1985 - Ottoville Obits

1-11-1985

Marcele A. Hoehn

            Marcele A. Hoehn, 72, Ottoville, died at 9:15 a.m. Friday in St. Rita’s Medical Center.

            Mrs. Hoehn was born February 20, 1912, in Cloverdale, to Andrew and Mary (Hohlbein) Altenburger. She married Rudolph B. Hoehn on October 18, 1932 and he survives.

            Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Marilyn) Sickels, Delphos, and Mrs. Joseph (Geri) Burgei, Ottoville; two sons, Harold R., Ottawa, and Donald L., Delphos; 13 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; a brother George Altenburger, Kalida; and two sisters, Mrs. Hilda Pittner, Ottoville, and Mrs. Louise Gilly, Modesto, Calif.

            A retired cafeteria employee of the Ottoville School System, Mrs. Hoehn was a  member of the Catholic Ladies of Columbia, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, its Alter Rosary Society and the Ottoville Senior Citizens. She was a volunteer at Paradise Oaks Nursing Home, Cloverdale, and for the American Red Cross.

            Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

1-20-1985

William H. Knippen Sr.

            William H. Knippen Sr., 71, route 2, Ft. Jennings, died at 1:17 p.m. Sunday in Van Wert County Hospital.

            He was born September 21, 1913, in Cloverdale, to George F. and Caroline (Miller) Knippen. He married Anna Gasser on February 11, 1942, in Ottoville, and she survives.

            Also surviving are six sons, William J. Jr., Robert, Richard, Virgil, Ronald and Eugene, all of Ottoville; five daughters, Mrs. Larry (Judy) Horstman, Cloverdale, Mrs. Gary (Ruth) Verhoff and Mrs. Richard (Marilyn) Siefker, route 4, Ottawa, Mrs. Gene (Barbara) Hovest, Ottawa, and Mrs. Ronald (Carol) Vorst, Anchorage, Alaska; 28 grandchildren; four brothers, Rev. Charles Knippen, Bow Valley, Neb., Sylvester and Joseph, Delphos, and George, Ottoville; five sisters, Sister Mary Berchmans CPPS, St. Louis, Mo., Sister Clara Knippen CPPS, Columbus Grove, Agnes Kehres, Lucille Pohlman, Delphos, and Mrs. Gilbert (Margaret) Hesseling, Delphos.

            A retired farmer, Mr. Knippen was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville. He was a World War II Army Veteran and a member of the Ottoville Veterans of Foreign Wars post and the Ottoville Catholic Knights of Ohio.

            Mass of Christian burial was at 10:30 a.m. today (Wednesday) at the Ottoville church with Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiating. Burial was at St. Mary's Cemetery.

1-26-1985

Eugene W. Clementz

            Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in St. John’s Catholic Church, Lima, for Eugene W. Clementz, 60, route 6, Cridersville. Rev. John Laudick officiated and burial was in Gethsemani Cemetery.

            Mr. Clementz died at 10:35 a.m. last Wednesday in St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.

            He was born December 24, 1924, in Ottoville, to Anthony F. and Bernadine M. (Perrin) Clementz. On July 31, 1946, he married Margaret M. Wehri, who survives.

            Also surviving are seven sons, Jim and George, both of route 6, Cridersville; Frank, Spencerville, Ron, Botkins, Bob, Lima, and Vernon and Alan, at home; four daughters, Mrs. Ronald (Margene) Craft, and Mrs. Willard (Mary) Craft, Cridersville, Mrs. Todd (Julie) Brenneman, Wapakoneta, and Carol Clements, Columbus; 20 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; three brothers, Frank A., Ottoville, Joseph V., Kalida, and Louis, Harlingen, Texas; two sisters, Valeria Siefker, Delphos, and Mrs. Herbert (Josephine) Bockrath, Cloverdale.

