Mary C. Blockberger
Nov. 16, 1924 - April 14, 2002
Mary C. "Cay" Blockberger, 77, of Rimer, died 9:35 a.m. April 14 at the Medical College of Ohio Hospital, Toledo. She was born Nov. 16, 1924, in Lima to M. Dean and Ollie A. (Wildermuth) Smith. On Aug. 8, 1943, she married Irvin L. Blockberger, who died March 21, 2002
. Survivors include a daughter, Marilyn (Al) Foust of Vaughnsville; three brothers, Edward (Mary) Smith of Laytonsville, Md., LaVerne (Joan) Smith of Lima and John (Lois) Smith of Ramona, Calif.; a sister, Shirley Creps of Napoleon; two grandsons, and a great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Alana Foust. Mrs. Blockberger retired from Phillips ECG, Ottawa and was a homemaker. She was a member of Ottawa River Church of God, Rimer, formerly the Ottawa River United Church of Christ. She was also a member of the Lima Senior Citizens and attended their aerobics class. She enjoyed making angels and other crafts as well as crocheting. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Ottawa River Church of God, Pastor Mark Walls officiating. Burial will be in Ottawa River Cemetery, Rimer. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove, and 10-11 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Preferred memorials are to Putnam County Home Health Professionals or donor’s choice.

Paul V. Ashton
Jan. 18, 1913 - April 14, 2002
Paul V. Ashton, 89, of Venedocia, died 5:10 a.m. April 14 at Lincolnway Home, Middle Point. He was born Jan. 18, 1913, in Fort Wayne, to Charles S. and Nellie (Sesler) Ashton. On Oct. 12, 1935, he married Violet L. Reynolds, who survives. Survivors also include a daughter, Ruby P. (John) Medaugh of Venedocia; a son, Charles E. (Vickie) Ashton of Jacksonville, Fla.; a sister, Pauline Patterson of Greenwood, Ind.; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by four brothers, three sisters and a grandchild. Mr. Ashton worked for Buckeye Pipeline for 33 years. He was a member of Salem United Presbyterian Church, Venedocia, the Venedocia Lions Club and Buckeye Pipe Line Retirees. He graduate from York High School in 1931. He liked to fish and garden. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Salem United Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Wendy Pratt officiating. Burial will be in Venedocia Cemetery. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Tuesday and 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Harter and Son Memorial Chapel, and one hour prior to services Thursday at the church. Preferred memorials are to Salem United Presbyterian Church.

Alice E. Nomina
July 23, 1911 - April 13, 2002
Mass of Christian burial for Alice E. Nomina, 90, of Delphos, who died 11:20 a.m. April 13 at her residence, will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. She was born July 23, 1911, in Delphos to Anthony and Myrtle (Askins) Klausing. On Thanksgiving Day 1933, she married Elmer O. Nomina, who died Oct. 1, 1982. Survivors include two sons, Thomas (Elizabeth) Nomina of Loveland, Colo., and John (Arlene) Nomina of Delphos; three daughters, Helen Ann Bockey of Blissfield, Mich., Carol E. Grothouse of Delphos and Susan K. (George) Lang of Holland; a brother, Leonard Klausing of Rimer; a sister, Ethel (Bill) Clark of Tulsa, Okla.; 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Nomina; two sons-in-law, Louis Bockey and Ronald Grothouse; and a great grandchild, Margie Elizabeth Fisher. Mrs. Nomina retired as a school teacher after teaching at St. John’s, Ohio City, Lincolnview and Fort Jennings. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where she had been a lector and was involved in preparing the lector program; she was also in the Bible study group, and helped organize the Mass at area nursing homes. She was also a member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas and a charter member of the Christian Family Movement. She was a 1929 graduate of St. John’s High School and a 1960s graduate of Bowling Green State University. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. today at Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp-Orians Funeral Home, where a CD of A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. and a parish wake service will be at 8 p.m. Preferred memorials are to St. John’s High School Library.

