Sister Mary Janese
Sister Mary Janese (Catherine Gradel), 91, died Sunday. Born in January 1913 to George and Frances Gradel, Catherine Gradel enjoyed a vibrant family life with her three brothers and two sisters. With them, she attended Sacred Heart School and became acquainted with the Notre Dame sisters. She spent her high school years at Notre Dame Academy. In January 1931, Catherine entered the Sisters of Notre Dame and made her first vows in 1933. She continued her education at Toledo Teacher's College, DeSales College and Mary Manse, Toledo. She taught at St. Alphonsus, Peru; St. Ignatius, Oregon; St. Mary, Sandusky; St. Paul, Norwalk; and St. John's, Delphos. In Toledo, she was on the faculties of St. Ann, St. Mary and Ladyfield. Sister Mary Janese spent over 30 years at St. John's, where she became a vital part of parish life. Attending to the elderly and to the bereaved became her mission in the later years of her life. She is the last of her immediate family but has many nieces and nephews. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. today at the Toledo Provincial Center on Secor Road. The funeral liturgy will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, with burial at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Sisters of Notre Dame. Arrangements are by Abele Funeral Home, 3837 Secor Road, Toledo.

Helen A. Renner
Aug. 11, 1949 - Oct. 25, 2004
Helen A. Renner, 55, of Landeck, died Monday at her residence. She was born Aug. 11, 1949 in Cloverdale, to Ben and Donelda (Dickman) Horstman. On June 5, 1971, she married Norbert Renner, who survives in Landeck. Other survivors include three sons, Chris (Angie) Renner of Lima, Elen (Stephanie) Renner of Delphos and Bruce Renner of Landeck; three daughters, Brenda (Shane) Eallmeier of Delphos, Lisa (Eric) Kerner of Troy and Julie (Brad Hammer) Renner of Landeck; four sisters, Janet (Walter) Maag of Leipsic, Pat (Art) Rode of Landeck, Joan (Carl) Lehman of Miller City and Ruth (Ron) Foppe of Kalida; five brothers, Don (Eileen) Horstman of Michigan and Jerome (Emma) Horstman, Larry (Judy) Horstman, Lenny (Mary) Horstman and Denny (Chris) Horstman of Cloverdale; and seven grandchildren. Mrs. Renner was a homemaker, cook at Jefferson Middle School and worked at the Delphos Public Library. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Landeck, and its Altar Rosary Society, church choir and was a cantor. She was a 1967 graduate of Ottoville High School. She enjoyed and lived for her family, grandchildren and her work at school. Mass of Christian burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. John the Baptist Church, the Rev. John Fleck officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call 5-8 p.m. today and 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, where a parish wake will be at 2:30 p.m. Preferred memorials are to the American Psychological Association, Delphos Area Visiting Nurses Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

Anna Doreen Hoehn
Dec. 28, 1918 - Oct. 22, 2004
Anna Doreen Hoehn, 85, of Dearborn, Mich., formerly of Ottoville, died at 4:10 a.m. Friday at the Georgian Bloomfield Nursing Home, Bloomfield Hills. She was born Dec. 28, 1918 in Toronto, Ontario, to Cecil and Ellen (Hand) Cadwell. On Sept. 27, 1941, she married Orville William Hoehn, who died Feb. 18, 2003. Survivors include a son, Kenneth William (Lori) Hoehn of Brighton, Mich., a daughter, Patricia Marie (Michael) Hoen of West Bloomfield; four sisters-in-law, Wilma Sunderhaus of Ottawa, Norma (Dick) Wolke of Ottawa, Jenny Maag of Columbus Grove, and Dorothy Hoehn of Glandorf; three brothers-in-law, Ralph (Alice) Hoehn of Delphos, Joseph (Earlean) Hoehn of North Olmstead, and Jerry (Shirley) Hoehn of Ottoville; and a granddaughter, Christa Marie Hoen. She was preceded in death by her step-mother, May Cadwell; three sisters, Beatrice Smallbridge, Evelyn Martin and Illene Sikorski; and a brother, Ted Cadwell. She was an administrative assistant for the city of Dearborn Heights Board of Education. She was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Dearborn, Mich. Mass of Christian burial was at 10:30 a.m. today at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, the Rev. Tony Borgia officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association.