            Mr. Clements was a job foreman for the Tilton Corp. He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church. Disabled American Veterans Chapter 19, American Legion Post 96 and the Carpenter’s Union Local 372. he was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

1-30-1985

Elmer A. Schmitt

            Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, for Elmer A. (Pete) Schmitt, 73, Ottoville. Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiated and burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

            Mr. Schmitt died at 1:35 p.m. last Wednesday in St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.

            He was born August 15, 1911, in Ottoville. On January 21, 1934, he married Dorthea Dick in Ottoville, and she survives.

            Also surviving are a son, Kenneth, Ottoville; three daughters, Mrs. James (JoAnn) Buettner, and Mrs. Louis (Linda) King, Delphos, and Mrs. Donald (Kathleen) Davies, Ottoville; 18 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Regina Fortener and Mrs. Ethel Honigford, Ottoville, and Mrs. Bertha Greulich, Pandora.

            A retired bricklayer, Mr. Schmitt was a member of the Ottoville church. He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of Bricklayers Local 35, Lima.

2-19-1985

Helen E. Wannemacher

            Helen E. Wannemacher, 72, Ottoville, died at 8:32 a.m. Tuesday in Ft. Wayne Lutheran Hospital.

            She was born January 30, 1913, in Piqua, to Frank and Mary Elizabeth (Olligu) Heckman. She married Edward J. Wannemacher on December 15, 1934, in Richmond, IND., and he died April 27, 1980.

            Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Kenneth (Joanne) Wrassman, Landeck; a son Joseph L., Ottoville; eight grandchildren; two brothers, Bob and Frank Jr., both of Dayton; three sisters, Mrs. Clarence (Charlotte) Manning, Mary Sparco and Irene Jergens, all of Dayton.

            Mrs. Wannemacher was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville.

            Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday in the Ottoville church with Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiating. Burial will be made in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

            Friends may call at the Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp-Siferd Funeral Home, Ottoville, from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight, Wednesday, and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. The parish wake service will be at 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

5-8-1985

Ruth H. Boecker

            Ruth H. Boecker, 68, route 2, Ft. Jennings, died at 12:30 a.m. today (Wednesday) in St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.

            Born January 29, 1917, in Ottoville, she was the daughter of Joseph and Lucy (Miller) Schmitt. She married Henry A. Boecker on April 7, 1937, in Ottoville, and he survives.

            Also surviving are two daughters, Marilyn Dunbar, Cloverdale, and Maureen Keenerk, Hicksville; nine sons, Dennis, Uniontown, Maurice, Findlay, Norbert, Karl, Marvin and George, Cloverdale, Duane and Paul, Ottoville, and Alan, North Creek; 35 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three sisters, Lucille Benton and Lois Siefer, Leipsic, and Annabelle Worketter, Greenville, SC.

            Mrs. Boecker was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville.         

            Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the church with Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

            Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp-Siferd Funeral Home, Ottoville, where a parish wake service will be at 8 p.m. Friday.

5-25-1985

Randall J. Bendele

Man, 32, Killed In Car Crash

            A rural Paulding man was Putnam County’s second traffic fatality of the year.

            Randall J. Bendele, 32, was pronounced dead on arrival at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima, following the crash that occurred at 3:00 a.m. Saturday east of Ottoville.

            Bendele was driving east bound on route 224 when he lost control of the car, drove off the right side of the road, swerved across the road off the left side of the roadway striking a tree. The impact broke the car in half and the driver was trapped underneath the car for a short time. He was taken to the hospital by Ottoville EMS.

            The Lima Post of the Highway Patrol attributed the accident to excessive speed.

            Born June 10, 1953, in Lima, Mr. Bendele was the son of Richard and Alice J. (Menke) Bendele, who survive in Ottoville. He married Elizabeth Ann Gorman on April 27, 1973, and she survives.

            Also surviving are two sons, Richard A. and Nicholas E., both at home; four brothers, Daniel, Brandon, Fl., Terry, Bruce, and Martin, all of Ottoville, and a sister, Michelle Bendele, Ottoville.

