Schaffer Funeral Home, INC.

DEFIANCE - Michael James Batt, age 58 of Defiance, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. He was born on August 6, 1966 to Ronald Batt and Mary (Aden) Batt Rickard in Defiance, Ohio. Mike was a 1984 graduate of Ayersville High School, and recently attended his 40th class reunion. Mike worked at the Car Wash, S-K Hand Tool, DMP and Multimatics. He was a very loving son, father, brother, nephew, uncle, and a dear friend to many. Mike always had a positive attitude, a contagious laugh, and was always ready for a good time. He treasured his morning coffee! He liked conversations and never met a...

DEFIANCE - George L Gyurnek, age 73 of Defiance, peacefully passed away at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. He was born on August 28, 1951 to Joseph and Luella (Sigler) Gyurnek in Fort Wayne, Indiana. On October 2, 1992 he married Sandra Matthews who survives. George was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance, was Chairman of the Trustees, and was a sound technician and supervisor. He worked at Titan Tire In Bryan, Ohio for over 40 years until his retirement. George was a Mr. Fix-It and took great pride in his work. He worked on anything and everything, especially cars. George was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather, and loved...

DESHLER - Steven William Deany, age 71 of Deshler, Ohio, passed into God's loving arms on Monday, September 30, 2024. He leaves behind his dedicated wife of 23 years, Susan Deany, his beloved children, Steven (Laura) Deany, Ashley Deany and Kristin Derby, his loving granddaughters, Bailey and Carter, his sisters, Katie (Jerry) Bumpus and Patricia Deany, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and his loving dog, "Rocky". He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Leo Deany, and his brother Michael Deany. Steven was proud to be a member of The Guardians Motorcycle Club, where he was known as "Joker". He leaves behind a legacy of love for his family and his many friends. Visitation will...

DEFIANCE - Robert Joseph Nadeau, 75, of Defiance, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024 at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio, surrounded by his family praying the Rosary. He was born on April 28, 1949 to the late Joseph and Lorraine (Vail) Nadeau in Syracuse, New York. On March 24, 1973 he married Nancy Schlegel who survives. Robert proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy from 1969-1973. Robert was a faithful member of St John Catholic Church, and was active in the RCIA team, CRIP Men's Retreat, and Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Jolly Rogers Sailing Club. He worked as an accountant at Maumee Valley Vending from 1973 until his retirement in...

DEFIANCE - Jack R. Switzer, age 74 of Defiance, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024 at Brookview Healthcare Center in Defiance. Jack was born on March 22, 1950 to Robert and Sarah "Sal" (Waldron) Switzer. Jack had been hard of hearing and spent his elementary years attending schools for the deaf in Toledo, OH. He attended DeVilbiss High School his first three years and came home his senior year and graduated from Defiance High School. Not long after graduation Jack was in an auto accident that left him mentally and physically challenged. His friends and family will remember him for his love for the 60's music and sports. In his working years Jack spent his time with Browns Bakery and...

DEFIANCE - Beth Ann (Tolles) Villagomez, age 63, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 27, 2024 at Toledo ProMedica Hospital surrounded by her family with her devoted daughter and son-in-law at her bedside. Beth was born December 10, 1960 to her loving parents Richard and Janice (Morlock) Tolles in Wood County. Beth's legacy is one marked by selflessness and devotion both professionally and personally. As a single mother, Beth worked diligently to provide for her only daughter, Jenny. She took pride in her various positions at Murphy Mart, Hills, DMP, and GM where of course, she made life long friends. Beth was always a very hard worker until eventually she was put on disability for...

DEFIANCE Kenneth Wayne Newcomb, 79, of Defiance, passed away Friday, September 20, 2024 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital, Toledo, Ohio. He was born on February 13, 1945 to Charles and Genevera (Gross) Newcomb in Defiance. Kenneth served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War from 1966 till 1970. He worked as manager of the Ranchland Motor Inn for 25 years until his retirement in 2014 he then worked for five years for The Crescent News. Kenneth was a member of the West Unity American Legion Post #669, Defiance Moose Lodge #2094, and Defiance Eagles #372. Kenneth is survived by his partner, Rex Coble of Defiance, daughters, Neile Valle of Auburn, IN, and Natalie (Rodney) Coble...

