Obituaries 2020-2022
Surname: HERTZ
Decedent: Minnie Hertz
Date listed: February 23, 2021
Redeemer Lutheran Cemetery; Convoy, Van Wert County, Ohio
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, IN , Thursday, Sept., 14, 1972
Mother of county lady dies in Ohio
Mrs. Minnie Hertz, 82, of route 2, Convoy, O., mother of Mrs. Edgar (Pauline) Thieme of near Decatur, died at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Vancrest nursing home, Van Wert, O. She had been in ill health the past 10 years. Mrs. Hertz was a member of the Convoy Redeemer Lutheran church, the Ladies Aid, and the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. She was born in Ohio, July 7, 1890, the daughter of Jacob and Carolina Reidenbach-Buechner, and was married to Carl Hertz on May 3, 1914. Surviving are the husband; one daughter, Mrs. Edgar (Pauline) Thieme of near Decatur; two sisters, Mrs. Leotha Etzler and Mrs. Hilda Krueckeberg, both of Convoy; one brother, Cletus Buechner of Van Wert; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday (Ohio time) at the Convoy Redeemer Lutheran church, with Rev. Kurt Bickel officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the Stainfield funeral home, Convoy, after 7 p.m. (Ohio time) tonight.
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski and Karin King
Surname: SPRINGER
Decedent: Rex A. Springer
Date listed: February 23, 2021
Woodland Union Cemetery; Van Wert, Van Wert County, Ohio
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, IN , Saturday, Oct., 21, 1972
Rex A. Springer, 30, killed in Ohio mishap
Rex A. Springer, 30, of Ohio City, O., route 2, was killed in a three-vehicle crash at 12:30 p.m. (Ohio time) Friday in front of his home, 10 miles west of Van Wert near the intersection of U.S. 224 and Ohio 49. Van Wert sheriff's offices said Springer was westbound and preparing to make a left turn into his driveway when his pickup truck was struck in the rear by an auto driven by Fred Cotner of Ottawa, O. The impact shoved Springer's pickup into the path of an oncoming semi-trailer truck from Summitville, loaded with soybeans. The pickup was hit by the big rig. The accident victim was formerly employed on a seasonal basis at the Decatur plant of Central Soya Co., and was also a former railroader. He was a member of the Calvary Evangelical church in Pleasant township, Van Wert county, where he was a Sunday school teacher. Survivors include his wife, Karen; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Meredith Spring of Harrison township, Van Wert county; and two sisters, Mrs. Robert (Audrey) McClure of near Van Wert, and Miss Susan Springer of Dayton, O. Services will be held at 2 p.m. (Ohio time) Monday at the Calvary Evangelical church. Friends may call at the Cowan & Son funeral home in Van Wert. Contributed by Janice Vasilovski and Karin King
Surname: WOODS
Decedent: Bert Woods
Date listed: February 23, 2021
IOOF Cemetery; Convoy, Van Wert County, Ohio
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, IN , Thursday, Oct., 26, 1972
Bert Woods, 89, retired farmer, died suddenly at 10:15 a.m. today at his home on Ohio City, O., route 2. He had been in failing health for seven years but his death was unexpected. Born in Van Wert county, O., Sept. 20, 1883, he was son of John and Margaret Hudson-Woods, and was married to Cora E. Harvey April 3, 1905. Mr. Woods was a member of the Woods Chapel United Brethren church in Harrison township, Van Wert county. Surviving are his wife; one daughter, Mrs. Aleatha Mitch of Ohio City route 2; one son, Marford Woods of Fort Wayne; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-granddaughters. One son and one daughter are deceased. The body was removed to the Zwick funeral home. Funeral arrangements have not been completed. Contributed by Janice Vasilovski and Karin King
Surname: ESCHBACH
Decedent: Margaret M. Eschbach
Date listed: February 23, 2021
Woodland Union Cemetery; Van Wert, Van Wert County, Ohio
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, IN , Friday, Oct., 27, 1972
Sister of city resident dies
Mrs. Margaret M. Eschbach, 52, of Van Wert, O., sister of Mrs. Ethel Shoaf of Decatur, died Wednesday at St. Mary's hospital at Rochester, Minn., following an illness of eight weeks. Born in Harrison township, Van Wert county, May 30, 1920, she was a daughter of James and Mary Hannafious-Courtney, and was married to Lloyd Eschbach Oct. 27, 1942. Surviving in addition to the husband and a sister are a daughter, Mrs. Delbert (Linda) Saylor of Van Wert; three brothers, Clyde Courtney of Ohio City, O., Howard Courtney of Van Wert, and Robert Courtney of Rockford, O; two other sisters, Mrs. Ruth McGough of Fostoria, O.; and Mrs. Anna Denny of South Bend; and one grandson. Services will be held at 2 p.m. (Ohio time) Saturday at the Alspach funeral home in Van Wert, with Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial will be in Woodland cemetery, Van Wert. Friends may call at the funeral home until time of the services.