            An employee of Koester Corp., in Defiance, Mr. Bendele was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

            Mass of Christian Burial was at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the church with Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiating. Burial was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

5-25-1985

Genevieve A. Miller

            Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, for Genevieve A. Miller, 74, rural Cloverdale. The Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiated and burial was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

            Mrs. Miller died at 9:15 a.m. Saturday in Van Wert County Hospital, following an extended illness.

            She was born February 23, 1911, in Paulding County, to William J. and Wihelmina (Maas) Ricker. On August 19, 1936, she married Bruno (Tobe) Miller and he survives.

            Also surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Richard (JoAnn) Carder, Ottoville; two sons, Roger, Ottoville, and Stanley G., Ottawa; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

            Mrs. Miller was a homemaker. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, and its Rosary Alter Society.

5-29-1985
Tharsilla A. Turnwald

            Mass of Christian Burial was at 1:30 p.m. Friday in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, for Tharsilla A. Turnwald, 83, route 1, Cloverdale. The Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiated and burial was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

            Mrs. Turnwald died at 1:05 a.m. last Wednesday at Paradise Oaks Nursing Home, Cloverdale.

            She was born June 30, 1901, in Ottoville, to Clem and Susan (Schille) Frederick. On July 23, 1919, she married Edward O. Turnwald, and he survives.

            Also surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Leo (Mary) Moeggenborg, Shepherd, MI., and Mrs. Norman (Theresa) Becker, Cloverdale; four sons, Gerald and Gilbert, both of Shepherd, MI., Arthur and Donald, both of Cloverdale; 42 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; a sister Alvera Sweet, Muskegon, MI.; and a brother, Cletus Frederick, Hudson, MI.

            Mrs. Turnwald was a homemaker and a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, its Rosary Alter Society, the Catholic Ladies of Columbia and Ottoville V.F.W. Auxiliary.

5-29-1985

Rose H. Miller

            Rose H. Miller, 81, Carey, a former resident of Ottoville, died at 7:50 a.m. last Wednesday in Indian Trail Nursing Home, Carey.

            Miss Miller was born July 20, 1903, in Putnam County, to Michael and Elizabeth (Eickholt) Miller.

            She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Anthony (Emma) Dibling, Carey, and Mrs. John (Gertrude) Schwab, Deshler; and a brother, Victor Miller, Ottoville.

            Miss Miller was a homemaker. She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, and its Rosary Alter Society.

            The Rev. Roger Bonifas officiated the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the church. Burial was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

6-3-1985

Orville E. Ockuly

6-22-1985
Clarence E. Wessell

            A former resident of Ottoville, Clarence E. Wessell, 81, who had been living at Sarah Jane Chambers Geriatric Center, Delphos, died at 7:20 a.m. Saturday in Van Wert County Hospital.

            Born July 24, 1903, in Ottawa, he was the son of John and Philomena Wessell. He married Martha Wurst on June 19, 1928, and she survives.

            Also surviving are two sons, Jerry, Delphos, and Ronald, Ottoville; four grandchildren.

            A member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mr. Wessell retired from Scotts Crossing Elevator.

            Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Ottoville church the Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiating. Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

7-10-1985

Frank H. Wurst

            Frank H. (Fritz) Wurst, 85, of Ottoville, died last Wednesday at 9:40 a.m. at the Van Wert County Hospital.          

            He was born October 1, 1899 in Ottoville, the son of Henry and Francis Kaes Wurst. He married Hilda A. Scharf on June 22, 1927 and she survives.

            Survivors include five sons, Richard J. Wurst, Leo A. Wurst, Arthur C. Wurst, all of Ottoville, Larry K. Wurst, Dayton and Rodney P. Wurst, Yardley, PA.; 16 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Ann Stokes, Ottoville and Martha Wessell, Delphos.

