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
Connie L. DuVall, 86, was welcomed home to heaven on Sunday, September 6, 2026.
She was born on September 12, 1939, in Jackson Township, Ohio, the middle daughter of Franklin Russell Poling and Winona Vesta (Anderson) Poling, who both preceded her in death.
Connie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother (Grammy) and great-grandma.
She was raised in Northern Ohio, graduating from Hoaglin-Jackson High School in 1957. After graduation, she begin working at Central Mutual Insurance Company, until she met the love of her life, Larry E. DuVall. Connie and Larry met while cruising Van Wert with friends. On February 15, 1959, they married and that same year welcomed their first child, Denise Kay, in December. They welcomed their second child, Gregory Eugene, in 1963. They created a steadfast love, raising a family and instilling the values of a God-filled home.
Connie was always a partner to Larry both as a spouse and on the farm. While raising her family, she was also dedicated to serving in the church. She sang in the church choir and taught a young married class and a kindergarten Sunday School class for several years. After her kids started school, Connie worked for Calvary Evangelical Nursery School as a teacher for the 5-year olds. When her kids were both in high school, Connie went to work for Vantage Vocational School as the cafeteria manager. After several years, she began working as the office manager for the county school board.
Connie and Larry enjoyed traveling to Florida and visiting relatives and friends. In April 1999, they semi-retired in Florida, continuing to live in Ohio half the year and Florida the other half. She loved to take bus trips, traveling to numerous destinations, such as the Canadian Rockies, Prince Edward Island, New York City and Mackinaw Island. Both Connie and Larry loved going on these trips and made many new and lasting friends. Connie was blessed to have wonderful friends in both Ohio and Florida. She was very active in both her Ohio and Florida churches and had a gift of bringing people together and organizing many “fun” activities for fellow Christians. She was an enthusiastic Ohio State Buckeyes football fan and enjoyed watching the games and discussing each game with her son and granddaughters.
In addition to her parents and step-dad, Kenneth Edwards, Connie was preceded in death by her sister, Beverly Berryman and brother-in-laws, Marlin Gehres and Terry Berryman.
She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Larry; children, Denise Huber (Michael “Mick”) of Glen Rose, Texas, and Greg DuVall (Tammy) of Fort Wayne; granddaughters, Megan Shamo (Brad) and Madelyn Speakman (Derek) of Fort Wayne; great grandchildren, Oliver and Hazel Mae Shamo and Theodore and Eloise Speakman all of Fort Wayne; step-great grandchildren, Kendal, Tucker, Lucas and Henry Iley of Glen Rose, Texas; her sisters, Carolyn Gehres of Wren, OH and step-brother, Franklin “Burt” Edwards (Grace) of Van Wert, along with extended family.
Connie will be remembered for her kindness and helping others. Larry will always remember “all the fun times we had together. She was wonderful partner.”
Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. Thursday, September 10, at Grace Bible Church, 603 Airport Avenue, Van Wert, with a celebration of life service immediately following at 11 a.m. A lunch will be provided in the fellowship hall following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be made to the Grace Bible Church or CHP Hospice in Connie’s memory.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 09/07/26 at 8:34 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Bonita Adileen Myers of Convoy went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
Bonita was born at home on Thanksgiving Day, November 30, 1933, to Wesley and Ica (Matthews) Custer. She grew up on the family farm outside of Rockford along with older sister Josephine and younger twin sister Bonnie.
After graduating from Rockford High School in 1952, she served as the school secretary prior to moving to Convoy to start her family after marrying Lester W Myers on June 14, 1958.
She is survived by daughter Karen and son David (Robin) both of Convoy, sister-in-law Beverly Marsee and eight nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, brothers-in-law; Robert Muhlenkamp, William Ehrsam, Fred Marsee and her beloved husband Lester.
Throughout the years, she spoke fondly of the memories of the students and staff she met during her time as secretary at the Rockford school. Along with memories of attendance at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Rockford and Sugar Ridge Church of God in Convoy, Bonita had accepted the gift of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ and was looking forward to reuniting with loved ones.
