Love Heitmeyer Funeral Home

DEFIANCE - James H. Tyler, 71, of Defiance, passed away at 6:51 a.m., Sunday, December 3, 2023 at Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center. He was born December 27, 1951, in Defiance to the late John and Betty (Johnson) Tyler. On August 1, 1970, he married Vicki Searfoss, who survives in Defiance. Other survivors include two children: James A. (Lori) Tyler of Defiance and Brent (Marabeth) Tyler of Defiance; 8 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; and two siblings: John (Theresa) Tyler of Defiance and JoAnn Guelde of Continental. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a daughter, Carissa Tyler; and a sister, Jane Ruggles. James retired from GM Powertrain, Defiance. When...

GROVER HILL - Mark A. Bidlack, 71, of Grover Hill, died 1:50 a.m., Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Van Wert Hospital. He was born April 22, 1952 in Fremont to the late Marion and Doris (Bowling) Bidlack. On August 11, 1973, he married Helen Bendele and she survives in Grover Hill. Other survivors include two sons: Tim (Jenny) Bidlack of Defiance and Heath (Jennifer) Bidlack of San Tan Valley; six grandchildren: Austin, Hannah, Katie and Ethan Bidlack and Jessica and Haley Bidlack; a great-grandson, Asher; two siblings: Jill (David) Bauer of Grover Hill and Dean (Betty) Bidlack of Continental; and a sister-in-law, Karen Bidlack of Fort Jennings. He was also preceded in death by a...

OAKWOOD - Vernon E. Schwartz, 72, of Oakwood, died at 12:34 p.m., Sunday, November 26, 2023 at ProMedica Hospital, Defiance. He was born November 1, 1951, in Van Wert to the late Elmer and Priscilla (Rhoad) Schwartz. On September 27, 1970, he married Linda Roughton who survives in Oakwood. Other survivors include two children: Sheila Coil of Delphos and Mike Schwartz of Defiance; and a sister, Shirly (John) Hammersmith of Cloverdale. Vernon was a lifelong farmer and retired from General Motors, Defiance. He enjoyed antique tractors and toy tractors. Vernon loved spending time with his family and friends. Funeral services for Vernon will begin at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 5,...

OAKWOOD - Mary Jo Miller, 62, of Oakwood, passed away at 10:03 a.m., Sunday, November 26, 2023 at her residence. She was born August 1, 1961, in Defiance to the late John and Ruth (Koenn) Davis. On February 14, 1994, she married Karl Miller, who survives in Oakwood. Other survivors include four children: Gary (Necole) Lewis, Benjamin (Jessie) Lewis, Misty (Kameran) Clemens and Jessica (Matthew) Tingay; nine grandchildren: Kirsten, Kassidy, Sarah, Miranda, Obito, Kayedance, Wydayo, Coraline and Paisley. She was also preceded in death by a son, Benji; and a grandchild, Keegan. Mary Jo was a retired office manager. She was a devoted Republican, Catholic and a proud member of the...

Albert R. Pratt, Sr. OAKWOOD - Albert R. Pratt, Sr., 89 of Oakwood passed away at 11:24 a.m. on Friday, November 24, 2023 at Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center. He was born January 18, 1934 in Hartsburg to the late Roy and Elsie (Brown) Pratt. On August 25, 1951, he married Faith D. Addis who preceded him in death on August 27, 2007. He is survived by his loving companion, Karen Davenport of Oakwood. He had four children: Albert R. Pratt, Jr., deceased, Velma D. Pratt, deceased, Thelma A. (Sam) Pratt-Ramey of Sherwood, and June A. (Earl) Hicks of Paulding; two grandchildren whom he considered his children: Jason (Tracy) Pratt and Jennifer (Kade) Missler; 7 grandchildren, many...

