From the Crescent News, Defiance, Ohio, January 21, 2001
Gerald Miner
Gerald A. Miner, 39, Defiance, died at 9:57 a.m. Saturday in Defiance Hospital.
He was born Dec. 30, 1961, in Defiance, the son of William and Mildred (Hoge) Miner Sr. He worked construction with his father.
Surviving are his father, Continental; a daughter, Mrs. Greg (Tanya) Pannell, Montpelier; four brothers, William Jr. of Port Clinton, Thomas and Michael, both of Continental, and Raymond, Defiance; four sisters, Mrs. Keith (Penny) Blake, Mrs. Robert (Sally) Geiger and Mrs. Joe (Judy) Kroeckel, all of Defiance and Mrs. Stanley (Pamela) Torinese, Monroe, La.; a special friend, Holly Emerling, Defiance; and three grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death was his mother; and a brother, Jerry.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, in Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home, with Rev. Heather Christensen officiating. Burial will be in Monroe Township Cemetery, Continental. Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. Monday.
Preferred memorials are to charity of the donor's choice.
L. Lucille Stephens
L. Lucille Stephens, 89, Defiance, died at 3:40 a.m. Saturday in Laurels of Defiance.
She was born Feb. 24, 1911, in Bowling Green, the daughter of Wallace and Mary (Withrow) Phillips. In 1939, she married Carl Stephens, who died in 1989. She was a homemaker.
Surviving are four sons, Edward, Philip, Robert and David, all of Defiance; three sisters, Martha Bockbrader of Pemberville, Rachel Harris of Anchorage, Alaska, and Letha Minning, Bradenton, Fla.; and three grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
Also preceding her in death was a sister Donna Loomis.
Private services will be held Tuesday in Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home, with Rev. John Stites officiating. Burial will be in Riverview Memory Gardens. Visitation is from 5-9 p.m. Monday.
Preferred memorials are to Alzheimer's Association.
Dorothy Johnson
NAPOLEON - Dorothy I. Johnson, 90, Napoleon, died at 1:55 p.m. Friday in Lutheran Home, Napoleon.
She was born April 24, 1910, in Henry County, the daughter of Albert and Bertha (Beavers) Hicks. In 1929, she married Herbert Johnson, who died in 1957. She was a homemaker and a lifetime member of Napoleon Elks Lodge 929.
Surviving are a son, Everett, Napoleon; four daughters, Mrs. Fred (Josephine) Miller of Napoleon, Mrs. Robert (Virginia) Shull of Fort Wayne, Mrs. Chet (Shirley) Bartol of Warsaw, Ind., and Marlene, Bowling Green; two sisters, Gladys McClure of McClure and Edna Butler, Ypsalanti, Mich.; and 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were seven brothers, Raymond, Floyd, Everett, Lawrence, Clifford, Harry and Walter Hicks; and a great-grandson.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in Rodenberger Funeral Home, Napoleon, with Rev. Rod Vereb officiating. Burial will be in Hockman Cemetery, McClure. Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. today and an hour prior to services Monday.
Preferred memorials are to Henry County Hospice, Roberts-McMillen American Legion Post 332 of McClure or a charity of the donor's choice.
Clayton Tonjes
NAPOLEON - Clayton (Sonny) L. Tonjes, 67, Napoleon, died Friday morning in his home.
He was born May 15, 1933, in Malinta, the son of Harold and Mary (Glore) Tonjes. In 1955, he married Donna Deakin, who survives. A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, he worked for CF Gerken Co., for 32 years, retiring in 1996, and for WR Meyers Co., both in Napoleon. He was also a former Henry County deputy sheriff, a Napoleon fireman and a member of Napoleon police auxiliary. He was a member of Napoleon American Legion Post 300 and Christ United Methodist Church, Napoleon, where he had served as president of the church board.
Also surviving are three sons, Douglas, Tim and Dennis, all of Napoleon; a daughter, Mrs. Paul (Cheryl) Parker, Toledo; and four grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents and a brother, Keith.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in Walker Mortuary, Napoleon, with Rev. Kirk Peterson officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, with military rites conducted by joint veterans posts of Napoleon. Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. today.
Preferred memorials are to Henry County Hospice or a charity of the donor's choice.
Alice Spiess
ROSCOMMON, Mich. - Former Napoleon resident Alice Beth Spiess, 78, Roscommon, died Friday in Manatee Memorial Hospital, Bradenton, Fla. Arrangements are pending at Walker Mortuary, Napoleon.
Barbara Brown
WEST UNITY - Barbara Ann Brown, 41, West Unity, died Friday in her residence.
She was born May 18, 1959, in Montpelier, the daughter of Neil and Mary (Swaney) Brown. A graduate from Northwest State Community College, she was a bookkeeper at Mendelson Egg Company for 22 years. She bowled on several bowling leagues.
Surviving are her parents, Alvordton; two brothers, Tom of Gallipolis and Robert, Bryan; a sister, Jane Funk, Bryan; and a special friend, Roy Carpenter.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Hollingshead Funeral Home, West Unity, with Rev. Diane Schaffner officiating. Burial will be in Floral Grove Cemetery, West Unity. Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. Monday.