Hilda B. Miller
Nov. 20, 1918 - Oct. 24, 2004
Hilda B. Miller, 85, of Middle Point, died early Sunday at her daughter's residence in Van Wert. She was born Nov. 20, 1918, in Delphos, to Peter C. and Blanche (Unland) Kohorst-Dray. On May 29, 1940, she married Ira Reed Miller, who died on May 31, 1980. Survivors include two sons, Ira Reed (Connie) Miller Jr. of Middle Point, and Jeffery Rex (Deb) Miller of Van Wert; two daughters, Karen Sue Gardner and Bonny Ruth (Larry) Agler of Van Wert; a brother, Gerald 'Bud' Kohorst of Vincinnes, Ind.; 10 grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 11 step-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Gerald R. 'Bob' Miller; two sisters, Norma Katherine Miller and Wilma Walters; a son-in-law, Tom Gardner; a grandson, Gary Lee Miller; and a great-granddaughter, Abigail Agler-Gardner. Mrs. Miller attended the Methodist Church in Middle Point and Trinity Friends in Van Wert. She loved music and had a song for every occasion. She also enjoyed gardening and the outdoors. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, the Rev. Gerald Baker officiating. Burial will be in Middle Creek Cemetery. Friends may call 5-8 p.m. today; 2-8 p.m. Tuesday; and one hour prior to services Wednesday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the Animal Protection League or Delphos Area Visiting Nurses Home Health and Hospice.

Irene Otte
Jan. 17, 1931 - Oct. 23, 2004
Irene Otte, 73, of Delphos, died at 4:13 p.m. Saturday at St. Rita's Medical Center. She was born Jan. 17, 1931 in Blissfield, Mich., to Austin and Bessie (Butts) Mason. Survivors include a son, Terry Craig of Delphos; a daughter, Judy (Rick) Burnside of New Haven, Ind.; two sisters, Ruth Johnson of Sumpter, S.C., and Evelyn Ludwig of Van Wert; a brother, Warren Mason of Van Wert; and six grandchildren. Mrs. Otte retired from KP Industries after 28 years. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and the Eagles Auxiliary and was a graduate of Hoaglin Jackson High School. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point. Friends may call 5-8 p.m. Tuesday; 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday; and one hour prior to services Thursday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to donor's choice.

Anna Doreen Hoehn
Dec. 28, 1915 - Oct. 22, 2004
Anna Doreen Hoehn, 85, of Dearborn, Mich., formerly of Ottoville, died at 4:10 a.m. Friday at the Georgian Bloomfield Nursing Home, Bloomfield Hills. She was born Dec. 28, 1915 in Toronto, Ontario, to Cecil and Ellen (Hand) Cadwell. On Sept. 27, 1941, she married Orville William Hoehn, who died Feb. 18, 2003. Survivors include a son, Kenneth William (Lori) Hoehn of Brighton, Mich., a daughter, Patricia Marie (Michael) Hoehn of West Bloomfield; four sisters-in-law, Wilma Sunderhaus of Ottawa, Norma (Dick) Wolke of Ottawa, Jenny Maag of Columbus Grove, and Dorothy Hoehn of Glandorf; three brothers-in-law, Ralph (Alice) Hoehn of Delphos, Joseph (Earlean) Hoehn of North Olmstead, and Jerry (Shirley) Hoehn of Ottoville; and a granddaughter, Christa Marie Hoehn. She was preceded in death by her step-mother, May Cadwell; three sisters, Beatrice Smallbridge, Evelyn Martin and Illene Sikorski; and a brother, Ted Cadwell. She was an administrative assistant for the city of Dearborn Heights Board of Education. She was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Dearborn, Mich. Mass of Christian burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, the Rev. Tony Borgia officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Friends may call 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp-Orians Funeral Home, Ottoville, where a parish wake will be at 4:30 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association.

