Tracy L. Coon
Sept. 21, 1972 - Feb. 7, 2004
Tracy L. Coon, 31, of Van Wert, died at 5:48 p.m. Saturday at Lima Memorial Hospital. She was born Sept. 21, 1972, in Lima, to Charles and Lois (Spring) Coon. Her mother survives in Van Wert. Survivors also include a son, Bennet Coon of Van Wert; a sister, Amie Coon of Van Wert; a brother, James Coon of Ohio City; a cousin, Dennis (Melody) Spring; and nieces and nephews, Brianna and Nicholas Coon and Libby, Madison and Anna Spring. She was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Al and Ruby Spring; and fraternal grandparents, Flo and Marvin Meyers. Ms. Coon was a house parent with Marsh Foundation. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Van Wert and a graduate of Van Wert High School. Upon her death, her organs were harvested for donation. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Harter and Son Funeral Home, the Rev. Steve A. Robinson officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to her son.

Rita S. Brunk
Feb. 23, 1938 - Feb. 9, 2004
Rita S. Brunk, 65, of Delphos, died at 2:20 p.m. Monday at St. Rita's Medical Center. She was born Feb. 23, 1938, in Delphos, to Walter and Gertrude (Matson) Fair. Survivors include a daughter, Kimberly (Dan) Hohman of Van Wert; a brother, Donald (Betty) Fair of Lima; two sisters, Rose Mary Settlage of Lima and Lois (Wilbur) Markward of Delphos; and a granddaughter, Kylie Hohman. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Rolland Fair; and a sister, Beth Ann Knebel. Brunk was a real estate agent for 30 years, many of those years with Yocum Realty of Delphos. She was an 18-year Million Dollar Club salesperson. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Delphos, and the United Methodist Women and Prayer Chain. She was also a member of the Delphos Ladies Club, Ladies Auxiliary VFW, American Legion Auxiliary 296, and Eagles Auxiliary 471. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Harter and Son Funeral Home, the Rev. David Howell officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. today and 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society.

Ronald F. Rice
July 10, 1931 - Feb. 4, 2004
Ronald F. Rice, 72, of Delphos, died at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday at his residence in Florida. He was born July 10, 1931, in Van Wert County, to Harvey and Carolyn (Studer) Rice. His mother survives in Delphos. On Aug. 3, 1951, he married Ann Mox, who survives in Palmeto, Fla. Other survivors include a son, Ronald E. (Carolyn) Rice of Delphos; three daughters, Deborah (Robert) Slechter of Lima, Susan (Larry) Reithman of Oakwood, and Jacquelyn (Barry) Hanenkratt of Defiance; 15 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father; two brothers, Norman and Kenneth Rice; and a great-granddaughter, Audrey Dobbelaere. Mr. Rice worked for 17 years at Mox Nursery, then drove a truck for Gressell's for 22 years before retiring. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Bradenton, Fla. He was also a member of VFW Post 3360 of Defiance, Fraternal Order of Eagles Post 2405 of Paulding, American Legion Post 541 of Continental, Moose Lodge 2117 of Palmeto, Fla., Elks Lodge 2449 of Palmeto and American VETS of Defiance. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during the Korean War as a Third Class Petty Officer. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. today at Harter and Son Funeral Home, the Rev. William Schultz officiating. Burial was in King Cemetery, Middle Point, with military graveside rites conducted by the Delphos Veteran's Council. Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society.

James E. Webb Sr.
April 30, 1937 - Feb. 6, 2004
James E. Webb Sr., 66, of Waynesfield, died at noon Friday at Lima Memorial Hospital. He was born April 30, 1937 in Union Twp., Auglaize County, to Earl Willis and Helena Maxine Wilson Webb. On June 30, 1977 he married Frances L. Shape, who survives in Waynesfield. Other survivors include two sons, James Earl (Diane) Webb Jr. of Delphos, and Michael (Judy) Tannehill of St. Paris; two daughters, Jean Ann (Donnie W.) Frye of Spencer, N.C., and Carol Davis of Celina; three brothers, Vernon (Cindy) Webb of Oldsmar. Fla., John (Terri) Webb of Waynesfield and Ed (Jackie) Webb of Trinity, Fla., nine grandchildren, Alan (Hsueli) Tannehill, Traci (Mike) Smith, Bryan Davis, Jamie Ann (William Ashley) Marshall-Smithman, Jonica (John Ashley) Murdock, Christopher Tannehill, and Matthew, Derek an Nathan Webb; and seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Rodney C. Tannehill. Webb had been a supervisor for Allen County Engineers. He graduated from Waynesfield-Goshen High School in 1955. He was an avid Nascar fan, enjoyed other sports and feeding birds. He was an excellent mechanic. He had been part of the Lasting Legacy with Lifeline of Ohio. Funeral services will begin at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Bayliff and Son Funeral Home, Cridersville, the Rev. Thomas Gorman officiating. Burial will follow at Willow Branch Cemetery near Waynesfield. Friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to donor's choice.

