Brian Allan Bakle
Jan. 28, 1980 - Jan. 12, 2004
Brian Allan Bakle, 23, of Paulding, died at 7 a.m. Monday at the University of Chicago Hospital, Chicago, Ill. He was born Jan. 28, 1980 in Paulding, to Lawrence Allan and Joyce Ann (Seibert) Bakle, who survive. Other survivors include maternal grandparents, Gerald and Jane (Brockert) Seibert of Lima; an aunt, Nancy Seibert of Webster Grove, Mo.; and many other aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Clayton Bakle; and paternal grandparents, Vaughn O. and Ottillia M. (Johanns) Bakle. Mr. Bakle was employed at Payne Equity Exchange and was a student at University of Northwestern Ohio, Lima. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Paulding, and the Paulding Eagles Aerie 2405. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Friends may call 2:30-9 p.m. Thursday at DenHerder Funeral Home, Paulding, where a rosary service will be at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials are to the Marrow Foundation or Leukemia Research Foundation.

Eugene C. Recker
Aug. 12, 1922 - Jan. 11, 2004
Eugene C. Recker, 81, of Cloverdale, died at 7:55 p.m. Sunday at St. Rita's Medical Center. He was born Aug. 12, 1922 in Glandorf, to Louis and Anna (Schroeder) Recker. On June 16, 1952, he married Mary Ann Schmenk, who died Dec. 18, 2001. Survivors include six sons, Eugene L. Recker, Daniel (Dawn) Recker and Charles (Mary Beth) Recker of Cloverdale, Thomas J. (Christina) Recker of Continental and Earl (Brenda) Recker and John (Sherri) Recker of Ottawa; six daughters, Linda (Doug) McKibben of Ashland, Marie (Charles) Bidlack of Continental, Virginia (Dennis) Kiracofe of Lima, and Patricia (Craig) Guisinger, Jane (Steve) Sybert and Joan (Kevin) Niese of Kalida; two brothers, Robert (Betty) Recker of New Riegel and Don (Betty) Recker of Glandorf; five sisters, Ruth Ann Brickweg of Cincinnati, Dorothy Hoehn and Patty (Glen) Deters of Glandorf, Betty Lou (John) Stechschulte of Ottawa and Joyce (Ken) Goecke of Spencerville; 28 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters, May Ranchel and Cecilia Inkrott; two brothers, Ralph and Joe Recker; and three grandchildren. Mr. Recker was a lifelong farmer. He was a member of St. Isidore Catholic Church, Cuba, and its Holy Name Society; the Kalida Knights of Columbus and the Farm Bureau. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Michael Catholic Church, Kalida, the Rev. Scott Kramer officiating. Burial will be in St. Isidore Cemetery, Cuba. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. today and 2-9 Wednesday at Love Funeral Home, Ottawa, where a Knights of Columbus Rosary will be at 8 p.m. today and a scripture service will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Preferred memorials are to Continental St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Building Fund.

Harold J. Rieman
Feb. 1, 1937 - Jan. 11, 2004
Harold J. Rieman, 66, of Kalida, died at 7:40 p.m. Sunday at St. Rita's Medical Center. He was born Feb. 1, 1937, to Cletus and Martha (Brinkman) Rieman. Survivors include three daughters, Karen (Robert) Sarka and Marcia Rieman of Kalida, and Joyce (Joseph) Wehri of Ottoville; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Helen Heitmeyer. Mr. Rieman retired from Ford Motor Company in Lima. He was a member of the Ottawa Eagles and a social member of the Ottawa American Legion. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Love Funeral Home, Ottawa, the Rev. Scott Kramer officiating. Burial will be in St. Michael Cemetery, Kalida. Friends may call 2-9 p.m. today at Love Funeral Home, Ottawa, where an Eagles service will be at 6:30 p.m. Preferred memorials are to Pathways.

AnnaBelle Claypool
May 21, 1923 - Jan. 10, 2004
AnnaBelle Claypool, 80, of Delphos, died at 5 p.m. Saturday at her residence. She was born May 21, 1923 in Delphos, to Nathaniel and Nora Diltz. On June 7, 1940, she married Gerald 'Bud' Claypool, who died Jan. 22, 2003. Survivors include a son, Dennis (Dianne) Claypool of Delphos; three daughters, AlVera Paxson of Scottsdale, Ariz., Geralene (Dick) Thitoff of Delphos and Joyce (Mark) Miller of Van Wert; two sisters, Louella Teman and Lauritta Kohorst of Delphos; 14 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Russell, Ira, Gerald and Ellis Diltz; and six sisters, Blanche Bowers, Eunice Good, Mary Ester, Beulah Morris, Velma Teman and Irma Martin. Mrs. Claypool retired after 19 years at Huffman Manufacturing. She attended Delphos Wesleyan Church. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Harter and Son Funeral Home, the Revs. Wayne Prater and Terry Martin officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to Delphos Wesleyan Church or St. Rita's Hospice.