CECIL - Onita M. Hagerman, 77, of Cecil, passed away peacefully at 2:17 a.m., Sunday, November 19, 2023 at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born March 26, 1946, in Ft. Wayne, IN to the late Glen and Edna (Jewell) Mason. Survivors include five children: Peggie (James) Shepherd of Lima, Michael (Becky) Smith of Defiance, Brenda (Curt) Stephens of Ormond Beach, FL, William (Ann) Steffes of Cecil and MaryAnn Steffes of Defiance; 23 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; four siblings: Timothy Mason of Richlands, VA, twin sister Wanita Grant of Defiance, Jeri (Bob) Rohrs of Malinta and Naomi (Douglas) Eidenier of Aiken, SC; and many nieces and...

OAKWOOD - Ruth Marie (Stahl) Williams passed away peacefully on November 18, 2023, at the Bryan Healthcare Facility. She was born December 12, 1930, in Grover Hill, Ohio to the late John and Edythe (Glenn) Stahl. She graduated from Grover Hill High School and later met and married Harold Williams on February 4, 1950. She is perhaps best remembered by many students who enjoyed her cookies as she was a cook for 30 years in the Oakwood school cafeteria. She was a stalwart member of Twin Oaks Methodist Church (now known as Oakwood Community Church) in Oakwood where she participated in every aspect of the church including singing in the choir and volunteering for the many missions of the...

DEFIANCE - Irby Steven Perry, 72, of Defiance, passed away at 11:38 p.m., Friday, November 17, 2023 at Lutheran Hospital, Ft. Wayne, IN. He was born March 15, 1951, in Elizabethton, TN to Harley and Iva (Gregg) Perry. His father preceded him in death and his mother survives in Continental. Other survivors include his companion, Alvera Cass of Leipsic; three siblings: Jeff Perry of Marion, Regina Harshman of Continental and Karen Perry of Punta Gorda, FL; and several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and a great-great-niece. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Allen Perry. Irby retired from former Defiance Metal Products, where he had worked in tool and dye...

OAKWOOD - Glen Ray Klingler, 97 of Oakwood, died 10:22 a.m., Friday, November 17, 2023 at Defiance Inpatient Hospice. He was born May 10, 1926 in Paulding to the late Grover and Myrtle (Franklin) Klingler. He was previously married to Patricia Pratt on September 14, 1946. She died in October of 1979. On February 10, 1973, he married Nancy Hayner and she survives in Oakwood. Other survivors include three children: Sue Meeks of Findlay, Doug (Amie) Klingler of Aurthur and Jacci Henry of Findlay; three stepchildren: Tony (Deb) Lambert of Defiance, Gina (Pat) Sensabaugh of Cecil and Rebecca Lambert of Defiance; 4 grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 8 step-great...

OAKWOOD - Dennis Wayne Bennett, 64, of rural Oakwood, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at home with his family. He was born March 18, 1959, in Defiance, to Jack Bennett and Alice (Ward) Bennett Johnson. Dennis graduated from Paulding High School in 1977 having excelled at basketball, FFA and Vo-Ag. He worked 14 years at General Motors Central Foundry, 21 years as Manager/Lead Cook at The Cabbage Patch Restaurant and ended his career as a Commercial Truck Driver, retiring in May of 2023 from DC5 Trucking in Defiance, Ohio. He coached his daughter's softball teams for 10 years, both at Auglaize Ball Park and with Defiance Softball Association at Diehl Park. He donated...

Donna Kathryn Williams FLORENCE,KY - D. Kathryn Williams of Florence, Kentucky, formerly of Oakwood, passed away Friday, November 10, 2023 at her residence. She was born December 13, 1944, in Blue Island, Illinois to the late Donald and Barbra (Maddock) McCullough. She was a retired Registered Nurse. She is survived by three children: Nancy J. Walker of Florence, KY., Bradley K. Williams (Kim) of Williamstown, KY., and Gwendolyn J. Williams of Elsmere, KY., siblings: Jean (Dan) Bulau, Michael "Mike" (Wendy) McCullough, Donald "Don" McCullough and James "Jim" (Jennifer) McCullough, grandchildren: Cody, Jami, Jonathan, LJ, Alex, Jennifer, Donna, Samantha, Zack, Courtney, Jordanne,...

