Obituaries « The VW independent (2024)

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.

Jerald D. “Jerry” Freewalt

Jerald D. “Jerry” Freewalt of Columbus, dedicated his life to promoting human life, anti-poverty, global solidarity, and environmental causes in the Catholic Diocese of Columbus’ Office for Social Concerns, first as a program coordinator, then as Associate Director and lastly as Director. Jerry strove to be a good citizen and live out the Corporal Works of Mercy. Over the years, he led thousands of high school students and adults on service projects in central Ohio. Jerry led the Notre Dame Urban Plunge for 20 years and the annual downtown Walking Stations of the Cross since 1996. He was one of the founders of ARCH (Accompanying Returning Citizens with Hope) a re-entry program for returning citizens.

Jerry led advocacy activities at the Ohio Statehouse and on Capitol Hill, including successful efforts to pass the legislation that led to the OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence) program for multi-system youth. He was given the Champion of Children Award for his work on OhioRISE which continues to serve many children today throughout the state. He served as board chair of the National Catholic Partnership on Disability. His other leadership roles include service as a board member of Governor Dewine’s Faith-Based Initiatives board, J.O.I.N. (Joint Organization for Inner City Needs), SPICE (Special People in Catholic Education), chair of the Catholic Conference of Ohio’s Department on Social Concerns, Council for Public Deliberation, and many others.

Jerry was born in Van Wert, Ohio on October 5, 1972, to Cheryl and Larry Freewalt of Ohio City. He graduated from Van Wert High School with honors. He was a St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Van Wert member.

As an active youth, he was a member of the Boy Scouts and led as State Chief Squire of the Columbian Squires. He graduated from Xavier University with a B.A. in political science. He ran for the Xavier cross country team. Jerry met his wife, Karen at Xavier. He earned a master’s degree from The Ohio State University in public policy and management.

Jerry was very dedicated to his family. He told thousands of creative bedtime stories to his children. He coached baseball, flag football, and girls’ basketball. He held committee roles in Boy Scouts and, as a leader, helped his son, Alex, build a flag retirement pit for VFW 4931 for his Eagle Scout project. Along with these roles he went on many backpacking and camping trips including Philmont Scout Ranch, New Mexico. Jerry was also heavily involved in his daughter’s sailing activities and served on the race committee. He attended many regattas to watch her compete. Jerry was also very committed to watching his son, Charlie, compete in high school football and wrestling. He loved to follow Charlie’s band as they perform throughout the Columbus and surrounding area. Jerry loved hiking, fishing, and just spending time in nature. He became an excellent photographer of nature.

Jerry is survived by his parents, his wife, Karen A. (Albers) Freewalt, and children Hannah, Alexander, and Charles. Other survivors include his brother Jason (Erika) Freewalt of Delphos, his sister Rachel (Charles) Reed of Elida, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and many more family members who will miss him greatly.

Friends who wish may visit the family may do so from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.Tuesday, June 18, at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home, 403 E. Broad St., Columbus. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 19, at St. Joseph Cathedral, 212 E. Broad St., Columbus, with Bishop Fernandes, Celebrant. Burial will be at Sunset Cemetery.

The family requests contributions be made to The Catholic Foundation, 257 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, noting Jerry Freewalt in the memo line, This will support children with mental health needs.

Visit www.egan-ryan.com for online condolences.

Monica (Lewis) Kruse

Monica (Lewis) Kruse, age 93, passed into God’s benevolent arms on Thursday, June 12, 2024. In her uniquely enigmatic way, Monica gifted her children, family, and friends with a loving and abiding farewell.

As a young woman, Monica met and married Russell Lowell Kruse, whom she had met while roller skating at the YWCA. After Russ passed suddenly in 1993, Monica tapped into a deep well of inner strength to learn to live without him.With her characteristic steady hand and quiet dignity, she kept their home and maintained the large yard in impeccable order for over 30 years.Monica will be remembered as a true homemaker and dedicated mother who, over the course of her life, modeled uncompromising principles and values.

