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
Carol J. Koenig, of Middle Point, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, the day after her 58th birthday while vacationing in Memphis, Tennessee.
She was born July 22, 1966, in Lima, to Eugene V. “Skip” Heffner and Nancy (Horman) Martin. Carol attended Van Wert High School and graduated from Vantage Career Center in 1984 earning her cosmetology license. On October 29, 1989, Carol married the love of her life, Matthew Koenig, and together they shared many beautiful years filled with love and laughter.
She magnified her love for cooking by working as the cafeteria manager at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic School for over 24 years, where she became a cherished member of the community. She was a proud member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, where she found solace in her faith. Carol led a simple yet fulfilling life, finding joy in reading, crocheting, and camping.
She always enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Norwhal.” Known for her spirited nature, Carol had a penchant for driving too fast when the moment called for it and lived by the motto “My House, My Rules.” She was a force to be reckoned with.
Carol is survived by her husband, Matthew Koenig of Middle Point; children: Shelby (Dan) Heilman of Delphos, and Caleb (Rachael) Koenig of Spencerville; grandchildren, Liam, Lucy, Max and Nadia; mother, Nancy Martin of Wapakoneta; stepmother, Connie Wlcker Heffner; siblings: Tony Heffner, Scott Heffner, Penny (Keith) Wiseman, and Janey Knittle, all of Van Wert; Mike (Amy) Martin of Botkins; David Martin, Jo (Ben) Smith, Derrick (Connie) Martin, Brenda Martin, all of Wapakoneta, as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her father, Carol was preceded in death by her father, Eugene; brother, Greg Martin, and sister, Vickie McCullum.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 1, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Van Wert, with Father Chris Bohnsack as celebrant. The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m Wednesday, July 31, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the school lunch programs of St. Mary School or Van Wert City Schools to assist with free and reduced lunches for children.
To share in Carol’s online memorial visit www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 07/25/24 at 12:33 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Vernon D. Pontsler, 89, of Van Wert, passed away at 8:48 p.m. Monday, July 22, 2024, at Van Wert Manor.
He was born July 24, 1934, in Rockford, to Charles William and Grace Helen (Sharp) Pontsler, who both preceded him in death. He married the former Shirley Tomlinson on January 29, 1955, and together they shared nearly 70 years of marriage.
He retired from Aeroquip in Van Wert, after 33 years of service. He had also worked as a mechanic at the former Lloyd’s Auto in Rockford.
Vernon attended First Presbyterian Church, Van Wert, for many years.
He took great pride in tending to his yard, enjoyed woodworking and was always willing to lend a helping hand to neighbors and friends. Most importantly, Vernon was a devoted and supportive husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Vernon is survived by his wife, Shirley Pontsler of Van Wert; a son, Doug (Cinda) Pontsler of Monclova Township; his grandchildren, Andrea (Ryan) Donley, Ryan (Sarah) Pontsler and Aaron (Colleen) Pontsler; his great-grandchildren, Maizy and Grace Donley, David, Nathan, Noah and Theo Pontsler, and Graham Pontsler, and his brothers, Lee (Londa) Pontsler of Van Wert, and Glenn (Marcile) Pontsler of Jefferson, Georgia.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Stanley, Eugene and Don Pontsler, and a sister, Wanda Wenner.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 30, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with Rev. J. H. Vanlal Hruaia, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Riverside Cemetery, Rockford. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Monday, July 29, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials: the Carey, Bill and Benny Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of the Mercer County Civic Foundation, Box 439, Celina, 45882.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 07/24/24 at 8:12 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Donald B. Harter, 68, of Ohio City, died at 7:20 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at his residence.
He was born in Van Wert on January 18, 1956, to Max D. and Virginia “Ginny” (Scott) Harter. He married the former Kimberly High on April 17, 1982.
He retired in 2019 as owner/operator of Harter Farm Drainage. Donnie enjoyed attending Detroit Lions football games, playing cards and playing the accordion and the piano with his daughters. He taught himself how to play both instruments and did so by ear. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Harter of Ohio City; his daughters, Jessica (Eric) Armstrong of Van Wert and Emily (Trevor) Sill of Willshire; his grandchildren, Gabryelle, Oliver, Dylan, Corbyn, Hayzell and Elizabeth, and his sisters, Sheryl Tumblin-Burgei of Fort Jennings, Carol (Gary) Lininger of Van Wert, Jana (Roy) Ringwald of Van Wert and Karen (Robert) Ashley of New Braunfels, Texas.
