Thomas Leon Gemmer

Thomas Leon Gemmer, 67, of Van Wert, passed into his heavenly reward at 11:11 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at Van Wert County Hospital in Van Wert, with his loving and supporting family and friends surrounding him.

He was born January 10, 1948, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Edward and Mabel (Gallogly) Gemmer, who preceded him in death. On April 25, 1980, he was united in marriage with Jean Ann (Herman) Gemmer, who survives him in Van Wert.

He is also survived by his children, John Thomas (Christine) Gemmer of Ohio City, Chris (Jennifer) Gemmer of Chesapeake, Virginia and Jill Gemmer at home; six grandchildren, Erin, Alixandra, Johan and Brooke Gemmer, as well as Austin and Tyler (Lee Hannah) McNeilan; one great-grandson, Brodie McNeilan; and his siblings, twin brother Tim (Marilyn) Gemmer and John Phillip Gemmer, both of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Robert LaChar of Florida, Russell LaChar of Indianapolis, Kevin McNay of California and Orene Wilson of Franklin, Indiana.

Three brothers, Pete, Larry and Harry LaChar, also preceded him in death.

Tom was employed both as a licensed physician’s assistant and a registered nurse. He took great pride in the care he was able to provide to others, especially through hospice care.

He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert, Knights of Columbus Council 6034, 4th Degree Bishop Neumann Assembly 829 and the choir at St. Mary’s Church. He had proudly served his country in the United States Navy and retired after 26½ years of service as a chief warrant officer. He had been awarded the Bronze Star medal, with valor; two Purple Hearts and numerous other commendations. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, American Legion Post 178 and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 54, all in Van Wert, the Eagles Aerie in Delphos and was a Delphos St. John’s booster.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 19, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, with Father Stan Szybka officiating. Burial will follow in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Cemetery in Ottoville, where graveside military honors will be rendered.

Calling hours are from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert.

Preferred memorials: St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church and School or the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.bricknerfuneralhome.com or emailed to bricknerfuneralhome@bright.net.