Paul M. Shumaker
June 10, 1914 - Jan. 9, 2004
Paul M. Shumaker, 89, of Landeck, died at 5:08 p.m. Friday at St. Rita's Medical Center. He was born June 10, 1914 in Allen County, to William and Mary Ellen (Noonan) Shumaker. On Sept. 2, 1940, he married Esther Clement, who preceded him in death. Survivors include two sons, Urban 'Shuy' Shumaker of Landeck and William (Dolores) Shumaker of Delphos; three daughters, Mariella (Eugene) Meyer of Chapel Hill, N.C., Emily (Paul) Kleman of Van Wert and Lenore (Robert Michael) Brooker; 19 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Ellean Suever and Coletta Shumaker; and three brothers, Walter, Richard and Ralph Shumaker. Mr. Shumaker was a retired farmer. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Landeck, and was a member and past president of the Landeck Catholic Knights of Ohio. He was also a member of the Farm Bureau and an honorary chapter farmer of the Delphos FFA. He was an avid fisherman and gardener and enjoyed watching sports. Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, the Rev. John Fleck officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today at Harter and Son Funeral Home, where a parish wake will be at 8 p.m. and a CK of O service will be at 8:30 p.m. Preferred memorials are to the American Red Cross or Landeck Catholic Knights of Ohio.

Julian C. Placke
May 21, 1914 - Jan. 11, 2004
Julian C. Placke, 89, of Delphos, died at 6:40 a.m. Sunday at Van Wert Manor, Van Wert. He was born May 21, 1914 in St. Henry, to Henry and Mary (Huelsman) Placke. He married Elsie (Geething) Placke, who survives in Van Wert. Other survivors include five sons, Chester Eugene (Ruth) Placke of Findlay, David (Cindy) Placke of Cleveland, the Rev. Stephen (Carolyn) Placke of Van Wert, Michael (Cheryl) Placke of Tiffin and Karl (Christina Gaugler) Placke of Delphos; a daughter, Rose Ann (Leonard) Smith of Wapakoneta; 10 grandchildren, three stepgrandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Vincent Placke; four brothers, Laurence, Norbert, Alfred and Arnold Placke; and a sister, Louise Goodnick. Mr. Placke was a welder at Fruehauf and retired after 25 years. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3035 and atttended First Church of God in Van Wert. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He enjoyed country music and cars. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Harter and Son Funeral Home, the Rev. Stephen Placke officiating. A military service will be performed by the Delphos Veterans Council after the funeral service. Burial will be at a later date in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the Alzheimer's Association.

Patricia Endres
April 30, 1930 - Jan. 10, 2004
Patricia Endres, 73, of Delphos, died at 6:25 p.m. Saturday at St. Rita's Medical Center. She was born April 30, 1930, in Delphos, to Glenn and Adeline (Stocklin) Metcalfe. On Nov. 18, 1950, she married William Endres, who survives in Delphos. Other survivors include two sons, David (Lavesa) Endres of Corpus Christi, Texas, and William (Lori) Endres of Elida; three daughters, Monica (Reg) Bardo of Castaic, Calif., Susan (Gene) Miller of Columbus Grove and Janine Jester of Delphos; a sister, Margaret Leitch of St. Clair, Mich.; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Marion 'Mike,' Joe 'Toby' and Eugene 'Schoolie' Metcalfe. Mrs. Endres was co-owner of Delphos RV Service for 14 years and was a homemaker. She was a Jefferson High School graduate. She loved to paint and do many other crafts. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Harter and Son Funeral Home, Pastor Gerbert Darlington officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the West Central Kidney Foundation or Delphos Visiting Nurses.

Josephine V. Shindeldecker
May 11, 1942 - Jan. 9, 2004
Josephine V. Shindeldecker, 61, of Van Wert, died at 6:43 a.m. Friday at Van Wert County Hospital. She was born May 11, 1942 in Allen County, to George and Dora (Kitchen) Hoffman. On June 20, 1959, she married Carl Shindeldecker, who died Oct. 2, 1999. Survivors include a daughter, Lisa (Terry) Meeker of Van Wert; and two sisters, Caroline Pavel and JoAnne Hoffman of Delphos. She was preceded in death by a brother, George Hoffman Jr.; and three sisters, Marcella Armstrong, Velma Louise Fifer and Diane Budd. She was a homemaker. Funeral services will be 7 p.m. Monday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Robert Boop II officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Friends may call 2-4 and 5-7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.

