Obituaries « The VW independent (2024)

Obituary Policy

Obituaries can be emailed to editor@thevwindependent.com. The Van Wert independent no longer accepts no-cost death notices. As of October 1, 2023, the cost of full obituaries will be $95 (including a photo). Local funeral homes are billed for full obituaries, while out-of-town funeral homes can also be billed, if so requested. Obituaries submitted by individuals must be paid in full prior to publication. The Van Wert independent accepts credit cards by telephone from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday at 419.238.1220.

Stephen Michael Wood

Stephen Michael Wood, 73, of Van Wert, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2024, at his residence.

He was born on July 31, 1950, to John and Winnie (Honaker) Wood, in War, West Virginia.

He was an owner-operator of Steve Wood Trucking, LLC and retired from Wolverine Packing Company. Steve also worked on the railroad for several years after his service in the United States Army. Steve was a vehicle enthusiast and a true wheeler-dealer. From car lots to back roads, if it caught his eye, it became his project. His vision extended to buildings and houses. Steve’s keen aesthetic transformed the broken into something beautiful.

Throughout his life, several animals were lucky to have a home with Steve as each was considered one of his own. Steve carried a pocket full of quick wit and stories that would bring a smile to anyone’s face. His generous nature didn’t know a stranger but if you were his true friend, you were his family.

He is survived by his three children, Jennifer L. Wood, Amanda M. Wood, and Matthew S. Wood, all of Van Wert; his grandchildren, Deven Detwiler, Karlee Detwiler, Lanee Wood, and Jacksen Stemen; a brother, Ray Wood of Winchester, Kentucky, and a sister, Jane May of Scottsdale, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charles, Richard, John and Kenneth Wood; and sisters, Gladys Quercio and Marvin Smith.

Visitation will be held from 1-6 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. Funeral services will be held immediately following visitation at 6 p.m. A graveside burial service will be held at a later date.

Steve was a life member of the V.F.W. in Van Wert. A celebration of Steve Wood’s life will be held at the V.F.W. from 6-10 p.m. Friday, June 28.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Dinah Ann Mitchell

Dinah Ann Mitchell passed away June 18, 2024, at the Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center, at the age of 63.

She was born to Howard and Anna (Rack) Mitchell on March 8, 1961, and graduated from Springfield High School in 1979.

For over 25 years Dinah worked in management for various retail stores. Her free time was spent outdoors gardening, playing with her four dogs, and fixing up her house. Handy to the core, Dinah was willing to help her family when something needed fixing. She loved Diet Mountain Dew with an occasional salty snack, but hosting her family for the holidays and special occasions was her favorite.

Her fiancé Randy Miller and his children (Dan, Autumn, Amber) were an important part of her life.

Preceding her in heaven is her father, Howard Mitchell.

Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Nicole (Dave) and Melisa (Josh); grandchildren, Gracie, Hope, Evan, Ava and Zoe; mother, Anna; sisters, Darlene (Scott), Doris (Ron), and niece Kat.

Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Walker Funeral Home, 7438 Airport Hwy, Holland, Ohio, followed by a funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Springfield Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a contribution toward the animal shelter of their choice.

John F. “Jack” Aurand

John F. “Jack” Aurand, 87, of Van Wert, peacefully passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Vancrest of Van Wert.

He was born September 4,1936, in Toledo, to Merle J. and Naomi C. (Greenler) Aurand, who both preceded him in death.

A 1954 graduate of Van Wert High School, Jack spent his career working at General Dynamics, Chrysler, and National Seal, ultimately retiring from the Lima Tank Plant.

In February, 1959, Jack married Jona B. Runnion and together they raised two sons, Guy and Michael Aurand. She preceded him in death in 2010.

In his retirement years, he attended St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church with his significant other, Joan Blankemeyer.

Jack was a loving father to Michael S. (Becky) Aurand and Guy A. Aurand, and a doting grandfather to Zack (Shiloe) Aurand and Sarah (John) Fay. His family was expanded with the arrival of his great-grandchild, Zoey Kolika Fay, who brought great joy to his life.

In addition to his parents and wife, Jack was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Aurand.

The family would like to share their gratitude to Joan Blankemeyer and her family for the love and care shown to Jack during his later years.

