USA High School Yearbooks by State and County
Forrest Robert (Bob) Ritzman
Forrest Robert "Bob" Ritzman, of Norton left this world to be with the Lord on July 25, 2004 after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Akron, Ohio on March 29, 1942 to Forrest Samuel and Emma Marie (Speheger) Ritzman.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Barbara (Eiler), who was his high school sweetheart and his best friend. He is also survived by his children, Laura (Brian) Carpenter of Phoenix, Susan Ritzman of Norton, Karen (Dan) Nagy of Doylestown, Todd (Stacy) Ritzman of Cleveland Heights, and Mark (Candi) Ritzman of Philadelphia; and his grandchildren, Austin, Abraham, Lauren and Carter Nagy. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Earl Ritzman; and Earl’s wife, Diane. Bob leaves behind his siblings, Walter Ritzman, Mary Ann (David) Zollinger, Martha (Carl) Zollinger, Paul Ritzman, Jerry (Susan) Ritzman and Eric (Mary) Ritzman.
Bob was a member of Grace Church of Norton where he taught Sunday School and Bible studies and was a member of the choir. He graduated from Norton High School in 1960 and received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Ohio Northern University in 1965. He has served various communities as a pharmacist for 39 years and has been an owner of Ritzman Natural Health Pharmacy since 1968. Bob was honored as a distinguished alumnus of Norton High of 2003. He will be remembered most for his love for others and his ability, through his actions and love, to teach others about God’s grace.
The family will be receiving friends at Grace Church of Norton, 3970 Cleveland-Massillon Road on Wednesday from 2 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the church on Thursday at 11 a.m. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, Bob had requested that donations be made to either Crossroads Grace Brethren Church - Frankford, 4624 Leiper, Philadelphia, PA 19124 or to Grace Church of Norton, 3970 Cleveland-Massillion Rd., Norton, Ohio 44203.
Fred Lansinger Jr.
Fred Lansinger Jr., 93, passed away peacefully April 26, 2006.
He was born July 24, 1912 in Cleveland. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and sang in the Navy Choir, “The Blue Jackets.” He sang in churches throughout Cleveland and Akron as a soloist. He was an inspector for the Defense Department for 24 years. He was a founder of Fairfield Glade Community Church and Fairfield Glade Lions Club.
Fred was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Phyllis. He is survived by his sons, Gary Lansinger and Brian (Beth) Lansinger; grandchildren, Crystal and Brooke; sister, Geraldine and her children, Dr. Richard Wells, Inga, and Eric.
A private family service will be held in Tennessee during the Memorial Day Weekend.
Frank Germano
AKRON, Ohio - Frank Germano, 86, went home to be with the Lord April 5, 2006. He served his country in many ways beginning with the (3-C) Corp, serving as a young man in Salmon, Idaho. He worked in a defense plant in Akron producing 40mm anti aircraft and gun barrels before WWII and during the Korean Conflict. He served in the US Navy on a PT Boat with Squadron #29 from 1943 to 1945 in the Mediterranean. He was a member of the Chapel. Frank had a long career as a watchmaker/jeweler, retiring from his first apprenticeship at age 60 and then retiring again at age 84 after 15 years as a watchmaker/jeweler at Germano Jewelers. He had a loyal following of customers and was well respected in the business community.
He had a long and fruitful marriage of 61 years and was a good father, husband and son.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Romolo and Santa (nee Del’ Angelo) ,brothers, Frederick and Salvator.
He is survived by his wife Barbara (nee Koehl); sons, Frank and Fred Germano; daughter, Sue Haag; sister, Anna Savoy.
Friends may call at the Bacher Funeral Home, 3326 Manchester Rd. on Sunday, April 9, 2006 from 2 to 5 p.m., where services will be held Monday at 11 a.m., with Pastor Bud Couts officiating.
Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Haven of Rest Ministries or The VFW in memory of Frank.
