Van Wert County OHGenWeb

Graveside services for Keuneke infant
Freeman Keuneke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Hubert Keuneke, of Route 2, Ohio City, O., was still born at the Adams County Memorial Hospital at 1:07 a.m. Saturday. He was the son of Hubert and Iona Lou Lahr-Keuneke. Surviving are the parents; one sister, Beth Ann, at home; the paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Keuneke, Route 2, Ohio City; and the maternal grandmother, Mrs. Ruth Lahr of North Manchester. Graveside services were conducted Sunday afternoon with Rev. Robert Schuler officiating. Burial was in the Evangelical Protestant Cemetery. The Zwick Funeral Home was in charge of funeral arrangements.

Contributed by Karin King, July 2021

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Surname: NEPTUNE
Decedent: Isabella Neptune
Date listed: December 12, 1919
Submitted by Linda Ead
Mrs. Isabella Neptune, mother of Dr. James Q. Neptune, of this city died very suddenly at 1:30 this morning at her home at Willshire, Ohio, death being due to apoplexy. Mrs. Margaret Bedcord, of this city, has been caring for her and this morning at the time stated, Mrs. Neptune was seized with a cough. She told Mrs. Bedcord that she believed she was taking a cold. Then she said "No I am chocking to death. I don't see why the good Lord can't take me". Those were practically her last words, for she drew a few breaths and succunbed, passing with no suffering.
Mrs. Neptune would have been eighty-five years of age next February. For eitghty-three years, she was a resident of this county, being one of the pioneer ladies.
Funeral arrangements are delayed, pending word from a daughter in Nebraska.

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Surname: NEPTUNE
Decedent: Isabella Neptune
Date listed: December 13, 1919
Submitted by Linda Ead
Services for Mrs. Isabelle Neptune at Willshire, Ohio Funeral services for Mrs. Isabella Neptune, of Willshire, Ohio, mother of Dr. James Q. Neptune, of this city, will be held Monday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the Methodist church at Willshire. The death of this aged lady, who is so well known here, occured suddenly, with scarcely a moments warning yesterday morning, from apoplexy.

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Surname: WEAVER
Decedent: Susanna Ellen Weaver
Date listed: February 3, 1923
Submitted by Kathryn Catherwood
Susanna Ellen Weaver, daughter of Michael and Ellen (Jenkins) Weaver, was born in Champaign county, Ohio, Aug. 17th, 1852 A.D., died in Jonesboro, Grant county Indiana, Feb. 3rd 1923, at the ripe age of 70 years, 5 months and 27 days. She was bereaved of her mother when only six weeks old Conrad and Hannah Wolf kindly took her to raise, and like good Christians, as they were, they gave her the same tender and loving care as their own children, so that the relationship of the whole family was, indeed, always pleasant and homelike.
About a year later Mr. Wolf moved to Grant County, Indiana, the children of Mr. Wolf were Wm. Henry, John George, Sarah Ellen, Mary and Hallie. All of whom are now dead except Mrs. Mary Wharton, Of Marion. There is also a daughter of Sarah Ellen, living near Marion, Mrs. Eva Wharton.
The Weaver family consisted of Samuel Weaver of Spencerville, O., Mrs. Mary Burgoon of Lima. O., John weaver of Convey, O. , and Susanna Ellen Power, Of Jonesboro, Ind. And while the youngest, she was the first to break the family circle of death.
On Feb. 22nd, 1872, she united in marriage with James E. Power, of Grant county, Indiana. To them was born three children as follows: James A. Power of Marion, Ind., who is married and the father of four children, all of them living; Marcus H. Power of Fairmount, Ind., married and the father of 2 children, one living; and Miss Nellie W. Power of Jonesboro Ind.
In her young womanhood she was converted and her life was consistent with her profession, living her life in Grant county, and a large part of it in the neighborhood of the Center Christian church, west of Fairmount. The immediate cause of her death being a stroke of apoplexy this being the second stroke was fatal.
Her husband was killed by lightening July 17, 1915 and he was buried in the I.O.O.F. cemetery at Fairmount, Brother J. Vinson preaching the sermon, beside him, the only love of her life, she was laid to rest, the funeral services being conducted at her late home in Jonesboro, by W.F. McCormick, Christian minister of gas City, assisted by the Rev. Harper of the Jonesboro M.P. church. Elder McCormick took for his text Jno. XI, 35, "Jesus Wept," and stressed the lesson of sympathy chrystalized into helpful service, as demonstrated by Jesus himself.
A quartette of ladies, consisting of Mesdames Dora Heimlick, Leda Hodupp, Walter Lancaster and Lillie Dickey sang very feelingly the following, "In the Garden, "Going Down the Valley" (by request) and "The Home of the Soul," (by request.)
Her children were all present with their families except the family of Marcus, whose wife was unable to come with him. Her brothers from Ohio were present also, together with a nephew, Wesley Weaver of Spencerville, O., and nieces, Mrs. Leta Meads of Van Wert, O., and Mrs. Blanche Friend, of Fort Wayne, Ind. and also Mrs. Eva Wharton of Marion, Mrs. Mary Wharton of Marion unable to come on account of sickness.
The floral tributes were beautiful and expressive of the high esteem of friends and neighbors. They were from the church and Sunday school at Center church, Loyal Daughters class of Gas City Christian S.S., Rebekah Lodge and Daughters of America, the neighbors and friends, Mr. Bruce Piece and Bill Iiams of Jonesboro, Mrs. Eva Wharton, Marion and a Pillow from the family.
The day was beautiful and the smile of God's sunlight gave its peaceful benediction to the sad and bereaved mourners as though God himself lifted the gloom from their sad hearts.

