Obituaries

Charlene Rickard

Charlene Rickard

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...

Robin A. (Callow) Bear

Robin A. (Callow) Bear

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.

Linda M. Jeknavorian

Linda M. Jeknavorian

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...

Stephen McGannon

Stephen McGannon

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...

David Sheets

David Sheets

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...

Tania S. Kreischer

Tania S. Kreischer

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...

Brandon Lee Bartz

Brandon Lee Bartz

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,...

Joyce Leighner

Joyce Leighner

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...

Dessie (Adkins) Yoh Elston

Dessie (Adkins) Yoh Elston

Nov 6, 2025

Dessie (Adkins) Yoh Elston, 84, of Grover Hill, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend, left this earth to join her Lord and Savior at 12:40 PM on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Vancrest of Delphos, with family by her side.

She was born on December 17, 1940, at home in Jackson County, Ohio, to James Edward and...

Connie Berry

Connie Berry

Nov 4, 2025

Connie Sue Berry, 70, of Celina, Ohio passed away unexpectedly November 4, 2025 at her home. She was born May 30, 1955 and was the daughter of the late Charles and Lois (Rutledge) Berry.

Connie worked at Tuway in Rockford, Ohio from 1973 until retirement in 2020. She also enjoyed selling Signature Home Series products for a long time. After retirement,...

Sam Zizelman

Sam Zizelman

Oct 26, 2025

Dale "Sam" Zizelman, 95, of Rockford, Ohio died Sunday, October 26, 2025 at his home. He was born March 13, 1930 and was the son of the late Albert and Thelma (Webb) Zizelman.

On June 30, 1951 Sam married the former Lucille Felver, who preceded him in death on November 30, 2023.

He graduated from Rockford High School in 1948. Sam went...

Laura Mason

Laura Mason

Oct 26, 2025

Laura I. (Keipper) Mason, 58, of Van Wert, Ohio, died at 8:13am on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Vancrest of Van Wert.

She was born November 9, 1966, at Ft. Benning, in Columbus, Georgia to Martha E. (Schilling) and Robert V. Keipper, both of whom preceded her in death.

She is survived by her only child, Hannah Putt of Logansport,...

Elmer Roehm

Elmer Roehm

Oct 24, 2025

Elmer C. Roehm, 82, of Willshire, Ohio died Friday October 24, 2025 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born August 31, 1943 in Decatur, Indiana and was the son of the late George and Edith (Gribler) Roehm.

On May 22, 1992 Elmer married the former Ruth Ann Smalley, who preceded him in death on September 7, 2018.

Elmer was...

Timothy E. Roberts

Timothy E. Roberts

Oct 23, 2025

Timothy E. Roberts, 60, of Paulding, left us on Thursday night, October 23, 2025. He was born September 12, 1965, in Fort Wayne to Rev. Lloyd and Hazel (Kline) Roberts, Tim's warmth and kindness touched everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Tim was an eight-year veteran of the United States Army Reserves and was known for his ability to...

Mark Bohnlein

Mark Bohnlein

Oct 18, 2025

Mark A. Bohnlein passed away peacefully at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and unwavering devotion. Born in Lima, Ohio, and raised in Delphos, Mark was the son of Joseph and Ella Bohnlein.

He graduated from Delphos St. John Catholic High School in 1971, where he played football and wrestled. Mark was an avid, lifelong Atlanta Braves...

Steven Tangeman

Steven Tangeman

Oct 17, 2025

Steven Anthony Tangeman, age 67, of Van Wert, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025, at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. He was born June 13, 1958, in Van Wert, to the late Anthony F. and Margaret Ann (Myers) Tangeman.

Steve was a dedicated grain elevator operator with Mercer Landmark in Convoy. A simple man at heart, he found peace in the...

Karen Fuson

Karen Fuson

Oct 14, 2025

Karen G. Fuson, 70, of Rockford, Ohio died Tuesday evening, October 14, 2025 surrounded by family at her home. She was born September 23, 1955 in Frankfort, Kentucky and was the daughter of Josie (Walker) Severt of Rockford and the late Alfred Lacy.

In 1977 Karen married Larry L. Fuson who preceded her in death January 20, 2023.

Karen enjoyed...

Michael S. Perry

Michael S. Perry

Oct 13, 2025

Michael S. Perry, 71, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away at his residence. He was born July 1, 1954, in Portland, Indiana to Robert Perry and Elois (Brewster) Wilson.

He retired from General Electric after many years of service. Having worked in Decatur and Ft Wayne.

He is a graduate of Crestview High School, Convoy, Ohio, and a member of the Decatur Moose...

Larry C. Bland

Larry C. Bland

Oct 10, 2025

Larry C. Bland, 89, of Willshire, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Swiss Village in Berne, Indiana. Larry was born on September 25, 1936, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Lester C. and Helen (Stapleton) Bland. On August 23, 1957, he married the former JoAnn F. Gilbert. Larry retired from B.F. Goodrich after many years of service. After retiring,...

Terry L. Joseph

Terry L. Joseph

Oct 10, 2025

Terry L. Joseph, age 73, of Rockford, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025. Born on June 3, 1952, in Saint Marys, Ohio, Terry lived a full life, marked by his service as a proud veteran in the United States Army, specifically with the 173rd Airborne during the Vietnam War. After returning home, he dedicated over 30 years of...