Private services are planned. Honoring Lester and Bonita’s wishes, they will be interred together in Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Crestview Heritage Board.
Arrangements were entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.
Condolences may be expressed at alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 09/06/26 at 3:16 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Stella L. Middleton, 82, of Defiance, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital.
Stella was born on April 11, 1944, in Springfield, Kentucky, a daughter of Robert C. and Elsie V. (Gregory) Gregory, who both preceded her in death. On October 8, 1963, she married Dewey Middleton, who survives.
Stella worked as an office worker at Ranchland. Above all, Stella cherished her family and the time she was able to spend with those she loved. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and her greatest joy was simply being surrounded by family.
In addition to her husband, Dewey, Stella is survived by her daughter, Lisa Middleton of Defiance; two sons, Robby Middleton of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Chad Middleton of Defiance; two sisters, Linda (Rick) Heffner of Latty, and Penny (Wesley) Foust of Paulding; six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Carolyn Salisbury.
Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 8, at Den Herder Funeral Home with Pastor Bud Walls officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding Township. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until time of services on Tuesday, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.
POSTED: 09/03/26 at 1:08 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Janet Irene Hines, 93, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, September 1, 2026, at Hearth & Home in Van Wert.
She was born on March 1, 1933, in Van Wert, the daughter of H. E. Agler and Nora E. (Gilliland) Agler, who both preceded her in death. On May 2, 1953, she married her high school sweetheart, Richard Frank Hines who also preceded her in death on December 19, 1988.
Surviving family members include her four children, John (Alisa) Hines of Eureka, Illinois, Karen (Steve) Griesinger of Middletown, Sara (David) Smith of Van Wert, and Lori (David) Abbott of Rome City, Indiana; eight grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
As well as her husband and her parents, Janet was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Agler; a sister, Patricia Spriggs, and two grandchildren, SPC Nicholas Hartge and Joshua Hines.
Janet was a 1951 graduate of Van Wert High School and cherished being a great wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her family. She put her heart into her children’s lives and was always available to help others in any way she could. She truly enjoyed art and achieved receiving her teaching degree in art at St. Francis University in Fort Wayne. She also received many accolades and awards for her art at art shows and contests. Janet also enjoyed being a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and enjoyed spending time there with her dear friends for lunch.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, September 14, at Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.
Preferred memorials: the Van Wert Humane Society.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 09/03/26 at 1:03 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Jane Louise Kennedy, 77, of Van Wert, affectionately known as Luigi to her husband, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Homestead at Towne Center.
She was born on November 13, 1948, in Van Wert, to Hugh Elder and M. Jean (Baltzell) Weaver, who both preceded her in death.
A graduate of Van Wert High School, Jane later attended Monterey Peninsula College in California. She married Charles Kennedy III, and together they shared 53 years of marriage before his passing on September 7, 2022.
Jane was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church. She was an Army wife during Vietnam and an Army wife and mother during Desert Storm, where she also served as a support group leader for other military families.
She cherished time spent with her children and once famously played her son, Mike, to a three‑game checkers draw.
She is survived by her three children, Jill Kennedy Groves of Fort Wayne; Tyson (Carrie) Kennedy of Ostrander, Ohio, and Mike (Dawn) Kennedy of Van Wert. She also leaves behind her sisters, Betty Jean Ingman and Mary Ann Elder; nine grandchildren, and five great‑grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, at the Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home Chapel, Van Wert. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends from 3-6 p.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2026, and again one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be shared at alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 09/02/26 at 3:42 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Jai Eric Markowski, 60, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
Jai worked at Goodrich Tires before retiring in 2024.
He truly loved life and enjoyed fishing, spending time with friends, listening to music, playing his guitars, and going to the beach. An outdoor person at heart, Jai lived life to the fullest. He was outgoing, friendly, and never met a stranger.
Of all the roles Jai held throughout his life, none made him prouder than being a father and “HimHaw” to his beloved granddaughter, Hadlynn. His daughters and granddaughter brought him endless love, happiness, and pride.