Florence E. Etzler
Nov. 30, 1915 - Apr. 12, 2002
Funeral services for Florence E. Etzler, 86, of Van Wert, who died 10 p.m. April 12 at Vancrest Health Care Center, Van Wert, will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Van Wert, the Rev. William Barlow officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. She was born Nov. 30, 1915, in Van Wert County to John W. and Doris (Peisert) Schaffner. On Dec. 14, 1940 she married Hugo A. Etzler, who preceded her in death April 1, 1975. Survivors include a son, Jon (Cynthia) Etzler of Van Wert; two daughters, Ann (Larry) Lee of Van Wert and Sue Schuller of Decatur, Ind.; a brother, John W. Schaffner Jr. of Convoy; two grandchildren and three stepgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Leonard Schaffner. Mrs. Etzler worked at Continental Can Co., Van Wert, for several years and then worked at the Van Wert County Hospital until her retirement. She was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and had been a former member of Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, past officer of the Ladies Guild, former member of the Martha Guild of the church, and a former member of the Harrison Research Club. Friends may call 2-9 p.m. Monday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert, and one hour prior to services at the church. Preferred memorials are to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Elevator Fund.

Berneice Brown
Oct. 19, 1911 - April 13, 2002
Berneice Brown, 90, of Spencerville, died 6:30 p.m. April 13 at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys. She was born Oct. 19, 1911, in Van Wert County to Albert and Myrtle (Rickard) Putman. In 1931, she married Walter R. Brown, who died Dec. 16, 1977. Survivors include a daughter, Ruth A. (Albert) Grandstaff of Wapakoneta; a son, James L. (Cheryl) Brown of St. Marys; a sister-in-law, Helen Putman of Spencerville; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sons, Walter R. Brown Jr. and John A. Brown; two brothers, Lewis and Robert Putman; and a sister, Evelene Goliver. Mrs. Brown retired in 1975 after 12 years as a cook at Spencerville High School. She was also a 1929 graduate of Spencerville High School. She enjoyed crocheting, crafts and housekeeping. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Spencerville Cemetery, Pastor Bill Drummond officiating. There is no visitation. Arrangements are by Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home.

Hazel V. Conner
Oct. 21, 1921 - April 12, 2002
Funeral services for Hazel V. Conner, 80, of Lima, who died 11:38 p.m. April 12 at her residence, will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, the Rev. Terry Covey officiating. Burial will be in St. Matthew Cemetery, Lima. She was born Oct. 21, 1921, in Cridersville to George and Opal (Thomas) Lowry. On Sept. 24, 1948, she married Gene Conner, who survive in Lima. Other survivors include two daughters, Marilyn (Ray) Jeski and Lynda Fields of Lima; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Wayne Lowry; and two sisters, Pat Walters and Georgiana Lowry. Mrs. Conner was a homemaker and member of the Lima Baptist Temple. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Preferred memorials are to St. Rita’s Hospice, 730 W. Market St., Lima, 45801.

Martha E. Moore
Feb. 22, 1914 - April 12, 2002
Martha E. Moore, 88, of Lima, died 1:40 a.m. April 12 at St. Rita’s Medical Center. She was born Feb. 22, 1914, in Continental to Earl T. and Belle (Prowant) Wright. On June 17, 1937, she married Paul A. Moore, who preceded her in death. Survivors include a son, Michael Moore of Wichita, Kan.; two daughters, Catherine Moore and Sue Schoonover of Lima; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Marjorie Leatherman and Edna Mae and Helen Wright. Mrs. Moore was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church, Lima, and its Altar and Rosary societies. She was also a member of the Widows Club at the Lima YWCA. Graveside services will be held at a later date.Preferred memorials are to the Allen County Humane Society.

