From the Crescent News, Defiance, Ohio, January 3, 2001
Willis Croninger Sr.
DESHLER - Willis (Bill) Croninger Sr., 79, Deshler, died at 10:10 a.m. Monday in Wood County Hospital, Bowling Green.
He was born Feb. 7, 1921, in Henry County's Richfield Township, the son of Willis and Martha (Zook) Croninger. In 1942, he married Rose Mary Dietrich, who survives. A U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of the 591st AAF Base Unit during World War II and awarded the Good Conduct, Victory, EAME Campaign and American Campaign medals. He was a farmer and worked at L.S. Dunbar Co., Napoleon. He was co-owner of Deshler Implement Co. and later worked at Archbold Equipment Co. He was a charter member of Deshler Lions Club, a life member of American Legion Post 316 and DAV Chapter 30 and a former member of Deshler Board of Public Affairs, Corn City Sate Bank Board and Henry County and Ohio Farm and Power Equipment Dealers' Associations. He was a member of Deshler Chamber of Commerce, Bavarian Club and Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he served in many offices.
Also surviving are a son, Willis Jr., Deshler; two daughters, Mrs. Leon (Karen) Schroeder of Leipsic and Mrs. Walter (Carol) Sommerfelt, Collierville, Tenn.; a brother, Ralph, McClure; a sister, Reba Dachenhaus, Liberty Center; and six grandchildren, three stepgrandchildren, three great-grandchildren and five great-stepgrandchildren.
Preceding him in death were a brother, Raymond; and a sister, Clara Hockman.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in the church with Rev. Mark Bauer officiating. Burial will be in Grelton Cemetery with military honors conducted by American Legion Post 316. Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. today in Rodenberger Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Thursday at the church.
Preferred memorials are to Deshler EMS or a charity of the donor's choice.
Ellen Boyle
PAULDING - Ellen Marie Boyle, 55, Paulding, died at 12:24 a.m. Monday in Stonebrook Hospital, Ronkonkoma, N.Y.
She was born Jan. 9, 1945, in New York, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Park) Boyle. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Paulding.
Surviving are two sons, Joseph Hanenkratt of Portage, Ind., and Sean Hanenkratt, Paulding; three daughters, Dawn Hanenkratt Johanns, Shannon Hanenkratt Schilt and Jillian Hanenkratt Adams, all of Paulding; a sister, Ann Langley, Ronkonkoma; and 12 grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents; an infant son, Neil; and two brothers, John and Thomas Boyle.
A memorial service will be held at a later date in the church. Burial will be in St. Charles Cemetery, Farmington, N.Y. There will be no visitation. Handling arrangements is Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding.
Wesley Glick
VAN BUREN - Wesley A. Glick, 69, Van Buren, died at 8:45 p.m. Monday in Blanchard Valley Regional Hospital, Findlay.
He was born Feb. 24, 1931, in Findlay, the son of Harry and Nellie (Holmes) Glick. In 1954, he married Sopha Henry, who survives. He retired after 38 years from Cooper Tire in Findlay, was a member of Cooper Tire's Old-timers' Club and a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict.
Also surviving are three sons, Terrence and Robert, both of Findlay, and Wesley, Fostoria; three daughters, Teresa Bower and Tammy Jo Higgs, both of Findlay, and Tracie, Van Buren; a brother, John, Clyde; and 20 grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; a son, Aaron; a brother, Robert; three half brothers, Myron Glick and James and Charles Ish; and three half sisters, Olive Miller, Ilene Bordner and Laverne Bacot.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday in Coldren-Crates Funeral Home, Findlay, with Rev. Jim Richey officiating. Burial will be in Bechter Cemetery, Van Buren. Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday.
Preferred memorials are to Arcadia United Methodist Church, Bairdstown United Methodist Church or United Methodist Church, Van Buren.
Glenn Clevenger
WOODBURN, Ind. - Glenn E. Clevenger, 66, Woodburn, died at 6 a.m. Tuesday in his home.
He was born Jan. 30, 1934, in Monroeville, the son of Ralph and Oval (Ackerman) Clevenger. In 1956, he married Deloris Bellis, who survives. He retired from Challenge Tool, New Haven, and worked at Fruehoff in Fort Wayne and EMP Co-op, Edgerton, Ind. He was a member of Eagles Aerie 2405 in Paulding and Moose lodge, New Haven.