            Mr. Wurst retired from the Ottoville Hatchery and Feed Mill, he was a former member of the Ottoville City Council and the Board of Public Affairs. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

            Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday at 10:30 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville. Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiated. Burial was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

            Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp-Siferd Funeral Home were in charge of arrangements.

7-14-1985

Gregory F. Eggeman

Gregory F. Eggeman, 80, 201 Auglaize, Ottoville died at 4:15 p.m. Sunday at the Paradise Oaks Nursing Home, Cloverdale, of an extended illness.

            He was born March 9, 1905 in Ft. Jennings, to Ferdinand and Bridget Bendele Eggeman. He was married to Easter Wallenhorst on November 28, 1928 in Ft. Jennings and she survives.

            Other survivors are one daughter, Mrs. John D. (Marjorie) Herman, Ottoville; one son Ronald G. Eggeman, Delphos; seven grandchildren; two brothers, Herbert, Delphos; Fred, Ft. Jennings; two sisters, Mrs. Lloyd (Rita) Few, Cridersville, and Genevieve Eggeman, Cloverdale.

            He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville and a retired farmer. Mass of Christian burial was held this morning at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiating. Burial was in St. Mary's cemetery, Ottoville.

7-20-1985

Alma M. Bedink

            Alma M. Bedink, 71, Ottoville, died at 9:45 a.m. Saturday in St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima, following a sudden illness.

            Born September 23, 1913, in Putnam County, she was the daughter of Henry and Rose (Brandehoff) Koetter. She married Joseph Bedink on November 23, 1935, and he died October 3, 1979.

            Mrs. Bedink was a homemaker and a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.           

            She is survived by a son, Gary Bedink, Elida; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Veronica Beining, Cloverdale.

            Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, with Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiating. Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

7-28-1985
Edwin A. Herman

            Edwin A. Herman, 80, route 1, Cloverdale, died at 8:05 p.m. Sunday in St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.

            He was born April 13, 1905, in Ottoville, to Leo and Philamina (Herman) Herman. He married Theresa Ruen on April 13, 1932, in Ottoville, and she died July 29, 1969.

            Surviving are five sons, Ralph, Ottawa, Leo, Donald, Carl, and John A., all of Ottoville; three daughters, Sister Rita Herman, CPPS, Flint, MI., Mrs. William (Edna) Greeley, Lima, and Mrs. Richard (Frances) Rhine, Lima; 31 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

            Mr. Herman was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, and the Holy Name Society of the church.

            Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. today (Wednesday) in the church with Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiating. Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

8-5-1985

Whilomena M. Hilvers

            Whilomena M. Hilvers, 81, formerly of route 2, Ft. Jennings, died at 11:20 p.m. Monday in Delphos Memorial Home.

            She was born May 9, 1904, in Ottoville, to John A. and Philomena (Meyer) Pohl. On April 12, 1932, she married Edwin A. Hilvers in Ottoville and he died November 22, 1979.

            Survivors include five daughters, Florence Fuerst, New Hampshire, OH., Mrs. Julia (Martha) Brown, Deerfield, MI., Mrs. Joe (Alberta) Kasler, Richland, WA., Mrs. Vincent (Mary Ann) Kehres, rural Delphos, and Mrs. Ted (Norma) Burgei, rural Ottawa; 33 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Ed (Catherine) Hoersten, Ft. Jennings, and Mrs. Carolyn Utrup, Delphos; a brother, John Pohl, Ft. Jennings. A son Bernard, and three brothers and a sister are deceased.

            Mrs. Hilvers was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic church, Ottoville, and its Alter Rosary Society.

            Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday in the church and burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

            Friends may call at Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp-Siferd Funeral Home, Ottoville, from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight (Wednesday) and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. The parish wake service will be at 8 p.m. Thursday.

9-4-1985

Gebhard Gassser Sr.