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski and Karin King
Surname: HICKERNELL
Decedent: Herman Neale Hickernell
Date listed: February 23, 2021
Woodlawn Cemetery; Ohio City, Van Wert County, Ohio
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, IN , Friday, Dec. 8, 1972
H.N. Hickernell dies at Ohio City
Herman Neale Hickernell, 51, of Ohio City, O., was found dead at his home Thursday morning. He was an employee of the Van Wert county engineer's office. Born in Mendon, O., Dec. 10, 1920, he was a son of Sherman and Merle Barber-Hickernell. He was married to Jessie Marie Sales in 1965. His wife died in October of 1971. Survivors include his mother, who resided in Mendon; a sister, Miss Claryce Ann Hickernell; a stepson, John Salee of Kalamazoo, Mich.; five step-daughters, Mrs. William (Carole) Dinnes of Rockford, O., Miss Lois Jean Salee of Decatur, Mrs. Bruce (Connie Jo) Bickle of Elgin, Ill., Mrs. Judith Evans of K okomo, and Mrs. Michael (Cathy) Moonshower of Ohio City. Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the W. H. Dick and Sons funeral home in Mendon, with Rev. Garrison Roebuck officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn cemetery, Ohio City. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday.
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski and Karin King
Surname: SMITLEY
Decedent: Rozella Smitley
Date listed: February 23, 2021
Woodland Union Cemetery; Van Wert County, Ohio
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana, Monday, January 8, 1979
Mrs. Rozella Smitley, 96, a former resident of Hoagland, died at 11:50 a.m. Saturday at the Byron Health Center, Fort Wayne, where she had been a resident for ten years. She was a member of the Hoagland United Methodist Church. Born in Crawford County, Ohio, on April 13, 1882, she was the daughter of Joshua and Melissa Love Russel-McBride. Survivors include the following nieces and nephews: John Cross, Flint, Mich.; Harold Gouty, Glen Berne, Md.; Ross McBride, Harden, Ky.; Mrs. Erdine Baker, Flint, Mich., Mrs. Germayne Wells and Mrs. Marcelline Fell, both of Van Wert, O., Mrs. Elmer Ruth Grotrian, Fort Wayne and Mrs. Thelma Ehrsam, Plano, Tex. One brother and three sisters are deceased. She was first married to Frank McConnel who died in 1940; she then married Earl Smitley who died in ??. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Zwick Funeral Home with Rev. Craig Willet officiating. Burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Friends may call at the funeral home after (cut off)
Contributed by Karin King
Surname: WILLIAMS
Decedent: Mary L. Williams
Date listed: February 23, 2021
Willshire Cemetery; Willshire, Van Wert County, Ohio
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams Co, IN; Thursday, 9 February 1984
Mary L. Williams, 71, route 2, Ohio City, a former employee of Clouse's Grocery, in Willshire, O., died suddenly at 11:15 a.m. Wednesday at Caylor-Nickel Clinic Hospital, Bluffton. She was a member of the Willshire United Methodist Church, U.M.W., Order of Eastern Star, Chapter 25, and the Friendship Village Homemakers Club. Born in Willshire on Jan. 12, 1913, she was the daughter of Frank and Kathryn Gause-Detter, and was first married to Herbert Avery; he died April 11, 1970. She married Darrell H. Williams on July 11, 1971, and he survives. Also surviving are one stepson, Howard C. Williams, Monroe; one stepdaughter, Mrs. Bud (Leona) Goff, Fort Wayne; two sisters, Mrs. Marion (Kathleen) Burke, Fairfield, O.; Mrs. Don (Harriet) Hoblet, Archbold, O.; one brother, Rolland Detter, Dayton, O.; six step-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandson. Services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at the Winteregg-Linn & Haggard Funeral Home, with Rev. David Chivington officiating. Burial will be in the Willshire Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today. Order of Eastern Star services will be held at 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to the Willshire United Methodist Church.