Also surviving are five sons, Keith of Spencerville, George of Ossian, Rick of Paulding and Ralph and Jerry, both of New Haven; a daughter, Linda Robinson, Woodburn; a brother, Daniel, Monroeville; two sisters, Mary Cox and Diana Hartman, both of Monroeville; and eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
Preceding him in death were his parents.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Slade Funeral Home, Payne, with Rev. Dawn Remster officiating. Burial will be in Lehman Cemetery, Payne. Visitation is after 4 p.m. Thursday.
Preferred memorials are to Woodburn EMS.
Marilyn Dirr
OREGON - Marilyn (Eckstein) Dirr, 53, Oregon, died Monday in Pittsburgh.
She was born Feb. 5, 1947, in Toledo, the daughter of Ernest and Helen (Krompak) Eckstein. She married Loren Dirr, who survives. She was a representative at Coulacos-Brennan and Associates and worked for several years at Merrill Lynch, Toledo. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Toledo and Trio and volunteered for Life Connections of Northwest Ohio. She was national chairman of Organ Donor Awareness for PHA and a patient representative with University of Pittsburgh's lung transplant program.
Also surviving are a daughter, Bridget Green; a son, Brian Provo; a sister, Mrs. Bob (Carol) McCloud; and three grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday in the church. Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. Thursday in Hoeflinger Funeral Home, Oregon, with a scripture service at 8 p.m.
Preferred memorials are to PHA, Life Connections or Central Catholic High School, Toledo.
From the Crescent News, Defiance, Ohio, January 4, 2001
Virgil Batt
Virgil R. Batt, 89, rural Defiance, died at 3:10 a.m. Wednesday in Laurels of Defiance.
He was born April 3, 1911, in Defiance County, the son of Edward and Anna (Hetz) Batt. In 1933, he married Rosa Hesselschwardt, who survives. He was a farmer, retiring in 1989, and worked for Sohigro and Carter Plumbing and Heating. He was a member of St. Stephen's Catholic Church, its Holy Name Society, a lay distributor, a charter member and officer of the church's credit union and a church cemetery trustee. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 1039, a grand knight, past district deputy and a fourth degree K of C member. He was an American Red Cross volunteer, chapter chairman and board member. He was a Delaware Township zoning inspector for 30 years and served on the former AAA farm program.
Also surviving are three sons, Edward and Anthony, both of Defiance, and Steven, Napoleon; five daughters, Mrs. Don (Valetta) Keeterle and Barbara Westrick, both of Defiance, Mrs. Lawrence (Loretta) Dieringer of Wauseon, Mrs. Basil (Rosemary) Meyer of Bluffton and Mrs. Mike (Ginny) Fenstermaker, Ossian, Ind.; a sister, Mrs. Casimir (Kathryn) Herman, Edgerton; and 40 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, nine great-stepgrandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and two great-great-stepgrandchildren.
Preceding him in death were seven brothers, Raymond, Walter, Bernard, Daniel, Alphonse, Ambrose and Carl; two sisters, Donelda Wagner and Irene Schindler; and a grandchild and three great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the church with Rev. William Martin officiating. Burial will be in Marysdale Immaculate Conception Cemetery, rural Defiance. Visitation is from 7-9 p.m. today and from 2-9 p.m. Friday in Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home. A K of C rosary service will be at 8 p.m. today and a rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Preferred memorials are to Hospice the Caring way of Defiance, the church or Alzheimer's Association.
Susan Mengerink
HOLGATE - Susan Marie Mengerink, 59, Holgate, died Wednesday morning in her home.
She was born Nov. 12, 1941, in Holgate, the daughter of Cecil and Gertrude (Muntz) Mengerink. She worked at Hi-Point Workshop in Bellefontaine and Quadco Rehabilitation Center, Stryker. She was involved with Hope Seniors and a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Holgate and its Sunday school and adult Bible class.
Surviving are her mother, Holgate; a brother, David, Delaware; and two sisters, Mrs. Gilbert (Linda) Duchow of Burlington, Ky., and Mrs. James (Mary) Schelby, St. Mary's.
Preceding her in death was her father.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in the church with Rev. Dana Bjorlin officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday in Snyder Funeral Home, Holgate, and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church.
Preferred memorials are to Hospice of Henry County, Hope Services Foundation, the church or a charity of the donor's choice.
William Hanenkratt
PAULDING - William Benjamin Hanenkratt, 77, Paulding, died at 10:55 a.m. Tuesday in his home.
