Linus Bernard Unterbrink

Linus Bernard Unterbrink entered into eternal life on Wednesday, February 4, 2015, after a brief illness at Van Wert County Hospital in Van Wert, surrounded by family and friends.

He was born January 13, 1925, in Cloverdale, the son of Bernard H. and Lucy (Heckman) Unterbrink, who both preceded him in death.

After graduating from Van Wert High School in 1943, he entered service with the U.S. Navy and served as a LINK instructor in San Diego, California, and was discharged in 1946. On June 9, 1951, he married Joyce (Griggs) Unterbrink of Van Wert.

Together they had five children, Cheryl L. (Larry) Freewalt of Ohio City, Bruce A. Unterbrink of Van Wert, Randal L. (Sherry) Unterbrink of Summerville, South Carolina, Cynthia K. McLachlan of Annandale, Virginia, and Raymond K. Unterbrink of Hampstead, Maryland. In addition to his wife and children, he leaves behind five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are three sisters, Bernadette Poling, Julianne Hoersten and Carol Gribler; and a brother, Ralph Unterbrink.

Four brother, Louis Unterbrink, Donald Unterbrink, Alphonse Unterbrink and Walter Unterbrink; and two sisters, Victoria Rhoades and Ruth Putman, also preceded him in death.

Mr. Unterbrink was co-owner of a bowling alley in Van Wert, and for many years after was a member of a bowling league with his brothers. He was also a skilled carpenter.

Mr. Unterbrink was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for over 30 years and also farmed for many years in Mercer County. He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert, as well as American Legion Post 178, also in Van Wert.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 7, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, with Father Stanley Szybka officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

Calling hours are from 4-7 p.m. Friday, February 6, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert, where a Rosary service will be held at 6:30 that evening.

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