Rose H. Weithman
Jan. 22, 1931 - Oct. 21, 2004
Rose H. Weithman, 73, former resident of New Washington, died Thursday at the home of her daughter in Fort Jennings, where she had been residing. She was born Jan. 22, 1931 in Huron County, to Carl and Veronica (Ringlein) Stieber. She married Joseph C. Weithman, who died in 1997. Survivors include a son, Timon (Cynthia) Weithman of New Washington; a daughter, Janet (Steve) Klausing of Fort Jennings; a sister, Kathleen Meyer of Bellevue; a brother, Wilfrid Stieber of Norwalk; and five grandchildren, Jessica Weithman, Kendra, Kelsey, Kasidy and Erikson Klausing. She was a retired school teacher's aide from St. Bernard's Catholic School, where she worked over 20 years. She was a member of the St. Bernard Catholic Church and its altar and rosary societies, and the K of C Auxiliary. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, New Washington, with Rev. Robert Dendinger and Father Frederick Schill officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call 2-4 an 7-9 p.m. Sunday at Secor Funeral Home, New Washington. Memorial contributions can be made to Delphos Visiting Nurses and Hospice or St. Bernard's Endowment Fund, 422 W. Mansfield St., New Washington, Ohio 44854.

Ruth E. Wheeler
Feb. 27, 1913 - Oct. 20, 2004
Ruth E. Wheeler, 91, of Spencerville, did at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday at Valley Nursing Home, St. Marys. She was born Feb. 27, 1913, in St. Marys, to Earl and Pearl (Miller) Stonerock. On July 26, 1936, she married Marion A. Wheeler, who died Sept. 1, 1976. Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, the Rev. Ronald L. Shifley officiating. Burial will be in Spencerville Cemetery. Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the Bowersock Bros. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6772 or the American Cancer Society.

J. Frederick Burnfield
May 28, 1918 - Oct. 18, 2004
J. Frederick Burnfield, 86, of rural Spencerville, died at 8:20 a.m. Monday at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born May 28, 1918 in Auglaize County, to James L. and Leona (Boyer) Burnfield. On Aug. 7, 1939, he married Ruth S. Lutterbeck, who survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Janice R. (Hubert 'Herb') Warnecke of Spencerville and Karen L. (Stanley J.) Workman of Van Wert; a son, Roger F. (Joan R.) Burnfield of Van Wert; two sisters, Doris (John) Hilty Columbus and Dorothy (Gerald 'Lee') Winters of Wapakoneta; a brother, Emerson (Marjorie) Burnfield of Buckland; six grandchildren, Cynthia S. Warnecke of Knox, Ind., Kevin L. (LeAnn K.) Warnecke of Spencerville, Vicki L. (Edward A.) Stevens of Van Wert, Melissa L. (Craig Sampson) Mace of New Haven, Ind., Annette M. (Charles) Parr of Bluffton, Ind., and James F. Burnfield of Illinois; and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Sherer; and twin infant brothers. Mr. Burnfield was a lifelong farmer involved in beef and pork production. He was a board member of the Allen County Soil and Water and the Farmers Union Elevator and a member of the Spencerville Adult Farmers. He was also a member of the Spencerville United Church of Christ, where he had served on the official board and the building committee when the church was built. He enjoyed his grand and great-grandchildren very much and also wintering in Florida for the past 15 years. Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday at Spencerville United Church of Christ, the Rev. Ronald L. Shifley officiating. Burial will be in Spencerville Cemetery. Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, and after 9 a.m. Thursday at the church. Preferred memorials are to the church.