Gebhard Gasser, Sr., 91, route 2, Ft. Jennings, died at 3 p.m. last Wednesday in St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima.

            Born March 2, 1894, in Putnam County, he was born the son of Gebhard Gasser Sr. and Anna (Honigford) Gasser. He married Mayme Bohn on May 21, 1919, and she survives.

            Also surviving are two sons, Gebhard Jr., Delphos and Rudy, Ft. Jennings; two daughters, Rosemary Kramer and Mrs. Herman (Alma) Beckman, both of Delphos; 16 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren, and a sister, Elizabeth Beining, Ottoville.

            A retired farmer, Mr. Gasser was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville. The Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiated the Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the church. Burial was made in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ottoville.

9-5-1985

Ann L. Looser

Ann L. Looser, 56, of Rt. 1, Middle Point, died at 12:50 a.m. today in St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima, following an extended illness.

            She was born Oct. 26, 1928, a daughter of Fred and Irma (Honingford) Hurry. Survivors include her father of Van Wert; her husband, John Looser, whom she married March 7, 1952, in Worthington; two sons John Jr. of Middle Point and Kerry, at home, and a daughter, Lisa at home.

            Mrs. Looser was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp-Siferd Funeral Home, Ottoville, with the Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiating. Burial will be made in St, Mary's Cemetery, Ottoville.

            Friends may call from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Friday and until the time of the serviceon Saturday in the funeral home where a Parish Rosary will be said at 8 p.m. Friday.

9-26-1985

Eileen A. Sanders

Ottoville Woman Killed In Car-Truck Crash

            An Ottoville woman was killed and another woman was in critical condition, after a two-car accident at 1:17 p.m. Thursday on route 30 east of Delphos.

            Killed at the scene of the collision was Eileen A. Sanders, 49, 283 East Street, Ottoville.

            The Elida Rescue Squad transported Sanders to St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima, Dr. William Noble, Allen County Coroner, ruled the death was due to internal injuries due to a crushed chest.

            Sanders was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Rita. R. Burgei, 62, Ottoville, Burgei was taken to St. Rita’s Medical Center by Delphos EMS where she was listed in very critical condition.

            The Lima Post of the Highway Patrol reported that the Burgei vehicle was northbound on Defiance Trail Road and drove into the path of a truck driven by Vernon Mescher, 46, Yorkshire.

            Mescher was driving westbound on U.S. 30 at the time of the accident. He was transported to St. Rita’s Medical Center by the Delphos EMS where he was treated an released for injuries suffered in the crash.

            Both vehicles received heavy damage, a highway patrol spokesman said.

            She was born November 30, 1935, in Ottoville to Henry and Clara (Deitering) Koester. She married Joseph A. Sanders, May 14, 1960 and he died in 1981.  

            Surviving are a son, Kevin and one daughter, Renee, both at home. Her mother, Mrs. Clara Koester, Cloverdale, four sisters, Mrs. Richard (Mildred) Wannemacher, Ottoville, Mrs. Paul (Rita) Burgei, Ottoville, Mrs. Lawrence (Mary Jane) Burgei, Cloverdale, Mrs. Donald (Irene) Friemoth, Van Wert; three brothers, Virgil, Lima, Jerome, Burnsville, MN., and Clarence, Ottoville. Four brothers, Roman, Alphonse, Gerald, (Dick) and Victor are deceased.

            Sanders was employed at I & K Distributers, Delphos and was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville.         

            Funeral mass was at 10:30 a.m. Monday with Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiating. The parish rosary was said at 8 p.m. Sunday at the Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp-Siferd Funeral Home, Ottoville. Burial was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

10-3-1985

Rita R. Burgei

Accident Near Delphos Claims Second Victim

            A 62 year old Ottoville woman has died of injuries sustained in an auto truck collision September 26 at the intersection of Route 30 and Defiance Trail.

