Obituaries « The VW independent (2024)

Obituary Policy

Obituaries can be emailed to editor@thevwindependent.com. The Van Wert independent no longer accepts no-cost death notices. As of October 1, 2023, the cost of full obituaries will be $95 (including a photo). Local funeral homes are billed for full obituaries, while out-of-town funeral homes can also be billed, if so requested. Obituaries submitted by individuals must be paid in full prior to publication. The Van Wert independent accepts credit cards by telephone from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday at 419.238.1220.

Georgene “Jean” Emily Waltz

Georgene “Jean” Emily Waltz, 94, passed away Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Homestead at Towne Center.

She was born October 19, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Roy and Mae (Malon) Mattson, who both preceded her in death. On March 6, 1948, she married Cloyd P. Waltz, who passed away on September 2, 2016.

Jean is survived by her children, Betsy Mott of Ossian, Indiana, Timothy (Lori) Waltz of Van Wert, Jody (Bradley) Lichtenberger of Van Wert and daughter-in-law Deborah Waltz of Van Wert; seven grandchildren, Abraham (Kari) Wallis, Amber Waltz, Darby (Eric) Schwieterman, Benjamin Waltz (Rob Bame), Hayley Waltz, Emily Lichtenberger and Mikhaila (Brok) Sailor; nine great-grandchildren, Luke, Owen, Perry, Isaiah, Ashley, Beau, Paislee, Everlie and Bennett; several nieces and nephews, and several great-nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, Jean was preceded in death by her son, Carey, brothers and sisters-in-law; Leroy (Dorothy) Mattson, Robert (Marian) Mattson and Kenneth (Hazel) Mattson.

Jean graduated from Van Wert High School in 1947 and was a homemaker on the family farm. She was a member of Pleasant Chapel United Methodist Church, active with the United Methodist Women and a member of Van Wert County Farm Bureau.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, June 7, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, with Pastor Tim Owens officiating. Interment will follow at Van Wert Woodland Cemetery. Calling hours will be held from 12-2 p.m. Friday prior to the service.

Preferred memorials: the Crestview Heritage Board (Bible House), or Pleasant Chapel UMC.

Dottie Kay (Murphy) Bowers

Dottie Kay (Murphy) Bowers entered into Jesus arms at 12:52 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, 2024. She was surrounded by her family and loved ones.

She was born on July 21, 1952 in Van Wert, to Clarence Lewis “Bud” Murphy and Ruby Marie (Johnson) Murphy, who both preceded her in death.

Dottie was also preceded in death by her three brothers, Danny Murphy, Harold E. Murphy and Stephen Murphy, stillborn; and her sister, Mary (Jim) Agler.

Dottie’s love of her life were her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even though she didn’t know their names at times, they were known as rappy, crappy, scrappy or whatever came out of her mouth. She taught her children and grandchildren how to dance, how to play different card games, how to swim and most important how to live life to the fullest. She also loved all her nieces and nephews, along with the stories of Cedar Point even when it took Carole eight hours to get home, the beach or the drive-in are ones she loved to re-tell. All the stories were near and dear to her heart.

Dottie is survived by her husband, Keith W. Bowers; her children, Mindy Bowers, Camille (Nick) Wade, Brian (Nikki) Bowers, and Brock Bowers; stepdaughter, Holly Dipple; a brother, Bob (Jill) Murphy; sisters-in-law, Helen Murphy and Dottie Ann Murphy. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m., Thursday, June 6, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert. There will be calling hours from 2-4 p.m. prior to the service.

Preferred memorials: the Convoy Methodist Church Choir Fund.

Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.

Wilma Ann Solsman

Wilma Ann Solsman, 70, of rural Grover Hill, passed away at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Van Crest Nursing Home.

She was born November 20, 1953, in Cincinnati. a daughter of Emitt and Carma Jean (Ward) Hammons, both of whom are deceased.

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She is survived by her spouse, Christopher Solsman; three daughters, Rose (Billy) Fields, Jamie (Derek) Fields, and Christy Solsman, all of Van Wert; a son, Troy Waldron of Convoy; grandchildren, Brandon Fields, Caleb Boyd, Cameron Sword, Cambria Sword, Cora Hodge, James Boyd, Ethan Boyd, Alexis Boyd, Robert Boyd, Brantley Sword, Lukas Bailey, Gavin Bailey, Adrian Bailey, and Dylan Bailey; six great-grandchildren; a brother, David Hammons, of Ossian, Indiana, and four sisters, Donna York of Van Wert, Janell McKinney of Columbia City, Indiana, Carol Brown of Clayton, Ohio, and Linda Stinson of Fort Wayne. She is also survived by special family friends, Johnny Nunemaker, Teresa Rogers and Nicki Fields.