As well, there will be a host of mutually loyal girlfriends with fond memories of leisurely lunches and winter getaways. All who were blessed to know her will attest to Monica’s spirit of generosity in both word and deed. Monica never had a bad word to say about another person and was quick to defend the least among us where others might indulge in less than charitable conversation.In lighter moments, Monica would reveal an unexpected, impish sense of humor highlighted by a sweet twinkle in her bright blue eyes. Never putting herself first, Monica could wax eloquently at family dinners about how much she loved to pick apart chicken wings, thus ensuring the best of the bird went to others.

A longtime employee of Federal Mogul in Van Wert and a devout parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Monica’s preferred way to relax was sitting at the kitchen window or on the front porch “watching the world go by.” Those who knew her well understood that underneath her joy in these simple pleasures lay a rich and contemplative inner world. Monica was a good listener, a keen observer, and a master at keeping her own counsel. She managed to be kind, gentle, tolerant, and spirited all at the same time. So many of these admirable qualities might have been rooted in the courage and resilience

Monica showed when, at age 16, she took her youngest sister by one hand and held a single suitcase in the other as she left the only home she had ever known, not knowing whether she would ever see it again, and boarded a ship from Fleur de Lys, Newfoundland for the United States of America. Indeed, springtime always did make Monica homesick.Now God has called her to His eternal home where she is reunited with her beloved husband, Russ, and many other much loved family and friends.

Monica was born on January 23, 1931, in Fleur de Lys, Newfoundland, Canada the daughter of Michael Francis Lewis and Bridget (Antle) Lewis, who both preceded her in death. On April 19, 1952, she married Russell Lowell Kruse who preceded her in death on January 26, 1993.

Family survivors include her three children, Douglas Kruse of Boston, Massachusetts, Deborah A. (Ron) Dull of Van Wert and Diane R. (Michael) Joyce of Spencerville; five grandchildren, Shannon (Brad) Greve, Katie (Matt) Brita, Bill Dull, Ben Kruse and Erin Kruse; five great-grandchildren, and a sister, Marie A. (Eugene) Ladd of Van Wert.

Monica was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Lawrence “Larry” Lewis, Thomas J. “Tom” Lewis, Michael “Mike” Lewis and four sisters, Elizabeth “Nell” Walsh, Cecila “Irene” Carrier, Madeline Peaty and Patricia Bryan.

A funeral service for Monica will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 18, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert with Father Chris Bohnsack officiating. Interment will follow at Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Calling hours will be held from 4-7 p.m. Monday, June 17, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Van Wert.

Preferred memorials: the Fleur de Lys, Newfoundland, Canada Fire & EMS Department.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to cowanfuneralhome.com, Tribute Wall.

Carmen E. Houser

Carmen E. Houser, 81, of Russells Point, passed away Monday, June 10, 2024 under hospice care at St. Rita’s hospital, Lima.

She was born October 22, 1942, in Van Wert, the daughter of Eldon (Sam) Snyder and Elizabeth (Betty) Wermer Snyder. She was a 1960 graduate of Indian Lake Local School District, Washington High School, Lewistown, and over the years attended several nursing schools. In 1999 Carmen married James Houser and he survives.

Also surviving are her children, Scott (Tracy) Keith of Bloomfield, Indiana, Craig Keith of Lakeview, Doug (Mona) Keith of Clifton, Tennessee, Mitch (Jody) Keith of Jackson Center, Kendra Ducote of Fairborn, and Mika (Curtis) Hites of Huntsville; stepchildren, Todd (Sally) Houser of Alger, and Darcie Houser and Charles Houser, both of Lima; son-in-law, Bill McNeal of Lewistown, and sister, Rita Snyder of Centerville. Her extended family includes nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren and a dear friend of over 60 years, Tracie Stemen.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Ronald Snyder, and stepdaughter, Pam McNeal.

Carmen worked in nursing for over 40 years and enjoyed spending winters in Florida with her husband, Jim.

Private family services will be conducted at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Shoffstall Funeral Home, Lakeview.

Condolences may be expressed atwww.shoffstallfuneralhome.com.

Norma Jean Stuckey

Norma Jean Stuckey, 76, of rural Van Wert passed away Tuesday morning, June 11, 2024, at Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne.

She was born on January 31, 1948, in Van Wert the daughter of Paul Luther and Mary Marie (Girod) Replogle, who both preceded her in death. On November 26, 1966, she married Robert E. Stuckey who survives.