Geneva Chapman
NEW FRANKLIN - Geneva Chapman, 73, passed away April 24, 2006. She was born Feb. 15, 1933 in Bolair, WV. She was a member of the Akron Baptist Temple and enjoyed taking care of others and those in need. She was very sociable and enjoyed going places, walking with friends and neighbors, and making greeting cards.
Geneva is survived by her husband of 53 years, Bill; son, Mark (Joanne) Chapman; daughter, Pam (Jim) Romano; beloved granddaughter, Hannah; sisters, Goldie, Dora (John), and Betty Jo (Bernard); and many nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Bacher Funeral Home, 3326 Manchester Rd. on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m., where services will be held Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Interment at Hillside Memorial Park.
Gerald E. Davis
NORTON- Gerald E. (Jerry) Davis, age 67 went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 17, 2004 with his loving family, friends and Pastor Roma at his side.
He served in the U.S. Marines and retired from the Akron Board of Education with 32 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Corda and Bert Davis; brothers, Joe, Ralph and Don; sisters, Dorothy Bray, Evelyn Boyce, Eleanor Dills; brother-in-law, Jerry Llewellyn.
Surviving him are his wife Judy, married for 45 years; son, Don (Debbie); daughter, Kris (John); grandchildren, Lucas Earl and Heather Lynn; sister, Helene (Morgan) Warner, sister-in-law, Luetta Davis, brother-in-law, Jack (Kay) Dills, sister-in-law, Janice Llewellyn , brother-in-law, Denny (Linda) White, mother-in-law, Gladys White and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Jerry enjoyed being with his family more than anything and riding his John Deere. He was a generous, kind hearted Christian man who loved to make people laugh and feel good about themselves.
With arms wide open God welcomes Jerry!
Funeral services will be held Monday, June 21, 2004 at the Bacher Funeral Home, 3250 Greenwich Rd., Norton beginning at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Jim Roma of Wintergreen Ledges Church of God officiating. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will be receiving friends on Sunday at the funeral home from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Donations may be made to the Wintergreen Ledges Church of God, 1889 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, Ohio 44320.
Gerald P. Higley
Gerald P. Higley, born in Akron where he lived all of his 98 years, passed away March 2, 2008. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and retired from Summit County.
Gerald was preceded in death by his loving wife, Florence; and survived by sons, Jerry (Becky) Higley and Tom (Patricia) Busic; daughter, Kathy (Ronald) Wagner; 11 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place per Gerald’s wishes. There will be no calling hours.
Gerald R. Anderson
Gerald R. Anderson, 96, of Medina passed away on January 7, 2008 at his home at Western Reserve Community.
He was born on July 11, 1911 in Pennsville, Ohio to Clyde and Elsie (Benjamin) Anderson. He graduated from Miami University in 1932 with a bachelor’s degree in Science and Education. He was a high school teacher for 11 years and worked at Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. in the development department as a junior engineer and supervisor in new development for 12 years. In 1955 he began working at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. as a development engineer until his retirement in 1974. He was a 32 degree Mason for almost 70 years. He was an avid golfer and card player and was a resident of Venice, Florida for 30 years.
He was preceded in death by his first wife of 23 years, Violet (Newsom) Anderson; son, Eldon; brother, Earl; and sisters, Freda, Francis, Goldie, and Grace. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Clare (Cook) Anderson; children and spouses, Ann and Robert Kurtz of Norton, Jerry and Sharon (Cook) Anderson of Norton; and stepson, James C. and Cindy Cook of Youngstown; 12 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and 5 great, great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at the Bacher Funeral Home, 3250 Greenwich Rd., Norton, on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 1 p.m., Rev. James C. Cook officiating. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Friends may call prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Masonic service by Adoniram-Joppa Lodge 517 will be held at 12:30 p.m.
Geraldine (Jerry, Momo) Schott
Geraldine “Jerry” (Momo) Schott, 96, passed away January 2, 2008. She was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, although Manchester is where she made her home. She was a long-time member of Manchester United Methodist Church. Momo spent much of her time sewing and crocheting and then donating the fruits of her labor to area hospitals and other organizations.