Shelby Jean Shisler OAKWOOD - Shelby Jean Shisler, 65, of Oakwood, passed away at 4:12 a.m., Friday, November 10, 2023 at OSU Wexner Medical Center, Columbus. She was born August 27, 1958, in Defiance to the late Dennis and Nola (Butler) Stoller. On May 24, 2003, she married Craig Shisler, who survives in Oakwood. Survivors include three children: Kenisha (Paul) Seibert of Paulding, Kaylee (Jason) Warnecke of Columbus Grove and Corey (Ashley) Carnahan of Oakwood; twelve grandchildren; a brother, Dennis Stoller of Defiance; and a sister, Sheila (Denny) Martin of Defiance. She was also preceded in death by a son, Kenneth W. Eagleson III; two grandchildren; a nephew; two brothers:...

MILLER CITY - John R. Rieman, 72, of Miller City, passed away at 10:45 a.m., Monday, November 6, 2023 at his residence surrounded by family. He was born September 26, 1951 in Bavaria, Germany, raised by the late James H. and Marge (Kuhlman) Rieman in Columbus Grove. On August 25, 1973, he married Bonnie Maag, who survives in Miller City. Other survivors include three sons: Matthew (Jessie) Rieman, Aaron Rieman, both of Miller City and Benjamin (Kelly) Rieman of Glandorf; six grandchildren: Mason, Taygen, Canton, Madden, Lennox and Lawson; and a sister, Barbara Hutchinson of Leipsic. John retired in 2008 from General Motors, Defiance after 38 years. He was a veteran of the US National...

Carolyn J. Miller LEIPSIC - Carolyn J. Miller, 55 of Leipsic, passed away at 11:30 p.m. on Friday, November 3, 2023, at the Meadows of Ottawa. She was born December 3, 1967, in Findlay to Dennis J. and Janet R. (Wagner) Hohenbrink. Her father survives in Leipsic, and her mother is deceased. On August 9, 1996, she married Steve Miller, who also survives in Leipsic. She is also survived by siblings: Dennis Hohenbrink Jr. of Holgate, Christa (Ryan) Verhoff of Ottawa, and Ryan Hohenbrink of Belmore; four nieces: Carlee, Violet, Alissa and Peyton; and her beloved dogs: Snoopy, Daisy and Bailey. Carol worked for Dana Inc., Napoleon. She received a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green...

DESHLER - Kenneth L. Jones, 87, of Deshler, passed away at 12:45 p.m., Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at Toledo Medical Center. He was born January 12, 1936, in McComb to the late Howard T. and Florence G. (Latta) Jones. On September 29, 1956, he married Phyllis Wagner, who preceded him in death on December 9, 2017. Survivors include four children: Debra (Mark) Westrick of New Bavaria, Greg (Lonna) Jones of Gilboa, Dr. Cynthia Queisser of Deshler and Dennis (Irene) Jones of McComb; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and three brothers: Marvin (Eileen) Jones of Findlay, Gary (Josephine) Jones of Leipsic and Jeff (Jan) Jones of Seville. He was also preceded in death by a...

CONTINENTAL - Helen F. (Etter) Stateler, 97, of Continental, passed away at 6:45 a.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at The Meadows of Kalida. She was born December 14, 1925, in Dupont, to the late Claud and Dortha (Michael) Etter. On April 27, 1946, Helen married Nyle Stateler, who also preceded her in death on August 9, 2016. Surviving are her 3 daughters: Susan (Byron Dean) Manges, Patricia "Pat" Lehman, both of Ottawa and Judith "Judy" (Douglas "Doug") Kent of Lima and Fort Myers, FL; 6 grandchildren: Deana (Keith) Stechschulte of Windsor, CT, Bradley (Robert Stephens) Manges of Mt. Sterling, OH; Kyle (Kim) Lehman of Kalida, Emily Lehman of Ottawa, David (Katie) Kent of Tiffin and...