Other family members include her four children, Tina M. (Kevin) Smith of Middle Point, Erik E. Stuckey of Ohio City, Trisha Stuckey (Carl Buckner) of Ohio City, and Crystal (James) Schleeter of Van Wert; nine grandchildren, Zachary Smith, Logan Stuckey, Erika Stuckey, Lance Stuckey, Amanda Stuckey, Mackenzie (Thomas) States, Dylon Schleeter, Mercedes (Ryan) Hockemeyer, and Samantha Martin; 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Rex (Nancy) Replogle of Van Wert and Jeff Replogle of Wren; two sisters, Joyce Witte of Decatur, Indiana and Dixie (Dennis) Rathert of Ohio City, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Norma was preceded in death by a grandson, Dustin Scott Stuckey; a brother, Steven Replogle; a brother-in-law, Herman Witte, and a daughter-in-law, Leah Densel Stuckey.

Norma was a 1966 graduate of Van Wert High School. She had worked at Van Wert Manufacturing, VanCrest Nursing Home and had tended bar at many local bars. She retired from Fleetwood in Decatur. Norma loved playing bingo, scratch-off tickets and visiting Las Vegas.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert. There will be calling hours from 1-4 p.m. Saturday prior to the service.

Preferred memorials: the American Heart Association or Angel Intervention in Van Wert.

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

Randall J. Gorman

Randall J. Gorman, 73, of Van Wert passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Monday, June 10, 2024, at St. Rita’s Medical Center of Lima after a brief battle with cancer.

He was born on April 23, 1951, in Van Wert to Morris R. Gorman and Mary Jean (Finkhousen) Gorman. He was also preceded in death by one brother, Philip Bruce Gorman and one sister, Sandra Kay Gorman.

Randy’s love for flying began back in 1970 when he was inspired by some crop dusters who were using a grass lane at their family farm. That grass lane then became a functional runway for planes that continues to be used today. Randy was an accomplished pilot who held many ratings including IFR and Commercial Multi Engine Ratings. He flew for a number of companies including TAS Aviation in Defiance, Island Airlines, and Griffing Flying Service in the Lake Erie area. His passion for aviation was instrumental in other family members obtaining their pilot’s licenses, which has become a family legacy that continues today. Outside of flying, Randy enjoyed working on the family farm, boating, fishing, shooting sports and living the island life of Lake Erie.

Randy is survived by two brothers, Shawn (Michelle) Gorman of Van Wert and Todd (Alexandra) Gorman of Worley, Idaho; four sisters, Diana (Steven) Pollock, Shelly (Chuck) Eberle, Teresa (Kurt) Schalois all of Van Wert and Kathy (Tom) Reed of Port Clinton; numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Cricket.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 13, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Van Wert with Father Charles Obinwa and Father Chris Bohnsack officiating.A celebration of life will also be held 5-7 p.m. Thursday night at the Elks Lodge in Van Wert.

Preferred memorials: the Middle Point Fire Department.

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

Dora Mae Hoffman

Dora Mae Hoffman, 84, of Ohio City passed away Monday morning, June 10, 2024, at Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center.

She was born April 23, 1940, in Van Wert County, the daughter of John ‘Fred’ and Phyllis L. (Prichard) Ainsworth, who both preceded her in death. On September 6, 1959, she married John H. Hoffman, who survives.

Along with her husband, family survivors include her two sons, Todd H. Hoffman of Orland, Indiana and Travis H. (Makenzie) Hoffman of Van Wert; four daughters, Kelly J. (Jason) Parrish of Ohio City, Lisa M. (Dale) Butler of Ohio City, Sheri D. (Matt) Taylor of Van Wert, and Leslie R. (Brian) Craft of Bowling Green; grandchildren, Ryan (Katie) Parrish, Ashley Parrish, Lauren Parrish, Whitney (Steve) Sealscott, Danielle (Andy) Parrish, Tisha Parrish, Chloe (Nathan) Butler, Livia (Kale) DeVoe, Claire (Mark) Butler, Ella (Ryan) Butler, Jayden (Ellen) Taylor, Brandt (Toni) Taylor, Harper (Mitch) Cromley, Trevor Craft, Tucker Craft, Kendall Hoffman and Ainsley Hoffman; 14 great-grandchildren; one brother Mike (Connie) Ainsworth of Ohio City, and one sister, Barbara Mager of Danbury, Texas.

