Obituaries

Dec 15, 2025

Joshua C. Brown, 31, of Van Wert, died at 2:00pm on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Vancrest of Van Wert.

He was born April 30, 1994, in Fort Wayne, to Dwayne C. and Pamela I. (Booher) Brown.

Josh graduated from Van Wert High School and Vantage Career Center through the Buildings and Grounds program. He was formerly employed at Harbor Freight in Van...

Dec 15, 2025

Norman E. "Norm" VanTilburg, 85, of Rockford, Ohio died peacefully December 15, 2025, surrounded by family, at Van Wert Manor in Van Wert, Ohio. He was born September 28, 1940 in Rockford, Ohio, and was the son of the late Ralph and Alice (Wolfe) VanTilburg.On July 7, 1962 he married the former Deanne Hamilton, who survives.Norm graduated from Mendon High School...

Dec 9, 2025

Susan Elaine Coil, age 69, of Van Wert Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, December 9th surrounded by her family at Saint Rita's Medical Center in Lima Ohio.

Sue was born on December 29, 1955, to Robert and Betty Wright in Decatur, Indiana. She graduated from Van Wert High School. She worked with various companies such as Borden Foods, KMI Mfg, Ohio...

Dec 6, 2025

Gary L. Perkins, 75, of Van Wert, died Saturday morning, December 6, 2025, at Ohio Health-Van Wert. He was born December 4, 1950.

In keeping with Gary's wishes, there will be no services.

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

Dec 5, 2025

Michelle D. Klutka, 62, of Van Wert, died Friday, December 5, 2025, at her residence. She was born June 13, 1963.Michelle was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and a member of the Van Wert American Legion.Michelle is survived by her sons, Justin (Janine) Klutka and Jordan (Jennifer) Klutka; grandchildren, Noah, Owen, Avelynn and Will; a brother, William Humrickhouse...

Dec 4, 2025

David Eddy, age 68, of Toledo and formerly of Van Wert, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at The University of Toledo Medical Center.

He was born on November 1, 1957, in Van Wert, Ohio, to the late Lloyd E. and Lois I. (Wilmore) Eddy.

David participated in the Special Olympics and found fulfillment in his work at Thomas Edison...

Nov 27, 2025

William "Bill" J. Riley, 71, passed away peacefully on Thanksgiving evening, November 27, 2025, at his residence in Van Wert.

Born May 28, 1954, in Van Wert, Ohio, to the late Joseph and Helen (Conwell) Riley, Bill was a 1972 graduate of Van Wert High School. Shortly after, he proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1972 to...

Nov 24, 2025

Debra Sue (Butcher) Schumm, 70, of Rockford, Ohio passed away Monday November 24, 2025 at her home after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Debra was born April 26, 1955 to the late Gale and Wilma (Alt) Butcher.In 1975 she married the love of her life, Mike Schumm, who survives. They celebrated 50 years of wedded bliss on August 30,...

Nov 21, 2025

Delbert Dwight Cooper,84, of Van Wert, passed away on November 21, 2025, at his home. He was known for his easy-going nature and his unwavering dedication to hard work throughout his life. Dwight served as a lead man at Federal Mogul and Aeroquip, contributed to farming, and even worked as an apprentice surveyor at one point in his varied career.He was...

Nov 20, 2025

Joseph Norman Detwiler Jr. - everyone knew him as Norm - passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025. He was born in Van Wert on March 3, 1950, and spent his life rooted in the community he loved.

Norm is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Pamela (Tindall) Detwiler; his sons, Aaron Detwiler and his wife Lara, and Luke...

Nov 20, 2025

Holly Michelle Donnell, 62, of Van Wert, Ohio passed away unexpectedly November 20, 2025 at her home. She was born December 30, 1962 and was the daughter of the late William and Dorothy Jean (Rice) Army.Surviving are Holly's son, John (Ashley) Linser of Van Wert, three brothers, Kim (Carol) Army, Rick (Monica) Army, and Ron (Michelle) Army; and two sisters,...

Nov 20, 2025

Nov 20, 2025

We are saddened to share the passing of Charlene Rickard, 65, on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Vancrest Nursing Home. She was known for her kind heart and the way she could touch the lives of those around her. Even with the limitations she lived with throughout her life, she left an impression on everyone she met.

She is survived by...

Nov 20, 2025

Robin A. (Callow) Bear, 67, of Van Wert, died early Thursday morning, November 20, 2025, at her residence.

In keeping with Robin's wishes, there will be no services.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.

Nov 18, 2025

Linda M. (Waldron) Jeknavorian, 84, of Van Wert, a very loved and devoted wife, mom, grandma and servant to her Savior, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. She was born July 1, 1941, in Van Wert, to Arthur and Lelia (Harvey) Waldron.

Linda graduated from Van Wert High School in 1959. In 1960, she started...

Nov 15, 2025

Stephen Lee McGannon, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the age of 71. Born on August 10, 1954, in Van Wert, Ohio, to the late Frank and Pauline "Polly" McGannon Jr. Steve spent his life in the embrace of the community he cherished, where he was known for his steadfast work...

Nov 14, 2025

David R. Sheets, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on September 29, 1945, in Decatur, Indiana, to the late Leland and Merle (Dull) Sheets, David was a proud member of the community he called home throughout his life.David graduated from Crestview High School and furthered his education...

Nov 9, 2025

Tania S. Kreischer, beloved mother, wife, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025, surrounded by a house full of family and friends. She was born October 8, 1959, in Van Wert, to Homer H. "Dick" and Irene E. (Riley) Adams.Tania lived a life full of joy and passion. She found solace in her flower gardens, relished time...

Nov 7, 2025

Brandon Lee Bartz, age 49, of Delphos, Ohio, passed away on November 7, 2025. He was born on February 27, 1976, in Van Wert, Ohio, to Tom E. and Paula J. Bartz. On November 24, 2015, he married the former Brenda Schulte.

A 1994 graduate of Van Wert High School, Brandon had a lifelong passion for sports. He loved bowling, baseball,...

Nov 7, 2025

Joyce E. Leighner, 88, of Rockford, Ohio died early Friday morning, November 7, 2025, at Tranquility of Rockford. She was born May 2, 1937 in Van Wert County, Ohio and was the daughter of the late Harold E. and Gertrude E. (Conrad) Etzler.

On January 8, 1972 Joyce married Ray A. Leighner, who preceded her in death on August 14, 1998.

Joyce...