Donnie was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Sarah Harter; his father and mother-in-law, Royce and Carolyn High; and brothers-in-law, DeWayne Tumblin and Don Burgei.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 26, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery, Ohio City.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials may be directed to the Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 07/23/24 at 7:11 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Clark Burdel “Sparky” Roberts, 74, passed away Friday afternoon, July 19, 2024, at his residence in Hoaglin Township.
He was born on April 30, 1950, in Van Wert the son of Rudolph and Viona (Kline) Roberts, who both preceded him in death. He married the former Penny Jewell on November 26, 1976, and she survives.
Other family survivors include his four children, Shawn (Jennifer) Roberts of Tennessee, Todd (Crystal) Roberts of Kentucky, Paula (Dusty) Campbell of Van Wert, and Clark (Cindy) Roberts of Scott; 17 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; three sisters, Linda Lloyd of Van Wert, Tammy (Jeff) Agler of Van Wert, and Nancy Laughlin of Cincinnati; a brother, Jerry (Helen) Roberts of Van Wert, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Clark was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Heinz.
Clark was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a truck driver and mechanic for Conrad’s Trucking for over 30 years.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 28, at Mandale Church on Ohio 66 in Mandale with Pastor Tony Gonzales officiating.
Preferred memorials: the American Heart Association.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 07/22/24 at 8:41 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Judith M. Germann, 92, of Van Wert, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Lima Memorial Hospital.
She was born on December 19, 1931, to Donald and Ruby (Sterling) Putt of Middle Point, who both preceded her in death.
In 1949, Judy graduated from Middle Point High School and was a cheerleader for three years for the Middle Point Polar Bears. On July 31, 1949, she married Alfred “Phil” Germann, and they were married for 53 years. Alfred died in the tornado of 2002 that hit their home when it ripped through Van Wert County.
Judy enjoyed enbroidery, making quilts for her family and lawn and garden work. She also worked in restaurants as a waitress for 20 years. Judy and Phil were members of Trinity Friends Church, which they attended regularly.
She is survived by two sons, Tim (Lisa) Germann of Milan, Michigan, and Jerry (Linda) Germann of Van Wert; two granddaughters, Julie (Tom) Flannagan of Perrysburg, and Shelly (Matt) Utrup of Ottawa; one great- granddaughter and five great-grandsons; step-grandson, Nathan Dahoney; a step-great-grandson; two brothers, Don (Karen) Putt, and Terry (Jeannette) Putt, both of Van Wert; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by an infant son, Randy; brother, Larry Putt and an infant sister, Charlene Putt.
A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. Visitation will be prior to the funeral, from 2-3 p.m. on Sunday. Private interment will be at Evangelical Protestant Cemetery in Harrison Township.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials may be made to the American Heart Association at Heart.org.
To share in Judy’s online memorial, visit www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 07/18/24 at 8:19 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Carolyn Sue Harp, 82, of Middle Point, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2024, at Van Wert Manor after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.
She was born January 19, 1942, in Saint Marys, to Harold and Elsie (Pollock) Long, who both preceded her in death.
A 1960 graduate of Van Del High School’s last graduating class, Carolyn tied the knot with her sweetheart, William Harp, on August 3, 1965. Throughout her life, she was dedicated to her community, volunteering with the Middle Point Firemans Woman’s Auxiliary and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church until its closure. Carolyn found joy in simple things – attending auctions with her husband and participating in bowling leagues in her younger days. She was a devoted fan of QVC and cherished her feline companions, Sam and Sneak.
Carolyn is survived by her daughters, Marla (Pat) Taylor of Middle Point, Shelley Harp of Van Wert, and Stacie Clay of Middle Point; brothers, Ronald (Carol) Long of Middle Point, Jim (Shirley) Long of Haviland, Mike (Deb) Long of Middle Point, and Kent (Karen) Long of Van Wert; sister, Marcia Friesner of Middle Point; grandchildren, Jessi Routt of Van Wert; Katie Clay of Middle Point, and Micayla Harp of Van Wert; great-grandchild, Shane Routt; brother-in-law, Lee (Chris) Atha of Wapakoneta; sisters-in-law: Kathy Mulholland of Upper Sandusky, and Susie Harp of Waynesfield, as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Harp.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, where visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Ridge Cemetery.
Preferred memorials: the Van Wert County Humane Society.
POSTED: 07/15/24 at 1:12 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Linda L. Barkley, 86, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away Saturday July 13, 2024, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, surrounded by her family.