Jerry was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Matilda Wagner; and husband of 39 years, Henry. She is survived by her daughter, Pat (Tom) Busic; son, Ronald Schott; granddaughter, Shannon (Joseph) Rodriguez; great-granddaughter, Emma Grace; and nieces, nephews and their families.
The family would like to thank the staff of Heather Ridge Commons and a special thank you to neighbors Fern and Roland Richards for their friendship over the years.
Friends may call at the Bacher Funeral Home, 3326 Manchester Rd. Map to funeral home, Friday, January 4 from 4 to 6 p.m., where services will be held Saturday at 10 a.m., Rev. Stephanie Lee officiating. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ardmore Foundation, 981 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44305, in memory of Jerry.
Geraldine L. Ovendorf
Geraldine L. Ovendorf, 82, passed away very peacefully surrounded by her family on Jan. 8, 2006. She was born June 19, 1923 in Akron, but had been a resident of the Manchester area for 50 years. She had worked as a postal clerk for the U.S. Postal Service for 15 years, was a member of AARP, and was a 50 year member of Hope Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and helped with Ladies Aid. Geraldine was an avid bridge player and was active in several bridge clubs. She was a loving and generous woman who will be dearly missed.
Geraldine was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Lester; parents, Mont and Ruby Caudill; sisters, Thelma Sommerville and Mary Kerns; and brother, Fred Caudill. She is survived by her son, James (Bonnie) Ovendorf; daughters, Carolyn (Chuck) Housley and Ann (Daniel) Trudel; grandchildren, James (Gina) Ovendorf, Kriss (Terry) Burgess, Justin and Corinne Housley, Eric and Allison Trudel; great-grandchildren, Regina and Julie Ovendorf, Josh Burgess, and “Jake” on the way; and special friend, Mary Davis.
Friends may call at the Bacher Funeral Home, 3326 Manchester Rd. on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Services will be held Thursday at Hope Lutheran Church at 12 noon, Pastor Jack Kozak officiating. Friends may also call at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment at Manchester Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Lutheran Church, 999 Portage Lakes Dr., Akron, OH 44319, or Haven of Rest Ministries, 175 E. Market St., P.O. Box 547, Akron, OH 44309-0547 in memory of Geraldine.
Gladys M. (Horton) Mahnen
Gladys M. (Horton) Mahnen, 80, went home to be with the Lord on April 29, 2004. She was born January 28, 1924 in Toledo, where she lived most of her life. Ten years ago she moved to Canton where she continued her love of gardening and tended her flowers.
Gladys is survived by her daughter, Sue (David) Delaney of Canton; sons, Jerry (Debbie) Horton and Terry Horton, all of Toledo; brother, Bill (Mary) Alberry of OK; nine grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to give a special thank you to the staff of Aultman Hospice for their loving care of our mother.
Cremation has already taken place. A memorial service will be held in Toledo at the convenience of the family. To honor the memory of Gladys, donations may be made to Aultman Hospice, 4510 Dressler Rd. NW, Canton, OH 44718.
Gladys M. Fuhrman
Gladys M. Fuhrman, 80, went home to be with the Lord on July 19, 2004. She was born April 24, 1924 in Coshocton, OH. She worked in the Athletic Department for C.Y.O., was a member of the The Chapel, and (her special group) “The Wicked Widows Plus Two.” She enjoyed playing cards, traveling, sewing, knitting, and crafts. Gladys loved her grandchildren and was proud to be a great-grandmother. She was loved and highly respected by everyone that knew her. Her family loved her very much and will miss her dearly.
Gladys was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Richard. She is survived by her son, Butch Fuhrman and his wife, Joyce; daughter, Sandra Hillman and her husband, Bob; sister, Mary Ann Jewitt; nine grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Bacher Funeral Home, 3326 Manchester Rd. on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m., where services will be held Thursday at 10:30 a.m., Pastor Lynn Warner officiating. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Chapel, 135 Fir Hill, Akron, OH 44305, in memory of Gladys.