DEFIANCE Frances I. Skiver, 94, of Defiance, went to be with the Lord peacefully with her family by her side at Glenn Park of Defiance Friday, September 20, 2024. She was born January 23, 1930 in Melmore, Ohio to the late Paul E. and Anna May (Bice) Schafer. After her parents died, she went to live with the late Nelson and Opal Matson. On December 17, 1949 she married Norva E, Skiver, he preceded her in death on September 10, 2017. Frances worked at Kircher's Flowers in Defiance for 34 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Defiance where she worked in the nursery and AWANAS. Frances will be remembered for her chocolate chip and sugar cookies. Frances is survived by her...

DEFIANCE ? George "Skip" L. Waxler, Jr. 67, of Defiance, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at his residence. He was born on July 26, 1957 to George Waxler, Sr. and Delores (VanPelt) Younker in Defiance. George worked for SK Tools before retiring. In 1998, he married Deborah Imthurn who preceded him in death on June 26, 2011. Skip liked to keep busy in the garage. He enjoyed walleye fishing with his lifelong best friend Ronnie Boyd and took his dog, Sirus everywhere he went. Anyone who knew Skip, knew he loved Harleys, his family and cherished his mother. Skip is survived by his mother, Delores Younker, daughter, Kelly (Lonnie Couts) Stephens; his siblings Steve...

NAPOLEON - William "Bill" Francis Spangler, age 58, passed away peacefully at Genacross Napoleon on September 19, 2024. William was born on April 20, 1966, to parents, Walter and Janice (Schlembach) Spangler. William was a 1984 Defiance High School graduate who enjoyed watching sports, especially watching his nieces and nephews. He also enjoyed buying and selling baseball cards and cheering on teams from up North including the Tigers, Lions, and the Wolverines. His employment was mostly newspapers, delivering for USA Today, Wall Street Journal, and The Crescent News. He was also employed at the Northtowne Mall as a maintenance/janitorial worker. William is survived by sister, Ellen...

DEFIANCE - Theresa "Terri" Margaret Overmeyer, age 96, of Defiance, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Glenn Park in Defiance. She was born on May 21, 1928 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, daughter of George and Mary Hartman. Terri was raised in Fort Wayne with her five siblings, Lucille Ryan, Robert Hartman, George Hartman, Rose Goleeke and Agnes Woenker who precede her in death. She was a graduate of Central Catholic High School. She married Donald Richard Overmeyer on February 7, 1953 and they moved to Defiance in 1962. They were married for 70 years before his death on April 18, 2023. Terri was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She loved her parish and happily served through...

DEFIANCE Esther Fern Beindorf, 89, of Defiance, passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, peacefully at Kingsbury Place in Defiance, Ohio with her husband by her bedside. Fern was born on July 18, 1935, in York Township in Fulton County to Adam and Martha Elizabeth (Knapp) Knapp. Esther was named after Mrs. Lucke, whom her mother, Elizabeth worked for prior to her marriage. Her middle name, Fern was after her mother's oldest sister, Mary Fern, who passed away when Elizabeth was about 13 years old. To begin, she was called Esther, but her grandmother said she thought it would be better if they called her Fern. She was a 1953 graduate of Liberty Center HIgh School and received her...

DEFIANCE - Irene H. Kolinski, age 86 of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Brookview Healthcare Center in Defiance, Ohio. She was born on January 29, 1938 to the late Claude and Helen (Baker) Hutchinson in Toledo, Ohio. Irene was a 1956 graduate of Whitmer High School. She poured her heart and soul into raising her daughters, and was an avid sewer. She was a loving and caring mother and grandmother, always putting her family first. Irene is survived by her daughters, Donna (Richard) Clare of Temperance, MI, Arlene Honisko, Linda (Daniel) Mendoza, and Lisa Kitchenmaster, all of Defiance. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and...

DEFIANCE - Paul John Vernot, 73, passed away at his home, Tuesday, September 17, 2024. On July 24, 1951 he was born to John and Patricia Vernot in Saginaw, Michigan. Paul graduated from Vassar High School in Vassar, Michigan in 1969. On July 10, 1969, Paul and Constance (Davis) were married. Paul attended General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan and worked for General Motors for more than 50 years between Saginaw, Michigan and Defiance, Ohio. He was a journeyman electrician and later became an HVAC technician. He retired in 2022. In 1971, Paul's life was changed when he accepted Jesus Christ as His Savior. Paul walked with God the rest of his life and was beloved by his children and...

