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
Gregory A. “Chase” Stemen, affectionately known as Chase to his friends, a beloved uncle, cousin, and friend to many, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the age of 76.
Greg was born on December 10, 1949, in Harrison Township near Wren, Ohio, to Gaylord and Miriam (Baxter) Stemen.
He spent his early years in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he later graduated from high school before moving to Van Wert, where he lived for many years.
In 1974, Greg attended the Ohio State Highway Patrol Training Academy and served in law enforcement for several years until medically retiring from police work. He loved horses and shooting, was an avid gun collector, and had a lifelong passion for Chevrolet Corvettes.
He is survived by his niece, Amanda Stemen of Lima; and his first cousins, Tom Jones of Tucson, Arizona, and Charlene Barcus Bowers of Portland, Indiana.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gary Stemen.
Family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. Private funeral services for the family will be held at a later date. Greg spent many afternoons at Orchard Tree restaurant, and in his honor, the family invites friends to share a meal and fellowship there prior to the visitation on Tuesday, from 12-1 p.m. A table has been reserved.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Greg’s name to the Fraternal Order of Police.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 05/06/26 at 2:46 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Dolores Marie Hofmann, 85, of rural Van Wert, passed away on Tuesday morning, May 5, 2026, at Adams Woodcrest in Decatur, Indiana, surrounded by her loving children.
Dolores was born at home in rural Decatur on June 27, 1940, the only child of Paula Rodenbeck. She spent much of her childhood working on the family farm with her mother and uncle. They did not have electricity or indoor plumbing until she was 16 years old. She attended St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bingen and was the only girl with eight boys for most of her first eight grades of school. She graduated from Monmouth High School in 1958, then began working at Lincoln Life Insurance in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
On May 6,1962, she met the love of her life, Albert L. Hofmann. They were married on May 31, 1964, and he preceded her in death on July 7, 2020. After their children were in school, Dolores worked for Mr. Wiggs which was later Hecks, various offices for Van Wert County, Central Mutual Insurance Company, Fleetwood, and retired from HealthPro Medical Billing. Most of her employment was related to key punch and data entry, which she loved. She was a member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church, where she held offices for Sunday School and Ladies Aid. She enjoyed attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events and other activities.
Dolores was an excellent baker and made cakes for family members’ birthdays and special occasions, as well as dozen of cookies for the Ladies Aid bake sales. She made many handwritten posters for church suppers and fundraisers. She liked to cross-stitch, read, do jigsaw and word search puzzles, play cards, and have phone conversations with her family and friends. She and Al enjoyed square dancing and taking YWCA bus trips. She could remember important dates, especially birthdays and anniversaries, up to the end of her life. She always kept her family and friends in her prayers and shared her faith with anyone who would listen.
She was preceded in death by her mother and husband, brother-in-law Glenn Bauermeister; sister-in-law Pauline (Hofmann) Bauermeister, and her parents-in-law, Louis and Adela Hofmann.
Survivors include her three children, who were all her favorites: Annette (Kevin) Hirschy, Denise (Brad) Nicolai, and Steven (LeeAnn Mattes) Hofmann. She cherished her six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren: Chad (Whittany) Hirschy and their daughter Kaelynn, Craig Hirschy and his daughters Lea and Claire, Cory (Taylor) Hirschy and their children Emmett and Lottie, Audrey (Brock) Rolsten and their daughter Addison, Aimee (Dustin Colbert) Nicolai, and Gwendolyn Hofmann. Also special to Dolores were her niece and nephews and their spouses and children: Rod (Karen) Bauermeister, Ronda (David) Flesch, Scott Bauermeister, and Brian (Sheryl) Bauermeister.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 9, at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in rural Ohio City, with the Rev. Roger Peters officiating. Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Friday, May 8, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert and one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be at the Evangelical Protestant Cemetery, rural Ohio City immediately following the service.
Preferred memorials are to Worship Anew (a weekly television broadcast she rarely missed) or St. Thomas Lutheran Church.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 05/06/26 at 8:22 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
William Calvin Sneed passed away Sunday morning, April 26, 2026, at his residence in Van Wert.
He was born on April 2, 1948, in Little Rock, Arkansas the son of Cecil Clinton Sneed and Patricia Nadine (Moran) Sneed, who both preceded him in death.
Bill is survived by his children, Jennifer Sneed and Sherie M. (Alex) Noble both of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Derek Sneed of Van Wert, and Alyssa Sneed of Fort Myers, Florida; six grandchildren, Brooke Noble, Leah (Karl) Noble, Aric Noble and Aubri Noble, Abbi Forwerck and Kendyl Forwerck; one brother, Clifford (Dorcas) Sneed of Dayton; two sisters, Dawn (Jim) Carnes and Darla (Jerry) Massie both of Sidney, Ohio, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, David (Tommie) Sneed and a niece, Tricia Sneed.