            Rita R. Burgei died at 1:20 p.m. Thursday at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima. Allen County Coroner Dr. William E. Noble reported that Mrs. Burgei died as a result of head injuries.

            Mrs. Burgei was driving a car northbound on Defiance Trail, east of Delphos, when it was involved in a collision with a westbound truck on Route 30, driven by Vernon Mescher, 46, Yorkshire. The truck slide sideways and turned over, landing on the car. Her sister Eileen A. Sanders, Ottoville, was killed in the accident.

            She was born August 18, 1923, in Ottoville to Henry and Clara (Deitering) Koester. Her mother survives in Cloverdale. She married Paul Burgei on September 1, 1951, and he survives. Mrs. Burgei was a homemaker and a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville and its Rosary Alter Society.

            Survivors include a son, Gary Burgei, Troy; a daughter, Darlene Burgei, Columbus; three brothers, Virgil Koester, Lima, Jerome Koester, Burnsville, MN., and Clarence Koester, Ottoville; three sisters, Mrs. Richard (Mildred) Wannemacher, Ottoville, Mrs. Lawrence (Mary Jane) Burgei, Cloverdale and Mrs. Donald (Irene) Friemoth, Van Wert.

            Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. The Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiated. Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

10-17-1985
Virgil A. Koester

            Virgil A. Koester, 57, Lima, died at 3:04 a.m. Thursday in St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima, following a brief illness.

            Born May 5, 1928, in Ottoville the son of Henry and Clara (Deitering) Koester. His mother survives in Cloverdale. He married Dorothy A. Gerdeman on May 30, 1953, and she survives.

            Also surviving are three sons, Kenneth and Daniel, both of Lima, and David, Columbus Grove; a daughter, Mrs. Jeff (Kathy) Geise, Lima; two grandchildren; two brothers, Jerome, Burnsville, MN., and Clarence, Ottoville; and two sisters, Mildred Wannemacher, Ottoville, and Mrs. Lawrence (Mary Jane) Burgei, Cloverdale, and Mrs. Donald (Irene) Friemoth, Van Wert. A sister Eileen died September 26 and a sister, Mrs. Paul (Rita) Burgei, died October 3.

            A member of St. Charles Catholic Church, Lima and its Holy Name Society. Mr. Koester was a sales representative for the Bonnie Baking Co. He was a veteran of the Korean War and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3740, Ottoville.

            Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. Monday in St. Charles Catholic Church, Lima. Burial was in Gethsemani Cemetery, Lima.

10-28-1985
Victor H. Hoehn

            Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ft. Jennings, for Victor H. Hoehn, 66, Ft. Jennings, Rev. John Shanahan will officiate and burial will be made in the church cemetery. The American Legion will conduct the graveside flag presentation.

            Mr. Hoehn died at 4:05 a.m. Monday in Calvary Manor Nursing Home, Glandorf.

            He was born October 27, 1919, in Ottoville, to Joseph and Regina (Kemper) Hoehn. His mother survives in Ottawa. He married Leona Wieging on May 6, 1944, and she survives.

            Surviving are a son, Douglas, Pipersville, PA; three grandchildren; five brothers, Eugene and Gerald, Ottoville, Ralph, Delphos, Joseph, North Olmsted and Orville, Dearborn, MI.; and five sisters, Mrs. James (Mary) Mack, Ft. Jennings, Mrs. Frank (Wilma) Sunderhaus and Mrs. Richard (Norma) Wolke, both of Ottawa, Mildred Wieging, Lima, and Mrs. Daniel (Genevieve) Maag, Columbus Grove.

            A member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, and the American Legion Post 715, Ft. Jennings, Mr. Hoehn retired from the Ford Motor Co., Lima. He was a former member of the Ft. Jennings Lions Club and had been a volunteer firefighter for 30 years. He was a disabled U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

            Friends may call at the Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp-Siferd Funeral Home, Delphos, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today (Wednesday) where a parish wake service will be held at 8:15 p.m.