She was preceded in death by a son, Edward Fields; sisters, Bonnie York, Patty Fields, Clarice Pruit, Peggy Taylor, and brothers: J.C. Hammons, and Jeff Hammons.

She had always been very involved in her family life and had been a babysitter for any who needed her. She was an avid bingo player and followed as many television soaps as she could. She had also been employed by Teleflex Corp for a number of years,

There will be visitation at Brickner Funeral Home from 2-5 p.m. Monday, June 3, followed by a service at 5p.m. With Rev. Bill Watson officiating. Following the service there will be a meal for family and friends.

Condolences may be left at www.bricknerfuneralhome.com or emailed to bricknerfuneralhome@yahoo.com.

Roger W. Neville

Roger W. Neville, a man of unwavering dedication and boundless curiosity, took his final flight on September 17, 2023, at the age of 82.

Born on May 5, 1941, in Fall River, Massachusetts, to William H. and Edith G. (Grime) Neville, Roger’s life was a tapestry of cherished memories and remarkable achievements that continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

During Roger’s teenage years, his sister Marilyn R. Neville passed away. This event had a profound impact on him, shaping and instilling in him a sense of devotion to his parents. His commitment to their well-being was unwavering, illuminating the selfless nature that defined him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Roger’s family moved to Minoa, New York, where he spent most of his childhood and attended primary school. Education played a pivotal role in Roger’s life as he pursued degrees in engineering and physics from Syracuse University where he was in the ROTC program. His thirst for knowledge and exploration led him to excel academically and set the foundation for a successful career ahead.

A significant chapter in Roger’s life unfolded during his military service as a First Lieutenant and artillery officer in the Army. His time stationed in Alaska not only fueled his love for adventure but also forged lifelong friendships that brought him immense joy. The stories he shared about Alaska reflected the beauty of the state and the camaraderie he cherished.

Roger shared countless adventures with his cousin Ron — fishing in the Taunton River, exploring the woods while hunting, and indulging their mutual interest in cars and computers. These two were indeed ahead of their time as original computer “nerds,” long before it became fashionable.

In his visits to Rhode Island, Roger found solace in the company of Ron, his wife, Louise and their child, Bryan. Their culinary escapades together became legendary – from Portuguese delicacies to Italian feasts, Roger embraced each experience with an open mind and an adventurous spirit. His visits always involved discovering new restaurants and engaging in what they fondly referred to as the “Roger palate challenge.” Despite being English with rather bland tastes, he graciously indulged in their culinary extravaganzas with good humor.

An annual tradition that brought immense joy to Roger was embarking on fall foliage tours with his mother across New Hampshire and Vermont. These “leaf-peeping” expeditions were more than just drives through scenic landscapes; they were cherished moments spent bonding over tea breaks at quaint town shops and relishing homemade desserts — a testament to their shared love for nature’s beauty.

Roger’s legacy is woven with the threads of friendship that he cultivated over the years. His bond with a fellow aviation and astronomy enthusiast, Richard Eberly Sr., blossomed into a deep companionship that lasted an impressive 33 years. He was not just a friend but a confidant who stood by through thick and thin, sharing moments of joy and sorrow alike. In the realms of cherished memories, Roger’s presence illuminated many gatherings — from Sunday dinners to game nights, major holidays to cookouts. His absence due to illness was keenly felt by all who knew him. Despite facing his own battles in his final years, Roger remained a pillar of strength and support for those around him.

One of Roger’s greatest passions was his deep-rooted love for flying and airplanes. Owning two planes as an adult symbolized his enduring love for aviation that brought him unparalleled joy throughout his life.

Roger was also a longtime faithful member of First Presbyterian Church where he volunteered countless hours serving on several boards, including Session and Deacons. Roger’s friendship with Dewaine Johnson and Ann Ayres blossomed into lifelong companionships that brought joy and shared experiences. Beyond personal connections, he dedicated his technical expertise to building the church’s VHS duplication system and serving on the Audio/Video Committee. His skills in equipment repairs, computer knowledge, budgeting, and report-writing were indispensable. His bond with those at the church transcended technical duties. Monthly social gatherings and shared meals became a testament to Roger’s ability to enrich the lives of others with his wisdom and kindness.

