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
Stanley R. Knittle, 82, of Van Wert passed away at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Vancrest of Delphos.
He was born May 31, 1943, in Convoy, a son of Kenneth & Ferne (Bartz) Knittle, who both preceded him in death. On November 30, 1963, he married Mary M. Bassett who survives in Van Wert.
He is survived by one son, Kevin Knittle of Van Wert.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Eileen and a brother, Robert.
He had been employed for over 30 years at B. F. Goodrich. After that time he was employed at Laurie’s Naturescapes.
Stan loved hunting especially bow hunting. He was also a long time member of the National Rifle Association.
Viewing and services for Stan will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert. Viewing will begin at 11 a.m. with the service commencing at 2 p.m. John Rager will be the officiating minister.
Preferred memorials: the donor’s choice.
Burial will be at a future date in Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
POSTED: 11/02/25 at 4:50 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Laura I. (Keipper) Mason, 58, of Van Wert, passed away at 8:13 a.m. Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Vancrest of Van Wert.
She was born November 9, 1966, at Fort Benning, in Columbus, Georgia to Martha E. (Schilling) and Robert V. Keipper, both of whom preceded her in death.
She is survived by her only child, Hannah Putt of Logansport, Indiana; siblings, Mary (Rick) Shelton of Van Wert, Vanessa (Michael) Shaver of Logansport, Suzie Emrick of Van Wert and Edward (lisa) Keipper of Rockford, Ohio; sister-in-law, Gladys Keipper of Van Wert, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, Patrick Keipper and Colin Keipper; and a niece, Leah Emrick.
Laura worked 24 years at Vancrest of Van Wert before moving to Logansport and working for the Indiana State Hospital for almost fuur years.
Laura was a beloved mother, sister, aunt, daughter, and a friend to many. She enjoyed raising and supporting her daughter through life’s biggest challenges. She also enjoyed crime mystery shows, reading and spending time with family and friends.
Private services will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 10/27/25 at 11:09 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Donald Eugene Evans, 88, of Van Wert, passed away Saturday morning, October 25, 2025, at the Homestead Assisted Living of Van Wert.
He was born on March 12, 1937, in Jackson Township, Van Wert County, the son of William J. Evans and Maude E. (Thatcher) Evans, who both preceded him in death.
Donald is survived by his four children, Douglas Evans of Middle Point, Debra (Thad) Lichtensteiger of Van Wert, Linda (Max) Ihnen of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Angela (Paul) Sizemore of Toledo; 10 grandchildren, Tricia (Chris) Hughes, Lexi (Jon) Murasky, Drew (Kate) Myers, Kirk (Allison) Lichtensteiger, Kory (Amanda) Lichtensteiger, Luke (Kristin) Lichtensteiger, Carly (Rikki) Covarrubias, Nikki (Bob) O’Brien, Matt (Priscilla) Evans and Derek (Anna) Bissonette; 22 great-grandchildren and one sister, Victoria Mey (Tony Petro).
In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his daughter, Beth Ann Bissonette.
He formerly worked at the Chrysler-Amplex plant in Van Wert and was a farmer by trade. Don also worked as a medical transporter for Clymer Medical Transport and as a guard at the Lima State Hospital. He was the clerk for the Jackson Township Trustee and a U.S. Navy Reserve Veteran. Don was a member of the Van Wert Masonic Lodge #218 and was a 1955 graduate of Hoaglin-Jackson High School.
A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, October 30, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Van Wert, with Pastor William Watson of the Pentecostal Way Church officiating. Interment will take place at a later date at King Cemetery, Van Wert County. Calling hours will be held from 2-6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials: Pentecostal Way Church.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 10/27/25 at 8:39 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Timothy E. Roberts, 60, of Paulding, left us on Thursday night, October 23, 2025.
He was born September 12, 1965, in Fort Wayne to Rev. Lloyd and Hazel (Kline) Roberts, Tim’s warmth and kindness touched everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Tim was an eight year veteran of the United States Army Reserves and was known for his ability to make friends wherever he went-he truly didn’t know a stranger. He had a heart of gold, always putting others first and lending a helping hand whenever he could. His love for cars was evident, whether he was buying or selling or sharing stories about his latest adventures with family and friends.
He proudly owned and operated Rightway Medical Transport for many years.
Above all, his family meant the world to him. Tim is survived by his beloved spouse, Michelle (Harris) Roberts. They were married November 27, 1999. He proudly leaves behind a large family who adored him: his children, Heather (Joe) Settlemire of Spencerville, Dusten (Ashley) Harris of Grover Hill, Emily (Timothy) Aguirre of Spencerville, Jennifer (Jeremy) Edwards of Middle Point, Tiffany Roberts of Wetzel, Ericka (Matthew) Brown of Grover Hill, and Garrett (Britny) Zinser of Defiance. He is also survived by 29 grandchildren; a brother, Randy (Joanne) Roberts of Van Wert; a sister, Shelby (Shaun) Matthews of Van Wert, and best friend, Greg Sterling of Delphos.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Diane Kupper.
Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 29, at the funeral home. Burial with military rites will immediately follow in Blue Creek Cemetery in Haviland.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials: any local veteran’s organization.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 10/24/25 at 2:40 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Bonnie Jean Shaffer danced on the waves in the arms of Jesus on Monday, October 20, 2025.
She was born June 11, 1957 to Richard Irvin and Mary Jane (Fishbaugh) Shaffer and was a 1975 graduate of Mendon Union High School. In 1984, she received her diploma from Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing to become an RN and in 1992, obtained a bachelor of science from the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne.
Bonnie was an active member of Olive Branch Church of God and spent many years serving as camp nurse at Camp Otyokwah. Her final place of employment was Parkview Medical Center, where she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, forcing her into a leave of absence, with hopes of returning post transplant.
Bonnie is survived by three sisters; Barb Williams, Betty Daniels, and Beverly Thorpe, and a brother, Bruce (Brenda) Shaffer. She also leaves 15 nieces and nephews, 39 great-nieces and nephews, and six great-great- nieces and nephews, whom she proudly spoiled.
In addition to her parents and grandparents, she was preceded in death by three brothers-in-law, Royce Williams, Freedus Daniels, and Phillip Thorpe, and a sister-in-law, Kay (Gillespie Arnold) Shaffer.
A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, November 1, at Olive Branch Church of God, 18568 Ohio 118, Rockford, with Pastor Tyler Watson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Preferred memorials: the Olive Branch Church of God.
POSTED: 10/23/25 at 8:59 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Mark A. Bohnlein passed away peacefully at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and unwavering devotion.
Born in Lima and raised in Delphos, Mark was the son of Joseph and Ella Bohnlein.
He graduated from Delphos St. John’s Catholic High School in 1971, where he played football and wrestled. Mark was an avid lifelong Atlanta Braves fan and was known for his sense of humor. Mark dedicated 42 years to Eaton as a quality assurance inspector, embodying integrity and diligence.
He was a member of Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church and his faith was central to his life. Above all, Mark was a devoted father to Tracy Spieth and proud grandfather to Evan Spieth. For Mark, the sun rose and set with them. He never missed a moment of their lives, celebrating their milestones with joy, pride and unwavering support.
He is survived by Tracy and Evan of Van Wert; brothers, Ron (Cathy) Bohnlein, John (Jane) Bohnlein, and a sister, Sue (Dean) Donald.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother Paul, and beloved companion Bobbi Sterrett.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, October 23, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home Chapel, Van Wert, with Father Chris Bohnsack officiating. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Woodland Cemetery.
Preferred memorials: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To share memories or condolences, visit www.alspachgearhart.com.
Mark’s warmth and laughter will echo in the lives he touched.
POSTED: 10/20/25 at 10:48 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
James Anthony “Tony” Stewart, 70, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025, at Wyandot County Skilled Nursing & Rehab Center in Upper Sandusky.
Born October 29, 1954, in Van Wert to Alexander “Boot” and Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Stewart, Tony brought joy and warmth to everyone around him.
He is survived by siblings, Alan Fergus “Pat” (Billie) Stewart, Sally (Izaak) Walton, and Sue Madar, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Alexander “Sandy” Stewart Jr. and Janet Stewart, and nephew Alan Fergus “Chip” Stewart, Jr.
Tony was known for his infectious happiness and love of music, movies, NASCAR, Harleys, and THE Ohio State Buckeyes. His caregivers and family cherished his big smile and inquisitive nature, making him a favorite to all those he touched over the years. He especially enjoyed taking trips—from Disneyworld adventures to Walmart outings, watching movies from his DVD collection or listening to his favorite CDs from artists like Meatloaf, Kiss, Alabama and Guns N’ Roses.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who cared for Tony, especially the teams at Wyandot Co. Skilled Nursing & Rehab, Heartland Hospice, RHAM, Marca Industries, and his friend Ruth at the Social Security Administration. Special gratitude goes to his sister Sally, his devoted guardian and caregiver.
Private graveside services will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wyandot Co. Skilled Nursing & Rehab, Heartland Hospice of Marion, or RHAM.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.stombaughbatton.com.
POSTED: 10/17/25 at 2:52 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Carolyn Jane (Cotner) Fast, 91, passed peacefully on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, at the Hearth & Home assisted-living community, surrounded by her beloved children and their spouses.
Carolyn was born in Van Wert on Jan. 21, 1934, as the only child of Wilbur and Edna (Runser) Cotner.
Carolyn was a 1952 graduate of Van Wert High School and attended Miami University. While she had been employed by Hallmark Incorporated, Carolyn was also a prodigious basket weaver, constructing more than 8,200 baskets throughout the second half of her life. She often spent weekends selling her baskets at craft shows and weaving with other ladies. Carolyn served many years as a pianist at the former Haviland Baptist Church, and she later attended Trinity Friends Church in Van Wert.
Carolyn wrote that she wanted to be remembered as a person who enjoyed life – “an honest, fun, creative and pleasant person.” Over the years, she loved traveling with cousins and other relatives to destinations like Wisconsin, North Carolina and Vermont, trying new restaurants, and playing cards and games. In her later years, Carolyn always had a new game ready to entertain her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at the holidays. Carolyn credited her mother-in-law Marie Fast for teaching her how to cook, and no family holiday was complete without Carolyn’s famous cinnamon rolls. Most of all, though, Carolyn said she wanted to be remembered as a good mother to her four children.