CONTINENTAL - Willes B. Kaufman, 90, of Continental died 10:45 p.m. Saturday, October 28, 2023 at Heritage of Findlay. He was born May 3, 1933 in McComb to the late David Jeremiah and Rita (Compton) Kaufman. On May 1, 1953, he married Dorothy Neal, who survives. Also surviving are 4 children: Mike (Sandy) Kaufman of Defiance, Pam (David) Floyd of Cross Hill, SC, Jill Brecht of Ottawa and Bettyjo (Bob) Zachrich of Marysville; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren and a sister: Doris Winkle of Kalida. Willes is preceded in death by 6 siblings and their spouses: David "Dimples" Kaufman, Jr., Elsie (Paul) Zachrich, Carl (Joyce) Kaufman, Dorothy (Buck)...

OAKWOOD- Kathern E. Finnegan, 100, of Oakwood, passed away at 8:20 a.m., Sunday October 22, 2023 at her residence. She was born October 15, 1923 in Washington Township Paulding County, to the late Lawrence and Grace (McCullough) Stanton. She married Edward Finnegan on February 11, 1942. He preceded her in death December 25, 2010. Survivors include three children: Violet Talbott, Chuck (Linda) Finnegan both of Oakwood, and Cindy Taylor of Paulding; 9 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great grandchildren; and a sister Irene Wyhatt of Marion, Indiana. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Back; granddaughter, Melissa Talbott; two brothers: John and...

OAKWOOD - Dale L. Wright, 81, of Oakwood died 6:52 a.m. Friday, October 20, 2023 at Defiance Inpatient Hospice. He was born November 6, 1941 in Hoytville to the late Glenn "Bus" and Ruth (Weaver) Wright. On June 9, 1962 he married Carol Lynn Funk. She survives in Oakwood. Other survivors include three children: Sherri Wright-Closson, John Wright and Darren Blockberger; a brother, Daniel (Nancy) Wright of Georgia; a sister, Geraldine Strobel of Napoleon; seven grandchildren: Zachary Brown, Alexis Ann Wright, Danielle Blair, Jeff Jr. Closson, Mica Closson, Kirsten Blockberger and Evan Blockberger; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was also proceeded in death...

OAKWOOD - Harold E. "Gene" Fenter, 80, of Oakwood, passed away at 3:52 a.m., Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at Parkview Health, Fort Wayne, IN. He was born October 23, 1942, in Holgate to the late Harold Lavon and Anna Marie (Crampton) Fenter. On March 5, 1960, he married Ruth Teegarden, who survives in Oakwood. Other survivors include a two children: Jeffery (Gaye) Fenter of Oakwood and Barbara Brown of Hicksville; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; a sister, Cheryl Gillianwater of Kingsport, TN; and five half-siblings: Mark, Roger, Randy, Shelia and Loretta. He is also preceded in death by three sons: Steve, Dave and Tim Fenter; a granddaughter, Cindel Fenter; and five siblings:...

OAKWOOD - Linda D. Vance, 71, of Oakwood, passed away at 11:33 p.m. on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at her residence. She was born February 6, 1952, in Portsmouth to the late William and Beulah (Lane) Benard. On March 8, 1969, she married Boyd W. Vance, who survives in Oakwood. Linda is also survived by four children: Victoria (Jerry) Kaufman of Ottawa, Chris Vance of Montpelier, Boyd (Mindy) Vance Jr. of Continental, and Angie Lymon of Ft. Wayne, IN.; thirteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; four siblings: Sarah (Bob) Anderson of Montpelier, Bill Benard of Defiance, Mike (Pat) Benard of Defiance, and Charlie (Trish) Benard of Grover Hill. She is preceded in death by a sister,...