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.
POSTED: 12/28/10 at 3:42 pm. FILED UNDER: Info
Donna M. Foehl, 97, of Convoy, passed away Saturday morning, January 3, 2026, at Hearth and Home of Van Wert.
She was born April 9, 1928, in Blue Creek Township, Paulding County, to Fred and S. Leona (Zartman) Schoenauer. She married Robert E. Foehl. Donna was a homemaker and the ultimate farm wife.
She was always there to haul grain and help in any other way she could. Donna could also be found baking cookies and mowing her lawn well into her 90s. She was a long-time member of Convoy Methodist Church and the church women’s group. Donna was also very active in the Crestview Farm Wives, Convoy Homemakers and the Japonica Garden Club.
Donna is survived by her children, Ken (Robin) Foehl of Convoy and Barbara Fant of Cincinnati; grandchildren, Charles (Shawnee), Alicia (Josh), Matt, Christopher (Meaghan), Kyle (Emma), and Jodi (Brian); great grandchildren, Avery, Megan, Shooter, Branch, Copper, Creek, Miriam, Leah, Landon and Oliver; a great great grandchild, Atlas, and a sister, Betty Gloor of Hicksville.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob, and brothers, Norman, Gene and Ron Schoenauer.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 7, at Convoy Methodist Church with Rev. Bill Thomas, Officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services Wednesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangments were entrusted to Gearhart-Sauer Funeral Home, Convoy.
POSTED: 01/04/26 at 2:07 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Martha Wilma (Overholser) Lichtenberger, 94, of Wren, passed peacefully into heaven Monday morning, December 29, 2025, at VanCrest of Van Wert.
Martha “Wilma” was born on May 30, 1931, in Huntington, Indiana. She married John S. Lichtenberger on September 10, 1950. Last September they celebrated 75 years of marriage. What a great honor of love and devotion.
Martha had worked many jobs throughout her life. Mom and dad enjoyed camping, traveling and enjoyed the great outdoors. She was an avid read and she loved to read all kinds of books and all the daily newspapers.
Martha is survived by her loving husband, John Lichtenberger and her children, Sherman (Virginia) Lichtenberger of Berne, Indiana, Beverly (Alan) Lichtensteiger of Ohio City, Joyce (Jim) Grafmiller of Ossian, Indiana, and Stanley (Jenny) Lichtenberger of Van Wert. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
Martha was preceded in death by one daughter, Deloris Lichtenberger who passed away in October of 2013; a grandson, Jon Lichtenberger and two great-grandsons, Nicholas and William Lichtenberger.
Services will be held at 12 p.m. Monday, January 5, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home of Van Wert with Pastor Dan York officiating. Interment will take place at Fletcher Cemetery, near Wren. Calling hours are 10 a.m. until time of services on Monday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions in memory of Martha can be made to the Wren Fire & EMS Department.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 12/30/25 at 6:59 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Carolyn Sue Priddy, 79, passed away peacefully Monday evening surround by her loving family on Monday, December 29, 2025, at VanCrest of Van Wert.
She was born on September 22, 1946, in Van Wert, the daughter of Edwin J. Pierce and Margaret E. (Schwartz) Pierce, who both preceded her in death. On June 8, 1985, she married Max L. Priddy who survives of Van Wert.
Other family survivors include her daughter, Diana L. Swander of Van Wert; one brother, David J. (Karen) Pierce of Avon, Indiana; two grandchildren, Michelle (Ted) Tate of Convoy and Stephanie (Austin) Thomas of Maumee; seven great-grandchildren, Kaedyn Swander, Kallie Swander, Kole Swander, Lyla Thomas, Connor Thomas, Pierce Tate and Rebel Tate, and one great great-grandson, Stetson Swander.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her two children, Mary and Barry McHugh and one sister, Nancy Sheets.
Carolyn worked at the Huffy’s Bicycle plant in Celina for 27 years, until it closed in 1998, then she worked for CME in Monroeville, Indiana. She continue working for a few years at Crestview Local Schools in the cafeteria and she attended the Pleasant Chapel United Methodist Church with Max.
A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, January 3, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home of Van Wert. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, Ohio City. Calling hours are at 10 a.m. until time of services on Saturday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials are to the Van Wert Hospice-CHP.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 12/30/25 at 6:50 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Jane Ann (Good) DeMoss, 89, of Van Wert, passed away at 11:35 a.m. Sunday, December 28, 2025, at VanCrest Healthcare Center of Van Wert.
She was born December 10, 1936, in Van Wert, the daughter of Bernard Earl Good and Norma Louise (Eddy) Good, who both preceded her in death. On November 26, 1971, she married Michael Murray DeMoss, who preceded her in death on November 30, 2022.