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Surname: WELKER
Decedent: James Welker
Date listed: March 29, 1924
DEATH CALLS FOR JAMES WELKER
James Welker, a well known and respected resident of this locality, died at his home south of town Saturday morniing about four o'clock. He had been in failing health for a year or more with Bright's disease and dropsy and the last few days his condition had been serious.
Mr. Welker was born in Ohio, March 31, 1852, being the son of Frederick Welker. He married Miss Sarah White and for a short time they lived near Van Wert, Ohio. About 1880, they moved to Indiana, living a year or two on a farm near Laketon and then moving to the Bolivar neighborhood. Four children were born to them, one of whom, a twin brother to Mrs. Riley Elliott, died in infancy. Three daughters survive, Mrs. Riley Elliott and Mrs. Clarence Pretorious of North Manchester and Mrs. Charles Howell of Fortville. Mr. and Mrs. Welker also raised two boys in their home, who, while not adopted, yet had been treated as children. They are J.E. Crill formerly of North Manchester but now of Huntington and Elmer Wampler of Wabash.
The funeral of Mr. Welker was held at the United Brethren church this afternoon at two o'clock. Rev. W.T. Kessinger conducted the service and burial was in Oaklawn cemetery.
(Submitted by Jane Lewis)

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Surname: DAVIS
Decedent: Mary Louisa Davis
Date listed: December 29, 1924
Mrs. Mary Louisa Davis, 35, wife of Louis M. Davis of near Dixon died this Monday morning at the Van Wert county hospital of acute nephritis. She had been a patient here for several days. Funeral services will be held on Thursday.

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Surname: EVANS
Decedent: J.R. Evans
Date listed: March 22, 1927
(Submitted by Kathryn Catherwood. Actual date of publication and death unknown.)
J.R. Evans, an old time resident of this community, passed away very suddenly last Sunday. He had been ailing for some time, but no one thought seriously. He visited with friends last Saturday evening, in the village, and arose Sunday morning at his usual time. While attempting to get a drink of water he dropped over and never regained consciousness. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon with interment at Venedocia. Rev. Jones officiated. Mrs. Evans has a daughter living. Mrs. Fred Taylor, a sister, Mrs. R.O. Evans, and a brother, David Evans.

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Surname: BREESE
Decedent: J.D. Breese
Date listed: July 23, 1927
(Submitted by Kathryn Catherwood)
J.D. Breese died July 23, 1927. The funeral of the late J.D. Breese was held at the church last Tuesday. Mr. Breese had been ill for several weeks and had been a patient at Van Wert County Hospital for some time before he died. Mr. Breese had been a prominent figure in the religious life of the community and at the time of his death was a deacon of the Zion Church. His direct survivors are Mrs. Breese, David J. Breese and Mrs. E.M. Rees, together with grandchildren and other relatives. Interment was made at Venedocia cemetery. Rev. Edward Roberts, of Madison, Wisconsin, a former pastor, officiated.