He was born Jan. 13, 1923, in Paulding County, the son of Ralph and Eva (Dowell) Hanenkratt. In 1949, he married Ruth Dangler, who died in 1972. In 1973, he married Betty Unger, who survives. He was a foreman at FC Schultz Plumbing, Defiance, retiring in 1973, and was a self-employed plumber and a member of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union Local 50. He also worked in the former Hanenkratt Heating and Plumbing.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during World War II in the 113th Naval Construction Battalion Seabees in the South Pacific. He was a member of Paulding VFW Post 587 and attended First Christian Church, Paulding.
Also surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Rita) Odle of Frankton, Ind. and Mrs. Steven (Barbara) Aiton, New Haven, Ind.; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Alan (Denise) Lange of Defiance and Kay George, Paulding; two stepsons, Mikael George of Clyde and James George, Payne; two sisters, Mrs. William (Celeste) Scheurich of Paulding and Mrs. Robert (Wanda) Rosebrock, Defiance; a brother, Ralph, Paulding; and four grandchildren, nine stepgrandchildren and three great-stepgranddaughters.
Also preceding him in death were a daughter, Judy; two sons, James and Robert; two sisters, Esther Payne and an infant sister, Rose; and an infant brother, Ralph.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in the church with Rev. Dawn Remster officiating. Burial will be in Live Oak Cemetery with military graveside services accorded by Paulding VFW Post 587. Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. Friday at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, and for an hour prior to services Saturday at the church.
Preferred memorials are to the church building fund or U.S. Naval Seabee Scholarship Fund.
Esther Forbush
OTTAWA - Esther B. Forbush, 75, Ottawa, died at 10:50 p.m. Tuesday in Shawnee Manor, Lima.
She was born Jan. 15, 1925, in Milford, Mich., the daughter of Solon and Elsie (Bucknell) Gibson. In 1975, she married Fred Martin, who died in 1984, and in 1994, she married Earl Forbush, who survives. She was a piano instructor, a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and an associate member of Southfield Community Church, Southfield, Mich.
Also surviving are two brothers, Robert and Howard Gibson; and a sister, Ruth Goff.
Preceding her in death were her parents; and a brother, John Gibson.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Ottawa, with Rev. Joseph Miller officiating. Burial will be in Clymer Cemetery, Mt. Cory. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. today, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday and from 11 a.m. until time of services Saturday.
Preferred memorials are to Gideons International or the church.
From the Crescent News, Defiance, Ohio, January 5, 2001
Terry Briggs
Terry L. Briggs, 54, Defiance, died at 5:16 p.m. Wednesday in Defiance Hospital.
He was born Oct. 4, 1946, in Lima, the son of Ruben and Esther (Miller) Briggs. In 1969, he married Betty Gesling, who survives. A U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, he worked at Medical College of Ohio Hospital in Toledo and the former S.M. Heller Hospital, Napoleon, as a medical technician for 22 years. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Elks Lodge 147 and American Legion Post 117.
Also surviving are his mother, Lima; a son, Bryan, Defiance; a daughter, Jeanette, Ypsilanti, Mich.; four brothers, Jim, Mike and Sam, all of Lima, and Bob, Spring Lake, N.C.; a sister, Sue Sawmiller, Lima; and two grandchildren.
Preceding him in death was his father.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in the church with Father David Tscherne officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery with military rites conducted by VFW Post 3360. Visitation will be from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. today in Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home with a scripture service at 7:30 p.m.
Preferred memorials are to the American Heart Association or a charity of the donor's choice.
Earl Riegsecker
ARCHBOLD - Earl J. Riegsecker, 61, Archbold, died Thursday afternoon in Medical College of Ohio Hospital, Toledo, from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle accident near Edgerton. Among survivors is his wife, Donna. Arrangements are pending at Short Funeral Home, Archbold.
Vontella Sehlmeyer
NAPOLEON - Vontella Sehlmeyer, 71, Napoleon, died this morning at Northcrest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Napoleon. Arrangements are pending at Snyder-Wesche Funeral Home, Napoleon.
Donald Schumm
HOLGATE - Donald Schumm, 87, Holgate, died Thursday evening at Medical College of Ohio Hospital, Toledo. Arrangements are pending at Snyder Funeral Home, Holgate.
Stella Bowers
WEST UNITY - Former West Unity resident Stella L. Bowers, 95, died Thursday evening in Community Hospitals of Williams County-Bryan. Arrangements are pending at Hollingshead Funeral Home, West Unity.
Jerry Sponsler
EDGERTON - Jerry E. Sponsler, 58, Edgerton, died Wednesday in Harborside Healthcare, Bryan.