Mary C. Scherff
Mary C. (Schaffer) Scherff, 85, of Springfield, Mass., died Oct. 15 at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born in Delphos to John C. and Catherine (Weger) Schaffer. She married Rupprecht R. Scherff, who preceded her in death on July 23, 1996. Mrs. Scherff attended St. John's High School and St. Rita's Nursing School in Lima. She worked as a nurse at St. Rita's Hospital and Wesson Hospital in Springfield. She owned and operated the Student Prince Restaurant in Springfield for 42 years with her husband. Survivors include two sons, Rudi R. (Bonnie) Scherff of Wilbraham and Peter H. (Kendra) Scherff of Springfield; and a daughter, Barbara B. (Paul) Meunier of Springfield. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Carl, John and Herbie Schaffer; and four sisters, Gertrude Weidenhamer, Catherine Shaefer, Elizabeth Stummer, and Margaret Christie. Funeral services will begin at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at Sampson's Chapel of the Acres Funeral Home, 21 Tinkham Road, Springfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, East Springfield. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Friends may call 3-6 p.m. today at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, Mass., 01104 or Business Friends of the Arts, 1331 Main St., Springfield, Mass., 01103.

Frank Hitchcock
Aug. 2, 1922 - Oct. 15, 2004
Frank Hitchcock, 82, of Van Wert, died at 11:50 a.m. Friday at Hearth and Home Assisted Living, Van Wert. He was born Aug. 2, 1922, in Washington Township, Van Wert County, to Roy Clifford and Laura Dell (Adam) Hitchcock. On March 11, 1946, he married Juanema McElhannon, who survives. Other survivors include two sons, Dwight E. (Debra) Hitchcock of Van Wert and Paul A. (Beth) Hitchcock of Gatlinburg, Tenn.; two daughters, Laura L. (Joseph) Williams of Marysville and Darragh Jean (Jon) Geist of West Minster, S.C.; a sister, Mary Bauer of rural Van Wert; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, J. Gareth, Arthur A. and Victor Ulysses Hitchcock; and a sister, Rosella Ringwald. Mr. Hitchcock was co-founder and president of Progressive Tool & Die Company (Van Wert Machine Corp.) in Delphos, retiring in November 1993. He remained president until 2003. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Van Wert, and was a charter member in establishing Faith Baptist in Van Wert in 1959, serving as deacon, teacher and Sunday school superintendent. He was a 1940 graduate of Middle Point High School and was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church, Pastor Steve A. Robinson officiating. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point. Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday at Cowan and Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, and one hour prior to services Tuesday at the church. Preferred memorials are to First Baptist Church and Gideon's International.

Elvira K. Bodkins
June 9, 1910 - Oct. 14, 2004
Elvira K. Bodkins, 94, of Ottoville, died at 10:35 a.m. Thursday at Lima Convalescent Home. She was born June 9, 1910 in Ottoville, to Gerhard H. and Barbara (Thitoff) Otte. She married Fred C. Bodkins, who died in 1984. Survivors include three sisters, Mary Ann Otte of Van Wert, Margaret Metzger of Dayton and Betty Otte of Ottoville; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Gerhard W., Henry, Elmer and Leo Otte; and two sisters, Marcille Boerger and Euletta Weber. Mrs. Bodkins retired from Westinghouse on Oct. 1, 1974. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville. Mass of Christian burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Rev. Tony Borgia officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Ottoville. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp-Orians Funeral Home, Ottoville, where a parish wake service will be at 3:30 p.m. Preferred memorials are to the church, the cemetery or donor's choice.

Alice Lyle
Nov. 23, 1919 - Oct. 10, 2004
Alice Lyle, 84, of North Miami Florida, formerly of Spencerville, died Sunday at her residence. She was born Nov. 23, 1919, in Spencerville, to August and Ladima (Cooke) Aab. Survivors include a son, James Lyle; two daughter, Linda Perkins and Janice Lyle; a brother, George Aab; a sister, Thelma Brewer; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Lyle retired from Singer Company as store manager in 1984. She was a member of Delphos Trinity United Methodist Church and had been a past president of the United Methodist Women's group. She was most recently a member of Rader Memorial Methodist Church in Miami. She had been a Red Cross volunteer and member of Eastern Star and was involved in the church garden club and sewing group. Funeral services will begin at 11 p.m. Friday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. Matthew Cemetery, Spencerville. Friends may call one hour prior to services Friday at the funeral home.

