Obituaries
J. Paul Silance
Sep 21, 2025
James Paul Silance, affectionately known as Paul, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on August 12, 1946, in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, Paul made his way to Van Wert, Ohio, in 1966. It was there that he met the love of his life, Dorothy Douglas, and they tied the knot on February 16,...
Charles Bladen
Sep 19, 2025
Charles E. Bladen, a beloved father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on June 13, 1935, in Madison, IN, to the late Lawrence and Elsie (Spivy) Bladen. Charles made his home in Van Wert and spent many years as a skilled mechanic.Charles will be remembered for his love of life...
Steven Greulach
Sep 18, 2025
Steven L. Greulach, affectionately known as "Stevo" to those fortunate enough to call him friend, passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Born in Van Wert, Ohio, on January 11, 1952, to the late Harold and Margaret (Fisher) Greulach, Steve was a lifelong resident who will be remembered for his profound love of life and family.
After graduating from Crestview High School in 1970,...
Joyce Thatcher
Sep 17, 2025
Joyce A. Thatcher, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, at the age of 84. She was born on August 14, 1941, in Van Wert, Ohio, to the late Russell H. and Edna (Gribler) Matthews, and spent all her life in Convoy, Ohio, where she touched the hearts of all who knew her.
Joyce graduated...
Bryce Beckman
Sep 17, 2025
Bryce L. Beckman 69, of Van Wert, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born August 19, 1956, in Lima, Ohio, to Joe & Nancy (Holtzapple) Beckman. On October 14, 1978, he married Jacqueline (Taylor) Beckman, who survives. Other family members include two sons, Scott Beckman of Van Wert and Adam (Sarah) Beckman of...
Christopher N. Wilson
Sep 17, 2025
Christopher N. Wilson, age 41, of Ohio City, passed away on Monday, September 17, 2025. Born on September 8, 1984, in Van Wert, Chris was a beloved son, father, brother, and friend who touched the lives of many throughout his journey.Chris was a proud graduate of Vantage Career Center and built a life dedicated to serving others through his work...
Betty J. Uncapher
Sep 15, 2025
Betty J. Uncapher, a beloved mother, grandmother and cherished member of the Van Wert community, passed away on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on March 3, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, Betty lived a life full of love and dedication to her family and community. On August 9, 1952, she married Norman E. Uncapher.
Betty was an...
Anne Louise Bowen
Sep 14, 2025
Anne Louise Bowen, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at Van Wert Manor on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at the age of 83. She was born on February 20, 1942, in Decatur, Indiana, and lived her formative years with her family in Wren, Ohio, building a life filled with love, community, and service.
Anne was a proud graduate...
John Lay
Sep 13, 2025
John Andrew Lay went to be with his Lord on September 13, 2025. He was born to Paul E. Lay and Freda J. (Mathewson) Lay on February 2, 1959.
John had 7 sisters: Peggy (Ralph) Bakle, Dianne (Richard) Holland, Patricia (David) Carteaux, Kristine (Keith) Kettering, Janet (Daniel) Minnich, Laura (Edward) Snyder, and Carol (Jerry) Byram; and 4 brothers: David Lay, Jim...
Dennis G. Smith
Sep 9, 2025
Dennis G. Smith, age 65, of Van Wert, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. Born on August 8, 1960, in Van Wert, to Willard "Bill" and Dorothy (Stuckey) Smith. Dennis was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, known for his kindness and unwavering spirit.
He was a machinist at Danfoss,...
Edward Grimes
Aug 31, 2025
Edward L. Grimes, 90, of Van Wert, died at 7:01pm Sunday, August 31, 2025, at his residence. He was born May 2, 1935 in Paulding County to Lester and Gertrude (Font) Grimes. He married the former Ellen Barnhart.
Ed retired from the Van Wert County Sheriff's Office as a Deputy Sheriff. Earlier in life, he had worked for Union Sherburn Excavating,...
Vickie Thatcher
Aug 30, 2025
Vickie Thatcher, 57, of Decatur, Indiana, died at 7:38pm on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at her residence. She was born August 9, 1968, in Mercer County, Ohio, to LeRoy E. and Janet L. (Fickert) Hoaglin. On June 17, 1989, Vickie married Steven Thatcher.
She was a 1986 graduate of Vantage Vocational School (Ohio City High School) and a 1989 graduate of...
Patricia Patrick
Aug 28, 2025
Patricia Ann "Patty" Patrick, 54, of Rockford died Thursday morning, August 28, 2025 at Divine Nursing and Rehabilitation of Shane Hill in Rockford. She was born May 16, 1971 in Lima, Ohio and was the daughter of Mary (Cobos) Aguirre and the late Robert Aguirre.
Patty was a kind soul who loved meeting people and having conversations with others. She worked...
Carl Johns
Aug 25, 2025
Carl D. Johns, 78, of Van Wert, died at 7:15 am on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Vancrest of Van Wert. He was born May 9, 1947, in Van Wert, to Wilbur and Marguerite (Miller) Johns. On October 18, 1966, he married the former Kay Dunifon.
Carl retired from the Chrysler Corporation after 30 years of service in Van Wert...
Douglas Pruden
Aug 23, 2025
Douglas Dean Pruden, affectionately known as Deano, left us peacefully on August 23, 2025, at his residence. He was born November 19, 1949, in Van Wert, to the late Paul Douglas and Helen Elizabeth (McKee) Pruden, living his entire life here.
On December 16, 1967, Dean married Jenny Rhodes. Together they shared 57 years of marriage. Dean was a hardworking man...
Beverly Thomas
Aug 22, 2025
Beverly A. Thomas, a beloved mother, grandmother and sister, passed away peacefully at her home in Van Wert, OH, on August 22, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on April 25, 1932, Beverly lived a full life filled with love, laughter, and a deep dedication to family and community.Beverly married the love of her life, David Thomas on July 29,...
Lois Clutter
Aug 12, 2025
Lois E. (Custer) Clutter, 92, of Rockford died Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Tranquility of Rockford, surrounded by her family. She was born October 10, 1932 in Ohio City and was the daughter of the late Elba and Violet (Smith) Custer.
On May 31, 1953 Lois married Franklin D. Clutter, who preceded her in death on October 28, 2002.
Lois was a...
Duane Adams
Aug 8, 2025
Duane Paul "Dewey" Adams
Born in Berks County Pennsylvania on March 18 1972 to Paul and Betty Adams. Duane lived his 53 years with a rare mix of grit, generosity and wit so sharp it could cut steel- but mostly it just made you laugh until your ribs hurt. He passed away on August 8, 2025, surrounded by family and (in...
Richard Ward
Aug 6, 2025
Richard Laurence Ward, a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend, left us peacefully on August 6, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on July 3, 1942, in Convoy, Ohio, Richard spent his life in Van Wert, where he became known not just for his skilled trade as a Journeyman Tool & Die Maker, but also for his vibrant spirit...
Linda Warthman
Aug 5, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Linda "Lou" Warthman, who left us peacefully on August 5, 2025, at the age of 77. Born on April 4, 1948, in Van Wert, Linda was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.
Linda was a proud mother who brought two families together through her marriage to Mike "Barney" Warthman...
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