Donald E. Mengerink

Donald E. "Buddy" Mengerink, Sr, 88, of Van Wert, died at 6:40pm on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Mercy-St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born September 25, 1937, in West Unity, Ohio, to Edward W., Sr and Dorothy (Mumford) Mengerink. He married the former Barbara Speelman.

Buddy was a backhoe operator who retired with 31 official years of service to the City of Van Wert, but his work with the city goes back to the 1950s. He started working at a very young age with his father and brothers at E. W. Mengerink and Sons Company and later with the Sherburn Company.

He attended Liberty Baptist Church in Van Wert and was a past member of the former Van Wert Eagles.

Buddy had two hobbies, his family and work. He cherished his relationships and time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as his time spent operating his backhoe. Buddy worked until he was 74. He simply loved his work. His vacation time was spent working for others. Humble and hard-working is how he chose to live his life.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Barbara Mengerink of Van Wert; children, Donna (Douglas) Carr of Lansing, Michigan, Donald E. "Bud" (Rhonda Thatcher) Mengerink, Jr of Van Wert, Ronald (Melissa) Mengerink of Van Wert, Karen Ruddock of Powell, Ohio and Stephen (Kelly) Mengerink of Van Wert; grandchildren, Derek Carr, Daina (Lance) Kraai, Alexis Wyman, Kristi Thatcher, Ethan Mengerink, Lucas Mengerink, Noah (Kortnie) Mengerink, Meagan Ruddock, Alyssa Ruddock, Braeden Ruddock, Hannah (Dillon) Baer and Abbie Mengerink; great grandchildren, Myakah Kraai, Aiven Kraai, Syder Kraai, Wyatt Mengerink, Anthony Mengerink, Hudson Mengerink, Bristol Baer and Briggs Baer; brothers, Roger (Carol) Mengerink of Van Wert, Larry (Diane) Mengerink of Van Wert and Charles (Melanie) Mengerink of Ft Wayne; and a sister, Dorothy Agler of Ohio City. In addition, he leaves behind his beloved dog, Libby, and cat, Dottie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Marcia Ann Mengerink; brothers, Edward, Jr, Robert, Franklin "John" and Kenneth Mengerink; and sisters, Joyce Williams, Gloria Miller, Marilyn Dempsey, Patricia Holtsberry and Meridith High.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with Pastor Bobby Brown, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert, Ohio.

Visitation will be from 12:00-2:00pm on Tuesday, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Liberty Baptist Church Youth.

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

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