Defiance Co, Ohio - Genealogy Trails

Paulding County Progress
Jun 18, 2002

ANTWERP — Fred Plum, 75, Antwerp, died at 12:20 p.m. Monday, June 17, at Community Memorial Hospital in Hicksville.
He was born March 29, 1927 in Auburn, Ind., the son of Bernard and Leitha (Roland) Plum. In 1947, he married Mary Hetrick, who survives. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, and was a truck driver and heavy equipment operator for the Paulding County Highway Department. He had been a commission agent for Ashland Oil. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Antwerp, Antwerp VFW Post 5087, American Legion Post 253, and Hicksville Masonic Lodge.
Also surviving are two sons, two daughters, a brother, a sister, nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Richard Deardorf.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 20, at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp, with the Rev. Jim Edwards officiating. Burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery, Hicksville, where military honors will be conducted by VFW and American Legion. Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. today, June 19, and from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday. A Masonic service will be conducted at 7 p.m. today.
Preferred memorials are to the American Heart Association.

Paulding County Progress
Jul 29, 2002

CONTINENTAL — John A. Miller, 55, died Monday, July 29 at the MCO Hospital in Toledo.
He was born July 15, 1947 in Toledo, the son of Richard C. and Elizabeth (Sowers) Miller, who survive. On April 3, 1971, he married Essie Collins, who survives. He was a U.S. Army veteran, stationed in Germany and Korea. He was retired from Johns Manville in Defiance, and was a member of the Pleasantview Missionary Baptist Church in Junction.
He is also survived by three brothers. He was preceded in death by a son, John Michael Lee Miller.
Services were held Friday, Aug. 2 at the Pleasantview Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Chris Crowe and the Rev. Otis Mason officiating. Burial was in Memory Gardens in Defiance. Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Continental was in charge of the arrangements. Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

Paulding County Progress
Aug 14, 2002

ANTWERP — Merton J. “Hap” Bell, 75, died at 6 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, at his residence.
He was born Sept. 1, 1926 in Harlan, Ind., the son of Merton and Madonna (Franks) Bell. On Oct. 29, 1948, he married Marilyn Speiser, who survives. He was a WWII Army veteran, a car repairman for the Pennsylvania Railroad, and also was employed as a core setter for 22 years at General Motors. He was a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Antwerp, and a member of the Antwerp VFW Post #5087.
Also surviving are three sons, two daughters, two brothers, four sisters, 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were a sister, Delores Stultz; and a great-granddaughter.
Services were held Saturday, Aug. 17 at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Antwerp, with the Rev. Randy Gragg officiating. Burial was in the Six Corners Cemetery in Hicksville. Arrangements were made by Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp. Preferred memorials are to the church or PC Workshop.

Paulding County Progress
Aug 20, 2002

SHERWOOD — Donald F. Boroff, 75, Sherwood, died Monday, Aug. 19, in his home.
He was born May 8, 1927 in Latty, the son of William and Jenny (Neal) Boroff. In 1951, he married his wife Margaret (Nan), who survives. He was a machinist for Aro Corp. in Bryan, retiring in 1989 after 30 years. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII. He was a former fire chief of Sherwood-Delaware Volunteer Fire Department where he served for 50 years, an emergency medical technician, Boy Scout leader of Troop 139, a member of the Sherwood Baseball Association and a sanctioned baseball and softball umpire and coach.
Also surviving are three sons, a daughter, a brother, two sisters, 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren
Preceding him in death were his parents; four brothers, Chester “Dale,” Wilbur “Shorty,” Robert and Rex; and three sisters, Myrtle Goeltzenleuchter, Dory Yenser and Gusta Boroff.
Services were held Saturday, Aug. 24, in Rice Funeral Home, Sherwood, with the Rev. Barry Bryan officiating. Burial was in Sherwood Cemetery. Preferred memorials are to Fairview Summer Ball Association, Fairview Softball or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Paulding County Progress
Feb 19, 2009