Survivors include five daughters, Robin White of Van Wert, Shelbyan (Scott) Clyde of Van Wert, Michelle (Travis) Dickson of Van Wert, Kassi DeMoss (Jason Crone) of Van Wert and Lorna Cotterman of Celina; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren; a sister, Janet (Good) Bolton, and one sister-in-law, Margaret Wearly.
She was also preceded in death by her son, Jeremy Jay “Jake” DeMoss on September 19, 2022; her brother-in-law, Jerry Bolton on December 27, 2025 and a brother, Neil A. Good.
She was a 1954 graduate of Van Wert High School. Jane enjoyed going to lunches with her friends from high school and was a stay-at-home mom and babysat until 1997, when she went to work at Community Health Professionals until age 71 (2007). She loved to garden and grow flowers and had a “Green Thumb”. Jane was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan in both football and basketball, Cincinnati Reds fan and was an avid bowler in her younger years. Her favorite pasttime was working with her flowers, reading, and spending time with her family.
Jane’s memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 10, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Van Wert. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Health Professional Hospice of Van Wert..
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 12/30/25 at 1:33 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Jerry Dean Bolton, 85, of Van Wert, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, December 27, 2025, following an extended illness.
Jerry was born on November 6, 1940, in Van Wert, to Edwin and Eva Jean (Davis) Bolton. He was a 1958 graduate of York High School. On September 22, 1963, he married Janet (Good) Bolton, who survives.
Jerry was the proud father of two children, a son, Jay (Betty) Bolton of Van Wert, Ohio, and a daughter, Jill (Marc) Mohr of Lapel, Indiana. He was a devoted grandfather to Clay (Bethany) Bolton of Lancaster, Damon Bolton (Jacque) of Grand Junction, Colorado, Lauren (Rod) Powers of Fruita, Colorado, Evan (Kait) Mohr of Georgetown, Kentucky, and Isaac Mohr and Cade Mohr of Pendleton, Indiana. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Hayes Bolton, Luke and Madison Bolton, Aubree Beebe, Natalie Powers, and Brooks and Berkley Mohr. He is survived by his brother, Robert (Dot) Bolton of Van Wert.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Bonnie Bolton, and a brother, Richard Bolton.
Jerry’s strong work ethic defined much of his life. He was employed by Aeroquip Corporation before co-founding ER Bolton and Sons Oil Company with his father and two brothers. For many years, Jerry delivered oil products to customers throughout Van Wert, Mercer, and Auglaize counties. The family also owned and operated the Motor Inn Truck Stop in Mercer. In addition, Jerry drove school buses for Van Wert City Schools, faithfully serving a daily route and transporting numerous Cougar athletic teams.
A lifelong supporter of Van Wert Cougar athletics, Jerry was an avid fan and spent many years keeping the scorebook for the boys’ basketball team-an experience he especially treasured was keeping the scorebook when the Cougars advanced to the state basketball tournament. Sports were always a central part of Jerry’s life. He umpired high school baseball games, was a devoted Cincinnati Reds fan, and spent countless fall Saturdays cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Van Wert, where he sang in the choir and enjoyed fellowship with his church family.
Jerry proudly served his country for six years in the Fort Wayne Air National Guard.
Jerry will be remembered for his dedication to family, his love of sports, his strong work ethic, and his larger than life laugh.
Visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m. Friday, January 2, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert. A funeral sersvice will take place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 3, at First United Methodist Church, Van Wert. Burial will follow at Woodland Cemetery.
Preferred memorials: the Van Wert Cougars Booster Club or to First United Methodist Church of Van Wert.
To share in Jerry’s online memorial visit www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 12/28/25 at 10:16 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Patricia “Pat” Jeanne (Muncey) Weaver, age 71, of Van Wert, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 25, 2025 , after a short battle with cancer.
She was born on November 27, 1954, in Euclid, to Thomas James and Joanne Margaret (Funk) Muncey, and grew up in Wickliffe.
Pat was blinded at birth by retinopathy of prematurity, however, she never let this limit her. She attended public school in a regular classroom starting in kindergarten, ultimately graduating from Wickliffe High School. She attended summer camp annually at Cleveland Sight Center Highbrook Lodge, a special camp for blind students. As a teenager, she joined the Water Spaniels Swim Team, where she earned her junior water lifesaving certification, later using it to assist a friend in distress during a lake swim. She sang in the All-Ohio Youth Choir, along with taking many years of lessons in classical piano and guitar.