William M. Wienken
March 16, 1923 - April 11, 2002
William M. "Bill" Wienken, 79, of Spencerville, died 8:40 a.m. April 11 at his residence. He was born March 16, 1923, in Spencerville to Raymond S. and Mary C. (Donhaiser) Wienken. On July 24, 1950, he married Virginia L. Jones, who survives. Other survivors include two sons, Michael "Mike" (Kris) Wienken of Lima and David "Dave" (Robin) Wienken of Spencerville; four sisters, Betty (Ned) Kantner and Caroline Joan McClintock of Spencerville, Marcella (Don) Dieringer of Lima and Shirley Hamilton of Delphos; two granddaughters and two stepgranddaughters. He was preceded in death by a brother, Dick Wienken. Mr. Wienken, along with his brother, owned the B&D Variety Store from 1959 to 1983 and then owned B&D Flooring Company in Spencerville. Prior to that he worked with "Bill the Tailor" and at Pohlman’s Hardware in Spencerville. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Spencerville, was a charter and life member of Bowersock Bros. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6772, member of the Harry J. Reynolds American Legion Post 191 and the Northwestern Ohio Field and Stream Association of Spencerville. He was a 1941 graduate of Spencerville High School and served four years in the U.S. Army during World War II in Normandy and Northern France. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Spencerville, the Rev. John Fleck officiating. Burial will be in Spencerville Cemetery, with graveside military rites conducted. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Saturday and 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, where a parish wake will be 8 p.m. Sunday. Preferred memorials are to St. Patrick Catholic Church or Delphos Visiting Nurses Association.

Maxine L. Anderson
Nov. 10 1914 - April 11, 2002
Funeral services for Maxine L. Anderson, 87, of Columbus Grove, who died 9:20 a.m. April 11 at Hilty Memorial Home, Pandora, will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Columbus Grove United Church of Christ, Pastor Larry Blunden officiating. Burial will be in Truro Cemetery, Columbus Grove. She was born Nov. 10, 1914, near Cairo to Lester and Pearl (Beemer) Everitt. On Feb. 17, 1935, she married Clyde Anderson, who preceded her in death July 5, 1969. Survivors include a daughter, Shirley (Mordy) Moorman of Columbus Grove; a brother, Otis Everitt of Toledo; four sisters, Lenore Gratz, Treva Eversole and Phyllis Verhoff of Columbus Grove and Wilma (Charles) Lora of Lima; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Ralph Everitt; and a grandson, Jeff S. Friedrich. Mrs. Anderson retired from Phillips ECG, Ottawa, and was a homemaker. She was a member of Columbus Grove United Church of Christ, its Proclaimers Sunday School class and the Women’s Fellowship. She also served as deaconess and had sung in the church choir. She was a 1932 graduate of Columbus Grove High School. She enjoyed sewing and crocheting. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. today at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove. Preferred memorials are to the Columbus Grove United Church of Christ and the Hilty Memorial Home, Pandora.

Margurite L. Jackson
Jan. 23, 1936 - April 11, 2002
Margurite L. "Peg" Jackson, 66, of Van Wert, died 6:48 a.m. April 11 at Parkview Memorial Hospital, Fort Wayne. She was born Jan. 23, 1936, in Grove City, Pa., to William and Margaret (Palm) Campbell. On Sept. 19, 1952, she married Larry Jackson, who survives in Van Wert. Other survivors include a daughter, Lori Jackson of Fort Pierce, Fla.; a son, Larry Jackson of Fort Pierce; a daughter-in-law, Song Jackson of Radcliffe, Ky.; a brother, William Campbell of Mesa, Ariz.; two sisters, Mary (Jay) Mathieson of Grove City and Pat (Tom) White of Los Angeles, Calif.; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sons, Michael and Rick Jackson. Mrs. Jackson was a real estate salesperson and former manager of G.C. Murphy’s Restaurant in Van Wert. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Van Wert, and its Women’s Circle, and the Van Wert County Hospital Twigs. She was the current president of the Van Wert YWCA and former president of Wassenberg Art Center, Van Wert. She was an avid bridge player. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert, the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the Van Wert YWCA.