Samuel Denney McKitterick
April 4, 1949 - Jan. 9, 2004
Samuel Denney McKitterick, 54, of Van Wert, died Friday at his residence. He was born April 4, 1949 in Jackson, to Samuel and Mary Marjorie (Denney) Haas McKitterick. On Aug. 22, 1975, he married Linda (Ranly) McKitterick, who survives. He was owner and operator of Abbey Road Moving and Storage for 15 years. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Mary Catholic Church, Van Wert, the Rev. Charles Obinwa officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery. Friends may call 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, where a vigil service will be at 7:45 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to The McKitterick Children College Fund.

Mildred I. Long
March 15, 1909 - Jan. 6, 2004
Mildred I. 'Millie' Albright Long, 94, of Spencerville, died at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday at Roselawn Manor Nursing Home, Spencerville. She was born March 15, 1909, in Casey, Ill., to Mathew and Sylvia (Schreider) Roeder. She was raised by her father and step-mother, Estella L. Nungester. Her father later married Winnifred Keil. On Dec. 25, 1929, she married Charles Albright, who died Aug. 2, 1970. On May 27, 1975, she married Arthur N. Long, who survives. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, the Revs. Michael Swanton and William R. Abram officiating. Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday in St. Matthew Cemetery near Cridersville. Friends may call 1-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to Trinity United Methodist Church, Spencerville.

Mary B. Core
March 17, 1913 - Jan. 7, 2004
Mary B. Core, 90, of rural Spencerville, died at 9:05 a.m. Wednesday at Roselawn Manor Nursing Home, Spencerville. She was born March 17, 1913, in Salem Township, Auglaize County, to Henry and Sarah Jane (Bowersock) Bauer. On Nov. 28, 1933, she married Henry R. 'Hank' Core, who died Sept. 16, 1994. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Trinity United Methodist Church, Spencerville, the Rev. Gary W. Rode officiating. Burial will be in the Old Hartford Cemetery, northeast of Spencerville. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Friday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, where an Order of Eastern Star service will be at 9 p.m. Calling will also be after 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Mathew G. Link
Feb. 1, 1954 - Jan. 5, 2004
Mathew G. Link, 49, of Phoenix, Ariz., formerly of Delphos, died at 4:48 p.m. Monday at his residence. He was born Feb. 1, 1954, in Lima, to Charles and Barbara (Altman) Link, who survive in Quincy, Mich. Other survivors include a son, Jarred Polser; a daughter, Amanda (Chris 'Bud') Kuhlman of Ottawa; a sister, Christine (Frank) Wulfhorst of Delphos; two brothers, Mark (Nancy) Link and Chad (Tammy) Link of Columbus; and two grandchildren, Kenna Jade and Hayden Christopher Kuhlman. Mr. Link worked for Dana Corporation in Lima. He was a past member of Eagles Lodge 471 and was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. He was a 1972 graduate of Jefferson High School. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed fishing. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Harter and Son Funeral Home, the Rev. Thomas Gorman officiating. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, where a parish wake will be at 7:45 p.m. Preferred memorials are to the American Leukemia Society.

Wanda E. Hoffmann
Jan. 25, 1925 - Jan. 7, 2004
Wanda E. Hoffmann, 78, of Lima, died at 2:32 a.m. Wednesday, at St. Rita's Medical Center. She was born Jan. 25, 1925, in Illinois, to Lester and Lilly Wilson. She married John Hoffmann, who died Aug. 19, 2002. Survivors include six children, Steven Miller of Illinois, Bonnie (Ken) Dison of Menomonee Falls, Wis., Wendy Strack of Findlay, Tim (Debbie) Miller of Fort Smith, Ariz., Jeff Miller of Tucson, Ariz., and Greg (Beth) Miller of Waynesfield; and three stepchildren, Arnold J. (Jane) Hoffmann of Huntersville, S.C., Linda (Jim) Smedinghoff of Wheaton, Ill., and Diane Kuhnen of Warrenville, Ill. Mrs. Hoffmann was owner and operator of Alpha Advertising and a homemaker. She also taught Sunday school. She was a member of Gomer United Church of Christ. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Gomer United Church of Christ, the Rev. Brian Knoderer officiating. Burial will be in Pike Run Cemetery. Friends may call one hour prior to services at the church. Arrangements are by Harter and Son Funeral Home. Preferred memorials are to the church.