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Surname: STEWART
Decedent: Mrs. H.D. Stewart
Date listed: April 12, 1928
Wren Mausoleum, Wren, Van Wert County, Ohio
Willshire Herald, Van Wert County, Ohio; April 12, 1928
MRS. H.D. STEWART DIES
Mrs. H.D. Stewart, of south of Wren, died Thursday afternoon in a hospital at Fort Wayne, where she had been taken for treatment only a few days before. She was a member of the Liberal United Brethren church of Wren and of the Harrison Township Research Club. Surviving are the husband and one foster daughter, Ireta Callow, of Sturgis, Michigan. Funeral services were held from the Liberal United Brethren church in Wren, Monday morning. Contributed by Karin King

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Surname: ZENTZ
The Van Wert Daily Bulletin, Thurs July 5, 1928, pg5
Aged and Highly Esteemed Resident Passes Away at North Washington Street Home
Decedent: Mrs. Margaret Zentz, a highly esteemed resident of Convoy, died at her home in that town, Wednesday morning after a lingering illness.  Mrs. Zentz was aged 75 years and was a native of Harrison township.  She had spent practically her entire life in that town and enjoyed a wide circle of friends.  Her direct survivors are a daughter, Miss Frankie Zentz of Convoy, two sons, Ira Marshall of Los Angeles, California and Earl C. Marshall of Convoy, and a nephew, Nelson Capper of Elm street.  The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at the Methodist Episcopal Church at Convoy.  Interment at the cemetery in that town.

Surname: WEAVER
William H. Weaver, an aged and highly respected resident of Van Wert, died Wednesday afternoon at the home of his son-in-law, Henry Nickel of North Washington street.  Mr. Weaver was aged 81 years and was a native of Crawford county.  He came to Van Wert in an early day.  Mr. Weaver was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ.  His only direct survivors are his grandchildren.  The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock at the Nickel home.  The interment will be at Woodland cemetery.

Surname: GRUNEWALD
George Alva Grunewald, Jr., 10 year old son of Mr. And Mrs. George Alva Grunewald, 2509 Gay street, Fort Wayne, died at Lake George, Indiana at noon Wednesday.  He is survived by his father and mother, one brother, William and one sister, Helen Louise.  There will be a short service at the home in Fort Wayne Friday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock followed by a service at 3:00 o’clock at the Saint Mark’s Lutheran Church in this town.  The burial will be at Woodland.

Surname: HEFFNER
George Heffner, brother of Lewis and Samuel Heffner of this town died Tuesday evening at his home at Celina after a lingering illness.  Mr. Heffner had been a resident of Celina for many years and was highly esteemed.  His direct survivors are his wife and three sons, Ralph Heffner of Celina, Dr. Frank Heffner of Cincinnati and Dr. Edward H. Heffner of Wapakoneta.  The funeral will be held at Celina Friday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Surname: BELCHARD
Mrs. M. E. Belchard of South Franklin street has received a message announcing the death of her brother, Vernon C. Wilson who died at his home in Indianapolis.  Mr. Wilson was aged 57 years and was a native of Van Wert county.  He is survived by his wife, three daughters and a son.  Funeral arrangements have not been made.

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Surname: POLLOCK

The Van Wert Daily Bulletin, Thursday, July 12, 1928
Highly Esteemed Resident of Jennings Township Answers the Final Summons
Miss Lela Pollock died at her home in Jennings township Thursday after a lingering illness of tuberculosis.  Miss Pollock was aged about 25 years and was a daughter of W. H. Pollock.  She was a graduate of the Delphos high school, attended the Bowling Green National and the Ohio Northern University.  She taught in the public schools of Washington township and Delphos, resigning her position on account of ill health.  She was a devout member of the Presbyterian Church and was held in high esteem by a wide circle of friends.  Her direct survivors are her father, three brothers, Dwain, Arlo and Everett, at home, two sisters, Mrs. Clifford Painter of York township and Miss Opal Pollock at home.  Her mother preceded her in death last April.  The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at the Presbyterian Church at Middle Point, of which she was a member.  Interment at Ridge cemetery.  Friends desiring to view the remains may call at the home.
Surname: POLLOCK
The Van Wert Daily Bulletin, Friday, July 13, 1928
Highly Esteemed Resident of Jennings Township Answers the Final Summons
Miss Lela Pollock died at her home in Jennings township Thursday after a lingering illness of tuberculosis.  Miss Pollock was aged about 25 years and was a daughter of W. H. Pollock.  She was a graduate of the Delphos high school, attended the Bowling Green National and the Ohio Northern University.  She taught in the public schools of Washington township and Delphos, resigning her position on account of ill health.  She was a devout member of the Presbyterian Church and was held in high esteem by a wide circle of friends.  Her direct survivors are her father, three brothers, Dwain, Arlo and Everett, at home, two sisters, Mrs. Clifford Painter of York township and Miss Opal Pollock at home.  Her mother preceded her in death last April.  The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock at the Presbyterian Church at Middle Point, of which she was a member.  Interment at Ridge cemetery.  Friends desiring to view the remains may call at the home.