Helen I. Carter
Feb. 3, 1920 - Oct. 10, 2004
Helen I. Carter, 84, of Lima, died at 8:10 p.m. Sunday at Richland Manor Nursing Home, near Beaverdam. She was born Feb. 3, 1920, in Amanda Township, Allen County, to Clarence Herbert and Blanche Mae (Coon) Boyer. Graveside services will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday at Maplewood Cemetery, east of Spencerville, the Rev. Neal Whitney officiating. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville.

Gary Boberg
Dec. 19, 1947 - Oct. 9, 2004
Gary Boberg, 56, of Delphos, died at 5:15 a.m. Saturday at St. Rita's Medical Center. He was born Dec. 19, 1947 in Lima, to Melvin J. and Shirley (Crowe) Boberg. He married Marcia L. Warnecke, who survive in Delphos. Other survivors include two sons, Craig (Tracey) Boberg of Delphos and Chris Boberg at home; two daughters, Annette (Jerry) Wilhelm and Jennifer (Mike) Martin of Delphos; two sisters, Darlene (Lloyd) Rutherford and Sharlene Casteel of Iowa; a stepbrother, Don Brubaker of New Jersey; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Frank Boberg. Mr. Boberg was a construction worker. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam and received a Silver Star, Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Walterick-Hemme Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3035, American Legion Post 268 and the Delphos Eagles Lodge. He was also active in Delphos Little League and was a 1965 graduate of Jefferson High School. He was an avid baseball fan and enjoyed playing golf. Mass of Christian burial will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Rev. Thomas Gorman officiating. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by the Delphos Veterans Council. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, where a VFW memorial service will begin at 7 p.m. and a parish wake will begin at 7:30 p.m. Preferred memorials are to the Gary Boberg Leukemia Fund.

Freda M. Reynolds
Jan. 27, 1899 - Oct. 7, 2004
Freda M. Reynolds, 104, of Spencerville, died at 12:15 p.m. Thursday at Roselawn Manor Nursing Home, Spencerville. She was born Jan. 27, 1899, in Spencerville, to Isaac Clinton and Mary (Loyer) Hanes. On June 24, 1915, she married Harold Wilkin Shaffer. On Nov. 22, 1942, she married Homer D. Reynolds, who died May 16, 1961. Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. today at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, the Rev. Michael Swanton officiating. Burial was in Spencerville Cemetery. Preferred memorials are to Spencerville Trinity United Methodist Church.

Edna M. Bickham
May 29, 1917 - Oct. 7, 2004
Edna M. Bickham, 87, of Brenham, Texas, formerly of Kossuth, died at 7:20 a.m. Thursday, at her home. She was born May 29, 1917, in Mercer County, to Icem E. and Elsie L. (Beaber) Rupert. On Sept. 12, 1935, she married Kenneth E. Bickham, who died July 3, 1978. Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, the Rev. Donald Ricard officiating. Burial will be in Kossuth Cemetery. Friends may call from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the Kossuth-Zion Church of the American Cancer Society.

Elizabeth M. Patton
Nov. 5, 1974 - Oct. 9, 2004
Elizabeth Marie Patton, 29, of Elida, died at 7:23 a.m. Saturday at St. Rita's Medical Center. She was born Nov. 5, 1974 in Lima, to Dr. Alfred and Linda (McGinnis) McNicoll. Her father survives in Lima. Her mother, Linda (Dean Veit) McNicoll, also survives in Lima. On March 30, 2001, she married Gregory A. Patton, who survives in Elida. Survivors also include two daughters, Jessica Foust and Emily McRedmond of Elida; a son, Gregory Shane Patton of Elida; two sisters, Leilani A McNicoll of Lima and Laurie Jean Geib of Harrisonburg, Va.; a brother, Alfred Douglas McNicoll of Whitefish, Mont.; two half-sisters, Kris Britten of Interlochen, Mich., and Tiffany Britten; and two half-brothers, Curt Britten of Traverse City, Mich., and Craig Britten of Naples, Fla. Mrs. Patton was an insurance agency office administrator for Carter Insurance. She was the last employee of Tri-Star Community Counseling and had worked at Godfather's Pizza. She was a 1993 graduate of Elida High School, where she played tennis and instructed tennis at Orchard Hill. She loved working on her computer, bowling, volleyball, darts and scrapbooking. She was a Buffalo Bills fan and a loving mother who enjoyed spending time with her children and family. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at Siferd Westwood Chapel, the Revs. John McNicoll and Gary Rode officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery, Elida. Friends may call 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the Elizabeth Marie Patton's Children's Education Fund at Superior Federal Credit Union.