Contributed by Karin King
Surname: SCHERRY
Decedent: Wayne L. Scherry
Date listed: February 15, 2020
Source: Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home; January 2, 2020
Wayne L. Scherry, 70, of Convoy, Ohio passed away Wednesday evening, January 1, 2020 at his residence. He was born on January 11, 1949 in Allen County, Indiana to the late Harold W. Scherry and Dorothy I. (Strahm) Scherry. He married Kimberly R. Clifton on June 27, 1998 in Van Wert, Ohio. Wayne served his country in the United States Air Force during Viet Nam. He attended The Bridge Community Church in Decatur. Wayne retired as a quality engineer having worked for several different firms. He loved the Lord and enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren's events. He was an avid knife collector and a lifelong Cleveland Browns fan. Wayne loved Star Wars, Grinch, and Polar Express and passed this love along to his children and grandchildren. He was also a FORD man. He is survived by his wife, Kim Scherry of Convoy, OH; mother, Dorothy Scherry of Decatur, IN; daughter, Alison (Craig) Yoder of Berne, IN; two sons, Ben Scherry and Joel Scherry both of Decatur, IN; step-daughter, Annie (Brian) Brecht of Van Wert, OH; step-son, Jason (Kacee) Kreischer of Scott, OH; and sister, Karen (Harold) Rumschlag of Fort Wayne, IN. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Avery (Calvin) Conant, Keagan Yoder, Kamden Yoder, Kennedy Scherry, Reese Scherry, Addison Yoder, Brock Scherry, Bristol Scherry; and five step-grandchildren, Braden Brecht, Lauren Brecht, Brody Brecht, Claire Kreischer, & Paislee Kreischer. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 6, 2019 at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana with Pastor Dave Fox and Pastor Craig Yoder officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ohio City, Ohio with Military Graveside Honors to be conducted by the American Legion Post #43 of Decatur. Family and friends will be received from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, January 5, 2019 at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur. Preferred memorials are to Adams County Community Foundation - Cancer Fund. Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana.
Contributed by Jim Cox
Surname: MACKLIN
Decedent: Charles E. Macklin
Date listed: November 21, 2019
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana
Tuesday, Nov. 13, 1973
Rev. M.C. Macklin's father dies in Ohio
Charles E. Macklin, 86, of route 2, Spencerville, O., father of Rev. M.C. Macklin, pastor of the Monroe United Brethren Church, died at 8:45 a.m. Monday at the Roselawn Manor nursing home, Spencerville. Mr. Macklin, a retired farmer, was a member of the Monticello United Brethren in Christ Church, located near Spencerville. Born in Hardin county, O., on Jan. 26, 1887, he was the son of John J. and Charity A. Reid-Macklin, and was married on Dec. 31, 1910, to Minnie Fissel. She preceded her husband in death on April 19, 1970. Survivors include one son, Rev. M.C. Macklin of Monroe; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Two sisters and two brothers preceded Mr. Macklin in death. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.. Thursday at the Monticello United Brethren in Christ Church, with Rev. Carey G. Knittle, a former Decatur resident, officiating. Burial will be in the Wright cemetery. Friends may call at the Thomas E. Bayliff funeral home, Spencerville, after 7 p.m. tonight, and until 12 noon Thursday.
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski
Wright Cemetery, Venedocia, Van Wert County, Ohio
Surname: MYERS
Decedent: Phyllis K. MYERS
Date listed: March 20, 2020
Phyllis K. Myers, 88, of Willshire, Ohio passed away Tuesday afternoon, February 25, 2020 at Parkview Hospital Randallia in Fort Wayne. She was born on July 6, 1931 in Willshire, Ohio to Jesse R. and Iola K. (Cordell) Hamrick. On December 16, 1950 Phyllis married Gene C. Myers and he preceded her in death on October 26, 2003. She attended the Decatur Church of God and was a former member of the Willshire United Methodist Church, where she was a children's Sunday school teacher. She was also a member of the Eastern Star Chapter #48 in Van Wert, Ohio and the GE Quarter Century Club. Phyllis retired in 1989 from General Electric Company with 39 and a half years of service. She is survived by two daughters, Kimberly S. Schneider of Mt. Gilead, OH and Angela K. (Adam) Powe of Fort Wayne, IN; brother, Ray Hamrick of Fort Wayne, IN; sister, Eunice Reppert of Fort Wayne, IN; five grandchildren, Schad Bollenbacher, Deann Leasor, Kyleigh Miller, Jordan Rothgeb, and Madeline Rothgeb; and a great-grandchild, Layla Miller. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard and Ralph Hamrick. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 29, 2020, at Decatur Church of God with Pastor Don Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Willshire Cemetery in Willshire, Ohio. Family and friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 28, 2020, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Preferred memorials are to Decatur Church of God Food Pantry.
Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home
February 26, 2020
Contributed by Jim Cox
Surname: FORD
Decedent: Beth Ann (Snyder) Ford
Date listed: August 16, 2020
Beth Ann (Snyder) Ford, 73, of Van Wert, OH, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2020, at Van Wert County Hospital. She was born in Van Wert, OH, on December 6, 1946, the daughter of the late Leon D. and Mary R. (Pollock) Snyder. On June 12, 1965, she married J.C. Ford. She was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church and was also in the Phi Beta Psi Sorority. Beth was a graduate of Decatur High School in 1965. Beth worked for over 20 years as a bank teller at First Federal Savings and Loan Bank, retiring in 2014. She was an Ohio State Buckeyes Fan and also enjoyed UConn Women's Basketball. Beth loved attending her nieces and nephews sporting events, loved cats and spending time with her family. Beth is survived by her husband of 55 years, J.C. Ford of Van Wert, OH; a son, James A. "Tony" (Tammy) Ford of Van Wert; a daughter, Kelly M. Ford of Hamler, OH; a brother, Mike (Connie) Snyder of Decatur; 2 sisters, Deborah Kay (Ken) Heyerly and Jo Witte, both of Decatur; a sister-in-law, Cindy S. Snyder of Geneva; a step grandson, Derek Grandstaff; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a brother, Jeffrey L. Snyder and a brother-in-law, Jay Witte. A Private Family Memorial Service will be held at Haggard-Sefton-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2020, at Woodland Cemetery, in Van Wert, Ohio. Pastor Steve Austin will be officiating. Memorials may be made to Phi Beta Psi Sorority.
Haggard & Sefton Funeral Home; August 5, 2020
Contributed by Jim Cox
Surname: SCHUMM
Decedent: Lola T. Schumm
Date: September 29, 2020
Lola T. Schumm, 98, of Fort Wayne, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, at Lutheran Life Village in Fort Wayne, IN. She was born in Willshire Township, on July 13, 1922, the daughter of the late Paul E. and Lydia B. (Schumm) Schumm. She was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, was involved in the Ladies Aid and Lutheran Women's Missionary League. Lola worked for Coopers & Lybrand CPA, as an administrative assistant, retiring in 1992 after 51 years. She is survived by a sister, Ellen Black of Willshire, OH; 2 nieces, Jane Black of Fort Wayne, Susan (Randall) Duly of Monroeville, IN; a great niece and nephew, Anna and Matthew Duly. Lola was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Dolores M. Schumm and Mildred M. Franz; 2 brother-in-laws, Christian Franz and Ray Black. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2020, at Haggard-Sefton-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2020, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (Schumm), with calling an hour before from 10:00-11:00 a.m., at the church. Pastor Jeff Patterson will be officiating and burial will immediately follow in Zion Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Willshire, OH. Memorials may be made to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church or The Lutheran Hour.
Haggard & Sefton Funeral Home; September 30, 2020
Contributed by Jim Cox
Surname: FUNK
Decedent: Kenneth N. Funk
Date: March 18, 2021
Kenneth N. Funk, 89, of Decatur, Indiana passed away Thursday morning, March 18, 2021 at his residence. He was born May 29, 1931 in Decatur, Indiana to the late Clark Funk and the late Emma (Dick) Funk. He was united in marriage to Erma L. Fortney on November 20, 1953 in Decatur, Indiana. Kenny served in the United States Marines in Korea during the Korean War. He was a hero among the Frozen Chosin of Korea. He was honorably discharged in September of 1953, following two years of service. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1949. Kenny was a member of Decatur Church of God in Decatur, Indiana. He was employed and retired from Prestress Services in 1994 after 40 years, retiring as head of transportation. Kenny was a lifelong lover of harness horse racing and training and was counted as an expert by his colleagues in the field. He himself drove countless horses to the victory circle. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Erma Funk of Decatur, Indiana; his son Daniel (Eileen) Funk of Decatur, Indiana; a brother, Larry Funk of Mesa, Arizona; four granddaughters: Julie (Walter) Scase of Swayzee, Indiana, Tiffany (Troy) Ross of Van Wert, Ohio, Lindsay (Steve) Bilimek of Tarakan, Indonesia, and Alyssa (Andrew) Harmon of Bluffton, Indiana; and 16 great-grandchildren: Emily, Allisyn, Kaitlyn & Josiah Scase; Addison, Nicole, Grace, Caleb & Joel Ross; Janae, Tobin & Jessalyn Bilimek; Slade, Meritt, Archer and River Harmon. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Leonard and Jerry Funk, and two sisters, Norma Myers and Eileen Hoffman. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 21, 2021 at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana with Pastor Don Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Willshire Cemetery. Family and friends will be received from 11:00 a.m. until the 2:00 p.m. service on Sunday, March 21, 2021 at the funeral home. Military graveside honors will be conducted by American Legion Post #43 Color Guard at Willshire Cemetery. Preferred memorials are to the Honor Flight of Northeast Indiana or donor's choice.
Zwick & Jahn, March 19, 2021
Contributed by Jim Cox
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