Jai is lovingly remembered by his life partner, Brenda Bidlack; his parents, Clifford and Betty Flanagan; Debbie Markowski; his daughters, McKenna (Devin) Markowski and Jaiden Markowski, and his beloved granddaughter, Hadlynn Johnson.
He is also survived by his siblings, Nick (Sandy) Markowski Jr., Michael (Wendy) Markowski, Michelle Markowski, and Mark (Haley) Markowski.
Jai was preceded in death by his father, Nick Markowski Sr., and his brother, Edward Markowski.
Jai will be deeply missed by Brenda, his family, his many friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known him. His outgoing spirit, love of life, and the treasured memories he created will remain forever in their hearts.
POSTED: 09/01/26 at 9:13 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
James M. Adelblue Jr., 63, of Ohio City, passed away peacefully surrounded by those he loved most on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
He was born on August 3, 1963, in Van Wert, to James and Shirley (Bohner) Adelblue. On June 7, 1986, he married the former Cherie Kipp. Jim lived a life dedicated to his family. After graduating from high school, Jim devoted 35 years to Danfoss in Van Wert. Above all, Jim cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Cherie Adelblue, and their loving family, Katie and Will Merley and granddaughter, Carter, and Cody and Olivia Adelblue and grandchildren, Henry and Joanna, and his mother, Shirley. His family was his pride and joy, and he took great delight in being a loving father and doting grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his father, James M. Adelblue, Sr.
Jim loved the Lord, and he will be remembered for the deep love he shared with his family and friends.
In keeping with Jim’s wishes, his wife, children and grandchildren will celebrate his life with a private service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jim’s honor to Community Health Professionals Hospice.
Online condolences may be expressed at alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 09/01/26 at 5:52 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Kathryn Ann (Dolbey) Rahrig passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, at the age of 73, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply.
Kathryn was a devoted wife, an extraordinary mother, a cherished grandmother, and a beautiful example of unconditional love. Her greatest joy was her family, and the life she and David created together was a testament to the love, commitment, and devotion they shared.
Born to Glenn Dolbey and Hannah Kathleen Perry, Kathryn was the second of two daughters and grew up on her family farm in Van Wert alongside her sister, Linda. She married her beloved husband, David Rahrig, on November 18, 1972, then starting the family that would become the center of Kathryn’s world, in Columbus.
Kathryn is survived by her husband, David; her sister, Linda (Dolbey) Overholt; her five children, Tyson (Kara) Rahrig, Kendra (Jeff) Mallon, Amanda (Steve) Crawford, Meghan (Cyril) KanagaRaj, and Kelsey Rahrig; and her 16 grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy.
Kathryn became a nurse at just 19 years old and devoted more than 50 years to caring for children in pediatrics. Her compassion for children extended far beyond her career. She was the grandmother who always made room for another visit, another sleepover, another conversation, or another sporting event. She delighted in watching her grandchildren grow and was their enthusiastic supporter from the sidelines. She created a home where her children and grandchildren always knew they were loved, welcomed, and wanted.
Kathryn and David built a beautiful family together, one filled with love, laughter, traditions, and countless memories. She treasured time with her children and grandchildren and especially enjoyed traveling with her daughters on their many “girls’ weekends.” She enjoyed family vacations at the beach, visiting the zoo and sewing. She was also an avid Ohio State fan, enjoying football games at the Horseshoe and cheering on both the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
Kathryn’s greatest legacy is her family, she taught those around her the meaning of devotion, generosity, and showing up for the people you love. She gave so much of herself to her family, and in return, she was loved beyond measure. Her absence will be deeply felt, but the love she poured into her husband, children, grandchildren, and everyone who was fortunate enough to know her will continue through the generations.
Family will receive friends and family at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 2, at St. John Neumann Parish, Sunbury, followed by Christian burial at Resurrection Cemetery and a luncheon.
POSTED: 08/28/26 at 10:16 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Staff Sergeant Taylor Joseph Braun, 27, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
Born on May 23, 1999, in Jacksonville, Arkansas, home of Little Rock Air Force Base, Taylor was connected to the Air Force community from the very beginning and later dedicated himself to serving his country.