Mary M. Romes
Feb. 11, 1930 - April 10, 2002
Mary M. Romes, 72, of Ottawa, died 4 a.m. April 10 at her residence. She was born Feb. 11, 1930, in Mount Pleasant, Mich., to John and Agnes (Patenburg) Romes. Survivors include four sisters, Gladys (George) Wagner of Napoleon, Ruth (Cletus) Korte of Ottawa, Elizabeth (Dale) Cuzynski of Bradenton, Fla., and Eloise (James) Karl of Kalida; and three brothers, Clarence (Marie) Romes of Colorado Springs, Colo., William (Linda) Romes of Defiance and Irvin Romes of New Bavaria. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Mathias and Herman Romes. Ms. Romes retired from GTE Sylvania in Ottawa. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Monday at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, the Rev. Tom Hemm officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call 2-9 p.m. Sunday at Love Funeral Home, Ottawa, where a scripture service will be at 3 p.m. Preferred memorials are to the American Diabetes Association.

Marvin Alan Ford
Nov. 30, 1968 - April 8, 2002
Marvin Alan "Uncle Buddy" Ford, 33, of Continental, died at 2:17 p.m. April 8 at St. Rita’s Medical Center. He was, born Nov. 30, 1968, in Lima to Paul D. and Ruth M. (Korte) Ford, who survive in Continental. His special friend, Dawn Kuhlman, also survives. Other survivors include a son, Toren Ford of Kalida; a daughter, Kaitlyn Ford of Kalida; two brothers, Gary Ford of Dupont and Steve (Michele) Ford of Continental; a sister, Paula Babcock of Continental; and paternal grandmother, Irene Ford of Grover Hill. He was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel Ford; and grandparents, Everett and Viola Ford and Frank and Marcele Korte. Mr. Ford worked at Johns Manville, Defiance, and was a deputy for the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Church, Continental. Mass of Christian burial will be 11 am. Friday at St. Barbara Catholic Church, Cloverdale, the Revs. Robert Kill and Joseph Heeter officiating. Burial will be in Monroe Cemetery, Continental . Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. today and 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Continental. Preferred memorials are to donor’s choice.

Cecelia A. Rosselit
Mar. 6, 1909 - April 9, 2002
Mass of Christian burial for Cecelia A. (Wehinger) Rosselit, 93, of Dayton, who died April 9 at Hartland of Kettering, will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Holy Family Catholic Church, Dayton. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Kettering. She was born March 6, 1909, in Ottawa to Joseph and Odessa Wehinger. In 1933, she married Walter Rosselit, who preceded her in death in 1968. Survivors include a sister, Dee (Mel) Westrich of Delphos; three grandchildren, Jim, Peggy and Ann Rosselit; several nieces and nephews; and caregivers Jack and Marilyn Snell of Dayton. She was preceded in death by a son, James Rosselit; and a sister, Glenna (Wehinger) Frey. Mrs. Rosselit had owned and operated, East End Drug in Dayton, with her husband and son. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, Dayton. Friends may call 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday at the church. Arrangements are by Harris Funeral Home, Dayton.

Roger L. Rode
July 5, 1949 - April 9, 2002
Roger L. Rode, 52, of Lima, died April 9 in Lima. He was born July 5, 1949, in Allen County to Louis and Veronica (Fuerst) Rode. His father survives in Landeck. Survivors also include three sons, Joe M. (Crysti) Rode of Delphos, Jim L. Rode of Landeck and Jonathan Q. Rode of Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri; two sisters, Judy Allemeier and Linda (Jack) Gorman of Delphos; and two brothers, Dan (Helene) Rode of St. Louis, Mo., and Larry (Olga) Rode of Landeck. Mr. Rode was a farmer. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Landeck, and the Catholic Knights of Ohio. He was a graduate of St. John’s High School and Nashville Diesel Mechanics Technical College. He was also an Army veteran. Mass of Christian burial will be 2 p.m. Friday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, the Rev. John Fleck officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by the Delphos Veterans Council. Friends may call 1-4 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. Thursday at Harter and Son Memorial Chapel, where a parish wake service will be 8:30 p.m. Preferred memorials are to Equestrian Therapy or St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Landeck.

