwers.

For a large number of years Mr. Wannemacher was a member of the Hardware firm of Charles Wannemacher and Sons in Ottoville. The business was dissolved in 1931. In 1934 Mr. Wannemacher was appointed postmaster of Ottoville and held that position at the time of his departure.

Mr. Wannemacher was active in community, county and civic affairs and was ready willing to promote those programs, which were for the good of the community and its people. He was an honest businessman, and performed his duties as postmaster in a public spirited manner and to the satisfaction of all its patrons.

He was a member of the Democratic Party and believed and worked for its principles for which that party stood. In all of his dealings he stood for honesty and fair play. He performed his duties openly and stood true to his convictions in matters pertaining to public matters.

Mr. and Mrs. Wannemacher were the parents of three daughters, Dorothy, who is on the High School faculty at Ottoville; Louise, a teacher in Calvert High School, Tiffin; and Julianna, office secretary at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Toledo. He also leaves the bereaved widow; three brothers, Joseph C., Lima; John A., Ottoville; Stephen P., also of Lima; a sisters, Miss Fannie Wannemacher, Ottoville. Two brothers preceded him in death.

He was a faithful member of the Immaculate Conception Church at Ottoville and the St. Joseph’s Society of that parish. Funeral services were held in the church Wednesday morning at nine o’clock. Father Henry Gerwert, the pastor, officiated. Interment was made in the parish cemetery.

4-1-1939
Anna Zahm

Requiem high mass will be celebrated at 10 a. m. Tuesday for Miss Anna Zahm, of 955 N. Elizabeth-st, who died early Saturday in St. Rita's hospital. The rites will be held at the Immaculate Conception church at Ottoville with Rev. Father A. A. Sanderson, of Lima, officiating. Burial, with arrangements in charge of Cantwell mortuary, will be in St. Mary's cemetery at Ottoville.

Miss Zahm, who had been a patient at the hospital for four months, was visiting her sister, Mrs. Joseph Vincke, of 955 N. Elizabeth-st, when she became ill. Previous to that time she had been a resident of Toledo for 25 years.

In addition to her sister, she is survived by a brother, Frank, of San Diego, Calif.

The body will remain at Cantwell mortuary until late Monday, when it will be removed to the Elizabeth-st residence where it will remain until time of services.

4-7-1939
John S. Kehres

Funeral services for John Kehres, 65, of Kalida, who died Wednesday in St. Rita’s Hospital, will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday at St. Michael’s church in Kalida, with Rev. M. N. Menke in charge. Burial will be made in the church cemetery.

He was born at Ottoville on March 6, 1874 to Charles and Mary C. Hug Kehres. He married Anna Helmkamp in Ottoville on June 6, 1894.

Kehres is survived by his widow and the following children: Alphonse, of Rising Sun; Mrs. Rudolph Smith, of Norwalk, Mrs. Rudolph Deitering, of Ottoville, Othmer and Richard, of Rising Sun, and Mary Jane and Emeline at home.

The body will be removed from the Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove, to the family residence Thursday.

5-7-1939
Clarence Maag
Child Dies At Ottoville
Clarence Maag Called At Parents Home

Funeral services for Clarence Joseph Maag, five –year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Maag at one-half mile west of Ottoville, were held at eight-fifteen o’clock Wednesday morning in the Immaculate Conception Church at Ottoville.

The child passed away at the home of his parents Sunday noon at twelve-thirty after an illness of ten days. His death came suddenly as it was generally believed he was recovering.

He is survived by his parents; two sisters, Julieanne and Dorothy; two brothers, Leo and Edward, all at home; and the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Klima, of Ottoville; and Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Maag, of near Ottawa. The body was interred in Ottoville parish cemetery.

6-26-1939
Benedict Wannemacher (Infant)

8-8-1939
Margaret Kehres

8-20-1939
Margaret Miehls
Services For Mrs. Miehls
Well Known Ottoville Lady Called

Last rites for Mrs. Margaret Miehls, who passed away at her home in Ottoville Sunday afternoon at four o’clock, were held at the Immaculate Conception Church at Ottoville Thursday morning at nine o’clock. Mrs. Miehls had been ill for three months prior to her demise.

She was born at Dubuque, Iowa on June 9, 1857, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Kieffer, and at the time of her death was eighty-two years, two months and eleven days of age.

When six years of age she accompanied her parents to Ohio and resided in New Riegel for several years before locating at Ottoville. She was married to George Miehls at Ottoville on May 30, 1881.

Her husband conducted a general store and also served as postmaster of Ottoville for several years. The family later moved to a farm east of Ottoville and returned to that village in 1911. Mr. Miehls passed away in 1931.

Mrs. Miehls was well known in Ottoville and Putnam County. She was a member of the Mother’s Society of the Ottoville parish and also the Catholic Ladies of Columbia.