Betty Ruth Miller
Sept. 8, 1923 - Feb. 3, 2004
Betty Ruth Miller, 80, of Delphos, died at 2:58 p.m. Tuesday at St. Rita's Medical Center. She was born Sept. 8, 1923 in Lima, to John and Tula Beech. On April 7, 1952, she married Russell E. Miller, who died Nov. 28, 1989. Survivors include two sons, Russell E. (Barb) Thompson of Lima and Carl E. Miller of Delphos; a daughter, Jennie R. Miller of Delphos; two grandsons, Garrett and Trevor Thompson; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert 'Bob' Beech; and a sister, Geraldine 'Jerry' Boop. Mrs. Miller was a homemaker and worked at McDonald's Restaurant in Delphos. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the American Legion in Lima, the Delphos Fraternal Order of Eagles and Senior Citizens and the Northwest Ohio Kidney Foundation. She enjoyed fishing and was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Harter and Son Funeral Home, the Revs. David Howell and Mike Swanton officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Walter C. Pothast
April 26, 1908 - Feb. 4, 2003 Walter C. Pothast, 95, of Delphos, died at 3:28 a.m. Wednesday at Lincolnway Nursing Home. He was born April 26, 1908 in Landeck, to John and Rose (Fischer) Pothast. On May 12, 1936, he married Henrietta Pohlman, who preceded him in death on May 14, 1997. Survivors include a son, Roger (Diane) Pothast of Delphos; three daughters, Valeta (Norman) Siebeneck of Ottoville, Sharon (Thomas) Schroeder of Delphos and Judy (Steve) Kemper of Delphos; two brothers, Omer (Rita) Pothast and Elmer Pothast of Delphos; a sister, Gertrude Ernst of Delphos; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one step great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Clifford and Cornelius (Nick) Pothast. Mr. Pothast was a farmer and self-employed carpenter. He was past president and board member of United Equity and a member of Catholic Knights of Ohio, Landeck. He enjoyed polka dancing. Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Delphos, the Rev. Thomas Gorman officiating. Friends may call 2-9 p.m. Friday and noon until time of service on Saturday at Harter and Son Funeral Home, where there will be a Catholic Knights of Ohio service and Parish Wake service at 8:30 p.m. Friday. Preferred memorials are to St. John's school.

Lula E. White
Feb. 9, 1911 - Jan. 29, 2004
Lula E. White, 92, of Delphos, died at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Van Crest Health Care Center. She was born Feb. 9, 1911 in Delphos, to William and Matilda (Bryan) Point. In 1938 she married John White, who died June 1960. Survivors include two sons, John (Jean) White of Minneapolis, Minn., and Phil (Sara) White of Worthington; and four grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Ruth and Mamie Point, and Mildred Myers. Mrs. White attended Delphos Jefferson High School and worked in the Savings Department at Huntington National Bank. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Lima. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Woodlawn Cemetery, Lima, the Rev. David Howell officiating.

Rosemary Suever
Feb. 5, 1910 - Feb. 3, 2004
Rosemary Suever, 93, of Delphos, died at 12:33 p.m. Tuesday at Vancrest Health Care Center. She was born Feb. 5, 1910 in Delphos, to George and Margaret Anne (McRedmond) Derwort. On April 16, 1928, she married Frank 'Bill' Suever, who died July 16, 1973. Survivors include two sons, Richard M. (Ann) Suever of Atlanta, Ga., and Arthur J. (Diane) Suever of Fort Wayne; and 15 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Louise Schmitz; a brother, George R. Derwort; two sisters, Dorthy M. Good and Aileen Van Atta; and two grandsons, Robert 'Robbie' Suever and Paul A. Suever. Mrs. Suever was a homemaker and worked at Scott's Grocery. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Rev. Thomas Gorman officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Harter and Son Funeral Home, where a parish wake will be held.

