Obituary Policy

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. 

Robert C. Young

Robert C. Young, 86, of Van Wert passed away Sunday evening, September 8, 2024, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

He was born on November 25, 1937, in Van Wert the son of Harley Howard and Bernice (Stetler) Young, who both prececed him in death. On August 17, 1958, he married the former Sue (Williman) Young, who survives.

Other family members include his daughter, Lalisa Hurless of Van Wert; three grandchildren, Aleyna Hurless and her children Noa and Kai, Chandler Hurless (Abby Werling) and their children Sawyer, Lucas and Weston; and Caden Hurless.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Charles J. Young and a sister, Joy Grace Demidovich.

“It is not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog.” That statement really applies to a 160-pound fullback who graduated from Van Wert High School in 1956.

Robert C. Young, was the fullback, and in his senior year he was an All-Ohioan who played in the All-Star game in Canton. He was also picked for the baseball game.

Young was born in November of 1937 on Thanksgiving Day. He was the middle child of Harley H. and Bernice Stetler Young. Harley spent 37 years at Borden’s and was one of the keepers of the Liederkranz cheese recipe. His mother was a homemaker and worked for a period of time as a secretary for Gribler’s Dairy.

“Mom and Dad gave us kids a good work ethic,” said Young. “Neither went to college but their children were their number-one priority. They encouraged us to set our goals high and then focus our energy on reaching them.”

While he was growing up, he spent a good deal of time with his first cousin, Jim Young. The two farmed together in high school. They worked on the farm of S. J. Young, Jim’s father.

“Jim was like an older brother to me. When Jim went off to play football at Ohio State, I was a sophomore at Van Wert,” said Young. His cousin would go on to become the head football coach at the University of Arizona, Purdue University and the Army’s Military Academy at West Point.

Mr. Young took his parents’ advice and focused both on athletics and academics. The payoff was an athletic scholarship to play football at Bowling Green State University for the legendary coach Doyt Perry. He was moved from fullback to halfback because of his size.

The freshman team went undefeated that season. However, when he moved up to varsity, he found himself competing for playing time against a halfback by the name of Bernie Casey. Casey went on to play in the pros with the Los Angeles Rams and even starred in a few movies.

In those years, Young continued to give his all. At Bowling Green, Dave McClain was his roommate. McClain went on to coach football at Ball State University and the University of Wisconsin and tragically passed away at an early age.

Young became a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and pursued majors in English and physical education. He began to get more playing time in the fall of 1958. One of the games that he remembers the most was the BGSU-Xavier game played in Cincinnati. “I was hit so hard that after the game I could not find my locker,” said Young.

In the summer of 1958, he married his high-school sweetheart, Sue Williman, the daughter of Charles and Dottie Williman. For several years, Sue worked at Thomas Edison School and then as a teacher’s assistant in the preschool program.

They have a daughter, Lalisa Young Hurless. Lalisa and John have given the Youngs three grandchildren. 

When Young decided to end his football career, the couple left for Florida and Bob finished his undergraduate work at the University of Florida in 1961. He did his student teaching in Brandenton, Florida. However, instead of going into education, he returned to Ohio and entered law school at Ohio Northern University. He became a member of Phi Alpha Delta, the law fraternity and earned his degree in 1964.

He began his legal career in Lima as an associate with Bob and Dorothy Waltz. After a brief stint in Lima, Young returned to Van Wert and took a position with Central Mutual Insurance.

“I worked in the claims department and learned a great deal from Gus Shult and Bob Stepleton,” Young said. “We handled claims and workers’ compensation suits in 17 states. I really enjoyed those years at Central Mutual.”

However, opportunity came knocking in 1971, Sumner J. Walters asked him to join his law firm.

Later, Sumner E. Walters came on board and then they were joined by Kevin Taylor, Chuck Steele and more recently, Eva Yarger. Today, the Young-Taylor-Steele & Yarger Firm employs four secretaries and provides a wide range of legal services to the community. He retired with over 60 years of service in the legal profession.

In June of 1994, Young was asked to join the Van Wert County Foundation. He served as secretary of the foundation and served on the Bequest and Endowment Committees.  “The founders of the Van Wert County Foundation had great insight,” said Young. “I doubt if they visualized the immense growth of the foundation, but their vision has put us where we are today. The monies provided by foundation donors has made many things possible in this community and surrounding area.”

Young was past president of the Van Wert Chamber of Commerce and was president of the local bar association from 1975-1978. He also served on the executive committee of the Ohio State Bar Association from 1980-1984. He was president of YMCA from 1980-1982.

He was a charter member of the Van Wert County Board of Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities. He served on that board from 1967-1983 and helped in the development of the Thomas Edison School. He also served from 1978-1993 on Thomas Edison’s Center Board which dealt with residential issues.