Seven children survive. They are, Valentine Miehls, New York City; Ed Miehls, Lima; George Miehls, Detroit; Mrs. Henry Perrin, Mrs. Stephen Looser and Mrs. Andrew Eickholt, Ottoville; and Sister Mary Bonifas, of Our Lady of Pines convent, Fremont; surviving also are thirteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two brothers, George Kiefer, Swanton; and John Kiefer, Chesaning, Mich.; and one sister, Mrs. Conrad Krebs, Ottoville. Three brothers and three sisters have preceded Mrs. Miehls in death.

9-15-1939
Henry Tithoff
Henry Thithoff Died Friday
Diabetes Caused Death of Ottoville Man

Henry Thithoff, lifelong resident of Ottoville, passed away at the home of his sister, Mrs. G. H. Otte, in that village, Friday morning at nine-fifteen. Mr. Thithoff became ill in June of this year and in August was removed to St. Rita’s Hospital, Lima, where he underwent an operation for a leg amputation. He was a patient in the hospital for five weeks before he was returned to Ottoville. He suffered from diabetes and hardening of the arteries.

Mr. Thithoff was born in Ottoville on February 6, 1884, the son of John and Mary Thithoff. For the past twenty years he operated “Heinie’s Inn” at Ottoville. He was fifty-nine years, seven months and nine days of age at the time of his demise.

He is survived by a brother, Jacob, of Delphos; two sisters, Mrs. August Lucius, Chesaning, Mich.; and Mrs. G. H. Otte, Ottoville; two half-sisters, Mrs. John Sanders, and Mrs. Frank J. Miller, Ottoville; and a half-brother, P. R. Thines, Delphos; and a step-sister, Mrs. Sylvester Sifert, Covington, Ky.

Funeral services were held Monday morning at nine o’clock in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Ottoville. The pastor, Rev. Henry Gerwert, officiated. Interment was made in the parish cemetery.

9-21-1939
Michael Altenburger (Infant)

9-25-1939
John Warnecke
Died Monday In Hospital
Rites For Mr. Warnecke Held At Ottoville

John Warnecke, highly respected farmer of near Ottoville, died at St. Rita’s Hospital, Lima, Monday morning at seven-thirty. He was admitted to the hospital two weeks ago as a medical patient. Pneumonia was the immediate cause of death. In October of 1938 he suffered a stroke of paralysis and had been in failing health since that time.

Mr. Warnecke was born at Glandorf on May 6, 1868, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Warnecke. When his death occurred he was seventy-one years of age.

On November 15, 1893, he was married to Miss Mary Eggeman at Ft. Jennings. Following their marriage the couple located on a farm near Ottoville and have resided at that place since that time.

Mr. Warnecke is survived by his widow; two daughters, Mrs. Gertrude Harrison, Toledo; and Mrs. Martha Van Oss, East Liberty; four sons, Hubert, Fred, and Urban, Toledo; and Albert, at home. He also leaves five brothers and two sisters. They are, Ben, of Glandorf; Henry Warnecke, Mrs. Minnie Lucke, Mrs. Frank Dulle, and Henry Warnecke, all of Miller City; William, of Ft. Jennings; and Anthony and Charles, of near Delphos. A brother and a sister preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held in the Immaculate Conception Church at Ottoville Thursday morning at nine o’clock and burial was made in the parish cemetery.

11-8-1939
Elizabeth Kehres
Death Call Is Answered
Aged Ottoville Lady Dies After Operation

Miss Elizabeth Kehres, eighty, well known resident of Ottoville, died at one o’clock Wednesday morning in St. Rita’s Hospital, Lima, where she had been a patient for the past week. She suffered from complications for several years. Three years ago she submitted to an operation, which necessitated the amputation of a leg, and a week prior to her death the other leg was amputated when gangrene set in.

She was born on June 28, 1859, in New Riegel, Ohio, and at the age of two moved with her parents to a farm, one and one-half miles east of Ottoville. After the death of her father, in 1892, she and her mother moved to Ottoville, where she spent the remainder of her life. Her mother passed away in 1895.

She is survived by two brothers, John, of one and one-half miles east of Ottoville and Sylvestian, of New Auburn, Ohio. Three brothers and four sisters preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held Friday morning at nine o’clock in the Immaculate Conception Church. Interment will be made in the church cemetery.

11-13-1939
Henry Biedenharn
Burial Made At Ottoville
Henry Biedenharn Dies In Hospital

Henry H. Biedenharn, a former resident of Ottoville, passed away in St. Rita’s Hospital, Lima, Monday after an illness of three months. He was seventy-four years of age.

Mr. Biedenharn operated a garage at Ottoville for a number of years before moving to Delphos in 1928. He came to Ottoville a number of years before moving to Delphos in 1928. He came to Ottoville from Cincinnati when a child and in 1890 he was married to Miss Catherine Kemper in that village, Mrs. Biedenharn passed away in 1937.

He is survived by six children; Mrs. Albert Wannemacher, of Ottoville; Edmund, of Ft. Jennings; Oscar, Lima; Alphonse, Kent; Gilbert, of Detroit; and Mrs. E. H. Willoughby, and eight grandchildren.

Funeral services were held in St. John’s Church, Delphos Thursday morning at nine o’clock. Interment was made in the Ottoville parish cemetery.