ARTHUR — Irvin William Retcher, 88, of Arthur, died Wednesday, Feb. 18, at his home surrounded by his wife and children.
He was born July 9, 1920, the son of William and Henrietta (Hohenberger) Retcher, in the home he lived his entire life On July 9, 1940, he married his wife who survives. He was a World War II veteran, worked at GM Powertrain for three and one half years and at Johns Manville for 34 years. He was also a lifelong farmer. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church where he served on the board of elders, Johns Manville Retirement Group, chief steward and president of GBBA of Local #51 Union, Continental American Legion and a life member of Johns Manville Quarter Century Club.
Also surviving are 10 children, 41 grandchildren; and 39 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Virgil; a sister, Lavina Gerken; and a son-in-law, Bill Ratzlaff.
Irvin loved the Lord, his large family, his Bible, church family, farm life, laughter, basketball games and his dog, Tash.
Services were held Saturday, Feb. 21 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Defiance, with the Rev. Donald Luhring and Rev. Carol Retcher officiating.
Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery, Defiance with graveside services conducted by VFW Post # 3360. Mast-Mock-Hoffman-Hanenkrath-Clevenger- Schaffer Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Paulding County Progress
Apr 17, 2009

DEFIANCE – Homer Sontchi, 92, of Defiance, died Thursday, April 16, In the Laurels of Defiance Nursing Center, where he has resided and received special loving care for the last three years.
He was born Jan. 1, 1917, in Wawaka, Ind., the son of Elon “Eli” and Rachel (Dix) Sontchi. Homer grew up in Paulding and graduated from Paulding High School in 1937. In 1941, he married Wilma Oelfke, who preceded him in death in 2000. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Seaman 1st Class during World War II from March 1944 until December 1945. He was employed by the City of Defiance as supervisor of the street department from 1963 until his retirement in 1982. He and his wife babysat for many years for two children, Lindsey (Harris) Stehulak and Michael Harris, whom they now consider family. Homer was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and a life member of VFW Post 3360.
Surviving are two daughters, two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, one special loving devoted niece, and many other nieces and nephews.
He also was preceded in death by a daughter in infancy, Janice; a granddaughter, Gina Melia; four brothers, George, John Edward and two in infancy; and three sisters, Florence, Marie and Dorothy. Services were held Sunday, April 19, in St. Paul Lutheran Church with the Rev. David Brobston officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery with graveside military rites performed by VFW Post 3360. Mast-Mock-Hoffman-Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, was in charge of arrangements. Preferred memorials are to the church, Hospice the Caring Way of Defiance, Filling Memorial Home of Mercy (Napoleon) or DASH of Defiance County

Paulding County Progress
Aug 2, 2009

BRYAN — Roy Gene Hueppelsheuser, 59, died Saturday, Aug. 1, at Twin Rivers Care Center in Defiance, as a result of injuries sustained in a house fire on June 26.
He was born on July 8, 1950 in Marion, Ind., the son of Forest and Dorothy (McDaniels) Hueppelsheuser, who both preceded him in death. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in the Vietnam War as a medic. He was self-employed and was a past member of the Bryan Eagles.
He is survived by a daughter, a son, five grandchildren; two sisters, and two brothers. He also was preceded in death by a son, Billy Gene Hueppelsheuser.
There will be no visitation or services. Smith & Brown Funeral Home of Hicksville was in charge of the arrangements.

Crescent-News
Feb 7, 2010

Paul “Jim” Rau, 82, Defiance, passed away Tuesday, February, 2, 2010, at Valley Baptist Hospital in Harlingen, Texas.

He was born August 30, 1927, in Defiance, the son of the late Fred and Edith (Williamson) Rau. On August 10, 1946, he married his wife who survives. Mr. Rau was a life member of the VFW and Eagles, and proudly served in the Merchant Marines and the Ohio National Guard. He was a carpenter and electrician and was lovingly called “Mr. Gadget” by his children for his keen skills.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, three daughters, twelve grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, two brothers, four sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Fred “Junior” Rau and Robert “Tootle” Rau; two sisters, Shirley Osborn and Brenda Rau; and an infant son, Danny Joe. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 8, 2010, at Mast-Mock-Hoffman-Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, officiated by Rev. Donna Stutzman. Burial will be in Myers Cemetery, Defiance County, with graveside military rites by VFW Post 3360 of Defiance. Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Crescent News
Feb 2, 2010

Robert Allen Hedrick, 84, Defiance, Ohio, died Sunday, January 31, 2010, at Brookview Healthcare Center, Defiance.