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The Van Wert Daily Bulletin, Thursday, July 5, 1928
Surname: THATCHER
Resident of North Harrison Street Passes Away - Former Middle Point Pastor Dead
Mrs. J. H. Thatcher died Saturday afternoon, at the age of 64 years, at her home on North Harrison street. She enjoyed a large circle of friends and was highly esteemed. Among her direct survivors are two daughters, Hilda May Kiggins and Corra Eggins of Dowaguac, Michigan and four sons, Milo M. Thatcher of Van Wert, C. W. Thatcher of El Dorado, Arkansas, J. W. Thatcher of Fort Wayne and L. Booher of Grover Hill, three sisters, Jane Peterson and Laura Maxwell of St. Mary's and Eliza Marshall of Van Wert, two brothers, John Crowder of Van Wert and James Crowder of Marion, twenty-five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at Blue Creek Church in Paulding county. The interment will be at the church cemetery.

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Surname: DENNIS
Mrs. Rosella Dennis died Sunday morning at her home in Fort Wayne following an extended illness. She was aged 81 years and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. George W. Longsworth of Fort Wayne, formerly of this city, Mrs. Herman E. Allison of Fort Wayne and Mrs. John F. Griffith of Vaughnsville, and three brothers, A. R. Geyer of Pauling, O. W. Geyer of Chetpa and C. G. Geyer of Huntington, Indiana. Funeral will be held Tuesday morning at the home of Mrs. Longsworth at 823 Webster street, Fort Wayne. Burial at Kalida.

A message has been received announcing the death of Rev. G. F. Kinnear at his home in Florida. The remains will be brought to Kenton for burial. Rev. Kinnear was formerly a pastor at Middle Point.

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Surname: WILKINSON
The Van Wert Daily Bulletin, Thursday, July 9, 1928
The Silent Messenger Beckons Noble Woman Who Enjoyed Wide Circle of Friends
Mrs. T. Clarence Wilkinson of Gordon avenue died Monday evening at Van Wert County Hospital where she underwent a surgical operation in the hope that medical science might stay the progress of a fatal malady. Mrs. Wilkinson was formerly Miss Agnes Pauline Kuertz, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Kuertz of Cincinnati. She was born November 16, 1892 in Cincinnati and her marriage to Mr. Wilkinson was celebrated on October 5, 1914 and since that date resided in Van Wert. Mrs. Wilkinson was a lady of quiet and unassuming manner and possessed a pleasing disposition which endeared her to a large circle of friends. She was a noble woman and her death occasioned profound sorrow. Her direct survivors are her husband, four children, Louise, Richard, Howard and Laura, her parents, and four brothers, Messrs. William, Edward, Joseph and August Kuertz of Cincinnati. The funeral will be held Wednesday morning at 10:00 o'clock at St. Mary's Catholic Church at Central avenue and Race streets. The interment will be at Woodland.

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Surname: HARDESTY
Van Wert Daily Bulletin, Friday, July 13, 1928
Mrs. Anna E. Hardesty died of heart trouble this morning at her home in Ohio City. Mrs. Hardesty was aged 77 years and was the wife of Joshua Hardesty. Among her direct survivors are two children, Miss Addie Hardesty of Ohio City and Mrs. Ranger of Delphos. The funeral will be held Monday afternoon at the Methodist Episcopal Church of which she was a devout member. The interment will be at the Ohio City cemetery.
Submitted by Kaye Watson