She is survived by one daughter, Susan (Michael) Brady of Payne, and two sons, Steven (Mary Jane) Fast of Haviland, and Michael (Jill) Fast of Van Wert. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Stephanie (Jason) Cox and Kimberly (Gino) Farnham, Nathaniel (Rebecca) Fast, Brian (Jessica) Brady, Austin Fast, Logan Fast, Zane Fast, and Jace Fast, and six great-grandchildren, Brady Cox, Andrew Cox, Madeleine Brady, Jack Brady, Lilly Fast, and Scarlett Fast.
She was preceded in death by a son, Scott Fast, and her former husband, John Fast.
Please join us to celebrate Carolyn’s life at a visitation from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, October 25, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert. A memorial service will immediately follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Pleasant View Cemetery in Latty Township, Paulding County.
Preferred memorials: Trinity Friends Church, Van Wert.
Expressions of sympathy may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 10/14/25 at 3:12 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Terrell Ray Oetzel, an internationally respected real estate appraiser and beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025. He was 85.
Terry learned his work ethic from his parents, Ransom Stewart and Anna Margaret Yahl Oetzel, and joined his dad at age 7 working on farms in Ohio. His passion shifted to appraising, which he practiced up until a week before he passed. His expertise was sought on projects around the world.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Beverly; his daughter, Jennifer Prewitt and her husband, Edward, of Fayetteville, Arkansas; his brother, Rodger Oetzel and his wife, Janette, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; grandson, Fletcher Ransom Prewitt; and his niece and nephews Suzanne, Stephen, and Scott. He is also survived by cousins, Tom and Dan Oetzel and their wives and children.
Terry received an undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University in 1962 and a master’s degree from Michigan State University two years later. Terry and Beverly settled in East Lansing, where he started his professional career as an industrial real estate appraiser with his long-time partner and friend, Don Whipp.
He held numerous leadership positions in real estate, culminating with his becoming national president of the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers in 1988. At the time he was the youngest president in the history of the organization. Outside of his family, being a part of the Appraisal Institute and mentoring young appraisers was one of his greatest joys. In 2021 he was awarded their highest honor; the J. Scott Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award.
Terry was an avid fan of OSU and MSU sports. He cheered for “whatever team would beat Michigan!” He and Beverly attended every MSU football and basketball game they could. He enjoyed Diet Cokes from McDonald’s and could tell you the different price of a McDonald’s drink in any town between Michigan, Arkansas and Florida. He loved walking on Crescent Beach in Siesta Key, Florida, where he and Beverly spent the winter months in retirement.
Terry’s top priority was his family. He loved exploring the world with Beverly and supporting her fondness of a gift shop. He was so proud of Jennifer and everything she did in life and became especially close to her husband, Edward. He loved attending Jennifer’s events when she was growing up and did the same with Fletcher when he and Beverly would visit Fayetteville before moving there in 2022.
Terry was a great friend and mentor and was incredibly generous. He and Beverly contributed to many local charities and his alma maters. He was a gentleman, and he treated people with kindness.
A graveside service will be held for family on Saturday, October 18, at Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert. A celebration of his life will be held at the Harrison Road House in East Lansing at 12 p.m. Sunday, October 19. All are welcome.
Arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Willard Walker Hospice Home, 325 E. Longview St., Fayetteville, AR 72703.
Online condolences may be expressed at https://www.bernafuneralhomes.com.
POSTED: 10/13/25 at 9:25 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Robert E. Stemen, 93, of Van Wert, passed away Thursday afternoon, October 9, 2025, at Vancrest of Van Wert.
He was born on August 6, 1932, in Van Wert the son of Ernest Edward Stemen and Ilo Pearl (Shivley) Stemen, who both preceded him in death. On May 16, 1932, he married Jane Ann (Stemen) who also survives of Van Wert.
Family members include their three children, Gordon (Paula) Stemen of Van Wert, Randy (Beth) Stemen of Van Wert and Debbie Dietrich of Lewisville, North Carolina; grandchildren, Brian, Andrew, Jeremy, Laura Stemen and William Dietrich; 12 great-grandchildren, and one brother, Donald (Sandy) Stemen of Van Wert.
Robert was a 1950 graduate of Van Wert High School and served in the U.S. Air Force. After his service he had worked at Continental Can Company and then Bordens as a machine builder until he retired 1980. Robert was a member of the Van Wert American Legion Post #178 and the NRA.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, October 13, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert. There will be calling hours from 12 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Officiating will be Pastor Tim Owens of Pleasant Chapel United Methodist Church. Burial will take place at Ohio City Woodlawn Cemetery with military rites by Van Wert American Legion Post #178 and the Van Wert VFW Post #5803.
Preferred memorials: the Pleasant Chapel United Methodist Church or CHP Hospice.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 10/11/25 at 8:14 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