James M. Stanfield
April 16, 1923 - Oct. 9, 2004
James M. Stanfield, 81, of Spencerville, and formerly of Decatur, Ind., and Paris, Ill., died at 7:10 p.m. Saturday at Roselawn Manor Nursing Home, Spencerville. He was born April 16, 1923, in Larado, Kansas, to James Dennis and Lurah (Matkin) Stanfield. On May 5, 1943, he married Betty L. Burns, who died June 8, 1996. Funeral services will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, the Rev. William R. Abram officiating, with military rites conducted following services at the funeral home by VFW Post 6772 and American Legion Post 191, Spencerville. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Hoult Cemetery, Chrisman, Ill. Friends may call 3-6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, where a Masonic memorial service will be at 6:15 p.m.

Roger J. Rekart
Aug. 4, 1920 - Oct. 7, 2004
Roger J. Rekart, 84, of Sun City West, Ariz., formerly of Delphos, died at 2:07 a.m. Thursday at Delwebb Memorial Hospital in Sun City West. He was born Aug. 4, 1920 in Delphos, to Joseph A. and Ellen M. (Wannemacher) Rekart. On Aug. 22, 1953, he married Della R. Gallaway, who survives in Sun City West. Survivors also include three sisters, Peg (Bill) Mansfield and Sharon Gengler of Delphos and Ruth Steinbuch of Indianapolis; two brothers, William Rekart of Delphos and Joseph Rekart of Lima; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Rekart retired from Sheller Globe/Superior Coach after 40 years of service. He was a World War II Air Force pilot, serving in the China India Burma Theater, receiving awards and commendations of four Distinguished Flying Cross medals with three oak leaf clusters, six air medals with four oak leaf clusters and three Asiatic Pacific Campaign medals and various other awards and medals. He was an active member of the Lady of Our Lourdes Church in Sun City West, and a former member of St. Charles Parish in Lima. He was a 49-year member of B.P.O. Elks Lodge 54 and the Lima Eagles Lodge and the Grandview Men's Golf League and Sportsmans Club in Sun City West. He was a 1938 graduate of St. John's High School. Mass of Christian burial will begin at 11 a.m. Monday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, the Rev. Thomas Gorman officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery, with military graveside services conducted by the Delphos Veterans Council. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. Sunday at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, where an Elks service will be from 5-6 p.m., a rosary will be at 7 p.m. and a parish wake will be at 7:30 p.m. Preferred memorials are to the American Heart Association or donor's choice.