Mr. Hedrick was born September 20, 1925, the son of Myrtle (Elliott) and William Hedrick in Defiance. He received a BS degree in education at Defiance College and an MS in education at Indiana University. He was employed as a public school superintendent nearly his entire career in Adams Township, Medina, Galion and Campbell, Ohio. He also served as director of personnel at the Lorain County Board of MR/DD and the assistant director/superintendent of the Diman Regional Vocational School in Fall River, Massachusetts.

Mr. Hedrick served in the Army and Air Force Reserves. He served in World War II with the 9th Army in Europe. He also served in Korea with the 45th Infantry Division and achieved the rank of major in both branches, receiving many awards and commendations. After discharge from active duty, Mr. Hedrick served with the Ohio Army National Guard Combat Engineers and the U.S. Air Force Reserves based at Youngstown Air Base and at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, American Association of School Administrators, Buckeye Association of School Administrators, Ohio Retired Teachers Association and Retired Officers Association, and was a life member of the VFW.

Mr. Hedrick is survived by four children, and two step-children, and nine grandchildren, He is also survived by a brother, and sister, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Hedrick is predeceased by his parents; sisters, Letha Jane Miler and Mary M. Jacoby; and brothers, Arden Hedrick and John Hedrick, and Lee and Howard, in infancy. He is also predeceased by his former wife, Eleanor Schmidt Hedrick.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 5, 2010, at Mast-Mock-Hoffman-Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, with Rev. Lee Genter officiating. Internment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Defiance, with graveside military rites by VFW Post 3360. Friends may call at the funeral home in Defiance on Thursday, February 4, 2010, from 4-8 p.m.

Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Mr. Hedrick enjoyed a full life of family, friends, golf and travel. He will be greatly missed.

Crescent News
Feb 1, 2010

Joe E. Hetz, 84, Defiance, passed away Sunday morning, January 31, 2010, in his home.

He was born in Hicksville, Ohio, on March 25, 1925, the son of the late Joseph and Mary Jane (Smith) Hetz. Joe married Dorothy Kisabeth in 1945, who passed away in 1982. In 1983, he married Pauline Vetter, who passed away Nov. 29, 2009. Joe was a member of St. John's Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the 4th Degree K of C and the VFW and was an avid Ohio State fan. He was a World War II Army staff sergeant serving in the South Pacific and the Philippines. Joe had worked at General Motors as a safety director.

Surviving are four daughters, a sister, and a sister-in-law. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Linda Hetz; an infant daughter, Angela Rose Hetz; a sister, Marie Hetz; and a brother, Carroll Hetz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John's Catholic Church at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3, with Father Todd Dominique officiating. Friends are invited to call Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home, Defiance. The 4th Degree Knights of Columbus will stand honor guard from 6-8 p.m. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery where VFW Post 3360 will conduct honorary military rites.

Memorials can be made to Hospice the Caring Way of Defiance and the Defiance County Humane Society.

Lima News
Feb 18, 2003

JOHN L. "Jack"- STREICHER. 71, of Defiance, formerly of Continental, died at 1:37 p.m. Feb 17, 2003, at Defiance Regional Medical Center. He was born Sept. 16.1931, in Continental to Louis and Metta (Lugabihl) Streicher, who preceded him in death He was raised by Chet and Fern Lugabihl. On June 30. 1990, he married his wife, who survives.

Mr. Streicher had been a machine operator at B.F. Goodrich. He was a life member of American Legion Post
541 and its 40 et 8. Continental, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3360. Defiance , He was an Army veteran of the Korean War.