Leila Grace Cole
June 26, 1902 - April 7, 2002
Graveside services for Leila Grace Cole, 99, of Battle Creek, Mich., formerly of Lima, who died 1:35 a.m. April 7 at Mercy Pavilion, Battle Creek, Mich., will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Memorial Park Cemetery, the Rev. Dick Kuhn officiating. She was born June 26, 1902, to James and Katherine (Wood) East. She married Lewis Cole in 1923. He preceded her in death. Survivors include a son, James H. (Reva) Cole of Battle Creek; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Lenore Shaw. Mrs. Cole was a homemaker. She was a graduate of Lima Central High School and was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Lima. Friends may call 12:30-1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima. Preferred memorials are to donor’s choice.

Kathleen Bernice Todd
Dec. 18, 1918 - April 7, 2002
Kathleen Bernice Todd, 83, of Van Wert, died 10:52 p.m. April 7 at Genesis Good Samaritan Hospital, Zanesville. She was born Dec. 18, 1918, in Glenmore to Anthony and Anna Marguerite (Giessler) Stegmeier. On May 10, 1941, she married Gordon K. Todd, who preceded her in death June 6, 1983. Survivors include three sons, Anthony K. (Judy) Todd of Laguna Hills, Calif., Robert K. (Carolyn) Todd of Nashport and Glenn Daniel (Rosie) Todd of Atlanta, Ga.; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Doyt and Kenny Stegmeier. Mrs. Todd was a homemaker. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Brickner Funeral Home, Van Wert, the Rev. William Jeffress officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Friends may call 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society and American Heart Fund.

Phillip A. Walter
July 12, 1955 - April 6, 2002
Phillip A. Walter, 46, of York Township, Van Wert County, died 10 a.m. April 6 at Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport, Sevierville, Tenn., in an airplane accident shortly after takeoff from the airport. He was born July 12, 1955, in Van Wert County, to Lendal Arno and Rose Elnora (Truax) Walter. On June 10, 1996, he married Denise A. Metzger, who survives. Other survivors include three daughters, Paula (Douglas) Bogle of Convoy and Bobie Jo (Shane) Pruett and Amber (Jeffrey) Conteraz of Van Wert; a stepson, Eli (Andrea) Burden of Lakeview; a stepdaughter, Ashli Burden at home; a brother, Regis A. (Romona) Walter of Middle Point; a sister, Sherry L. (John) Lafontaine of rural Ohio City; and 14 grandchildren. Mr. Walter was employed at Eaton Corp., Van Wert, for 16 years. He was a member of the Isaac American Legion Post 178 in Van Wert and the Black Swamp Fliers model airplane club. He was a skydiver with more than 1,500 jumps, and a pilot for more than 15 years, including being a jump pilot, and had flown ultra-light aircraft. He also had the distinction of being one of only a handful of people to parachute from a Boeing 727 jetliner and hold the number "D.B. Cooper #835", and had parachuted from helicopters. He was a 1974 graduate of Lincolnview High School. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Cowan and Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, the Rev. Paul W. Miller officiating. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to donor’s choice.

Olga Kloeppel
Sept. 9, 1901 - April 8, 2002
Olga Kloeppel, 100, of Delphos, died 4:13 a.m. April 8 at Wapakoneta Manor. She was born Sept. 9, 1901, in Washington Township, Van Wert County, to Henry and Sophia (Allemeier) Wreede. On April 6, 1920, she married Carl E. Kloeppel, who died Dec. 3, 1969. Survivors include a son, Howard (Rita) Kloeppel of Bluffton; a daughter Helen Brown-Deerhake of Wapakoneta; nine grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Albert, Richard, Walter and Roy Wreede. Mrs. Kloeppel was a homemaker and assisted her husband in farming. She was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, and its Good Hope Group. She was also the oldest active member of the church. She enjoyed sewing and crocheting. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. Peter Lutheran Church, the Revs. William Schultz and Steven Nelson officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Harter and Son Memorial Chapel, and one hour prior to services Friday at the church. Preferred memorials are to St. Peter Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.