He was a member of Rotary Club and the Elks 1197 and Guild Inc. As a member of the First United Methodist Church of Van Wert, he served on the finance committee.

“It was hot, hot, hot,” said Young. “We fought mosquitoes, black flies and horse flies, but the fishing was great.”

Mr. Young was influenced by such men as Gil Smith, Nick Klutka, Ottis Coon and Doyt Perry on the football field. In the classroom, it was his English and speech teacher Clyde Coon, Fred Williams and math and biology teacher Glen Livingston. 

These men may have influenced Robert C. Young, but they did not put the tremendous heart and determination in the 160-pound fullback. He carried those qualities into his practice of law and his commitment to the community and the Van Wert County Foundation.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 14, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, with Pastor W. Clark Williman officiating. Calling hours will be held from 3-7 p.m. Friday, September 13, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: the Van Wert County Foundation.

Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.

Frank Rigdon

Frank Rigdon, 91, of Venedocia, passed away on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at his residence.

He was born February 25, 1933, in Van Wert County, to Marion and Cleo (Mullenhour) Rigdon. They both preceded him in death. He was united in marriage to Lula C. Rigdon on December 20, 1954. She preceded him in death. On September 3, 2005, he was united in marriage to Priscilla (Lewis) Rigdon. She survives in Venedocia.

Frank is survived by son, Franklin E. Rigdon of Wisconsin; daughter Karen (Rick) Hedrick of Van Wert; stepchildren, David (Dawn) Rigdon, Daniel (Karen) Rigdon, Mary E. Rigdon, Esther Cole, Rachel Baker, and Timothy (Dots) Rigdon; brother, Ralph (Susan) Rigdon of Van Wert; grandchildren, Derek (Mariah) Lause, and Chelsea (Nick) Hochuli; great-grandson, Weston Hochuli, and many step grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Frank was preceded in death by his brothers, Marion Earl, Charles Everett and Edward Merlin, and a daughter, Vickie Lause

Frank was manager at Carter’s Plumbing and Electrical. He served in the United States Navy and was a veteran of Korea. He worked as a diesel mechanic and made sure all the planes were able to do their jobs. Frank was a member of the Delphos Wesleyan Church, Delphos American Legion Post #268 where he was a former commander, past member of the Lions, and former mayor of Venedocia. He collected over 60,000 marbles, enjoyed working with wood, collected tools, wooden nickels, and working outdoors. Frank liked to be organized and have everything in its place.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, September 9, at Harter and Schier Funeral Home, Delphos, with Rev. Steve Haddix, officiating. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery with graveside military rites conducted by the Delphos Veterans Council. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Delphos Wesleyan Church.

Thomas E. Shoop

Thomas E. Shoop, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and veteran, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2024 at the age of 81 years.

Born in Van Wert, on February 26, 1943, Tom lived a life filled with love, hard work and service to his country. He married his beloved wife, Rosemarie, and together they lived a long fulfilling and loving life filled with many passions, friends and fun.

Tom had a long and successful career at International Harvester, dedicating over two decades to his work. In addition to his professional pursuits, he was a proud owner of Whiteys, a local bar that became a community gathering place.

A dedicated patriot, Tom served in the Air Force in the Vietnam War, bravely defending his country. His military service shaped his character and instilled in him a strong sense of duty and honor. Tom was a devoted family man who cherished his time with his loved ones. He especially adored his grandchildren and took great joy in spending time with them.

Tom will be deeply missed by his wife Rosemarie, their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many many friends. His legacy of love, hard work, and service will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife Rosemarie Shoop; niece, Sherry Hughes; nephew, Robert Jordan, and grandchildren, Kyle Lane, Demi Lane, Trevor Lane, Ryne Sechrist, and Nicole Morgan.

He was preceded in death by his brother, John Shoop; sister, Marilyn Shoop, and son Frank Sechrist.

At Tom’s request, no services will be held.

T. Jean (Bolenbaugh) Metzger

T. Jean (Bolenbaugh) Metzger, 83, of Van Wert, passed away on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.

Born on February 2, 1941, she was the daughter of John V. and Alma E. (Swander) Bolenbaugh, who both preceded her in death. Jean was a 1960 graduate of Parkway High School and married Thomas J. Metzger on July 30, 1960.

She devoted her life to her family and enjoyed a fulfilling career at Teleflex before retiring. In retirement, Jean took pleasure in reading, cooking, baking, and cherishing time with her loved ones. She also found joy in the companionship of her beloved dog, Dakota.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Thomas; her sister, Marge Waldron; her grandson, and four great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her siblings, Carole Doner and Jack Bolenbaugh, and by her children, Michael Metzger, Guy (Teresa) Metzger, and Ty (Tammy) Metzger. Jean was the proud grandmother of 10 grandchildren, a great-grandmother of 30, and a great-great-grandmother of six. 