Pat attended Heidelberg College in Tiffin, where she earned a double bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Speech. She enjoyed a semester in Bogota, Colombia, as a foreign exchange student. She also met Brad Weaver, marrying him shortly after graduation in 1977. They moved to Mansfield, where Pat lived for the next 35 years until Brad’s death.
In Mansfield, Pat made music her ministry. She led weekly sing-a-longs with the residents of memorial homes, and was on the worship team for Grace Fellowship Church for many years. She had four children between 1980 and 1986, and considered raising them to be her biggest accomplishment. Life in Mansfield was full of church, children’s activities, and trips to Cedar Point. Pat was well known in her community for her chocolate chip cookies and fresh bread baked from scratch. She was generous with her music, her baking, and her joyful words of encouragement.
In her later years, Pat lived with her daughter, Sarah, in Baltimore, Ohio and Van Wert. She continued her music ministry, singing regularly with the residents of Crestview, Van Wert Manor, The Homestead, and Vancrest nursing facilities. She remained active into her 70s, completing two half-marathons, swimming weekly, and attending Silver Sneakers classes at the local YMCA.
Above all, Pat loved Jesus, her Lord and Savior. On March 6, 1969, she asked Christ into her heart. She wanted to be used by him. She had no idea at the time what that would look like. When she realized that God had gifted her with music, she decided to use this gift to praise him. She often had to step out in complete faith. During her time abroad as a foreign exchange student, navigating moves, or rebuilding her life after tragedies, God provided someone with her who was walking the same path, as a reminder that God is with her. She said, “Whether I am with God in person or he is here in my heart, I do not fear because we are together.”
Pat Weaver is survived by daughters Victoria (Rustin) Cerveny of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, Elizabeth (Marcus) Williams of Austin, Texas, Sarah (Brett) Sheets of Van Wert, son Jonathan (Alison) Weaver of Dearborn, Michigan, and grandchildren Karisa, Chayse, Lexi, Esther, Tabitha, Willow, Judah, Everest, Joanna, Luana, Nathan, and Ethan.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bradford Weaver, and by her parents.
Visitors may call on the family from 12-3 p.m. Thursday, January 1, at St. Paul’s Church, 6077 German Church Road, Ohio City, where a memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, Grace Fellowship Church, 365 Straub Rd E, Mansfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ohio State School for the Blind.
To share in Patricia’s online memorial, visit www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements were entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 12/28/25 at 10:55 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Benjamin Cody Schaffner, 15, of Van Wert passed away unexpectedly Monday afternoon, December 22, 2025, at Ohio Health-Van Wert Hospital.
He was born on July 10, 2010, in Lima, the son of Abby (Ashbaugh) Roehm of Van Wert and Dakota Allen Schaffner of Van Wert, also surviving is his step father, Ryan M. Roehm.
Other family members include his grandparents, Brian and Lisa Schaffner of Van Wert, Lynn and Doug Ashbaugh of Van Wert and Lisa Regedanz of Spencerville; his siblings, Braelynn Schaffner, Anna Schaffner, Alex Roehm and Baker Roehm all of Van Wert; two aunts, Sidney Schaffner of Willshire and Brianna Regedanz of Spencerville, and two uncles, Sage (Hanna) Schaffner of Muncie, Indiana and Brian (Tayah) Ashbaugh of Van Wert.
Benji was a freshman at Lincolnview High School where he participated in the school choir. He was also a referee for soccer at the Van Wert YMCA and enjoyed playing video games, collecting Pokémon cards, reading, listening to music, watching movies, and playing chess and board games with his family.
Calling hours 2-7 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home of Van Wert. Private family services will follow and interment will be at the Ridge Cemetery in Middle Point.
Preferred memorials are to the family to help defray funeral costs.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 12/26/25 at 2:13 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Karl D. Knodel, 90, of Ohio City, passed away at 5:55 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2025, with our Jesus after 43 days of inpatient care at Kindred Hospital in Lima.
He was born July 3, 1935, in Van Wert, to Herb and Euthemia (Smith) Knodel. On September 25, 1960, he married the former Connie Lee Wallace.
He is survived by his much-loved wife of 65 years, Connie Lee Knodel of Ohio City; his son, Kirk (Joellen) Knodel of Ohio City, and his grandson, KC Knodel of Chicago, Illinois.
Karl graduated from Van Wert High School and the Standard Oil Service and Management School. Karl is a veteran of the United States Army where he served overseas for four years with the 37th Combat Engineers. Mr. Knodel was a meat cutter in the family partnership of Knodel’s Meat Market and Knodel’s East End Market. He also owned and operated the Standard Oil Station on North Washington Street. He was also a supervisor at U.S. Metalcraft in Delphos, and a maintenance supervisor at Stran Buildings. He retired from maintenance at El Monte Plastics in Ohio City.