Survivors also include a son, a stepson, a daughter, four step-daughters, two brothers, and three grandchildren, 11 step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a step-daughter, Judith Bradford. Services will begin at 11 am Thursday at Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home, Defiance. Deacon George Newton will officiate. Burial will be in Riverview Memory Garden s, Defiance County . Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Defiance County Hospice In-patient Building Fund.

Defiance Crescent News
Apr 16, 2011

Carl V. Stevenson, 80, Defiance, Ohio, died Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at CHP Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center, Defiance. He was born September 1, 1930, in Allen County, Ind., the son of Vernon and Ella (Gustin) Stevenson. On December 24, 1951, he married Norma J. Poper, who survives. He was a maintenance man at GM for 34 years, retiring in 1988, and a member of Defiance Christian Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Korean War, a life member of VFW Post 3360 and a member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge and Defiance Elks Lodge 147.

Surviving are his wife, Norma J. (Poper) Stevenson, Defiance; two daughters, two sons,10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and three sisters. Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers, Richard and John Stevenson; and two sisters, Madge Elliott and Eula Heckman. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 16, 2011, at Defiance Christian Church, with Rev. William Mesaeh and Rev. Brian Maxey officiating. Entombment will be at Riverview Memory Gardens mausoleum, rural Defiance, with VFW graveside rites by VFW Post 3360. Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. Friday at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Defiance Crescent News
Apr 16, 2011

Terry Lee Watson, 61, Defiance, Ohio, died Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at Defiance Regional Medical Center. He was born November 18, 1949, in Defiance, the son of Glenn and Phoebe (Steele) Watson. On November 20, 1971, he married Bonnie Lantow, who survives. He served in the Vietnam War as a U.S. Army SP5, serving with the 9th Infantry Division. He was a laborer at GM Powertrain, retiring in 2004. He was a life member of VFW Post 3360 in Defiance and VFW Post 8218 in Napoleon. He was a member of AMVETS, Eagles, Moose and American Legion of Defiance and the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association.

Also surviving are a son, a granddaughter, and a sister. Preceding him in death were his parents; two sisters, Rita and Judy Watson; two brothers, Glenn Watson Jr. and Larry Watson; and two half sisters, Rosemary Rau and Betty Jean Watson. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, April 15, 2011, at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home with Father Tim Kummerer officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance, with military services by Defiance VFW Post 3360. Visitation is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to the Kidney Foundation or a charity of the donor's choice

Crescent News
Apr 26, 2011

HICKSVILLE -- William "Bill" Quaintance, 77, died Sunday, April 24, 2011, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on December 30, 1933, in Antwerp, Ohio, the son of Robert and Margaret (Dorsey) Quaintance. He was a 1952 graduate of Antwerp High School. On May 15, 1952, Bill was united in marriage with Peggy Dull and she survives. Bill served in the U.S. Navy in the Korean War aboard the USS Boxer, stationed in Guam. He worked as a quality control manager at PEC Industries in Florida and was a driver for Jim Schmidt dealership for over 20 years. Bill was a member of the First Church of Christ, Hicksville, men's golf league at Hickory Hills Golf Course, and a former member of the VFW and Eagles. Surviving Bill are his wife, Peggy; a son, Randy of Orlando, Florida; two daughters, Teri Ferguson of Orlando, Florida, Lori Jo (Fran) Nagel of Elgin, Illinois; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two brothers, Jim of Hicksville, and Jack of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services for Bill will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at Smith & Brown Funeral Home, Hicksville, with Pastor Jerold Tear officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Scipio Cemetery, Harlan, Indiana. Memorials may be made to First Church of Christ.

Funeral services for Richard H. Beatty were held Monday, April 25, 2011, at St. John's Catholic Church. The Rev. George Wenzinger and Deacon Don Meyer co-officiated. Organist was David Moninger and soloist was Kristin Beatty. VFW Post 3360 conducted graveside military services. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Gene Batt, Jerry F. Mangas, Jason Phillips, Wayne Davis, David Lang and Robert Reeder. Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home handled the arrangements