11-1-1985
Mary C. Schmitt

11-14-1985

Sylvester A. Hoehn

            Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. Monday in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, for Sylvester A. Hoehn, 80, Ottoville. The Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiated and burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

            Mr. Hoehn died at 11:12 a.m. Thursday in St. Rita’s Medical Center.

            He was born December 5, 1904, in Ottoville to Anton and Margaret (Kuhlaneck) Hoehn. He married Frances Gergen on June 22, 1927, in Ottoville and she survives.

            Also surviving are four daughters, sister Renee Hoehn CPPS, Wapakoneta, Mrs. Fred (Dorothy) Bowen and Mrs. Don (Lorene) Lindeman, Ft. Jennings, and Mrs. Gilbert (Eileen) Kehres, Ottoville; 15 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Rudy Hoehn of Ottoville and Leo Hoehn, Lima.

            A retired farmer, Mr. Hoehn was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and its Holy Name Society. He was a charter member of the St. Mary’s Credit Union and was a member of the Ottoville Catholic Knights of Ohio.

11-19-1985

Carl C. Gasser

            Carl C. Gasser, 69, route 2, Ft. Jennings, died at 8:33 a.m. Tuesday in St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima.

            He was born April 19, 1916, in Ottoville, to Frank and Catherine (Burgei) Gasser. He married Bertha Kemper on April 18, 1942, in Ottoville, and she died February 7, 1984.

            Survivors include four sons, James, Stanley, Carl Jr., and Thomas, all of Ft. Jennings; two daughters, Mrs. John (Ruth) Sheeter, Delphos, and Mrs. Richard (Genevieve) German, Ft. Jennings; 18 grandchildren; four brothers, Joseph Gasser, Ft. Jennings; Eugene and Frank Gasser Jr., Ottoville, and Arnold Gasser, Delphos; and two sisters, Mrs. John (Felicitas) "Woody" Kill, Delphos, and Mrs. Bernard (Marie) Gerdeman, Ottoville.

            Mr. Gasser was a retired crane operator at Fruehauf Corp., Delphos, with over 25 years of service. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Ft. Jennings.

            Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday in the church with Rev. John Shanahan officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

            Friends may call at Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp-Siferd Funeral Home, Ottoville, after 7 p.m. today (Wednesday) and anytime Thursday where the parish wake service will be at 8 p.m. Thursday. Preferred memorials to American Cancer Society.

11-21-1985
Rev. William S. Friemoth

            The Rev. William S. Friemoth, 79, a native of Ottoville, died November 21 in St. Bernadine Home Fremont.

            He was born November 18, 1906, in Ottoville, to John R. and Caroline Friemoth. He was a graduate of Ottoville High School. He graduated from St. Joseph’s College, Rensselaer, IN; St. Gregory Seminary, Cincinnati, and Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary, Norwood. He was ordained on June 10, 1933.

            A priest for 43 years in the Toledo Catholic Diocese, Father Friemoth is a retired pastor at St. Clement Church, Toledo. Prior to being named pastor at St. Clement parish, he served five years as associate pastor at Lima St. John, 12 years as associate pastor and high school principle at Norwalk St. Paul, associate pastor and high school principle at Fremont St. Joseph, five years as pastor at Providence St. Patrick and chaplain at Nazareth Hall Military School, Grand Rapids. He also served as a diocesan consultor and was on the diocesan building committee.

            After retiring in 1976, Father Friemoth spent the summers in Fremont and the winters in a mobile home in ChoKolosee, FL., where he helped with weekend masses.

            Survivors include a brother, Otto, of Toledo; and a sister, Mrs. Ed (Alma) Bender, Toledo.

            Bishop James R. Hoffman offered the funeral mass on November 25 in St. Clement Church. Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

11-28-1985

Chad L. Staib

            Chad Lewis Staib, 18, Ottoville, was found dead at 10:05 a.m. Thursday at his residence.