Karl also operated K and K Sales and Service in Ohio City with his son, Kirk. He also built several hot rods and built and drove sprint cars at Eldora Speedway and other tracks in the area. He had coached many youth sports teams and was a mechanic for his son and grandson’s amatuer and professional motorcycle racing.
Karl was a member of the Ohio City Methodist Church, the Moose Lodge and had been a Second Vice Commander of the Harvey Lewis American Legion.
There will be no services at this time.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 12/24/25 at 8:59 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
David Brent DuVall, 62, of Middle Point, passed away Monday morning, December 21, 2025, at his residence.
He was born August 1, 1963, in Van Wert, to Otis W. and Betty Jo (Eversole) DuVall.
He was a graduate of Lincolnview High School. He retired as a State of Ohio meat inspector and was a lifetime farmer. After retirement, Dave enjoyed time spent working at Sanderson Meats. Dave was an avid golfer who loved his annual golfing trips to Maggie Valley, North Carolina. He also enjoyed time spent working out for many years, most recently at Peak Fitness in Delphos.
Dave cherished most his time spent with his nieces and nephews and his beloved dogs, Willy and B.B. He is survived by his siblings, Bill (Beth) DuVall of Leeland, North Carolina, Steve (Cindy) DuVall of Middle Point and Jane (Bob) Alexander of Bowling Green; nieces and nephews, Nick (Becca) DuVall, Phillip (Courtney) DuVall, Tasha (Robbie) Breese, Scott (Jeannie) Alexander, Stephanie (Andy) Lang; Michelle (Mike) Leal and Megan (Aaron) Reeves, and many great nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by a niece, Jennifer DuVall.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 27, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with Pastor Briana Geiger, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials may be directed to the Van Wert YMCA or to the Van Wert Humane Society.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 12/23/25 at 10:20 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Luke Keuneke, 40, of Rawson, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2025 due to a tragic accident.
Luke was born on August 18, 1985 in Van Wert, to David and Debra (Feasby) Keuneke. He married the love of his life Lynsie Smith in 2020 and she survives in Rawson.
Also surviving are his parents; children, Ellie Keuneke, Cain Keuneke, Cohen Smith and Ady Smith; brothers, Nicholas (Jaela) Keuneke and Joshua (Melissa) Keuneke; nieces and nephews, Emily, Ethan, Hope, Evan, Ava and Zoey; father and mother in-law, Mark and Jan Powell; sister-in-law, Erika (Thomas) Naylor, Kayla (Jeremiah) Magee, Chelsie (Josh) Perry and their children, Isaiah, Isabelle, Isla, Briggs, Bryer, Beckham, Liberty and Kimber and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Ralph and Romaine Feasby and Erwin and Louise Keuneke.
Luke was a 2004 graduate of Van Wert High School. Luke worked at Five Angle Construction and co-owned and operated Cutting Edge. Luke currently worked at Vorst Custom Cabinetry & Countertops. Luke was a faithful and devoted member of Findlay First Church of the Nazarene, where he lived out his love for God through service and fellowship. He sang on the Praise Team, taught Sunday School and was actively involved in the Upward Program as a referee coordinator, and helped lead a mission trip to Alpaca. Luke was always the first to volunteer, serving others with a joyful and willing heart.
A hardworking and gifted man, Luke had a remarkable ability to fix just about anything. He enjoyed woodworking, building cabinets, and taking on projects that blessed his family and others. An excellent cook, he also found joy outdoors—whether fishing, playing disc golf, or enjoying a game of racquetball. He loved reading, listening to music, and cheering on sports, especially when it involved his children.
Luke was a dedicated coach to children’s soccer teams and a constant source of encouragement and support to his children, as well as his nieces and nephews. He was considerate, helpful, kind, and truly never met a stranger. Luke’s unconditional love, generosity, and genuine care for others reflected his deep faith and his love for family.
Above all, Luke was a God-loving man whose life was marked by service, humility, and love. He will be remembered as an amazing husband, father, son, brother, son-in-law, family and friend, and his legacy will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.
A time to gather and celebrate Luke’s Life will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, December 26, in the Findlay First Church of the Nazarene, 2501 Broad Ave., Findlay. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, from 10 a.m. until the time of Luke’s celebration of life service at 11 a.m. in the church with Pastor Mike McClurg, officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made in Luke’s honor to the Upward Sports c/o Findlay First Church of the Nazarene
Arrangements have been entrusted with the Stombaugh-Batton & Snyder Funeral Home, Carey.
Online condolences, as well as a fond memory can be shared with Luke’s family by visiting www.stombaughbatton.com.
POSTED: 12/23/25 at 10:10 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