Family-only services will be held at Cowan & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Van Wert on Tuesday, September 10, from 1-3 p.m. Burial will follow at Woodland Cemetery of Van Wert.

Jean’s legacy of love, warmth, and spunk will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Van Wert Humane Society in Jean’s honor.

Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.

Cheryl Renee (Wills) Schaadt

Cheryl Renee (Wills) Schaadt, 64, passed away Sunday morning, September 1, 2024, at home in Van Wert.

She was born on March 21, 1960, in Lima the daughter of Carolyn (Chivington) Dunmire and John Wills, who both preceded her in death. On March 20, 1981, she married Brian L. Schaadt, who survives.

Other family members include her three children, Ryan Schaadt, Seth (Jami) Schaadt, and Chelsea (Derek) McCoy all of Van Wert; four sisters, Tammy Tomlinson of Celina, Kim (Tom) Wyman of Arizona, Kerri Thomas of Van Wert and Jackie Wills of Van Wert; a half-brother, Steven Dunmire of Paulding; her in-laws, Dale D. and Janet (McNeal) Schaadt of Van Wert; and six grandchildren who she loved and enjoyed caring for.

In addition to her parents, Cheryl was preceded in death by a son, Daniel Lee and a sister, Candace Wills.

Cheryl was a 1979 graduate of Van Wert High School. She was a homemaker and had attended Trinity United (Global) Methodist Church in Van Wert.

A celebration of life will be held 3-6 p.m. Friday, September 6, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert. Interment will take place at a later date at the Ohio City Woodlawn Cemetery.

Preferred memorials: to the family.

Online condolences may be shared on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.

Judith Diane “Judy” Sheets

Judith Diane “Judy” Sheets, 81, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Indiana University Healthcare – Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana.

She was born on June 22, 1943, in Indianapolis, Indiana to Robert Rawlings and Doris (Godwin) Rawlings, who both preceded her in death.

Judy was united in marriage to Garry E. Sheets on April 18, 1964 and he preceded her in death on August 2, 1990.

She was member of First United Methodist Church in Decatur. She also was a member of the Decatur Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary, Decatur Moose Lodge 1311, American Legion Post 43 Auxiliary, VFW Post 6236 Auxiliary, and Eagles Aerie 2653 in Decatur.

Judy started working in retail and did book keeping, she worked at Christian Grain Inspection and then Northeast Grain Inspection for 30 years in total. In her spare time, she volunteered at Adams Memorial Hospital for many years.

Judy spent a lot of time at Big Long Lake from 1976–2020, enjoying many vacations with friends and family. She enjoyed playing in the VFW Post 6236 Auxiliary Annual Golf Outing, where her team always finished in last place earning them a trophy. Judy loved tending to her flowers.

She is survived by her son, Scottallen E. Sheets of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Carrie (Arpad) Horzsa of Dickson, Tennessee; grandson, Donovan Scott Horzsa of Dickson, Tennessee; granddaughter, Shelby (Alex) Knepshield of Ohio; four nieces, Sherry Hughes, Debbie (Larry) Miller, Kate (Josh) Harris, and Christine Nelson; two nephews, Kendrick Rawlings, and Steven Rawlings; Garry’s surviving family includes a sister-in-law, Linda Sheets of Hawaii, and two nephews, Chris (Sarah) Gay, and Jeff Gay.

Judy was preceded in death by two brothers, Don Rawlings and Richard Rawlings; sister, Barbara Joyce Friesner, and Garry’s sister, Peggy Gay.

A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, September 7, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, with Life Celebrant Dave McIntire and Pastor Harold Klinker officiating. Burial will follow at Decatur Cemetery in Decatur, Indiana. Friends and family will be received from 10 a.m. until service time on Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials: Hoosier Burn Camp.

Donna E. (Turnwald) Long

Donna E. (Turnwald) Long, 65, of Van Wert, died at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Parkview Hospital Randallia in Fort Wayne.

She was born on August 11, 1959, to Leonard and Armella (Verhoff) Turnwald. On May 3, 1980, she married Stephen J. Long.

Donna was a retired retail specialist and buyer for Front Porch Gifts at Derry Drugs and The Bridge Gift Shop, both in Van Wert. She was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption in Van Wert. In her younger years, Donna was a skilled golfer. She loved spending time camping at Marble Lake and vacationing in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Donna is survived by her husband, Steve Long of Van Wert; her son, Adam J. Long of Van Wert; six siblings, Carl (Jenny) Turnwald of Ottoville, Joe (Grace) Turnwald of Kalida, Gene (Kathy) Turnwald of Ottoville, Marilyn (Gary) Holdgreve of Delphos, Alvin (Chris) Turnwald of Loveland, Ohio and Mark (Robin) Turnwald of Ottoville, and her loving dog, Copperbear.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Van Wert, with the Reverend Chris Bohnsack, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. Friday, September 6, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.