She worked third shift at Teleflex for over 30 years. She was an extremely hard worker. During this time she developed several lifelong friendships.

Raising her six children was first and foremost the most important thing in her life. She made sure they wanted for nothing. She was a beautiful seamstress, excellent cook, loved classic country music and was a very creative decorator.

She was a huge fan of basketball, especially Tom Izzo and the Michigan State Spartans. She lived for March Madness. During this month we knew there was no time for small talk, only intense conversations about the games and the coaching. She and dad were always very competitive when their teams played, the Spartans and the Hoosiers often staying up all night just to watch them battle it out.

She enjoyed the opportunities to travel. Her adventures included a beautiful trip to Paris with her good friend Emi, an anniversary trip with dad to beautiful Hawaii with several other ornery couples, time spent at the lake, and of course many years at her beloved Sanibel Island with her family and good friends Jim and Janet Chick.

She had few words but huge actions of her love for her family and friends. She will be greatly missed.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Donald Ainsworth.

A celebration of life will be held from 3-7 p.m. Saturday, July 13, at the Van Wert Wassenberg Art Center.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, preferred memorials: Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center or the Ohio City Fire & E.M.S.

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

James (Jimmy) Wayne Lee Vibbert

James (Jimmy) Wayne Lee Vibbert passed away at his residence on Friday, June 7, 2024.

He was born on January 15, 1963 in Green Castle, Indiana, to Wanda (Judy) York who survives, and Marion Harold Vibbert, who preceded him in death May 2, 2017.

He is also survived by his siblings, William (Ted) Vibbert of Venice, Florida, Wanda Hammons of Jamestown, Kentucky, Rodney “Charlie” (Myrna) Vibbert, Frank (Carrieann) Vibbert of Convoy, Sue (Mark) Pugsley of Van Wert, and Donald Vibbert of Van Wert.

His children where his life, Kara (Corey) Brotherwood plus their three grandkids, Robert (Alison) and four grandkids, Micheal (Jennifer) plus two grandkids, Kylie (Chuck) McConahy plus four grandkids, Lorissa (Corbin) plus two grandkids, Daniel (Courtney) and seven grandkids, Keith (Destinee) Hough plus five grandkids, William (Steph) plus three grandkids, James plus two grandkids, Johnny (Michaela) plus three grandkids, and several nieces and nephews.

Also preceding him in death was his best friend, Rick (Ricky) Stemen.

His passion was masonry work where he was a “Master” Mason with the Fort Wayne Bricklayers Union No. #4. There wasn’t a brick he couldn’t lay. He loved tinkering around and was a “jack” of all trades. If you needed it done he would figure it out. His mother and grandkids meant the world to him. When his siblings needed him he was there. Family meant everything to him. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 13, at the Legacy Barn at Lincoln Ridge Farms, 6237 Lincoln Highway, Convoy. Please bring a photo and memory of your favorite story to share together along with a toast to Jim at 7 p.m.

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

Clarice J. Baker

Clarice J. Baker, 92, of Haviland, went to be with Jesus at 6:49 p.m. Saturday, June 8, 2024, under the care of CHP Hospice of Van Wert.

She was born on January 25, 1932, in Butler, Indiana to Merton Alonzo Bell and MaDonna J. (Franks) Bell, who both preceded her in death.

Clarice graduated from Antwerp High School. She married the love of her life, John M. Baker, on February 17, 1951, and he preceded her in death on May 6, 2003. They were married for 52 years. She went on to have three children. Faith and family were everything to her. She loved being a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.

She loved Ohio State football and basketball, NASCAR, bingo, the Young and the Restless, Daniel O’ Donnell’s music, George Jones music and reading all kinds of Christian books. She had a strong faith and lived by example. She was always the voice of reason and gave the best advice; which will be terribly missed.