A memorial mass will be held in the fall at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. Friends and family will be welcomed to join the funeral services in memory of John’s life and legacy.

Arrangements were entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.

To share in Jack’s online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com.

Iva Lou Owens

Iva Lou Owens, 92, passed away Monday morning, June 17, 2024 at her residence in rural Van Wert.

She was born on November 2, 1931, in Paulding County, the daughter of Elmer E. and Betty M. (Waldron) Laukhuf, who both preceded her in death. She married Edward Ervin Owens on August 19, 1950, and he preceded her in death on June 4, 2019.

Family survivors include her three sons, Brad (Marsha) Owens of Convoy, Kevan (Susan) Owens of Van Wert, and Stan (Susan) Owens of Convoy; a sister, Patricia (David) Greulach of Haviland; seven grandchildren, Travis (Miriam) Owens, Jared (Sara) Owens, Greg (Kim) Owens, Julie (Chris) Moir, Ashley Owens, Laura (Frankie) Bowen and Nathan Owens; 17 great- grandchildren, and sisters-in-law, Charlotte Laukhuf of Haviland and Joyce Owens of Van Wert.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a great granddaughter, Vivian Elizabeth Owens and two brothers, Larry E. Laukhuf and Willard Laukhuf, Jr.

Iva Lou was a 1949 graduate of Haviland High School where she was the class salutatorian. She was an outstanding athlete being a cheerleader and playing softball in high school and then in church leagues beyond school. She was a homemaker and farmer and enjoyed raising livestock, canning, gardening and baking pies. Iva Lou was a former member of the Convoy United Brethren Church and later attended Sugar Ridge Church of God in Convoy. She served as a Crestview Bible Board member for many years. She always enjoyed sports and loved to watch her grandkids participate in their many activities.

Services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, June 20, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, with Rev. Wayne Kargas officiating. Interment will follow at Convoy I. O. O. F. Cemetery. Calling hours are 11 a.m. until time of service on Thursday.

Preferred memorials: the Sugar Ridge Church of God.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.

Linda Metz

Linda Metz, 75, of Rockford, passed away at 7:20 a.m. Monday, June 17, 2024, at her home with her family.

Linda was born on September 18, 1948, in Van Wert to Waldo (Whitey) and Mary Ellen (Custer) Stetler, who both preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Donita Loucks and a stepson, Steven Eugene Metz.

Linda graduated from Ohio City Liberty in 1966. Linda married Ron Metz in 1985.

Survivors include three sons, Trace Glosette of Celina, Tom (Amy) Lyons of Rockford, and Chip (Amy) Lyons also of Rockford; stepson, Tim (Melissa) Metz of Rockford, and two stepdaughters, Stephanie George of Ohio City and Tami Metz (Jeremy Kline) of St. Marys; grandchildren, Skylar Glosette, Sam Glosette (Justin Kelsey), Cody (Sierra) Glosette, Hayden Lyons, Conner Lyons, Rylan Lyons, Parker Lyons, Branson Lyons, Preslie Lyons, Brooks Lyons, Jordan (Olivia) Bair, Austin Metz, and Andy Metz; numerous great-grandchildren and a brother, Gary (Ann) Stetler of Delphos.

Linda worked at several different places including Federal Mogul, GE Decatur, Mercer Health Hospital and Van Wert County Hospital. She was a very hard worker. Linda loved to shop and also peruse garage sales looking for bargains. She was always thinking of others and what they could use. Linda attended Olive Branch Church of God of Rockford.

Friends may call from 12-4 p.m. Sunday June 23, at Cowan and Sons Funeral Home, Van Wert.

Preferred memorials: Rockford EMS, Ohio City EMS and Ever Heart Hospice.

Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.

Donald R. Fisher Sr.

Donald R. Fisher Sr. went to his Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at his residence.

He was a man of many talents and passions. Born on April 10, 1936, in Lima, to Edgar Leroy and Gertrude (Jones) Fisher, who both preceded him in death, he graduated from Lima Central High School and later married the love of his life, Gloria Leghart, on July 22, 1961.

Don proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was known by many as a dedicated machinist and the “big fish”, working in the tool crib for Chrysler for 36 years. He was a longtime member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church and a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 370 in Lima.