Eugene J. Minnig
Sept. 5, 1911 - Feb. 2, 2004
Eugene J. Minnig, 92, of Ft. Jennings, died at 7:53 a.m. Monday at Paradise Oaks, Cloverdale. He was born Sept. 5, 1911 in Delphos, to Joseph and Margaret (Hesseling) Minnig. On Sept. 27, 1948, he married Thelma (Crede) Minnig, who survives in Fort Jennings. Other survivors include three daughters, Deborah Lewis of Van Wert, and Margaret Mowery and Christin Sybert of Fort Jennings; a brother, Kermit Minnig of Delphos; a sister, Coelestine Brockman of Fort Jennings; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Minnig retired from St. Mary's Foods, Delphos. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Jennings; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3740, Ottoville; and the American Legion in Fort Jennings. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving 1942-46. He was preceded in death by a brother, a sister, a grandson and a great-grandson. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Immaculate Conception Church, Ottoville, the Rev. Tony Borgia officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph cemetery. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Harter and Son Funeral Home, where a V.F.W. service will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and a parish wake will also take place.

Paul R. Harter Jr.
Feb. 20, 1924 - Jan. 31, 2004
Paul R. Harter Jr., 79, of Delphos, died at 9 a.m. Saturday at his residence. He was born Feb. 20, 1924 in Delphos, to Paul and Margaret (Bodkin) Harter Sr. He had been married to Elma Wright, who preceded him in death. He then married Carla (Judkins) Weaver, who survives in Delphos. Other survivors include three sons, Douglas (Colleen) Harter of Delphos, Douglas (Mary Jo) Weaver of Columbus, and Craig (Kathy) Weaver of Santa Rosa, Calif.; two daughters, Margaret (David) Pawlicki of Maumee and Denise (Michael) Matson of Findlay; and 11 grandchildren. Mr. Harter was funeral director at Harter and Son Funeral Home from 1945 to the present. He also served on the Commercial Bank Board of Directors for 27 years from 1967-1994, where he was former chairman of the board and served on the state banking board for three years. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and served on various church committees. He was a 50-year member of Hope Lodge 214, Free and Accepted Masons; Spencerville Chapter 169, Royal Arch Masons; Delphos Council 72, Royal and Select Masons; and Ivanhoe Commandry 54, Knights Templar of Ohio; a member of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Toledo; Antioch Shrine of Dayton, B.P.O. Elks, American Legion Post 268, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 471, The Delphos Club, the National Rifle Association, Okoboji Indians and was a charter member and past president of the Delphos Rotary Club. He was a 1941 Jefferson graduate, a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving in the Medical Corps Infantry. He loved to travel and enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapshooting and received various trophies and awards. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeye and Jefferson Wildcat fan. Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Harter and Son Funeral Home, the Rev. David Howell officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by the Delphos Veterans Council. Friends may call 1-9 p.m. Tuesday and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, where a Masonic memorial service will be at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. Preferred memorials are to Trinity United Methodist Church or Shriner's Hospital.

Esther M. Buettner
July 23, 1908 - Feb. 1, 2004
Esther M. Buettner, 95, of Landeck, died at 9:10 a.m. Sunday at Vancrest Health Care Center. She was born July 23, 1908, in Allen County, to Thomas and Mathilda (Morketter) Gengler. On Aug. 31, 1935, she married Neil T. Buettner, who died Nov. 26, 1993. Survivors include a son, Norman (Stella) Buettner of Ottoville; a son-in-law, Alfred Landwehr of Kalida; two sisters, Viola Mueller of Landeck and Valeria Schmit of Dayton; nine grandchildren, Kevin (Karen) Buettner, Diane Buettner, Jeff (Kathy) Buettner, Brian (Debbie) Buettner, Peggy Landwehr, Beth (Marty) Lause, Becky (Mark) Ricker, Lisa (Jeff) Mueller and Randy Landwehr; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Janet Landwehr; a brother, Hilary Gengler; and four sisters, Martha Trentman, Estella Schwinnen, Mary Gengler and Valetta Gengler. Mrs. Buettner worked at the D.W.G. Cigar Factory and in the kitchen at Delphos Memorial Home. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Landeck, and its Altar Rosary Society. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday 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. Tuesday at Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp-Orians Funeral Home, where a parish wake will be at 4:30 p.m. Preferred memorials are to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or donor's choice.