Preferred memorials are to Cancer Assistance of Williams County.
Walter Sawicki
WHITEHOUSE - Walter Sawicki, 89, Whitehouse, died Friday in St. Luke's Hospital, Toledo.
He was born May 18, 1911, in Toledo, the son of Peter and Victoria (Brzieski) Sawicki. In 1940, he married Jenny Boratyn, who survives. He worked for Doehler-Jarvis, Toledo, for 37 years, retiring in 1973.
Also surviving are two daughters, Nancy Knapp of Orlando, Fla., and Mrs. Randy (Debbie) Elling, Napoleon; two sons, Thomas of Whitehouse and David, Waterville; a brother, Albert, Maumee; and 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were three brothers, Felix, Henry and Raymond; a sister, Celia Ruth; and a grandson.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday in St. Richard's Catholic Church, Swanton, with Rev. Daniel Zak officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Toledo. Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. today in Peinert Funeral Home, Whitehouse, with a scripture service at 7 p.m.
Preferred memorials are to the church or American Heart Association.
From the Crescent News, Defiance, Ohio, January 22, 2001
Charles Barber
Defiance Township Trustee Charles J. Barber, 68, Defiance, died at 11:55 p.m. Saturday in his home.
He was born Aug. 8, 1932, in Defiance County, the son of Charles and Josephine (Dehaus) Barber. In 1954, he married Norma Zachrich, who survives. He was a sales representative for Hubbard Co. for 36 years, retiring in 1995. A former real estate agent with Osborne Realty, he was a trustee of DAV Chapter 36, associated with the Defiance County Law Enforcement Association and a U.S Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church, a former Defiance City Councilman and a former member of Defiance City Civil Service Board.
Also surviving are a son, Michael, Maumee; a daughter, Mrs. Bob (Amy) Schaffer, Cecil; a brother, James, Ayersville; a sister, Katherine Barber, Port Clinton; and five grandchildren, three stepgrandchildren, two great-grandchildren and four great-stepgrandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; and two brothers, Thomas and John in infancy.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the church with Father Bernard Boff officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7-9 p.m. today and from noon-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Tuesday at Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home, with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Preferred memorials are to Hospice the Caring Way of Defiance, American Cancer Society, Cancer Care of Defiance, St. John's Catholic School or the church.
Bud Schroeder
Lewis (Bud) W. Schroeder, 69, Defiance, died Saturday evening in Flower Hospital, Sylvania.
He was born June 21, 1931, in Defiance, the son of George and Ada (Boyd) Schroeder. In 1956, he married Leann Grogg, who survives. He worked for 32 years in sales and service at Bridgestone/Firestone, Defiance, and retired from Miller Brothers Construction Co., Archbold. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Also surviving are two sons, David and Brad, both of Defiance; a daughter, Mrs. George (Michele) Vergote Sr., Ottawa Lake, Mich.; a brother, George, Paisley, Fla.; a sister, Mrs. William (Glenna) Shock Sr., Defiance; and six grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home with Rev. Norman Imbrock officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. Visitation is from 2-9 Tuesday.
Preferred memorials are to the church, Hospice the Caring Way of Defiance or American Cancer Society.
Margaret Jeffery
ANTWERP - Margaret (Peg) M. Jeffery, 88, Antwerp, died at 4:20 a.m. Sunday in Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, Payne.
She was born July 4, 1912, in Paulding County's Emerald Township, the daughter of Andrew and Ida (Rousch) Bakle. In 1946, she married Delbert Jeffery, who died in 1993. A graduate of St. Vincent's Nursing School, Toledo, she was a U.S. Army nurse during World War II and worked for Antwerp Local Schools. She also worked at Fountain Manor Care Center, Hicksville, and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Antwerp.
Surviving are two daughters, Sue Jordan of Antwerp and Judith Parker, Loveland; and six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were three brothers, Joseph, William and Charles Bakle; and a sister, Ruby Mullett.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the church with Father Herman Scherger and Deacon Robert Nighswander officiating. Burial will be in Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday in Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, with a vigil service at 8 p.m.
Preferred memorials are to the church or Dallas Lamb Foundation Home.
Nellie Billman
ANTWERP - Nellie M. Billman, Antwerp, died at 9:12 p.m. Sunday in Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, Payne. Arrangements are pending at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp.
Cora Crossgrove
ARCHBOLD - Cora M. Crossgrove, 91, Archbold, died Saturday evening in Fairlawn Haven, Archbold.
She was born Aug. 14, 1909, near Archbold, the daughter of Charles and Mary (Wyse) Crossgrove. Before retirement, she was a housekeeper for 50 years in Midland, Mich., and a member of the Mennonite Church.
Surviving are two sisters, Mary Schrock and Laura Baer, both of Archbold.
Preceding her in death were five brothers, Franklin, Henry, Walter, Ralph and Chauncey.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Fairlawn Chapel, Archbold, with Revs. Charles Gautsche and Jeffrey Smith officiating. Burial will be in Pettisville Cemetery. Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel. Handling arrangements is Short Funeral Home, Archbold.