Juanita M. Ward
Jan. 25, 1926 - Jan. 5, 2004
Juanita M. Ward, 77, of Lima, died at 10:40 p.m. Monday at St. Rita's Medical Center. She was born Jan. 25, 1926, in Paintsville, Ky., to Charles W. and Norma V. (Conley) Ferguson. Survivors include two sons, Larry (Shirley) Ward of Wheaton, Ill., and Carl Ward of Lima; three sisters, Mildred King of Staffordsville, Ky., Bonnie Picklesimer of Lima and Jewell Sole of Paintsville; two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Ms. Ward retired from Excelle-Textron after 35 years. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Harter and Son Funeral Home. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Friends may call 5-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to Christian Appalachia Project.

Clarence L. Smith
June 17, 1903 - Jan. 2, 2004
Clarence L. Smith, 100, of Van Wert, died at 7:40 p.m. Friday at Vancrest Health Care Center, Van Wert. He was born June 17, 1903, in Van Wert County, to Harvey Claude and Nellie V. (Sevens) Smith. On June 30, 1945, he married Betty Jane Margaret Barnes, who died Feb. 11, 1986. Survivors include a son, Larry A. (Vicki L.) Smith of Elgin; two daughters, Beverly (Larry) Nighswander and Darlene (Mark) Fisher of Van Wert; a sister, Helen Heath of Washington State; eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Eva Halliwell; and four brothers, George S., Merlin H., Bernard and Kenneth Smith. Mr. Smith owned and operated Van Wert Washer and Dryer Service for many years and was a bus driver for Lincolnview Schools. He was U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Mexican Conflict. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Cowan and Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, the Rev. Neil Hammons officiating. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Hoaglin Township. Friends may call 4-9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to Community Health Professionals or Gideons International.

Jane R. Sunderland
April 3, 1921 - Jan. 3, 2004
Jane R. Sunderland, 82, of Spencerville, died at 7:33 p.m. Saturday at Lima Convalescent Home. She was born April 3, 1921 in Wapakoneta, to David M. and Lenora (Ruck) Orphal. On Feb. 10, 1944, she married Richard L. 'Dick' Sunderland, who died May 21, 1981. Mass of Christian burial will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Landeck, the Rev. John Fleck officiating. Burial will be in Spencerville Cemetery. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. today at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, where a parish wake will be at 8 p.m. Preferred memorials are to St. Patrick Catholic Church, Spencerville, or Lima Convalescent Home Alzheimer's Fund.

Alice Gengler
July 26, 1909 - Jan. 4, 2003
Alice Gengler, 94, of Delphos, died at 1:45 p.m. Sunday, at St. Rita's Medical Center. She was born July 26, 1909, to Adam and Laura (Etzkorn) Miller. On June 15, 1929, she married Aloysius 'Aloy' Gengler, who died April 20, 1977. Survivors include two sons, William (Annie) Meyers of Ottawa and Richard (Marilyn) Gengler of Landeck; a daughter, Mary (Eugene) Ashby of Fort Wayne; three sisters, Luella Beard of Cleveland and Mary Hauenstein and Ann (Eugene) Klausing of Delphos; two brothers, Alphonse Miller of Delphos and Paul (Lois) Miller of Phoenix, Ariz.; 15 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Melvin Miller; two sisters, Isabelle Gengler and Ceil Murney; and a granddaughter, Kathleen Ashby. Mrs. Gengler was active in the dairy farm business and was the former owner of the Delphos Recreation Center. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Landeck, and its Altar Rosary Society and Catholic Ladies of Columbia Council 84. She was also a member of Eagles Aerie 471 Auxiliary. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, the Rev. John Fleck officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call 2-9 p.m. today at Harter and Son Funeral Home, where a parish wake will be at 3:30 p.m. and a CL of C service will be at 7 p.m. Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society or the church.