Clarice is survived by her two daughters, Vicki Coomer (Kevin Collins) of Fort Wayne, and Kathy Knittle of Van Wert; a daughter-in-law, Cathy (Jeff) Gerdes of Wichita, Kansas; six grandchildren, James (Tammy) Coomer of Titusville, Florida, Angela (Clark) Merkle of Ohio City, Andy Knittle (Susie) of Van Wert, Danny (Carey) Gerdes of Wichita, Kansas, Craig Gerdes of Witchita, Kansas and Christa (Travis) Doolittle of Phafftown, North Carolina; great-grandchildren, Justin (Kayla) Coomer of Titusville, Florida, Kyle Coomer of Titusville, Florida, Jetta Merkle of Ohio City, Emiree Knittle of Rockford, Creeden Knittle of Rockford, Natalie Gerdes of Wichita, Kansas, Ben and family of Wichita, Kansas, and Ty, Kaitlynn and Mackenzie Doolittle of Phafftown, North Carolina, and one great-great-grandson, Waylan James Robert Coomer of Titusville, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, John Daniel Baker; a great grandson, Gage P. Miller; three brothers, Merton J. Bell, Richard W. Bell and Harold L. Bell, and four sisters, Helen L. Hunter, Delores M. Stultz, Gladys M. Stultz and Donna L. Laney.

Visitation will be from 12-2 p.m. Friday, June 14, 2024 at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, with a funeral service at 2 p.m. with Rev. P. Moquin of St. John Lutheran Church of Sherwood officiating. Interment will take place at Blue Creek Cemetery, Haviland.

Preferred memorials: Community Health Professionals.

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

Ricky “Rick” L. Clay

Ricky “Rick” L. Clay, 69, of Van Wert, passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at his residence.

He was born September 8, 1954, in Van Wert, to Wilmer and Margaret (Mosier) Clay, who both preceded him in death. On June 7, 1974, he married Debra (Baker) Clay, who survives.

He is also survived by his children, Chad Clay, LeAnn (James) Hill and Shaun (Beth) Clay, all of Van Wert; six grandchildren, Hanna (Jesus) Luna, Lucas Clay, MaeLynn Clay, Grayden Clay and Alexzander Clay; and his siblings, James Clay, Scott (Christopher Johnsen) Clay, Audrey Snyder, Rita (Kevin) Whittington and Pauline (Josh) Ferguson.

He enjoyed playing Santa at the Children’s Garden in Van Wert, spending time with his grandchildren, performing magic tricks and taking pictures.

In addition to his parents, he was prededed in death by a sister, Carole McGillvary; brothers in law, Montie McGillvary and Stephan Snyder; and brothers, Donny Zolman, Jerry Ferris and Richard Clay.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert, with Pastor Steve Drake, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to help with expenses.

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

Georgene “Jean” Emily Waltz

Georgene “Jean” Emily Waltz, 94, passed away Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Homestead at Towne Center.

She was born October 19, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Roy and Mae (Malon) Mattson, who both preceded her in death. On March 6, 1948, she married Cloyd P. Waltz, who passed away on September 2, 2016.

Jean is survived by her children, Betsy Mott of Ossian, Indiana, Timothy (Lori) Waltz of Van Wert, Jody (Bradley) Lichtenberger of Van Wert and daughter-in-law Deborah Waltz of Van Wert; seven grandchildren, Abraham (Kari) Wallis, Amber Waltz, Darby (Eric) Schwieterman, Benjamin Waltz (Rob Bame), Hayley Waltz, Emily Lichtenberger and Mikhaila (Brok) Sailor; nine great-grandchildren, Luke, Owen, Perry, Isaiah, Ashley, Beau, Paislee, Everlie and Bennett; several nieces and nephews, and several great-nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, Jean was preceded in death by her son, Carey, brothers and sisters-in-law; Leroy (Dorothy) Mattson, Robert (Marian) Mattson and Kenneth (Hazel) Mattson.

Jean graduated from Van Wert High School in 1947 and was a homemaker on the family farm. She was a member of Pleasant Chapel United Methodist Church, active with the United Methodist Women and a member of Van Wert County Farm Bureau.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, June 7, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, with Pastor Tim Owens officiating. Interment will follow at Van Wert Woodland Cemetery. Calling hours will be held from 12-2 p.m. Friday prior to the service.

Preferred memorials: the Crestview Heritage Board (Bible House), or Pleasant Chapel UMC.