Preferred memorials: the Children’s Section of Brumback Library.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Karen S. Butler

Karen S. Butler, 81, of Van Wert, passed away on Monday, August 26, 2024, at the OSU Wexner Medical Center, in Columbus.

She was born on January 6, 1943, in Van Wert, to Kendall and Ursula (Dougal) Mohr.

Karen is survived by her loving spouse, John D. Butler; her devoted daughters, Jenny (Craig) Hill of Hurricane, West Virginia and Cindy (Ned) Compton of Van Wert; her grandchildren, Alex and Olivia Hill, Luke (Debby) Compton, Jane (Ben) Greve, and Cory (Miranda) Compton; 12 great-grandchildren; brothers, Keith (Jo) Mohr and Kip (Chris) Mohr; and a sister, Sandy (Craig) Goddard.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kendall and Ursula; three sisters-in-law, Joyce Mohr, Peggy Dunn and Pat Crowe, and two brothers-in-law, Don Crowe and Richard Dunn.

Karen dedicated 25 years of her life to Federal Mogul, where she provided exceptional customer service until her well-deserved retirement. She was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church, in Van Wert, for many years.

The looming void of her absence will linger in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, a testament to the impact she had on those around her.

A private service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Van Wert County Humane Society or the First United Methodist Church, honoring the causes that were close to Karen’s heart.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

“Losing a mother is a pain that cannot be described in words. It is virtually impossible to move on from the memory of losing the woman who sacrificed happiness in her own life so you could have a better one. A mother’s love is truly irreplaceable.” – Author Unknown

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.

Thomas “Tom” Bauer

Thomas “Tom” Bauer, 84, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday morning, August 24, 2024, at his residence near Convoy.

Tom was a 1958 graduate of Convoy Union High School. A loyal servant of God, Tom was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Convoy, where he served in various offices. Tom served on the boards of the Van Wert National Bank and the Soil and Water Conservation District and was a member of the Van Wert County Farm Bureau. In his early years, he worked at Nationwide Insurance and Showalter Sporting Goods.

Tom developed a passion for farming at a young age from his mother. He was happiest when passing down his knowledge and skills to his family. He was blessed to be able to farm with family for many years. Very few things meant more to Tom than farming, other than his family.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Jenny Bauer. Other surviving family members include his children, Susanne (Dale) Mosier of Tipp City and Dan (Beth) Bauer of Convoy, and seven grandchildren, Brooke (Collin) Ernst, Ben (Chelsey) Mosier, Nick (Lindsey) Bauer, Emily (John) Rollins, Justin Davis, Janelle (Luke) Eschenbach, and Abby (Aaron) Vermule. His 10 great-grandchildren brought him great joy in recent years.

Tom joins his parents, Carl and Marjorie (Cully) Bauer and brother John Bauer in the bliss of heaven.

Please join the family for a celebration of life at Redeemer Lutheran Church south of Convoy from 3-5 p.m. Friday, September 13. Come share your fond memories of Tom over some of Tom’s favorite thing – conversation, coffee and cookies.

Preferred memorials: the Redeemer radio broadcast or the Haven of Hope in Van Wert.

Roger Lee Jamieson

Roger Lee Jamieson, 84, of Van Wert passed away Wednesday morning, August 21, 2024, at Homestead at Towne Center of Van Wert.

He was born on January 26, 1940, in Wabash, Ohio the son of  Paul R. and Ethel Virginia (McDorman) Jamieson, who both preceded him in death. On September 1, 1963, he married the former Carolyn E. Shaffer who survives.

He was also preceded in death by a son, Gary David Jamieson.

Other family members include his children, Michael L. Jamieson of Marion, Indiana and Jody P. (Brian) O’Neill of Rockford; two grandchildren, Nathan (Kaitlyn) O’Neill and Elaina O’Neill; one great grandson, Kolsen O’Neill, and a brother, Robert E. (Chong) Jamieson of Salina, Kansas.

Roger was a retired tool and dye maker for Federal Mogul in Van Wert for 35 years. He was a long time member of Calvary Evangelical Church and recently a member of First Baptist Church, Van Wert. He enjoyed his Cushman Club and spending time with his grandchildren and great- grandson.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 24, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, with Pastor W. Clark Williman officiating. Interment will follow at Ohio City Woodlawn Cemetery. Calling hours will be held from 3-6 p.m. Friday, August 23, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: Gideons International.

Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.