            Cause of death will be determined in a ruling by the Putnam County Coroner.

            Born January 29, 1967, in Lima, he was the son of Jan L. and Jacqueline (Spencer) Staib. Mr. Staib is deceased. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Urton survive on Ottoville.

            Also surviving are a sister, Shawn Lee Staib, at home; two step brothers, Robert Urton, Jr., Ottoville, and Peter Urton, at home; two step sisters, Martha Urton, at home, and Mrs. Larry (Veneldia) Hetrick, Ney; a half sister, Amy Staib, Tiffin; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Spencer, Ottoville; paternal great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Staib, Tiffin and paternal step-grandmother, Mrs. Vaneldia Dodd, Van Wert.

            A 1985 graduate of Ottoville High School, Mr. Staib was in the high school play two years, basketball two years, CYO basketball two years; track, four years and golf two years. He was school mascot his senior year, a member of the Highlighter staff his senior year, student council his sophomore and senior years, concert band four years, marching band four years, pep band two years, Varsity O club four years and class treasurer his junior year. He was a freshman at the University of Toledo, and a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville. He had been employed at Jed’s Body Shop in Ottoville.

            Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. Monday in the church with Rev. Werner Hemmelgarn officiating. Burial was made in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

            Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.

12-7-1985

Cory J. Schimmoeller

            Cory Joseph Schimmoeller was stillborn at 11:15 a.m. Saturday in Lima Memorial hospital.

            Surviving in addition to his parents, Jeffery and Elaine (Koester) Schimmoeller, on route 2, Ft. Jennings, are a sister Hilary, at home; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Schimmoeller; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Miller, Ottoville; maternal great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Rode, Delphos; and paternal great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Schimmoeller, Ottoville.

            Graveside services were held 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville, with Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiating.

            Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp-Siferd Funeral Home, Delphos, handled arrangements.

12-12-1985

Jerome A. Grothouse

            Funeral services were held 10:30 a.m. Monday in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, for Jerome A. Grothause, 66, route 2, Ft. Jennings. The Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiated and burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ottoville.

            Mr. Grothause died at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

            He was born January 12, 1919, in Landeck, the son of Edgar and Kathryn (Bonifas) Grothause. He married Margaret Sanders on June 24, 1950, and she survives.

            Also surviving are three sons, Timothy, Dennis and Wayne Grothause, all of Cloverdale; two daughters, Mrs. James (Marsha) Sheppard, Defiance, and Mary Ann Grothause, Middlepoint; six grandchildren; a brother, Nelson Grothause, Landeck; and two sisters, Sister Tharsilla OSF, Syracuse, NY., and Mrs. Ed (Rosemary) Wurst, Delphos.

            Mr. Grothause was a member of the Ottoville Church, the Ottoville VFW, and Landeck K.C. of O. He retired from Kill Brothers in 1974.

12-20-1985

Bertha E. Greulich

Bertha E. Greulich, 76, of here, died at 1:15 a.m. today at Hilty Memorial Nursing Home, Pandora.

She was born Dec. 11, 1909, in Ottoville, the daughter of Peter and Louise (Perrin) Schmitt. On April 10, 1928, She married Carl J. Greulich, who died March 18, 1978.

Mrs. Greulich was a retired employee of the D.W.G. Cigar Co. of Delphos. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and its Altar and Rosary Society and Catholic Ladies of Columbia.

Survivors include a daughter, Laverne Marjorie Hermiller of Pandora; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; and 11 step­-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Regina Fortner and Ethel Honigford, both of Ottoville.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon Monday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Rev. Sylvan Obergefell officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's
Cemetery, Ottoville. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Kolkmeyer­Helmkamp-Siferd Funeral Home, Ottoville, where CL of C services will be at 7: 30 p.m. Sunday and combined parish wake and Altar Rosary services at 8 p.m.

12-20-1985

Robert B. Odenweller