Grace Harruff
March 24, 1909 - April 8, 2002
Grace I. Harruff, 93, of Lima, died 4:10 a.m. April 8 at Lima Manor Nursing Home. She was born March 24, 1909, in Spencerville, to John and Rosa E. (Book) Counts. On May 19, 1928, she married Charles M. Harruff, who died May 19, 1976. Survivors include two sons, Kenneth F. Harruff of Lima and Emerson E. (Beverly) Harruff of Lincoln, Ill.; three daughters, Evelyn M. Thatcher, Kathryn L. Gay of Lima and Ruth D. (Ed Sqyerly) Isham of Tulsa, Okla.; a daughter-in-law, Janet Harruff of St. Marys; a sister, Norma Mae DeLong of Lima; 41 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Willis Harruff; a daughter, Edna M. Edens; a brother, Floyd Clifford Counts; two sisters, Cleo Seibert and Zelma Hunt; three grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. Mrs. Harruff had been a laundry worker at the former Shook-Mosier Laundry and retired from Lima Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, the Rev. Evon Becker officiating. Burial will be in Goodwin Cemetery, near Elgin. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the family.

James D. Imler
Jan. 27, 1958 - April 6, 2002
Funeral services for James D. "Jim" Imler, 44, of Payne, who died 2:30 a.m. April 6 at his residence, will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Briceton. He was born Jan. 27, 1958, in Van Wert, to George E. and Ruth (Hamman) Imler. His father survives in Convoy and his mother, Ruth Pate, survives in Ohio City. On Feb. 12, 1977, he married Becky Gaskill, who survives in Payne. Survivors also include a son, Michael G. Imler of Payne; a daughter, Michelle Imler of Payne; a stepbrother, Jack Murphy of Marion; a sister, Charlene (Emiliano) Nunez of Cloverdale; several nieces and nephews; and his dog, Tara Jo. He was preceded in death by his stepmother, Helen Imler; and his stepfather, Barry Pate. Mr. Imler owned Imler Construction in Payne for 12 years. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today and one hour prior to services Tuesday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the family.