His hobbies included woodworking, fixing things around the house, deer hunting, and watching John Wayne Westerns. Don was a loyal fan of the Chicago Bears and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and always cheered on his children and grandchildren at their sporting events. Donald had a special talent for whistling like a train, and he loved to impart his wisdom and life lessons on his grandchildren. Upon retirement from Chrysler, he continued working as a third shift stocker at Walmart, a role he embraced with dedication and enthusiasm.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Julie (Jeff) Reidt of Van Wert; Mark (Debbie) Fisher of Shawnee, Cynthia (Jeremy) Bragg of Delphos, and Jennifer Fisher of Delphos; daughter-in-law, Jackie Fisher of Delphos, as well as nine grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gloria Fisher; sons, Donald Fisher Jr and Matthew “Buzz” Fisher; daughter-in-law, Carol Fisher; sisters, Edna Fisher, Jeanette Young, Susie Stephenson, Juanita Budd, Eleanor Lepley, Betty Ruckel, Glenna Walters; brothers, Bob Fisher and Ed Fisher.

Don and Gloria will be laid to rest together at Dayton National Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory.

To share in Don’s online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com.

Michael L. Kline

Michael L. Kline, 76, of Delphos passed away Friday evening, June 14, 2024, at Mt. Carmel Hospital East in Columbus, surrounded by his loving family after a brief battle with cancer.

He was born on December 2, 1947, in Van Wert, the son ofWilliam Lowell and Thelma Mae (Tickle) Kline, who both preceded him in death. On July 4, 1984, he married the former Sharon K. Parrish, who survives.

He is also survived byother family members including his children, Randy D. (Nicole) Kline of Savanna, Georgia, Michael Joseph Gordon (Rachel) Kline of Clarksville, Tennessee, Robert W. (Cathy) Hartman of Willshire, Michael W. (Sabrina) Hartman of Ottoville, and Cyndi E. (Phillip) Rhea of New Albany; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Boyd W. “Butch” (Kay) Kline of Florida; two sisters, Robin (Larry) Worden of Rockford and Amy (Don) Schumm of New Paris, and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Richards, and a grandson, Lance Hale Hartman.

Mike was a 1966 graduate of Ohio City-Liberty High School and earned an accounting degree from Northwest State College in Archbold. He was a Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Army. He retired from Grote Company and also worked at Auto Zone in Delphos. He loved spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s extracurricular events, always being there. He was a lover of The Ohio State University and followed all of their sports teams as a true fan as well as watching NASCAR races.

A celebration of life will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert.

Preferred memorials: the American Cancer Society or the Wounded Warriors.

Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.

Lorrie A. Niese

Lorrie A. Niese, 62 of Middle Point, passed away 7:54 a.m. Friday, June 14, 2024, at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.

She was born January 10, 1962, in Lima to Richard and Carol (Roby) Moening. Her father is deceased, and her mother survives in Ottawa. She had been married to Michael Niese.

Other survivors include three children: Emily (Jim) Welling, Brent Niese, and Brady (Betsy) Niese all of Middle Point; six grandchildren: Isiac, Gaven, Emily, Austin, Braylee and Eliza; four siblings: Tonnie (Dan) Leopold, Terri (Jay) Warnecke and Rick Moening all of Ottawa, and Amy (Ben) Ellerbrock of Leipsic; and best friend, Becky Ricker of Middle Point.

She was also preceded in death by an infant sister, Julie Moening.

Lorrie was the owner of Huggy Bear Campground, RV Sales and Van Wert and Decatur Carts & More. She was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Van Wert and the Delphos Eagles. Lorrie loved landscaping and flower arranging and winters in Florida.

A funeral mass will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Jennings, with Fr. Charles Obinwa officiating. Burial will follow at Ridge Township Cemetery, Middle Point. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Monday, June 17, at Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Jackson Township and one hour prior to the mass Tuesday at the church. The family would love to see everyone in their Huggy Bear attire.

In lieu of flowers preferred memorials: St. Jude’s Foundation or Middle Point Fire & EMS.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.

Harold Guy Cox

Harold Guy Cox, 89, of Middle Point, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Van Wert Manor.

He was born on August 7, 1934, in Buda, Illinois, to Glenn and Evalin (Dally) Cox, who both preceded him in death.

