John R. Wistner

John R. Wistner, 78, of Haviland, passed gently into the arms of Jesus at 12:50 p.m. Thursday, April 12, 2012, at Richland Manor in Bluffton.

He was born September 21, 1933, in Grover Hill, the son of the late Gerald Rayburn and Marcele (Hapster) Wistner. John graduated from Grover Hill High School in 1951 and served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. On September 3, 1960, he married Cora (Moore) Wistner, who survives.

John retired from General Dynamics in Lima in 1993 and previously worked at Grizzly Manufacturing, SK Wayne and Chrysler Amplex. He was the owner of 5-Star Auction and worked as a real estate agent and auctioneer.

John was a member of Zion United Methodist Church in Grover Hill, SPAH (Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica), Grover Hill Lions Club and the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post. He had a heart for the Lord and pioneered the establishment of Youth for Christ in Paulding County.

John loved to share his musical gift of playing the harmonica and was widely known as “Harmonica John,” performing in many local parades. He also enjoyed playing men’s fast-pitch softball for many years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Laura (Kevin) DeLong of Grover Hill, Nannette (Shawn) Stiger of Wapakoneta and Rhonda (Kerry) Samples of Defiance. John adored his seven grandchildren, Aaron (Carly) Stiger, Lindsay DeLong, Katelyn Samples, Alyssa (Zac) Lauck, Brock DeLong, Allison Stiger, and Beau Samples; and his great-grandson, Roman DeLong. John is also survived by two sisters, Naomi Bidlack and Ona (Ray) Volk; a brother, Maurice (Cheryl) Wistner; and a sister-in-law, July Wistner.

A brother, Gerald Rodney Wistner; and a brother-in-law, Paul H. Bidlack, also preceded him in death.

A celebration of life worship service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, April 16, at Zion United Methodist Church in Grover Hill, with the Rev. Dr. Paul Bennell and Pastor Mike Waldron officiating. A military service and burial will be at Middle Creek Cemetery in Grover Hill.

Calling hours are from 2-8 p.m. Sunday, April 15, at the church, located at 204 S. Harrison St. in Grover Hill.

Preferred memorials: Zion United Methodist Church, The John Wistner Memorial Fast Pitch Softball Scholarship or the Wayne Trace Performing Arts Association.

Arrangements were handled by Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.cowanfuneralhome.com.