Bill served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After his military service he worked at the former United/Sprint Telephone Company for 42 years in Van Wert. He was a 1966 graduate of San Bernardino High School in California and loved his two cats and two dogs greatl. Bill was also a member of the Van Wert YMCA, Van Wert VFW Post #5803 and the American Legion Post #178.
Funeral services for Bill will be at 3 p.m. Monday, May 11, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home of Van Wert. There will be visitation from 1-3 p.m. on Monday and interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery with military rites by the Van Wert VFW Post #5803 and the American Legion Post #178 of Van Wert.
Preferred memorials: the Van Wert Humane Society.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 04/29/26 at 2:53 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Deborah Kay “Deb” Roehm, 72, of Ohio City passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
She was born October 25, 1953, to Richard and Sylvia (Hammack) Purkeypile.
Deborah graduated from Van Wert High School in 1973. On May 8, 1976, she married Michael Carl Roehm in Van Wert, and they shared nearly 50 years of life together.
In her earlier years, Deborah worked various jobs before become a homemaker, where she dedicated herself to raising her four children and caring for her family.
She found the most joy in her role as a grandmother. Her grandchildren were the apple of her eye, and she stayed closely involved in their lives — watching them, attending their events, and simply being there whenever she could. They brought her a great deal of happiness.
Deborah had a strong and determined nature, and she stood firm in what she believed. She also had a quiet sense of humor, often finding laughter in the small, everyday moments — especially in the things her children said and did. She enjoyed joking back and forth with her sons, and she gave it right back to them.
She enjoyed gardening, visiting the zoo, and was a longtime viewer of soap operas, faithfully following her favorite show for more than 50 years.
Deborah is survived by her husband, Michael; her sons, Joseph Roehm (Tara Schleeter) of Middle Point, James (Elizabeth Zartman) Roehm of Ohio City, and Joshua Roehm of Urbana; her grandchildren, Courtney Jeffords, Abbi (Jonathon) Stegaman, Chloe (Jared) Lautzenheiser, America (Austin) Carnahan, Kathy Roehm, Jenny Roehm, Addison Roehm, Janessa Fair, Thayer Zartman, Rileigh Roehm, Natalie Zartman, and Natalie Roehm; and her great-grandchildren, Avrey, Gabe, Emryn and Havyn. She is also survived by a sister, Montie (Terry) Hasch; a brother, Ron Purkeypile, a niece, Chris Buckner, and a nephew, Andy Wreath.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Richard “Allen” Purkeypile and Gary Purkeypile.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 1, at Ohio City Woodlawn Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the American Diabetes Association.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 04/28/26 at 9:18 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Barton Donald “Poke” Bickle, 62, of Rockford, passed away on Sunday April 26, 2026 at his home.
He was born July 1, 1963 and was the son of Bruce Bickle of Ohio City, and Connie Jo (Sallee) Bickle, who preceded him in death.
Poke was a graduate of Ohio City Liberty High School. He was a volunteer for the Ohio City Fire Department. He was a member of the Rockford Fraternal Order of Eagles Post #1292, and the Rockford American Legion Post #508.
In addition to his father, Bruce, Poke is survived by his son, Ryan (Brittany) Bickle of Ohio City; his brother, Chris (Michelle) Bickle of Rockford; his sister, Teri Bickle of Celina; his biological father, Barton H. Sidle of Ohio City; two grandchildren, Gage and Lainey Bickle; a niece, Casey (Derek) Platfoot; a nephew, Troy (Terra) Patterson, and five great-nieces and nephews.
In addition to his mom, Connie Jo, Poke was preceded in death by his daughter, Alexis Bickle.
A family graveside service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ohio City. A celebration of Poke’s life will follow at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Ohio City Community Building with Pastor Randy Bevington officiating.
Contributions in Poke’s memory may be made to the Ohio City Fire Department or to the Alexis Bickle Memorial Fund.
Online condolences may be shared at www.ketchamripley.com.
Services have been entrusted to Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford.
POSTED: 04/27/26 at 9:42 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Ronald Ernest August, 88, passed away on April 3, 2026.
He was born September 14, 1937, in Van Wert, the son of Alvin Von August and Luetta Nor Frantom August, who both preceded him in death.
Ron joined the United States Navy at age 17 and was posted to North Island in San Diego, where he married his first wife and had two daughters. After the Navy and earning his Bachelor’s of Arts degree at San Diego State University and National University San Diego, he continued his career with Ryan Aeronautical, Conair Aeronautical and, finally, with General Dynamics, retiring in 1992.