He was born Oct. 8, 1942, in Lima, the son of Morris and Madlyn (Arnett) Sponsler. In 1974, he married Betty Oliver, who survives. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a machinist at Simpson Industries in Edgerton and Edon, until his retirement in 1992. He was a former member of Bryan AMVETS Post 54 and attended Edgerton Christian Church.
Also surviving are two sons, Willie of Lima and Kenneth, Parma; two daughters, Mrs. Leonard (Melissa) Coulon of Defiance and Michelle, Bryan; two half brothers, Morris of Lafayette and Ernie, Lima; and two grandsons and a step-grandson.
Preceding him in death were his parents.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday in Krill Funeral Home, Edgerton, with Rev. Steve Wilmot officiating. Military rites will be conducted by Bryan AMVETS Post 54. Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Saturday.
Preferred memorials are to the children's fund.
Larry Byroads
MONTPELIER - Larry Byroads, 58, Montpelier, died Wednesday evening in Community Hospitals of Williams County-Bryan following an extended illness.
He was born Aug. 6, 1942, in Bryan, the son of Homer and Anna (Erman) Byroads. In 1966, he married Kay Isenhart, who survives. He served with the U.S. Army National Guard, owned and operated Bryan Auto Plaza, was a service manager of Isaac Tire Center for 24 years and a salesman at Pepple Motor Sales. He attended Asbury United Methodist Church, was a member of Moose Lodge 1064, Kruising Knights Car Club and Ohio Petroleum Retailers Association and founder of the Williams County Fair's demolition derby.
Also surviving are two sons, Chris of Montpelier and Shaun, Cleveland; and a sister, Bonnie Ely, Harlan, Ind.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Rice Funeral Home, Bryan, with Bill Priest and Rev. Tammara Russell officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Montpelier. Visitation is from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. today.
Preferred memorials are to Alliance for Lung Cancer Advocacy/Support and Education or a charity of the donor's choice.
Oscar Eitniear
SEMINOLE, Texas - Word was received of the Saturday death of Oscar A. Eitniear, 80, Seminole.
He was born June 12, 1920, in Toledo, the son of Walter and Blanche (Van Vlerah) Eitniear. In 1958, he married Melba Cowger, who survives. He was a machinist at Toledo Edison.
Also surviving is a sister, Doris Sabo, Denver.
Services were held Monday in Ratliff Funeral Home, Seminole. Burial was in Memorial Park, Lamasa, Texas.
David Salsbury
NORCROSS, Ga. - David Ray Salsbury, 58, Norcross, died Saturday evening at Joan Glancy Hospital, Duluth, following an extended illness.
He was born Dec. 29, 1942, in Bryan, the son of Gale and Geneva (Wasnich) Salsbury. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, stationed in Korea. He worked at Aro Corp. in Bryan and Allis Chalmers in Milwaukee, later transferring to AGCO, Norcross, with 34 years of service.
Surviving are his mother; two sons, David of Milwaukee and Jonathon, Minnesota; a sister, Marilyn Elling, Napoleon; two brothers, Herbert of Maumee and Larry, Brookfield, Wis.; and a granddaughter.
Preceding him in death was his father.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
John Yates
BUCYRUS - John B. Yates, 68, Bucyrus, died Thursday at his home.
He was born Oct. 15, 1932, in Bell County, Ky., the son of Grant and Grace (North) Yates. He retired from Swan in 1995 after 43 years and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict.
Surviving are a son, Ralph, Bucyrus; a daughter, Beth, Bucyrus; three brothers, Ray of Mansfield and Jim and Theodore, both of Oakwood; and a granddaughter.
Preceding him in death were his parents; a daughter, Teresa; two sisters, Pauline Tuttle and Betty Jean Yates; and two brothers, Tom and Charles.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home, Bucyrus, with Rev. Jack Hager officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7-9 p.m. today.
Opal Ewers
STRYKER - Opal M. Ewers, 98, Stryker, died this morning in Fairlawn Haven, Archbold.
She was born Dec. 25, 1902, in Defiance County, the daughter of Ammon and Bertie (Partee) Ewers. She worked on the family farm.
Surviving is a sister, Beulah Sullivan, Stryker.
Preceding her in death were two brothers, Dale and Ray; and a sister, Nola.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Rice Funeral Home, Bryan, with Rev. Ernest Belella officiating. Burial will be in Sherwood Cemetery. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. today.
Preferred memorials are to Fairlawn Haven's activity fund.