Beatrice A. Osting
Nov. 13, 1915 - Oct. 5, 2004
Beatrice A. Osting, 88, died at 5:17 p.m., Tuesday at Linconlway Home. She was born Nov. 13, 1915, to William and Veronica (Meyer) Siebeneck in Kalida. On Aug. 1, 1938, she married Syl Osting, who died Oct. 18, 2003. Survivors include a daughter, Virginia Osting of Roanoke, Va.; a son, John (Donna) Osting of Delphos; five grandchildren, Laura Vorst, Eric (Gabrielle) Vorst, Kyle Vorst, Melinda (Scott) Marshall and Marianne (Chris) Staple; five step-grandchildren, Tom Keller, Doreen (Jay) Sheeter, Todd (Heather Young) Keller, Terry Keller and Dawn (Joe) Lopez; five great-grandchildren; and 12 step-great-grandchildren She was preceded in death by a sister, Sr. Mary Virginia, and a brother, Virgil Siebeneck. She graduated from St. Michael's Grade School, Kalida, and from Glandorf High School when she was 17. After high school, she took a government examination and received employment in the Putnam County Auditor's office until her marriage. Then she received employment in the Allen County Auditor's office and worked until Virginia was born. She worked as a housewife and sold World Book Encyclopedias for three years. She was a member of the Catholic Family Movement and held two offices in the Rosary Altar Society and was a Deanery member. She was a member of the Sacred Heart League and was a 4-H club advisor for seven years. She worked as a clerk then presiding judge for several years in Marion Twp. North voting precinct. She was a Catholic Ladies of Columbia officer for years and a stenographer for Metzger Popcorn Company for many years. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Delphos, with burial to follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Delphos. Friends may call 2-8 p.m. Friday at Kolkmeyer-Helmkamp-Orians Funeral Home, Delphos, where a CL of C service will begin at 3 p.m. and a parish wake will begin at 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Michael G. Branham
Nov. 16, 1964 - Oct. 5, 2004
Michael 'Mikeie' Gene Branham, 39, of Delphos, died Oct. 5 at St. Vincent's Medical Center in Toledo from injuries sustained in a car accident near Upper Sandusky on Oct. 4. He was born Nov. 16, 1964 in Tiffin, to Herman J. and Patricia (Green) Branham. His mother, Patricia Peel, survives in Bradenton, Fla. On Nov. 16, 1985, he married Glinda Faye Meade Branham, who survives. Survivors also include a son, Hurman 'Turk' Branham at home; a daughter, Patricia 'Trish' Branham at home; three brothers, Raymond V. Branham and William 'Smiley' Branham of Bradenton and Phillip 'Rusty' (Naomi) Branham of Bellevue; and a sister, Rebecca 'Bunk' Branham of Pound, Va. He was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth 'Bubbie' Branham; and his stepfather, Roy Peel. Mr. Branham was a self-employed roofer and enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf. Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Foos and Son Funeral Home, 311 W. Main St., Bellevue. Burial will be at a later date. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the family.

Fred Ray Laman
Jan. 6, 1911 - Oct. 6, 2004
Fred Ray Laman, 93, of North Vernon, Ind., died at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday at his residence. He was born Jan. 6, 1911, in Allentown to Noah and Viola (Weyer) Laman. On Sept. 14, 1941, he married Florence Mousa in Elida. Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Dove-Sharp and Rudicel Funeral Home, North Vernon, the Rev. David Wharton officiating. Burial will be in Tea Creek Cemetery, Lovett, Ind. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to Hospice of Jennings County.

Frederick R. Gorman
Dec. 20, 1924 - Oct. 4, 2004
Frederick R. Gorman, 79, of Fort Jennings, died at 10:10 a.m. Monday at Lincolnway Home, Middle Point. He was born Dec. 20, 1924 in Van Wert County, to Daniel and Mary (Rohr) Gorman. He married Helen Mox, who survives in Fort Jennings. Survivors include two sons, Paul (Nora) Gorman of San Diego and Jack (Linda) Gorman of Fort Jennings; two daughters, E. Ann Bendele and Susan (Tony) Leiter of Van Wert; a brother, Morris (Jeanne) Gorman of Van Wert; a sister, Hellen Skerritt of Escondido, Calif.; 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Frank, Tom and George Gorman; a half-brother, Glen Gorman; and three half-sisters, Katherine Williams, Florence Hiller and Eleanor Winkler. Mr. Gorman was a lifetime farmer and owner of several business enterprises. He was a 1943 graduate of Ridge High School and a former member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Van Wert. He was a lifetime member of the Ohio Farmers Union and member of the Farm Bureau, Van Wert County Horseman Association, Van Wert County Trustee Association and the Van Wert Lodge 1197 Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Private family services were held Tuesday at Ridge Cemetery, the Rev. Neil Hammons officiating. Preferred memorials are to Community Health Professionals Hospice.

