Obituaries

Carol Wilkin

Jun 5, 2025

Carol Wilkin, 76, of Findlay, formerly of Van Wert, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Findlay, OH.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at the Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home Chapel. Carol will be laid to rest with her husband Larry and her daughter, Kristina Breisch. in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Further details will be...

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...

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...

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...

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.

Rozann Maurer

May 26, 2025

Rozann Maurer, 71, of Rockford, Ohio passed away Monday May 26, 2025 at Ohio Health - Van Wert. She was born on February 26, 1954 in Saint Marys, Ohio and was the daughter of the late Jack Owen and Joann (Hays) Now.

Rozann was a graduate of Rock Island High School in Rock Island, Illinois. She went on to further her...

Geraldine E.A. Mengerink

May 26, 2025

Geraldine E.A. Mengerink, 95, of Van Wert, died Monday evening, May 26, 2025, at her residence. She was born January 30, 1930, in Van Wert, to Elmer and Mary (Dunlap) Webster. She married Edward W. Mengerink, Jr.

She was a homemaker and formerly owned and operated Pleasant Grove Campground in Van Wert.

Geraldine enjoyed gardening, cooking, fishing and watching the birds. She...

Larry Dowler

May 19, 2025

Larry Dean Dowler, 81, of Van Wert, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 19, 2025, after a short stay at the Van Wert Manor. Born on December 18, 1943, in Van Wert to the late Dan and Freida Fay (Beeler) Dowler, Larry was known for his quiet strength and dedication to family.

As a single dad, Larry raised two hard-working children...

Margaret Lape

May 18, 2025

Margaret Ruth Lape, 88, of Van Wert, passed away at 10:30 AM on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Hearth and Home of Van Wert. She was born on July 15, 1936, in Van Wert, to the late Glenn and Margaret Jane Pruden. On January 15, 1955, Ruth married Carl L. Lape, who preceded her in death.

The couple had 3 children,...

David Scott

May 11, 2025

David L. Scott, 71, of Van Wert, died Sunday morning, May 11, 2025, at Mercy-St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima.

He was born December 23, 1953, in Van Wert, to Donald Scott and Deloris (Kline) Scott Cotterman.

David loved Van Wert Cougar football.

He is survived by uncles, Edward Kline of Alliance, Ohio and Tom Kline of Van Wert; an...

Jared C. Fleming

May 10, 2025

Jared Corwin Fleming, age 31, has crossed the greatest finish line of all and arrived in Heaven on Saturday, May 10, 2025, after a champion-like year-long battle with neuroendocrine cancer.

Known to everyone as the life of the party, an incredible gift giver, a man of witty one-liners and a leader to others because of his presence, his faithful...

Michael Gaskill

May 9, 2025

Michael Steven Gaskill "Gabby" age 75, of Dixon, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his sister's home in the early morning hours of May 9th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Known affectionately as Gabby, Michael proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, completing two and a half tours in Vietnam. A thrill-seeker at heart, he had a passion...

Sandra K. Caldwell

May 8, 2025

Sandra K. Caldwell, 85, of Van Wert, died at 4:50pm on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Van Wert Manor. She was born March 16, 1940, in Van Wert County, to Harry and Esther (Wortman) Michael. On October 17, 1958, she married Richard W. Caldwell.

She retired from Federal Mogul, in Van Wert, after 42 years of service.

Sandra simply enjoyed life. She...

Rhett DeCamp

May 8, 2025

Rhett A. DeCamp, 81, of Van Wert, died at 8:00am on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at his residence. He was born November 17, 1943, in Van Wert, to George and Mary (Resor) DeCamp. Rhett married Lois DeCamp.

He was a veteran of the United States Navy. He was a member of the Van Wert American Legion, Van Wert VFW, and the...