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Surname: LARE
Decedent: Catherine (SHEETS) Lare
Submitted by Elaine Mihm Geyer
Date listed: February 1, 1929, Van Wert Times, Van Wert County, Ohio
Mrs. Joseph Lare, died Thursday afternoon at 4:15 o'clock in her home in Convoy after being ill for several weeks. Mrs. Lare had attained the age of eighty-two years, six months and eight days. She was a daughter of the late Samuel, and Mary Sheets of Harrison township. Fifty-seven years ago last September she was united in marriage to Mr. Lare and for forty years lived on a farm in Tully township. Seventeen years ago they moved to Convoy to make their home. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church in Convoy where funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Burial will be made in the Mentzer cemetery. Mrs. Lare is survived by her husband and the following children: Mrs. Allen Ramsey of Harrison township; Charles Lare of this city; J. S. Lare of Convoy; E. O. Lare of Fort Wayne; Mrs. A. Holsinger of Richmond, Ind.; Oren Lare of Monroeville, Ind.; Mrs. Warren Howard, of Payne. Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren and three sisters, Mrs. Belle Bressler of Scott; Mrs. Abe Pancake and Mrs. Allen Pancake of Convoy, also survive. Two brothers and a sister preceded her in death. ** Ohio City Progress, Van Wert County, Ohio; Thursday, Feb 7, 1929 Mrs. Joseph P. Lare, 82, life long resident of Van Wert county, died at her home in Convoy Friday from pneumonia.

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Surname: HAND
Decedent: Sarah A. Hand
Date listed: April 1, 1929
Sarah A. Hand was born in Van Wert Co. Ohio, Sept. 24, 1860 and died at her home in Superior, Nebraska, March 11, 1929 at the age of 68 years, 5 months and 15 days. She moved to Iowa with her parents and later to Gage Co., Nebraska in 1878.
She was married to John Reid at Blue Springs, Nebr. March 31, 1881 and settled on the Otoe Indian Reservation.
In the spring of 1893 they, with their children, moved to Jewell Co. near Webber, Kansas, where they resided until they retired from active live, when they moved to Superior, Nebraska where she lived at the time of her death.
In early life she united with the Evangelical Church in Gage Co., Nebraska and later transferred to the Presbyterian Church of which church she continued a member wherever she resided.
To their marriage union six children were born, two sons and four daughters. Two daughters, Janie and Ethel, dying in infancy.
She leaves to mourn her departure her companion of nearly 48 years, four children, Thomas J. Reid, Myrtle I. Crispin, Violet A. Graham and J. Golden Reid, all of whom reside near the home farm at Webber. Also ten grandchildren and two sisters and two brothers, Thomas Hand, Lisbon, ND; Mrs. Ettie Chapman, Home Kansas; Mrs. Lizzie Barry, Lawrence, Nebraska; and Lannie Hand, Wymore, Nebraska. With a host of friends and other relatives.
Mother we will miss you,
We will miss your tender care.
But we know you've gone to heaven
To be with the angels there.
(Submitted by: Glenda Hinz)

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Surname: HEMLINGER
Decedent: Lucy Arvilla Hemlinger
Date listed: December 9, 1929
Researcher: Lucy Weaver Mrs. Lucy Hemlinger Rites Will Be Held Here Wednesday. Mrs. Lucy Arvilla Hemlinger, 85, widow of Milton Hemlinger, who had lived in Defiance since 1900, died today at 6 a.m. at the home of a daughter, Mrs. L.E. Eitniear, 909 Wesley St. after being in failing health for 5 years due to infirmities of age. The funeral will be held Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at the Mansfield Funeral Home, Jefferson Ave. and Fifth St. with Rev. F. M. Swinehart, pastor of St. Paul's Mehtodist Episcopal Church officiating. Burial will be made in Sherwood Cemetery, Defiance Co. Mrs. Hemlinger was born in Morrow Co. on April 1, 1844, a daughter of the late Joseph(Job) and Sarah Foust. When 12 years old, she moved with her parents to Van Wert. At the age of 21 she was married to John Knestrick, who died in Van Wert, Feb. 5, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Knestrick had 5 children who survive: Horace Knestrick, Mt. Gilead; Willis Knestrick, Defiance; Mrs. John Eller, Van Wert; Mrs. Hugh Davidson, Detroit; and Ishe Knestrick, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; In July 1883, Mr. and Mrs. Hemlinger were married at Van Wert and had three children: Mrs. Eitniear, Defiance; Mrs. E.A. Wheaton, Sherwood and Louis Hemlinger, who was killed here May 22, 1918 when a team of horses ran away at Turnbull Wagon Co. There are 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren surviving. Mrs. Hemlinger also leaves a brother Chauncey Foust, South Bend, Ind.

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