David F. Weaver Jr.
Jan. 19, 1930 - April 5, 2002
Funeral services for David F. Weaver Jr., 72, of Delphos, who died 10:10 p.m. April 5 at St. Rita’s Medical Center, will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Landeck, the Rev. John Fleck officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Spencerville VFW Post. He was born Jan. 19, 1930, in Youngstown to David F. and Shirley (Binkley) Weaver Sr. On Oct. 20, 1951, he married Anne Dotzauer, who survives. Survivors also include two daughters, Maria (Charles) Borba of Huntsville and Ruth (Gregory) Crites of Delphos; five sisters, Dorothy (Jim) Smith, Mary Lou Heising, Doris Keller, Judy Weaver and Sandy Gerdeman of Delphos; a brother Jeffory Weaver of Spencerville; and four grandchildren, Cassandra King and Ellie, Benjamin and Rachel Crites. He was preceded in death by a son, Randy Weaver; and two brothers, Leonard and Richard Weaver. Mr. Weaver retired in 1989 from Textron as a machinist. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Landeck, and was a lifetime member of the Spencerville American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts. He was an outdoorsman and loved to camp and he refurbished old tractors and cars. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict in the 7777 Signal Corps as a teletypist. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. today at Harter and Son Memorial Chapel, where a parish wake service will be at 7:45 p.m. Preferred memorials are to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Lela Mae Wollenbecker
May 28, 1906 - March 22, 2002
Lela Mae Wollenbecker, 95, of Toledo, formerly of Delphos, died March 22 in The Manor at Perrysburg. She was born May 28, 1906, in Delphos to Thomas and Mary (Thornell) Keirns. On Oct. 25, 1933, she married Irvin C. Wollenbecker, who preceded her in death Jan. 14, 1982. Survivors include a sister-in-law, Gertrude Stewart of Seminole, Fla.; five nieces, many great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews and one great-great-great-niece. She was proceeded in death by three brothers, Lloyd, Lawrence and Elbert Keirns; and niece Betty Lou Lang. Mrs. Wollenbecker had retired in 1968 after 35 years from Owens Illinois, Toledo, as a communication supervisor. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church Downtown, Toledo, and its Women of the Church. She was also an associate member of Zoar Lutheran Church, Perrysburg. She was a 1924 graduate of Jefferson High School. Burial was in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E.S. Boundary St., Perrysburg, was in charge of arrangements. Preferred memorials are to St. Paul Lutheran Church Downtown, Toledo; Zoar Lutheran Church, Perrysburg; or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Esther R. Higbea
April 16, 1908 - April 5, 2002
Funeral services for Esther Rosamunda (Minnig) Higbea, 96, of Delphos, who died 9:17 a.m. April 5 at St. Rita’s Medical Center, will be 1 p.m. Monday at St. Peter Lutheran Church, the Rev. William Schultz officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. She was born April 16, 1908, in Delphos to Rudolph and Mary (Bindel) Minnig. She had been married to Jay A. Higbea, who preceded her in death Aug. 27, 1970. Survivors include a son, David (Carol) Higbea of Delphos; a sister, Ruth Shumaker of Delphos; a daughter-in-law, Joan M. Higbea of Virginia Beach, Va.; a sister-in-law, Goldie Higbea of Grand Rapids, Mich.; six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Donald E. Higbea; a brother, Raymond Minnig; and a sister, Margaret Minnig. Mrs. Higbea assisted Dr. C.E. Savage for a number of years and was the first Delphos City School nurse from 1950-56. She also did private duty nursing. She was a 1926 graduate of Jefferson High School and a 1930 graduate from the former Fort Wayne Lutheran Deaconess Hospital. She was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church and a former member of the Good Hope Afternoon Circle. She was also past den mother for Delphos Scout troop 65. She loved cooking and spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoyed playing bingo, solitaire and helping he Vancrest activities department prepare seasonal decorations for display at the nursing home. She had a green thumb and loved to garden. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. Sunday at Harter and Son Memorial Chapel, and one hour prior to services Monday at the church. Preferred memorials are to St. Peter Lutheran Church Capital Improvement Fund. Wernele Children’s Home in Indiana or Delphos Vancrest Activities Department.

Audrey J. Zerbe
Feb. 3, 1926 - April 2, 2002
Funeral services for Audrey J. Zerbe, 76, of Lima, who died 6:35 a.m. April 2 at St. Rita’s Medical Center, will be 11 a.m. Friday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, the Rev. R. Wayne Sharpes officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Lima. She was born Feb. 3, 1926, in Paintsville Ky., to William and Gracie (Hayes) Davis. On Feb. 14, 1949, she married John F. Zerbe, who preceded her in death. Survivors include a son, Frank (Carla) Zerbe of Elida; a daughter, Ginger Sue Kaehler of Seminole Island, Huntsville; three sisters, Sibel Burchett of Stambaugh, Ky., Madlyn Hathaway of Tipp City and Ila Kehrwecker of Lima; a brother, Willard Davis of Lima; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Ina Barnhart; three brothers, Paul, Walter and Watson Davis; and a grandchild, Julie Ann Zerbe. Mrs. Zerbe retired from Airfoil Textron after 30 years. Friends may call 4-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the Arthritis Foundation.

Neil H. Wagner
July 5, 1914 - April 1, 2002
Funeral services for Neil H. Wagner, 87, of Lima, who died 5:50 a.m. April 1 at SCCI Hospital, Lima, will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, Lima, the Rev. Mary Kay Brown officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Mausoleum. He was born July 5, 1914, in Lima to Ivan B. and Ruth (Shockey) Wagner. He married Evelyn Pearson in 1938; Anita Buckland-Barrington in 1955 and Leota Rockwell-Hurless in 1966. Survivors include a son, N. Lantz (Deb) Wagner of Apple Valley, Minn.; two daughters, Ermel M. (Ron) Pulfer of Bluffton, S.C., and Janice P. (Ron) Weaver of Cairo; a stepson, Donald E. Hurless of Lima; 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Velma F. Holmes and Florence Wagner. Mr. Wagner had worked at BLH/Clark Equipement as assistant plant engineer. He was a member of Masonic Lodge 585, Lima, and a life member of the Lima Elks. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to St. Rita’s Hospice.