Roger will be dearly missed by his surviving family, Louise House and Bryan House, as well as by friends who shared in his zest for life.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 15, at the First Presbyterian Church in Van Wert, where military honors will follow. A time of further fellowship will immediately follow the memorial service at Roger’s favorite restaurant, Orchard Tree. Live Streaming may be viewed athttps://videoroost.com/v?r=VWPC.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Roger’s name be made to First Presbyterian Church Audio/Video; to a charity of the donor’s choice, or plant a tree in his memory.

To share in Roger’s online memorial, visitwww.alspachgearhart.com/obituaries/roger-neville.

Janet E. Winkler

Janet E. Winkler, 85, of Wapakoneta, passed away at 6:55 a.m. Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Wapakoneta Manor.

She was born on February 25, 1939, in Van Wert County, to James and Frances (Caywood) Williams, who preceded her in death.

Survivors include three children, Leigh Karbowiak of Dublin, Larry (Vicki) Winkler, and Linda (Bob) Bryan, both of Wapakoneta; six grandchildren, Eric (Adriane) Winkler, Stephanie (Jason Hutchison) Unrue, Rachel (Aaron) Vorhees, Heather (Danny) Choe, Stevie Karbowiak, and Allen (Katelyn) Winkler; three step-grandchildren, Royce (Cassie) Bryan, Candace Bryan, and Erica (T.J.) Cross; 11 great-grandchildren, Baily Waitman, Reed Waitman, Gregory Winkler, Brayden Winkler, Mackenzie Choe, Xander Vorhees, Alexander Winkler, Evelyn Vanderpool, Cooper Vorhees, Uriah Robert Choe, and Collins Tyler Vorhees; seven stepgreat-grandchildren, Krew Coleman, Raegan Hutchison, Keaton Hutchison, Amelia Bryan, Lennon LeDeaux, Harley Bryan, and Theo Elwood Cross; two brothers, Wayne (Betty) Williams, and Elvin (Cathy) Williams, and a sister-in-law, Barbara Williams.

Janet was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Thomas Winkler; one stepgreat-grandson, Ryker Bryan, and two brothers, Robert and Royce Williams.

Janet was 1957 graduate of Ohio City-Liberty High School.She then attended Wright State University-Lake Campus and Miami University.She was auditor for both Auglaize County and theCity of Wapakoneta, from which she retired.She served as the secretary at Salem United Methodist Church for many years and was a member of St. Paul U.C.C.She loved music, enjoyed playing the piano, trombone, and played the organ for many area churches.She also enjoyed needlecrafts and spending time with her family.

Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, May 31, at Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Wapakoneta with Rev. Bob Waitman officiating. Burial will be at a later date at Resthaven Cemetery, Moulton. Family and friends may visit from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, May 30, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: the Cancer Association of Auglaize County.

Online condolences may be expressed atwww.schlosserfuneralhome.com.

Joan Marie Jones

Joan Marie Jones, 93, of rural Ohio City, passed away Sunday evening, May 26, 2024, at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital.

She was born on October 14, 1930, in Union Township, Van Wert County the daughter of Lewis Edward and Naomi Almeda (Thatcher) Clark, who both preceded her in death. On September 3, 1950, she married Howard Dailey Jones who also preceded her in death on June 1, 2014.

Family survivors include her four sons, Brent L. (Deb) Jones of Van Wert, Douglas C. Jones of Ohio City, Keith H. (Marilyn) Jones of Atlanta, Michigan, and David C. (Rose) Jones of Van Wert; seven grandchildren, Shawn M. Jones of Mansfield, Ben (Nikki) Jones of Convoy, Nicole Jones of Convoy, Jessica (Prabhu) Dondapati of Atlanta, Michigan, Justin Jones of Denver, Colorado, Juli (Curt) Brennan of Atlanta, Michigan, and Janessa Jones (Sam Berens) of Grand Haven, Michigan; six great grandchildren; a sister, Imogene (Jim) Dick of Chesterfield, Missouri; and two brothers, James (Martha) Clark of Van Wert and Bill (Teresa) Clark of Findlay.

Joan was a 1948 graduate of Union High School and was a member of the Grace Bible Church where he was active in the Merry Widows. She was also a member of the Wren Garden Club, She retired from Sonoco in Van Wert. Joan loved to bake and sew and was an avid Crestview Knights basketball supporter. Each fall she enjoyed meeting friends and making new friends as she assisted with the Jones Orchard.