In 1994 he married his third wife, Lois, and the two spent many years traveling around in their fifth wheel camper and finally settling in Estero, Florida. After Lois’ passing, he moved to Colorado to live near his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Ron is survived by his daughters, Ronda Pendergrass and Dana Macpherson; six grandchildren, Julia, Leanna, Matthew, Audrey, Linnea, Adian; three great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Juniper and Wesley; his sisters, Mauvette Collins and Alice Shepard; and a brother, James August.
Ron is preceded in death by his sisters: Lois August Brown, and Ellen August Bebout. Wives: Mary Wilson August and Lois Wendel August.
There will be no funeral services.
POSTED: 04/23/26 at 5:28 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Janet L. Slagle, 86, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2026. She was born September 9, 1939, to Merita (Thompson) Wilt and Clovis “Bud” Wilt. Janet graduated from Sidney High School in 1957 and went on to attend The Ohio State University, where she earned a degree in journalism in 1961.
While attending Ohio State, Janet met the love of her life, John Slagle. They were married on April 1, 1961, and shared 65 years of marriage, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, faith, and shared adventure. In the early years of their marriage, Janet devoted herself to raising their three children. Later, she and John became owners and operators of Ohio City Hardware, where Janet was a familiar, welcoming presence and an integral part of the local community.
Janet’s faith guided her throughout her life. She was a longtime member of Ohio City Methodist Church and, later, First United Methodist Church. She also dedicated many years of service to the Girl Scouts of America, proudly leading a Girl Scout troop and mentoring young girls through leadership, service and friendship. Janet was deeply involved in cultural exchange and service organizations. She was an active member of the Friendship Force and a committed sponsor of Children’s Haven International, supporting efforts to improve the lives of children around the world.
She embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity, enjoying reading, music, dancing, crocheting, bird watching, and especially traveling. Her travels took her to nearly all 50 states and several countries abroad. While exploring the United States, she particularly loved camping and experiencing nature firsthand. After retiring, Janet and John spent their winters in Alamo, Texas, where they built lasting friendships and stayed active in the community. They enjoyed music jams, dances, and volunteering together at Children’s Haven, continuing their shared commitment to service and connection.
Janet is survived by her beloved husband, John; her daughters, Susan Slagle and Melanie Bowen; daughter in-law Connie (Dan) Slagle; five grandsons; six granddaughters; and 17 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a constant source of joy and pride in her life.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Merita Wilt; her father, Clovis “Bud” Wilt; her son, Dan Slagle; and her granddaughter, Alexis Bowen.
Janet will be remembered for her kindness, faith, dedication to family, love of learning, and generous spirit. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the generations that follow her.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date for family and friends of Janet.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at https://www.cowanfuneralhome.com. Tribute Wall.
POSTED: 04/21/26 at 11:33 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Virginia J. “Ginnie” Preston, 95, of Van Wert, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 18, 2026. She was born on December 21, 1930, in Woodburn, Indiana, to Herman and Emma (Riebersal) Woebbeking, who both preceded her in death. On September 3, 1949, Virginia married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Preston, who also preceded her in death. Together, they built a wonderful life raising their seven children.
Virginia attended Redeemer Lutheran Church and was a longtime member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church before its closing. In addition to being a devoted homemaker, she helped her husband run the family farm, drove a school bus, and worked as a waitress for a time. She and Dick owned and operated Dick and Gin’s Bar and Grill in Convoy for 10 years before retiring to Tennessee. Realizing how much they missed their family, they eventually returned to Van Wert to be close to them.
Virginia loved to play Euchre, though after moving to assisted living she happily settled for Bingo. She also enjoyed the occasional scratch‑off lottery ticket. While in the nursing home, she became a favorite of the nurses and aides — never one to complain and never asking for much. She loved baking and cooking for family and friends and was known as their ultimate prayer warrior.
Virginia was the best mother her children could have asked for, and she adored each of her grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, and great‑great‑grandchildren. She was always happiest with a child — or one of the many family dogs — curled up on her lap.
She is survived by her daughters, Sandee Greulach, Cheryl (Terry) Cunningham, Pam (Keith) Walsh, and Robin (Troy) Childs; her son, Rick (Alicia) Preston; 14 grandchildren, Shawn Rayer, Terry Cunningham, Tiffany Gause, Travis Cunningham, C.J. Hiegel, Courtney Feasby, Hannah Childs, Laura Childs, Tracey Lautzenheiser, Mark Greulach, Tammy Motycka, Madison Hagaman, Jada Preston, and Gavin Preston; 37 great‑grandchildren; 14 great‑great‑grandchildren; her brother, Max (Ruth) Woebbeking; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Virginia was preceded in death by her daughters, Linda Dickey and Cindy Preston; a grandson, Brian Dickey; one son‑in‑law, Steve Greulach; a sister, Jeanette Dawson; and three brothers, Sam, Roger, and Stanley Woebbeking.