Pearl C. Goodwin
Jan. 27, 1909 - April 1, 2002
Pearl C. (Urschalitz) Goodwin, 93, of Columbus Grove, died 9:20 p.m. April 1 at Hilty Memorial Home, Pandora. She was born Jan. 27, 1909, in Findlay to Louis and Matilda (Mailluchet) Urschalitz. On Aug. 19, 1939, she married Stanley W. Goodwin, who preceded her in death July 11, 1982. Survivors include a daughter, Judy (Jim) Dunn of Columbus Grove; a brother, Charles (Opal) Urschalitz of Findlay; a sister, Peg (Jim) Logdson of Findlay; six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Bernadette Karcher and Louise Tighe; and seven brothers, Edward, Leo, James, Louis, Richard, William and Norbert Urschalitz. Mrs. Goodwin was a retired teacher, having taught at Bascom, Findlay, Ridgervile Corners, Painesvile, Ottawa Sts. Peter and Paul and Columbus Grove schools. She was a graduate of Findlay High School and Bowling Green State University, with a master’s degree in education. She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Columbus Grove, and its Altar Rosary Society. She was also a member of Ohio Retired Teachers’ Association, Putnam County Retired Teachers’ Association and Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Anthony Catholic Church, the Rev. Bernard Kokocinski and Deacon Tom Niese officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. today and 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Thursday at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove, where a rosary service will be 8:30 p.m. today and a scripture service will be 8:30 p.m. Thursday. Preferred memorials are to St. Anthony CCD Program or donor’s choice.

Mae Elizabeth Baker
Oct. 12, 1923 - April 2, 2002
Funeral services for Mae Elizabeth Baker, 78, of Delphos, who died 12:38 a.m. April 2 at St. Rita’s Medical Center, will be 1 p.m. Thursday at St. Peter Lutheran Church, the Rev. William Schultz officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. She was born Oct. 12, 1923, in Delphos to Herman and Edna P. (Clawson) Rauschart. On May 13, 1943 she married Waldo Baker, who survives in Delphos. Survivors also include a son, Larry (Sherry) Baker of Powell. She was preceded in death by a brother, Frederick D. Rauschart. Mrs. Baker was employed at Lima Tank Plant and was a civilian secretary for the Navy. She was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir and was a Gleaner; and the Order of Eastern Star. She was a volunteer for the Red Cross for 35 years and was a 1941 graduate of Jefferson High School. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today at Harter and Son Memorial Chapel. Preferred memorials are to Delphos Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice.

Yvonne J. Meyer
Oct. 8, 1925 - April 2, 2002
Yvonne J. "Bonnie" Meyer, 76, of Delphos, died in the late afternoon of April 2 at St. Rita’s Medical Center. She was born Oct. 8, 1925, in Delphos to Joseph and Anna (Schneider) Shirack. On May 3, 1947, she married A.J. Meyer, who died Jan. 12, 1989. Survivors include a son, James A. "A.J." (Lois) Meyer of Ottawa; a daughter, Barbra J. Meyer of Columbus Grove; two sisters, Leona "Onie" Potts and Alberta Barr of Ottawa; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Meade and Richard Shirack; and three sisters, Mildred Wienken, Alma Youngpeter and Anna Burger. Mrs. Meyer had been a physical education teacher and choreographer at St. John’s High School. She also did taxes at H and R Block and volunteered at St. Rita’s Medical Center. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, a charter member of the Delphos Country Club, a member of Alpha Delta Omega Sorority, the Delphos Eagles Lodge and Lima Elks Club. She was a 1943 graduate of St. John’s and attended Ohio State University. She was also an avid golfer. Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Rev. Thomas Gorman officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Thursday and 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday at Harter and Son Memorial Chapel, where a parish wake service will be 7:30 p.m. Friday. Preferred memorials are to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.