Charles M. McCain
March 7, 1927 - Oct. 1, 2004
Charles M. 'Charlie' McCain, 77, of rural Elida, died at 4:55 p.m. Friday at Vancrest Health Care Center, Delphos. He was born March 7, 1927 in Mercer County, to Charley H. and Sarah (Hohl) McCain. On July 23, 1957, he married Mary M. Rempfer, who survives. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Bethlehem Christian Union Church at the corner of Conant and National roads in Auglaize County, the Rev. Carl W. Miller officiating. Military rites will be conducted at the church by the Bowersock Bros. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6772 and Harry J. Reynolds American Legion Post 191 of Spencerville. Burial will be at a later date in Hartford Cemetery. Friends may call 4:30-9 p.m. today at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, and after 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Preferred memorials are to Bethlehem Church.

Steven V. Kerner
Aug. 21, 1951 - Sept. 30, 2004
Steven V. Kerner, 53, of Fort Jennings, died following a truck accident at State Route 4 and Strecker Road in Erie County. He was born Aug. 21, 1951, in Lima, to John and Lou Ann (Steffen) Kerner. His mother survives in Miller City. On Aug. 23, 1975, he married Frances Clementz, who survive in Fort Jennings. Survivors also include a son, Shane Kerner of Fort Jennings; two daughters, Stephanie Kerner of Boyne City, Mich., and Samantha Kerner of Fort Jennings; a brother, Ted (Marilyn) Kerner of Delphos; two sisters, Cindy (Jerry) Hart of Pandora and Jolene Kerner Wiener of Miller City; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Steven Victor Kerner Jr. Mr. Kerner was semi truck owner and operator for 29 years and also worked for P.R. Transportation in Toledo for three years. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Jennings, where he was an usher. He was also a member of Fort Jennings American Legion Post 715 and the Teamsters Union and was a former assistant Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 230. He was a U.S. Marine. Mass of Christian burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Rev. Tony Borgia officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by the Fort Jennings American Legion. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Sunday and 2-8 p.m. Monday at Love Funeral Home, Ottawa, where a scripture service will be at 3 p.m. Monday. Preferred memorials are to donor's choice.

Carl F. McMichael
March 25, 1917 - Oct. 1, 2004
Carl F. McMichael, 87, of Spencerville, died at 11:48 a.m. Friday at St. Rita's Medical Center. He was born March 25, 1917, in Spencerville, to Lloyd and Bertha (Miller) McMichael. On Dec. 23, 1942, he married Maxine Ford, who survives. Other survivors include a daughter, Pamela S. (Doug) Graham of Wapakoneta; two sons, Brian C. (Georgia) McMichael of Spencerville and Dr. Thomas L. (Erin) McMichael, DVM of Clarksville, Md.; a brother, W. Lowell McMichael of Spencerville; a sister, Mary C. Youngblutt of Parrish, Fla.; and seven grandchildren, Susan and Andrew Graham and Patrick, Joel, Ryan, Colleen and John McMichael. He was preceded in death by a brother, Harry F. McMichael. Mr. McMichael had owned McMichael Brothers Trucking and Coal Yard in Spencerville, with his brother, and operated McMichael Brothers International Harvester Dealership in Spencerville for 45 years. He was a member of Spencerville United Church of Christ, Bowersock Bros. VFW Post 6772 and Black Cats Club of Spencerville. He was a 1935 graduate of Spencerville High School and was a warrant officer, serving in World War II in Patton's 3rd Army Division in France and Germany from 1942 through 1945. His special enjoyments were his grandchildren and family vacations. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. Monday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, the Rev. Ronald L. Shifley officiating. Burial will be in Spencerville Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted. Friends may call from 1-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Sunday and after 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to United Church of Christ Scholarship Fund or the Spencerville Education Foundation.