Clarence Butler
Oct. 5, 1940 - Dec. 30, 2003
Clarence 'Buck' Butler, 63, of Delphos, died at 8:50 p.m. Tuesday at St. Rita's Medical Center. He was born Oct. 5, 1940 in Delphos, to Clarence and Harriette (Baer) Butler. His stepfather, Charles McClung survives. On June 27, 1959, he married Barbara (Carder) Butler, who survives in Delphos. Survivors also include a son, Brian (Brett Andrews) Butler of Fort Wayne; two daughters, Sherri (Larry) Etzkorn and Deann (Larry) Heiing of Delphos; two sisters, Jeannette (Lonnie) Sterling of Delphos and Diane (Jerry) Glasscock of Temple, Texas; a brother, Raymond (Shirley) Butler of Defiance; and five grandchildren, Nicole Etzkorn and Lauren, Logan, Austin and Noah Heiing. He was preceded in death by a son, Craig Duane Butler; a granddaughter, Amanda Etzkorn; and a brother, David Butler. Mr. Butler retired from Fruehauf Corporation. He also refinished furniture and bought and sold antiques. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and Sons of American Legion. He was an avid Blue Jay basketball fan since 1959 and was also a fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians and Bill Elliot. Mass of Christian burial will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. today at Harter and Son Funeral Home, where a parish wake will be at 7:45 p.m. Preferred memorials are to St. John's Athletic Fund or donor's choice.

Lawrence S. Burgei
Oct. 2, 1927 - Dec. 31, 2003
Lawrence Sigmund Burgei, 76, of Cloverdale, died at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday at St. Rita's Medical Center. He was born Oct. 2, 1927 in Cloverdale, to Michael and Pauline (Pittner) Burgei. On July 4, 1953, he married Mary Jane (Koester) Burgei, who survives in Cloverdale. Survivors also include two sons, Don Burgei of Ottoville and Tony (Marty) Burgei of Cloverdale; a daughter, Karen (John) Ricker of Cloverdale; eight brothers and sisters, Hilary (Marie) Burgei and Dorothy Kahle of Kalida, Margaret Maas of Lima, Paul Burgei and Helen Koester of Ottoville, Agnes King of Delta, Mildred (Bill) Pollock of Columbus and Miriam (Norman) Kamman of Toledo; and six grandchildren, Angie (Tom) Pettinger, Paul Ricker, Mike Burgei, Kimberly Ricker, Nikki Burgei and Jenny Burgei. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Annette Kromer and Louise Burgei. Mr. Burgei retired from Perry Township as maintenance man and he also farmed. He was a member of St. Barbara Catholic Church, Cloverdale, and its Holy Name Society. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Barbara Catholic Church, the Rev. Robert Kill officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call 2-9 p.m. today at Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp-Orians Funeral Home, Ottoville, where a parish wake will be at 8:30 p.m. Preferred memorials are to St. Rita's Radiation Center and Oncology Unit or donor's choice.

Vern Truesdale
Vern Truesdale, 61, of Waverly, Iowa, formerly of Delphos, died Dec. 19 at his residence. He was born in Delphos to Minor and Myrtle Truesdale. His mother survives in Delphos. He married Barbara Beckmann, who survives in Waverly. Other survivors include two daughters, Betty (Graeme) McCullough of London, England, and Sara Truesdale of Minneapolis; a son, David Truesdale of Northfield, Minn.; two sisters, Dorothy (David) Robinson and Linda (Arthur) Chapman of Fort Wayne; and four nieces and nephews. Mr. Truesdale was vice president for business and finance and treasurer at Wartburg College in Waverly, where he was instrumental in securing bonding for the renovation and expansion of Wartburg's Student Center and Science Center and for successfully initiating those projects. From 1986 to 2002, he was vice president for resource management and treasurer at Capital University in Columbus, where he was instrumental in planning and implementing many campus improvements including an $8 million renovation of the conservatory facility, a $14 million law school project and a $19 million athletic and recreational facility. In 1998, he received Capital's Stellhorn Award for 'outstanding and devoted service' to the university. While in Columbus, he also served on the boards of Lutheran Senior City and Lutheran Social Services of Ohio and was president of the Bexley Area Chamber of Commerce. In 1976, Truesdale and his family moved to Minneapolis where he was director of finance for the Division for Service and Mission in America of the American Lutheran Church until 1980. From 1980 to 1986, he served as an assistant executive secretary of the American Lutheran Church Board of Trustees and also served as president of his church council. He was a 1960 graduate of Jefferson High School. While he was a teen-ager, he helped operate the family farm and participated in many school and church activities. He graduated from International Business College in Fort Wayne and then worked for Lincoln National Life Insurance Company from 1962 to 1966, first as a manager trainee and then as a planning analyst. He transferred to Wartburg College in 1966 and graduated magna cum laude in 1967 and remained at the college, working in the administration department from 1967 to 1970 and as registrar from 1970 to 1976. Preferred memorials are to Wartburg College, 100 Wartburg Blvd., P.O. Box 1003, Waverly, Iowa, 50677-0903.