Richard P. Pierner
Dec. 24, 1938 - Jan. 30, 2004
Richard P. Pierner, 65, of Delphos, died at 7 a.m. today at his residence. He was born Dec. 24, 1938, in Green Bay, Wis., to Richard and Ruth (Pagenkopf) Pierner. On Oct. 17, 1965, he married Ella Mae Brede, who survives in Delphos. Other survivors include a son, Kevin Pierner of Tulsa, Okla.; a daughter, Dawn Pierner of Spencerville; three sisters, Barbara (John) Choinski, Kay (Carey) Bohn and JoAnn (Robert) DuBois; and two granddaughters, Justice and Cole Pierner. He was preceded in death by a son, Kirk Pierner. Mr. Pierner worked at Continental Can in Van Wert as a supervisor. He was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Delphos, and the Van Wert Fraternal Order of Eagles, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and Moose Lodge. He loved the Green Bay Packers and was an avid fisherman. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Schauer & Schumaker Funeral Home, in Green Bay, the Rev. William Schultz officiating. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Saturday and 2-6 p.m. Sunday at Harter and Son Funeral Home, with a closing prayer service at 6 p.m. Sunday. Friends may also call 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home in Wisconsin. Preferred memorials are to St. Peter Lutheran Church, Moose Heart or the American Diabetes Association.

Bernard M. Falke
Dec. 27, 1928 - Jan. 29, 2004
Bernard M. 'Bernie' Falke, 75, of Delphos, died at 1:58 p.m. Thursday at his residence. He was born Dec. 27, 1928, in Delphos, to Ben and Mary (Kleman Rahrig) Falke. On April 27, 1972, he married Waanataa 'Nita' Fox, who survives in Delphos. Other survivors include two sons, Douglas (Jennifer) Falke of Columbus and Craig (Tammy) Falke of Springfield; two daughters, Tamra (Gary) Hall of West Jefferson and Lynn (Jim) Parker of Hilliard; a sister, Elda Calvelage of Delphos; a brother-in-law, Arnold Liebrecht; a sister-in-law, Helen Rahrig; many nieces and nephews; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Forrest Rahrig; and two sisters, Myrtle Louth and Agnes Liebrecht. Mr. Falke retired from Bockey Motor Sales. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3035 and American Legion Post 268. He was a 1946 graduate of St. John's High School and was an avid sports fan of St. John's, Jefferson and the Cincinnati Reds. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving in Germany. He enjoyed woodworking and going to Florida for baseball spring training. Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m Monday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Revs. Thomas Gorman and David Howell officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by the Delphos Veterans Council. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. today and 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Harter and Son Funeral Home, where a parish wake will be 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Preferred memorials are to the West Central Ohio Kidney Foundation.

Leonarda E. Kuhlman
Feb. 14, 1927 - Jan. 30, 2004
Leonarda E. 'Nardie' Kuhlman, 76, of Cloverdale, died at 4:27 a.m. Friday at SCCI Hospital, Lima. She was born Feb. 14, 1927, in Cloverdale, to Herman and Mary (Maas) Horstman. On May 8, 1947, she married Edmund J. Kuhlman, who died Aug. 31, 1990. Survivors include a son, Edmund A. Kuhlman of Delphos; three daughters, Sonia Kuhlman, Judith Kuhlman and Mary Ann Smith of Delphos; a sister, Luella Schroeder of Leipsic; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Alfred and Arthur Horstman; and a sister, Geraldine Horstman. Mrs. Kuhlman retired after owning Ed's Tavern in Cloverdale for 51 years. She was a member of St. Barbara Catholic Church, Cloverdale, and its Altar Rosary Society. She was also a member of the Continental American Legion Auxiliary and the Cloverdale Community Club. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Barbara Catholic Church, the Rev. Robert Kill officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Saturday and 2-8 p.m. Sunday at Love Funeral Home, Ottawa, where a scripture service will be 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Preferred memorials are to the Kidney Foundation.