Preferred memorials are to Fairlawn Haven or a charity of the donor's choice.
Robert Travis
DELTA - Robert Eugene Travis, 85, Delta, died Saturday in Fulton County Health Center, Wauseon.
He was born Sept. 17, 1915, in Napoleon, the son of Zebulon and Jayne (Suydam) Travis. In 1939, he married Nina Gramling, who died in 2000. He was a farmer and a custodian for Liberty Center Local Schools, Pike-Delta-York Elementary School and Delta High School. He was a member of Liberty Chapel United Methodist Church and its men's club and a former youth director and church council member. He was a member of Fulton County Farm Bureau, Fulton County Men's Garden Club and life member of Napoleon Moose Lodge 788.
Surviving are six daughters, Mrs. Elwood (Charlotte) Jones of Grelton, Mrs. Gary (Betty) Fether and Mrs. Ramiro (Robin) Gomez, both of Fayette, Mrs. Paul (Joan) Chamberlin of Underhill, Vt., Mrs. Stephen (Mary) Seagrave of Sycamore and Mrs. Leslie (Rebecca) Steingass, Ada; and 23 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were a son, Kenton; and a granddaughter.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the church with Rev. Lynn Huffman officiating. Burial will be in Grelton Cemetery. Visitation is after 2 p.m. Tuesday in Wright Funeral Home, Liberty Center.
Preferred memorials are to the church or Fairlawn Haven Chapel, Archbold.
Castulo Flores
EVANSPORT - Castulo (Charlie) Flores, 75, Evansport, died Saturday in his home.
He was born March 26, 1925, in Poteet, Texas, the son of Jose-Maria and Margaret (Oresca) Flores. In 1943, he married Elvira Santos, who died in 1997. He worked at GM Powertrain, Defiance, before retirement. He was a member of Tiffin Township Fire Department, St. Peter's Catholic Church in Archbold, Eagles Aerie 2233 and Moose Lodge 1064, both of Bryan; and AMVETS Post 54.
Surviving are a son, Daniel, Guam; a daughter, Mrs. James (Diana) Oehler, Stryker; two brothers, Rito of Wauseon and Jose-Maria, Pleasanton, Texas; a sister, Orocia, Pleasanton; and eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were his parents; a son, James; three brothers, Evaristo, Beto and Antonio; and two sisters, Julia and LaLa.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday in the church with Rev. Gary Ferguson officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday in Short Funeral Home, Archbold, with a Tiffin Township Fire Department service at 6 p.m. and a scripture service at 7 p.m.
Dale Talmage
GRAND RAPIDS - Dale Ivan Talmage, 65, Grand Rapids, died Sunday morning in St. Luke's Hospital, Maumee.
He was born June 30, 1935, in Grand Rapids, the son of Merle and Blanche (Lovewell) Talmage. In 1963, he married Betty (Poorman) Bowers, who survives. He was a maintenance man at Clevite Industries, Napoleon, for 15 years, retiring in 1995. A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, he was a member of Alva N. Sidle American Legion Post 232 in Grand Rapids, Liberty Center Volunteer Fire Department, Liberty Center Historical Society, FFA Alumni Association and Grand Rapids Sportsman's Club. He was a former member of Grand Rapids Volunteer Fire Department, Lucas County Coon Hunters' Association and Lucas County Farm Bureau.
Also surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Charles (Margaret) Hirschy and Ruth Ann Bower, both of Findlay, and Mrs. Gary (Carol) Kliever, Garden City, Mich.; two sons, Michael Bowers of Owensboro, Ky., and Ivan, West Unity; and seven grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; and a brother, Gerald.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Wright Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, with Rev. Ken Williams officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Grand Rapids, with military rites accorded by Alva N. Sidle American Legion Post 232. Visitation is after 2 p.m. today with a Henry County Firefighters' Association memorial service at 7 p.m.
Preferred memorials are to Wesleyan Church or Liberty Center Volunteer Fire Department.
Mary Auman
McCLURE - Mary Agnes Auman, 91, McClure, died at 10:45 p.m. Friday in Northcrest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Napoleon.
She was born Feb. 5, 1909, in St. Marys, Pa., the daughter of Gregory and Louise (Kutz) Jeselnick. In 1974, she married Paul Auman, who died in 1991. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Marys Historical Society, St. Marys Senior Center and a former member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She was also a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Napoleon.
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. James (Shirley) Snyder, McClure; a brother, Edward Jeselnick, St. Marys; and four grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were five brothers, Frank, Greg, Roby, Johnny and Adolph Jeselnick; and two sisters, Rose Jeselnick and Ann Sherry.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in St. Augustine Catholic Church with Rev. Ron Brickner officiating. Burial will be in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery. Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. Tuesday in Rodenberger Funeral Home, McClure.
Preferred memorials are to a charity of the donor's choice.
Bertha Mohring
RIDGEVILLE CORNERS - Bertha Mohring, 85, Ridgeville Corners, died Sunday in her residence. Arrangements are pending at Snyder-Wesche Funeral Home, Napoleon.