Taylor was a graduate of Lincolnview High School in Van Wert, and later attended Vantage Career Center’s welding program. He spent many of his summers working at Braun Industries in the maintenance, engineering, and service departments to manufacture custom ambulances prior to enlisted in the United States Air Force. Taylor was a member of the Boy Scouts of America Troop 35 where he achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout. He was most recently enrolled in Wayne Community College working towards an Aviation System Technology certification.
Upon completion of the USAF Basic Training in San Antonio, Texas at Lackland Air Force Base and tech school through Sheppard AFB, Taylor began his role as an avionics apprentice with the 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron of McConnell AFB in Wichita, Kansas. His time spent at the base involved working on the KC-135 refueling aircraft. Upon the release of the latest generation of tankers, Airman Braun was selected in support of the KC-46 Pegasus. He was further advanced to Seymour-Johnson AFB in Goldsboro, North Carolina where he joined the 911th Air Refueling Squadron and their new KC-46 refuelers. Taylor, known predominantly as “Braun” within his squadron, consistently demonstrated exceptional teamwork and leadership, leaving a lasting impression on those who served alongside him.
Outside of his military service, Taylor enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors whether in the woods, on the water, or off-roading in his Jeep. He especially treasured time spent at his grandparents’ farm, tucked away in the woods beside the pond. He demonstrated thorough craftsmanship skills creating custom fishing lures and tying flies. When he could not be outdoors, Taylor loved playing online games such as Battlefield and Minecraft with family, friends and coworkers. He was also an avid collector of unique patches and stickers from his global travels. His clever wit, humorous disposition and occasional pinch of sarcasm left those nearest to him either scratching their heads in confusion or chuckling hysterically.
Taylor is survived by his parents, Scott and Karen Braun; his brother, Justin Braun; his sister, Kylie Braun; his grandfather, Phillip Braun; his grandparents, Kirk and Irene Hancock.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Charma Braun.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, August 31, at the Angola Assembly of God Church, 1405 Williams Street, Angola, Indiana. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. on Monday, prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Dygert Cemetery in Fremont, Indiana, with full military honors. At its conclusion, a reception will be held back at the church.
Join us in celebrating Taylor’s life and shared memories.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.weichtfh.com.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Weicht Funeral Home, Angola, Indiana.
POSTED: 08/27/26 at 1:11 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Norma I. (Fleck) Dennewitz, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at Homestead at Towne Center in Van Wert.
Norma was born on December 22, 1934 in Poneto, Indiana, to Charles O. and Jennie M. (West) Bennett, who both preceded her in death. On September 5, 1953, she married Arlan “Rex” Fleck, who preceded her in death in 1999. In 2011, she married Don Dennewitz, who also preceded her in death in 2021.
Norma worked as a teacher’s aide at Parc Lane for 15 years before her retirement in 1991. She volunteered many hours for Hawthorne Court. Norma attended Bethel Church in Arthur. She loved her cat, Donavon.
Norma will be lovingly missed by her children, Michelle Barnett of Van Wert, Cyndee (Jerry) DeLong of Van Wert, and Mark (Kerri) Fleck of New Ellenton, South Carolina; stepchildren, Kathy (Tom) Comeans and Trisha (Tim) Hahn; grandchildren: Kristina (Jason) Fought, Robert (Debbie) Barnett, Jordan (Melanie) DeLong, Elliott Fleck, Joshua Fleck; 12 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.
Norma was also preceded in death by her son-in-law, Larry Barnett; grandson, Adam DeLong; granddaughter, Kimberly Ann DeLong, and siblings, Audra Hamilton, Mabel Penrod, Ruby Plothe, Claude Bennett, Elmer Bennett, John E. Bennett, Fern Mann, Bernice Newman, Jennie Yount, Ocie Finley, Donna DePew, and Bob Bennett.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 2, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Pastor Chris Baker officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding Township. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home on Wednesday.
Memorial contributions may be made in Norma’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choosing.
Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.
POSTED: 08/27/26 at 12:58 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