Harold enjoyed his 50 year career as a truck driver, putting on many miles over the roads. He was employed by Kell Bros., Bee Line Logistics, Aeroquip and Bob Dickman. He was also active with the Middle Point Fire Department for 37 years where he served as assistant chief.

Harold is survived by his wife of 48 years, Retha (Hart) Cox of Middle Point; nine children: Debra (Charlei) Buckman of Buda, Illinois; Helen Graff, Mark Cox, Mike (Brenadet) Cox, Dawn (Tom) VanDamn, Jenny (Brent) Petterson, all of Kewanee, Illinois; Allen (Joy) Cox of Elberon, Iowa; Harold Cox Jr. of St. Mary, Georgia, and Laura Sall of Galva, Illinois; a foster daughter, Barbara Miller of Delphos; sister-in-law, Elaine Moore of Delphos, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services for Harold will be held at a later date.

Arrangements were entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory.

To share in Harold’s online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com.

Jerald D. “Jerry” Freewalt

Jerald D. “Jerry” Freewalt of Columbus, dedicated his life to promoting human life, anti-poverty, global solidarity, and environmental causes in the Catholic Diocese of Columbus’ Office for Social Concerns, first as a program coordinator, then as Associate Director and lastly as Director. Jerry strove to be a good citizen and live out the Corporal Works of Mercy. Over the years, he led thousands of high school students and adults on service projects in central Ohio. Jerry led the Notre Dame Urban Plunge for 20 years and the annual downtown Walking Stations of the Cross since 1996. He was one of the founders of ARCH (Accompanying Returning Citizens with Hope) a re-entry program for returning citizens.

Jerry led advocacy activities at the Ohio Statehouse and on Capitol Hill, including successful efforts to pass the legislation that led to the OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) program for multi-system youth. He was given the Champion of Children Award for his work on OhioRISE which continues to serve many children today throughout the state. He served as board chair of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability. His other leadership roles include service as a board member of Governor Dewine’s Faith-Based Initiatives board, J.O.I.N. (Joint Organization for Inner City Needs), SPICE (Special People in Catholic Education), chair of the Catholic Conference of Ohio’s Department on Social Concerns, Council for Public Deliberation, and many others.

Jerry was born in Van Wert, Ohio on October 5, 1972, to Cheryl and Larry Freewalt of Ohio City. He graduated from Van Wert High School with honors. He was a St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Van Wert member.

As an active youth, he was a member of the Boy Scouts and led as State Chief Squire of the Columbian Squires. He graduated from Xavier University with a B.A. in political science. He ran for the Xavier cross country team. Jerry met his wife, Karen at Xavier. He earned a master’s degree from The Ohio State University in public policy and management.

Jerry was very dedicated to his family. He told thousands of creative bedtime stories to his children. He coached baseball, flag football, and girls’ basketball. He held committee roles in Boy Scouts and, as a leader, helped his son, Alex, build a flag retirement pit for VFW 4931 for his Eagle Scout project. Along with these roles he went on many backpacking and camping trips including Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico. Jerry was also heavily involved in his daughter’s sailing activities and served on the race committee. He attended many regattas to watch her compete. Jerry was also very committed to watching his son, Charlie, compete in high school football and wrestling. He loved to follow Charlie’s band as they perform throughout the Columbus and surrounding area. Jerry loved hiking, fishing, and just spending time in nature. He became an excellent photographer of nature.

Jerry is survived by his parents, his wife, Karen A. (Albers) Freewalt, and children Hannah, Alexander, and Charles. Other survivors include his brother Jason (Erika) Freewalt of Delphos, his sister Rachel (Charles) Reed of Elida, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and many more family members who will miss him greatly.

Friends who wish to visit the family may do so from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.Tuesday, June 18, at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home, 403 E. Broad St., Columbus. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, at St. Joseph Cathedral, 212 E. Broad St., Columbus, with Bishops Griffin, Campbell and Fernandes, Celebrants. Burial will be at Sunset Cemetery.

The family requests contributions be made to The Catholic Foundation, 257 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, noting Jerry Freewalt in the memo line, This will support children with mental health needs.

Visit www.egan-ryan.com for online condolences.