Obituaries

Chad Jay

Jun 23, 2025

Chad Eugene Jay, 52, was called home June 23, 2025, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by loved ones after a courageous 5 year battle with cancer.

Throughout his battle with cancer, Chad demonstrated extraordinary strength, grace and resilience. His journey inspired many and reminded us all of the value of hope and the power of love.

Chad graduated from Wayne...

Gerald Bly

Jun 22, 2025

Gerald Robert "Bob" Bly, Jr, 73, of Van Wert, died early Sunday morning, June 22, 2025, at Ohio Health Van Wert. He was born November 20, 1951, in Shawnee, Ohio, to Gerald R. and Doris Marie (Lee) Bly, Sr. On August 10, 2016 he married Vickie (Watson) Bly.

Bob retired from C & G Distributors, in Lima, for many years.

...

Kenneth J Doner

Jun 21, 2025

Kenneth J Doner, 89, of Van Wert, passed away Saturday morning, June 21, 2025, at Ohio Health, Van Wert.

He was born on July 21, 1935, in Van Wert to Paul and Ruth (Ritchie) Doner, who both preceded him in death. Kenneth married his life long sweetheart, Carol J. (Miller) Doner, who survives. They would've celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in...

Roger Kable

Jun 21, 2025

Roger Kable, 74, of Rockford, Ohio passed away Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Divine of Shane Hill in Rockford. He was born August 24, 1950 and was the son of the late William and Mary (Griggs) Kable.

He was a skilled machinist, who worked at CTS for 37 years until retirement. After retirement Roger spent a lot of time helping others...

Haven Patterson

Jun 21, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Haven Monroe Patterson, who left this world peacefully on June 21, 2025, at just four days old. Born on June 17, 2025, in Coldwater, Ohio, Haven brought joy and hope into the lives of her family during her brief time with us.Haven is cherished and survived by her loving...

Pervis Whitt

Jun 20, 2025

Pervis L. Whitt, 60, of Van Wert, died at 8:28pm on Friday, June 20, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his family and loved ones . He was born November 1, 1964, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Peter and Sylvia (Liddell) Whitt. On April 12, 1990, Pervis united in marriage with his best friend and love of his life, Sondra...

John J. Freund

Jun 17, 2025

John J. Freund, 92, of Van Wert, died Tuesday afternoon, June 17, 2025, in Van Wert. He was born September 29, 1932 in Delphos, Ohio to Elmer and Mable (Mox) Freund. In April of 1953, he married the former Marlene Oehrtman.

John owned and operated Freund's Nursery, in Van Wert, with his wife for 37 years.

He was a member of St....

Jay Whitney Simson

Jun 16, 2025

Jay Whitney Simson died on June 16, 2025. He was born in Oneida, New York to Edward Lee and Ina Mae (Teeman) Simson on November 8, 1953. Both parents predeceased him. He attended SUNY in Morrisville, New York receiving an Associate's Degree in journalism. He worked for several local newspapers as a reporter and photographer. He married Sherry Smith in...

Jerry Miracle

Jun 14, 2025

Jerry Miracle, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the age of 86. He was born on September 7, 1938 in Bluffton, Indiana to the late George Harvey Miracle and Emma Elizabeth (Reynolds) Miracle Hubert. Emma went on to marry Jerry's step-father, the late Charles E Hubert.

Jerry was a 1957 graduate of Van Wert High School. He married...

Carol Wilkin

Jun 5, 2025

Carol A. Wilkin, formerly of Van Wert, passed away on June 5, 2025 in Findlay, just shy of her 77th birthday. Born on June 30, 1948, in Van Wert, Ohio, Carol was raised in the warmth of Wesley United Methodist Church. She later found community in Calvary Church and then Lifehouse.A 1966 graduate of Van Wert High School, Carol pursued...

Melanie Norman

Jun 4, 2025

Melanie Kay (Stevens) Norman, age 61, of Van Wert, Ohio, passed away on June 4th at Memorial Hospital in Lima, Ohio after an extended illness. She was born on July 8, 1963, in Van Wert, Ohio to Donald and Gretna (Dempsey) Stevens.

Melanie attended Van Wert High School, before working at Cablevision until she was married. After having children, she briefly...

Matthew Schrader

Jun 3, 2025

Matthew James Schrader, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend passed away on June 3, 2025, at the age of 55, while baling hay with his son, Adam, and his father-in-law, Jim Hoersten. Matt was born September 19, 1969, in Kettering, Ohio. He is survived by his loving wife Jen and their three children Adam, Joel, and Gianna. He had...

Joseph Westgerdes

Jun 1, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph Stephen Westgerdes, who left this world far too soon on June 1, 2025. Born on May 22, 2024, in Columbus, OH, Joseph was a spirited fighter from the very beginning, facing the challenges of spina bifida with an unmatched bravery that inspired all who knew him. Defying expectations,...

Jacob Dirham

May 31, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jacob David Dirham, who left us on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the young age of 22. Born on September 9, 2002, in Lima, Ohio, Jacob recently started carving out his own path in life. He worked as a laborer at American Mitsuba Indiana, and he was proud to...

Patti Poling

May 31, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patti Sue Poling, age 62, of Van Wert, Ohio, who left us on Saturday, May 31, 2025 surrounded by her loving family at her residence. Born on January 7, 1963, in Van Wert, to Joan Elaine (Mauller) Giessler and the late Elmer Lee Giessler. Patti was a vibrant soul...

Mary Now

May 27, 2025

Mary "Jane" Now, 96, of Rockford, Ohio died Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Divine of Shane Hill in Rockford. She was born April 1, 1929 in Mendon, Ohio and was the daughter of the late Floyd and Camilla (Kellermeyer) Vorhees.

On December 9, 1949 Jane married William F. Now, who preceded her in death on November 20, 2012.

Jane was a graduate...

Michael Zartman

May 27, 2025

Michael L. Zartman, 75, of Van Wert, left us peacefully on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at his residence. He was born on August 31, 1949, in Van Wert, Ohio, to the late Kimsey William and Elanor Elaine (Klewer) Zartman. Michael spent his life in the place he called home.

Michael finished his schooling and dedicated many years of his professional life...

Derek Pontius

May 27, 2025

In Loving Memor of Derek Eugene Pontius

02/16/1985 - 05-27-2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Derek Eugene Pontius, a beloved son, father, brother, uncle, significant other, friend and master craftsman, who suddenly was taken from us on May 27th, 2025 at the age of 40.

Born in Van Wert, Derek grew up...

Jack Warthman

May 26, 2025

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jack Lee Warthman, 75, of Rockford, Ohio on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025. He was born in Celina, Ohio on March 14, 1950 to the late Henry and Margaret (Gilson) Warthman.

He was a graduate of Parkway High School, and proud United States Army combat medic in Vietnam.

Jack was a member of the...

Jeffrey Paul Hasis

May 26, 2025

Jeffrey Paul Hasis, 68, of Van Wert, died early Monday morning, May 26, 2025, at his residence. He was born in Celina, Ohio to John Frederick Hasis and Margie Joann (Kiracofe) Darling.

Jeff served honorably in the United States Army.

Private services will be held.

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