Services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, June 3, at Grace Bible Church in Van Wert with Pastor Lance Hostetler and Joan’s son, Keith officiating. Interment will follow at Ohio City Woodland Cemetery. Calling hours will be held from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, June 2, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert and one hour prior to the services Monday at the Church.

Preferred memorials are to the Wren E.M.S. or Grace Bible Church.

Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.

Frances Jeraldean Smith

Frances Jeraldean Smith, 68, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at her sister’s residence in Paulding.

She was born on December 13, 1955 in Van Wert, the daughter of Max Smith and Annis Pearl (McHugh) Smith, who both preceded her in death.

Frances is survived by her brother, Kevin G. (Kathy) Smith of Antwerp; two sisters, Sharon A. Baker of Paulding, and Kathy D. Cramburg of Tulsa, Oklahoma; nieces, Nicole (Brian) Bowers of Van Wert and Valerie (Dave) Penland of Hamilton, Indiana, Tiah Houston of Oklahoma, Kyrra Hendricks of Arkansas; nephews, Newlyn Baker of Haviland, Marco Smith of Van Wert, Sean (Carrie) Hendricks of Middle Point, and Brad (Sarah) Brown of Fort Wayne, Indiana, along with many numerous great-nieces and nephews.

She worked at the Thomas Edison Workshop in Van Wert and retired after 25 years of service. She participated in Special Olympics events over the years and would be excited to show you her ribbon or medal. She was a collector of many things, puzzles, pens, pencils, search and find and coloring books and lots of arts and craft things. She also loved her TV, movies and 80’s TV shows. Frances loved bling and color. If you saw her she was going to show you her new piece of jewelry or clothing item. Her smile was never ending and contagious, once she met you she never forgot you. We know she didn’t speak, however, she did say “bah duh” in many different forms; softly for concern, loud if she was excited or you were bad as she said a lot to family and friends. She even said bah duh if she was mad. You just knew what she meant by her tone. She was a true blessing to anyone she met and is now in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Frances attended the Victory Church of God of Van Wert.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 30, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home of Van Wert with Bishop Larry Martinez officiating. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Rockford. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 30, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: the Thomas Edison Center of Van Wert.

Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.

Jack J. Gerber

Jack J. Gerber, 79, of Paulding, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with stomach cancer.

He was born October 5, 1944, in Payne and was raised by his parents, Jesse and Mary (Souder) Gerber, on their farm in Haviland.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jacqueline Yenser; twin sons, Timothy and Titus; granddaughter, Jordan Sparks, and siblings, Sally Myers, Catherine (Raymond) Klopfenstein, Gerald Myers, Carl Myers, Bob Igney, and Richard Gerber.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary (Zimmerman) Gerber, whom he married on December 22, 1963 in Milford, Indiana; his daughter, Jana (Randy) Sparks of Sedalia, Missouri; his son, Paul (Nancy) Gerber of Chillicothe; his sisters, Peggy (Bill) Wise and Colleen (Bud) Cameron, all of Fort Wayne, Indiana; his brother, John (Diane) Igney of Florida, and son-in-law, Tim (Cindy) Yenser of Antwerp. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Jacob (Suzi) Yenser, Isaac (Amber) Yenser, Lydia (Levi) Farley, Luke Gerber, Levi Gerber, Mia Gerber, Madalyn (Tyler) Kilby, Jack Tague, Davion Sparks, and Destinee Sparks, as well as nine great-grandchildren.

Jack graduated from Blue Creek School (now Wayne Trace High School) in 1962. He was a welder for Fruehauf Trailers for six years and worked for General Electric in Fort Wayne for 27 years as a tool and die welder. He also ran a small business out of his home for 15 years. He was a member of Grace Bible Church in Van Wert, recently serving as chair of the board. Jack enjoyed fishing, woodworking projects, landscaping, and lawncare, along with visiting and putting puzzles together with friends at the Country Inn, Latty. He especially enjoyed fishing at Paint Creek Lake when he visited his son and family in Chillicothe. He was also a big fan of Wayne Trace High School sports and Ohio State football.

A service celebrating Jack’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 31, at Grace Bible Church, Van Wert, with Pastor Lance Hostetler officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, May 30, and again from 10-11 a.m. Friday, May 31, at Grace Bible Church.

Rather than sending flowers, Jack’s family requests that memorial contributions be made to Grace Bible Church or to Samaritan’s Purse. However, for those who do send floral gifts, they can be delivered to the church from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, May 30.

For additional information and to view Jacks’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.