She was born on April 24, 1938 in Mercer County, Ohio to Carl J. Smalley and Alice F. (Smith) Smalley, who both preceded her in death. Linda was united in marriage to Donald C. Barkley on October 24, 1958 in Berne, Indiana.
She was a member of Mt. Zion United Brethren Church. She was employed with Gerber’s Supermarket where she worked in the deli and bakery department and retired in 2010. She was known as the cookie lady because she was an excellent baker. She was also a skilled seamstress and flower gardener. She was an excellent mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family.
Survivors include her daughter, Alice McCauley of Paulding; two sons, Perry D. Barkley of Decatur, and Jerry T. (Sheree) Barkley of Berne; two sisters, Julie (Van Riley) Long of Rockford, and Susan “Jane” Kuhn, of Celina; three brothers, Tom (Debby) Smalley of Celina, Guy Junior (Connie) Brigner of Berne, and Melvin Mac (Debbie) Brigner of Payne; brother-in-law, Elmer Roehm of Willshire; three grandchildren, Carla (Brian) Morris, Cory Hileman, and Grace Barkley; three great-grandchildren, Keller (Samantha Proxmire) Morris and Frank Morris, and one great- great-granddaughter, Opal Rose Morris.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her stepmother, Bessie M. (McAfee) (Brigner) Smalley; sisters, Ruth Ann Roehm and Margaret (Arnold) Hill ; brother, Hugh Thomas; brother-in-law, Gerald Kuhn, and sister-in-law, JoAnn Brigner.
A memorial service for Linda will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday July 18, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur with Pastor Ernie Suman officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at the Mohr Cemetery in rural Van Wert. Friends and family will be received from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at the funeral home and one hour prior to services on Thursday, also at the funeral home.
For complete obituary information and to sign the online guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com.
POSTED: 07/15/24 at 8:24 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
A celebration of life for Dora Mae Hoffman, 84, of Ohio City, who passed away on June 10, will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, at the Wassenberg Art Center, Van Wert.
POSTED: 07/11/24 at 6:24 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Mary Melissa Wright, 76, passed away on Monday, July 8, 2024, in Van Wert.
She is survived by a loving family, including her son, James J. Lackey; daughter-in-law, Melissa Lackey; daughter, Lisa Morgan; son-in-law, Dave Taylor; grandchildren, Racheal Elder, Brandon Zilka, Gage Hopper, Kellie Morgan, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
There will be no calling hours or funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mary can be made to Deb’s Dogs of Lima.
POSTED: 07/10/24 at 8:55 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Douglas D. Parrish, of Oakwood, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at home. He was 76 years old.
Douglas (Doug) was born in Defiance on January 25, 1948, the son of Richard and Helen (Fitzwater) Parrish, who both preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Glola L. (Bidlack) Parrish of Oakwood; children, Carrie (Justin) Waid of Wapakoneta, Kendra (Todd) Clementz of Marysville, and David (Theresa Jones) Parrish of Van Wert; three grandchildren, Ally and Brayden Clementz and Samuel Waid; siblings, Pam (Joe) Morisy of Defiance, and Jim (Terri) Parrish of Miamisburg; four nieces and nephews, Liz (Milan) Patel, Kat Morisy, Andrew (Lindsay) Parrish, and Rachel Parrish, and four great-nieces and nephews, Maya and Dylan Patel, Callan and Keira Parrish.
Doug was a retired mathematics teacher and house painter. He also served in the Ohio National Guard for six years. He was an avid fisherman and anyone that went fishing with him knew they would not out fish him…EVER. He loved to cook fish for his family and friends knowing that everyone loved “Doug’s fish.” Over the last 13 years, Doug enjoyed making maple syrup with friends and family using the sap from local maple trees. He also enjoyed collecting coins. Doug was a fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland Guardians. One of his favorite downtime activities was to feed the fish in his pond with remnants of the refrigerator. He also looked forward to attending the early morning breakfast groups that included former and current Van Wert City School staff.
Doug was deeply invested in his family. He enjoyed supporting his children and grandchildren in their extracurricular activities. He shared his vast knowledge and work ethic with them. Doug also loved playing games especially cards with his family and friends.
A celebration of life for Doug will be held at 12 p.m. Monday, July 15, at Oakwood Community Church with Pastor Bud Larimore officiating. There will be calling hours from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made in Doug’s memory to the American Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.
POSTED: 07/10/24 at 3:25 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