Her family would like to thank the residents at Westwood Senior Living for the friendships she formed over the past 13 years. And to the staff and residents of Vancrest Assisted Living: your kindness and support did not go unnoticed. The welcoming she received and the brief friendships she and her family formed will not be forgotten. Also, to Vancrest E Hall staff and Community Health Professionals: thank you for providing the comfort and care she needed over her last few weeks.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 27, at Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home Chapel, with Chaplain Steve Haddox officiating. Inurnment will immediately follow in Convoy IOOF Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 26, and again one hour prior to the service on Monday, all at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions in Virginia’s name may be directed to the Van Wert County Humane Society at https://www.vwchs.org/.
Online condolences may be shared at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 04/20/26 at 10:48 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Johnie A. Patrick, 92, of Van Wert, passed away Friday evening, April 17, 2026, at Van Wert Manor nursing home.
He was born July 9, 1933, in Kentucky, the son of Frank and Leona (McCarty) Patrick, who both preceded him in death. On September 3, 1961, he married the love of his life, Creaddle Elaine Raines Patrick, who also preceded him in death on November 2, 2006. He was also preceded in death by a son, Richard Lee Burden; three brothers, and a sister.
Johnie is survived by a sister-in-law, Maggie McCarty of Van Wert; three special grandchildren, Kacey Snyder of Van Wert, Kathy Schabbing of Rockford, and Josh Tangeman of Willshire; and many nieces and nephews and brothers- and sisters-in-law.
Johnie was a member of Joy Fellowship of Van Wert. He had owned and operated Patrick Tree Service in Van Wert for over 50 years. Johnie was always out and about and didn’t know a stranger. He loved cats, lottery tickets, WWE wrestling and was an avid Elvis Presley fan.
Services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 21, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, with Pastor Matthias Snodderly officiating. Interment will follow in Ridge Cemetery. Calling hours are noon-2 p.m. Tuesday prior to the service.
Preferred memorials: Van Wert County Humane Society.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded at https://www.cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 04/20/26 at 10:43 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Walter G. Roehm, 87, of Rockford, passed away Thursday afternoon, April 16, 2026, surrounded by his family at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
He was born on August 22, 1938 in Van Wert County, to Paul A. and Elsie (Scaer) Roehm. Walter was united in marriage to Nancy S. Sidle on January 14, 1961 at Zion Lutheran Church, Schumm.
He was a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church, Schumm in Willshire, Ohio, where he served as a former treasurer of the adult Bible classes. Walter was also active in several organizations, including the Van Wert County Farm Bureau, Cockshutt Antique Tractor Club, Van Wert Farm Focus, and Thrivent.
Walter was a lifelong farmer in Van Wert County. In addition to farming, he drove a school bus for Parkway Local Schools for 15 years and worked as a truck driver for many years. He was also employed at Hoosier Soil Service for 10 years.
He had a passion for tractor pulls, both as a participant and a spectator. He enjoyed attending antique tractor shows with his family and took great pride in collecting and restoring tractors. One of the most remarkable aspects of Walter’s life was his resilience as a 1957 polio survivor.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nancy Roehm of Rockford; sons, Jeffrey L. (Susan Swygart) Roehm, and Melvin W. (Sue) Roehm both of Willshire; daughter, Lynnette S. (Aaron) Carmean of Rockford; son, Richard R. (Cary) Roehm of Rockford; son, David A. (Jill) Roehm; sister, Ella Thieme of Berne, Indiana; 11 grandchildren, Steven Roehm, Eric Roehm, Stephanie Riley, Jeremy Roehm, Brock Roehm, Lauren Roth, Brandi Shellebarger, Paige Riesen, Cody Carmean, Kiersten Hoenie, Raegan Homan, and 14 great- grandchildren, Addisyn, Lorelie, Kalynn, Deacon, Ruby, Ronan, Myca, Zane, Graham, Berkley, Aubree, Mitchell, Eli, and Kayley.
He was preceded in death by sister, Helen (Palmer) Schwartz; brother Paul Roehm Jr., and brother-in-law, Wilbert Thieme.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, at Zion Lutheran Church, Schumm, with Pastor Hayden Folks officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Schumm. Family and friends will be received from 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.
Memorials may be given to Lutheran Hour or Zion Lutheran Church, Schumm.
POSTED: 04/17/26 at 1:37 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