George G. Bracker
April 12, 1917 - Dec. 26, 2003
George G. Bracker, 86, of Lima, died at 7:15 p.m. Dec. 26 at Springview Manor Nursing Home. He was born April 12, 1917 in Fort Jennings, to Bernard and Anna (Klausing) Bracker. He had been married to Rita Haunhorst, who survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Joyce A. Bowersock of Lima; two grandchildren, Kecia L. (David) Brady of Milford, Mich., and Andrew C. (Tammy) Bowersock of Des Plaines, Ill.; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, David E. Bracker, who died in Vietnam; and two sisters, Theresa B. Alspaugh and an infant. Mr. Bracker was a machine operator for a construction company. He was a member of Disabled American Veterans and the International Union of Operating Engineers. He served in the U.S. Army from April 24, 1944 to Dec. 26, 1944. A memorial Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Delphos, the Rev. Christopher Vasko officiating. There is no visitation. Preferred memorials are to the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 89, 130 W. Elm St., Lima, 45801.

Helen L. Maloney
May 21, 1921 - Dec. 31, 2003
Helen L. Maloney, 82, of Delphos, died at 5:27 p.m. Wednesday at St. Rita's Medical Center. She was born May 21, 1921, in Tipton, Ind., to Albert and Millie (Snider) Nay. On April 4, 1940, she married Michael C. Maloney, who died Sept. 17, 2003. Survivors include four sons, Robert (Carol) Maloney of Middle Point, Stephen (Gloria) Maloney of Wapakoneta, Rodney (Cheryl) Maloney of Elida and Jeffrey (Deb) Maloney of Indora, Kan.; a daughter, Carol (Don) Richards of Van Wert; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Francis Nay; and four sisters, Mildred Sheckler, Emma E. Gottschalk, Pearl Anderson and Betty Nay. Mrs. Maloney was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and volunteered at the Vancrest Health Care Center and the Interfaith Thrift Shop, all in Delphos. She enjoyed collecting antiques. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Harter and Son Memorial Chapel, the Rev. Ron Lumm officiating. Burial will be Venedocia Cemetery. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. today and noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Violet Marjorie Easton
June 23, 1914 - Dec. 30, 2003
Violet Marjorie Easton, 89, of Van Wert, died at 1:20 p.m. Tuesday at Van Wert County Hospital. She was born June 23, 1914, in Kingston, Ill., to Arthur E. and Edna Viola (Bishop) Gustafson. Survivors include two sons, Lance (Ann) Munger of Omaha, Neb., and Nicholas (Gail) Munger of Charlottesville, Va.; four daughters, Pamela (Robert) Grant of Tygh Valley, Ore., Vicki (Tom) Looser of Ottoville, Charla (Jeff) Buechner of Van Wert and Millie (Loren) Dove of Fort Wayne; 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Twyla Wrede and Shirley Bjerge; and a grandson, Martin Edward Blum. Mrs. Easton was a case worker for the Van Wert County Welfare Office from 1968 to 1984. She was a graduate of Belvidere High School, Belvidere, Ill., and attended Beloit College. She was a former member of the Van Wert Business Women's Club. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Cowan and Son Funeral Home, the Rev. Steve Placke officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society.

Irene Backus
Sept. 25, 1912 - Dec. 25, 2003
Irene Backus, 92, of Delphos, died at 6:10 a.m. Thursday at Roselawn Manor Nursing Home, Spencerville. She was born Sept. 25, 1912, in Danville, Pa., to John and Elizabeth (Amig) Bair. On Sept. 29, 1932, she married Clarence Backus, who preceded her in death. Survivors include a daughter, Phyllis Backus of Delphos; three granddaughters, Tonja Hansen, Misty Birchett and Julie Rutledge; five great-grandchildren, Tori Rutledge, Geoffrey Rutledge, Jessica Rutledge, Olivia Hansen and Jennifer Bair; and a nephew, Norman Bair. She was preceded in death by five brothers, Allen, Norman, Sam, John Jr., and Lewis Bair; and three sisters, Margaret Pride, Bertha Cain and infant Esther Bair. Mrs. Backus was a homemaker and taught Sunday school for 25 years. She was a member of First Assembly of God. She enjoyed word search puzzles, embroidery and was an excellent cook. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Harter and Son Funeral Home, the Rev. Dan Eaton officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the family.