DEFIANCE - Baldemar L. Bejarano, age 81 of Defiance, passed away on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at Mercy Defiance Hospital. He was born on April 11, 1943 to Joaquin and Julia (Limon) Bejarano in Brownsville, Texas. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969. On July 9, 1966 he married Guadalupe Pina, who survives. Baldemar was a faithful member of St, Mary Catholic Church, AmVets #1991, Knights of Columbus #1039, UAW Local #211, and was past president and active member of the Hispanic Awareness Organization. He worked for 39 years as a Millwright at General Motors until his retirement in 2004. Baldemar was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather who...

DEFIANCE Virgil J. Meyer, 98, of Defiance, Ohio, peacefully passed into the arms of Jesus on Monday, September 16, 2024 at Kingsbury Place, Defiance. Virgil was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend to so many. He is survived by his children; June Martin of Defiance, Connie (Mark) Tobias of Oregon, Ohio, Ron Meyer of Defiance, grandchildren; Jeff (Cindy) Fronk, Greg (Tracey) Fronk, Mattie (Alex Derr) Martin, Dan (Kristy) Tobias, Brian (Jessica) Tobias, Aaron Tobias, Ben (Becky) Tobias, Derek (Heidi) Meyer, Trey (Allie) Meyer; step granddaughters, Tina and Tricia Martin, 19 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a sister-in-law,...

DEFIANCE - Elinor Ann Lee, age 87 of Defiance, peacefully passed away surrounded by her family on Monday, September 16, 2024 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center. She was born on August 9, 1937 to Donald and Elnora (Wade) VanVlerah in Defiance, Ohio. Elinor had a true passion for taking care of others and worked as an LPN for Defiance Hospital for over 28 years. She was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church. She enjoyed children, being surrounded by children, and traveling to Florida during the winter months. She was known by all as a very kind and generous person, and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Elinor is survived by her brothers, Allan ...

CLEVELAND, TN - Reverend John E. "Jack" Hess, 80, resident of Cleveland, TN and formerly of Defiance, Ohio passed away on Sunday evening, September 15, 2024 at the home of his daughter. He was born on April 2, 1944 in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania to the now late William A. Hess, Sr. and Edna Louise Esler Hess. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 40 years, Martha "Marty" May Veenis Hess and his brother. Jack graduated in 1966 from Westminster College with a BA in Psychology and in 1970 from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Care. He was an Ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament by the Presbytery of Pittsburgh in 1970. He served...

DEFIANCE - Elizabeth "Betty" Ann (Bilderback) Behringer, 91, of Defiance, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, September 15, 2024 at her home with family by her side. She was born December 31, 1932, to the late Wayne and Ruby (Webber) Bilderback of Hicksville, Ohio. She was a graduate of Defiance High School Class of 1950, and a 1954 graduate of Defiance College, where she obtained her degree in Education. On October 9, 1954 Betty was united in Holy Matrimony with Fredric J. Behringer at St. Michael's Ridge, Defiance, OH., with Fr. Crawford officiating. They celebrated 63 years of marriage before Fred's passing in 2018. They loved each other immensely. Betty and Fred were avid...

DEFIANCE - William K. "Bill" Hultz, age 86 of Defiance, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024 at Brookview Healthcare Center in Defiance, Ohio, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 18, 1938 to the late Kenneth and Florence (Nell) Hultz in Defiance, Ohio. Bill graduated from Defiance High School in 1957 and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Defiance College in 1969. Bill proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964. On May 16, 1965 he married Suzanne Heilman who survives. Bill was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church. He worked as a Chemist at General Motors for 37 years from 1964 until his retirement in 2001. He was a member of the NRA and...

DEFIANCE ? James Michael Wagner, age 44 of Defiance, passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on Friday, September 6, 2024, in Henry County, Ohio. He was born on December 4, 1979, to Michael and Deborah (Hively) Wagner in Fremont, Ohio. James proudly earned his Master's Degree from Bluffton College and was on the football team. On January 1, 2018, he married the love of his life Amanda Foss, who survives. James worked for Snyder's Auto Sales in Napoleon. He was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns. He loved riding his Harley, boating, and being on the water. James was known for his giant personality and was loved by everyone around him. He...