Barbara Ann Wolfrum

Barbara Ann Wolfrum, 80, of Van Wert, a beloved elementary school teacher, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Divine Nursing and Rehab at Shane Hill in Rockford after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Barbara was born October 9, 1943, in Haviland, to the Rev. Robert Kinney and Edith Kinney, both of whom are deceased.

Barbara graduated from Crestview High School in 1961, a proud member of the school’s first graduating class. She also graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor’s degree and the University of Dayton with a master’s degree. On December 25, 1966, she married Robert Wolfrum, who preceded her in death after 52 years together.

Barbara is survived by two sons, Timothy Wolfrum of Palmetto, Florida, and Todd (Angie) Wolfrum of Middle Point; six grandchildren, Wesley Wolfrum, Elle Wolfrum, Sam Wolfrum, Cal Wolfrum, Nick Sowers and Caleb Sowers; and one great-grandchild, Alice Rose Sowers. She also is survived by sisters Anita (Roger) Webb of Springdale, Arkansas, Bonnie (Ray) Barger of Bluffton, Indiana, and Linda (Toby) Thomas of Cincinnati, as well as a sister-in-law, Kay Kinney of Wauseon.

In addition to her parents and husband, Barbara was also preceded in death by her only brother, the Rev. Roger Kinney.

Barbara taught fifth and sixth grade in the Lincolnview Local Schools for 34 years, inspiring her students and serving as a mentor to young teachers. She was president of the Lincolnview teachers’ union for many years. Before taking a break from teaching when her children were young, Barbara taught in the Fairview, Ney and Holgate school districts. She was a devout Christian who taught Sunday school and served in several leadership positions at Kingsley United Methodist Church. An avid bicyclist, Barbara logged more than 1,000 miles every summer and was a regular participant in the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure. Barbara will be remembered fondly by her family and friends for her kindness, her enthusiasm for life, her dry wit and her incredible hugs.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, and from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Riverview Memory Gardens in Defiance.

Preferred memorials: the Van Wert County Humane Society and Lincolnview Bible Board.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Kelly R. Dye

Kelly R. Dye, 58, passed away on Monday, May 20 , 2024, at University of Toledo Medical Center after a brief but hard-fought battle with lymphoma.

He was born April 19, 1966, in Willard to Merlin and Judith K. (Smith) Dye.

Kelly attended Buckeye Central High School and was a proud member of the 1982-83 boys basketball team Class A, Ohio State tournament runners up.Kelly attended Bluffton University, earning a degree in secondary education. He taught high school history at Parkway High School for seven years and also worked to complete his master’s degree from the University of Dayton. While teaching, Kelly was actively involved in coaching basketball including the freshmen boys’ basketball team at Lincolnview for one year, JV boys basketball at Parkway for one year, and varsity girls basketball at Parkway for six years. Kelly had a heart for his students and players. He touched many lives as a mentor and leader.

Kelly went on to get his principal’s certification from Ashland University and served as Principal for three years in New London before taking the junior high/high school principal position at Lincolnview High School in Van Wert, where he served for 14 years.

He met his wife Beth (Jones) Dye at Bluffton University and they were married on August 5, 1989. They shared 34 years of marriage and twin daughters Claire Dye (Brandon May) of Gambier, Ohio and Katie (Tim) Fralick of Convoy. Kelly was proud of his daughters and never missed any of their events and was always their biggest fan. His proudest accomplishment, however, came later in life as he became a Pappa to Gavin Benton Fralick and Landon Dean Fralick who were his absolute greatest joys. He looked forward to sharing his love for the Kentucky Wildcats with his grandsons and hoped one day to take them to Rupp Arena as a part of the Big Blue Nation. Kelly also loved vacations at the beach with friends and family and his cat, Tucker.

Kelly is survived by his wife, Beth, of Van Wert along with his daughters and their families; four sisters, Debby (Hershel) Rowe of Shelby, Sandy Hale of Plymouth, Ohio, Sharon (Freddy) Rowe of Willard, and Linda (Brian) Kuczynski of Richfield, Ohio; a brother- in-law, Jay Jones (Carol Canales) of Van Wert, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Judy K. Dye; a brother, Gary Dye; a brother-in-law, Rod Hale, and a nephew, Nathan Rowe.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday with Dave Bowen officiating. Interment will take place at Ridge Cemetery, Ridge Township.

Preferred memorials: Lifeline of Ohio, who promotes and coordinates organ and tissue donation for transplants.

Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.