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From the Defiance Cresent News
Our Class Officers: Pat Olson, Dave Kellermeyer,
Jim Shroyer, Karen Martini.
Principle Harold Palmer
Our School Paper
Jon Roesti writes:
Well I made it through Christmas, but just barely. It all started with a phone conversion with my grand-daughter from Yuma, Az. I promised that I would take her sledding when she got to G'paw's for Christmas. Damn, how in the hell was I to know we would have 3 to 4 inches of snow on the ground. I had to go shopping for sleds before they got here. Well I couldnt find a sled like we had when I was a kid back in the 40s & 50s so I ended up with a plastic toboggin and a plastic saucer both made in China. Great these will probably last about two or three times down the hill. Then I remembered in the barn there was an old sled hanging on the wall. Some of the boards were broken so in my shop I glued them back together and put in some new bolts. Then sanded the rust off the runners and put a good coat of wax on them. Late Tuesday night the grandkids arrived and saw all the snow and all I heard is Grandpa, Grandpa when can we go sledding. Some time tomorrow sweetheart. Well early the next morning we were all bundled up and off to the big hill. The one at the new reservoir. Unloading the sleds from the back of the truck my grandaughter, 8yr old Skylar, laughed at my sled and said it had ice skate runners on it. The kids pulling their sleds took off running to the top of the hill. I watched from the bottem as they came sliding down, what fun they were having. Skylar in the toboggin and Logan age 5 on the saucer. After several trips down they said come on Grandpa join us. So up the hill I went it looked a lot farther down than it did looking up. After I caught my breath I figured, well, here goes. I ran and slamed my sled down with me on top as soon as it hit I knew that was a mistake. Knocked the wind out of me. Bump, bump, bump, fast, faster, faster yet. Stop this damn thing. It finally came to a stop. I just layed there for a little bit not knowing if I could get up, but hearing in the background "Way to go grandpa", I managed to straighten right up. The grandkids were proud of me. Over the next three days this was repeated 14 times for me. Sometimes with a grandkid sitting with me or laying on top of me on the way down. All seven grandkids having a ball including Grandpa. No doubt about it, Grandpa ended up with more aches and pains than the grandkids. The memories are well worth it. By the way they all liked the funny sled with runners on it.
Jon
IN MEMORIAL
Ned E. Prucha
March 14, 2011
Ned E. Prucha, 84, Defiance, Ohio, died at 10:55 a.m. Sunday, March 13, 2011, at CHP Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center, Defiance.
He was born May 5, 1926, in Lorain, Ohio, the son of Roland V. and Leah (Ensign) Prucha. On November 25, 1950, he married Virginia McDarr, who survives. He was a teacher at Defiance High School and was the driver's education teacher. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, a scoutmaster and a self-employed locksmith. He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving in World War II and a life member of VFW Post 3360 and the American Legion, where he was a former commander.
Surviving are his wife, Virginia Prucha; a son, Todd (Christelle) Prucha, Dallas, Texas; a daughter, Paula Prucha, Defiance; four grandchildren, Katie Powers and Bryan, Derek and Erin Prucha; two great-grandchildren, Gavin and Trista Powers; and a brother, Richard V. (Louise) Prucha, Louisville, Ky.
Preceding him in death were his parents and a brother, Gerald Prucha.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2011, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Defiance, with Rev. David Brobston officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance, with graveside military rites by VFW Post 3360. Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, and one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.
Preferred memorials are to St. Paul Lutheran Church or CHP Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center. Condolences may be left at www.HCSfuneralhome.com.
Joan Beaverson Chopin, 69, of San Antonio, Texas, went to be with her Lord
and Savior on Friday, March 16, 2012.She was born June 5, 1942, in Defiance, Ohio, to Russell (Hap) and Rose Beaverson.
Joan graduated with the class of 1960, from Defiance High School and attended Defiance College. She is preceded in death by her husband, Matthew H. Chopin, and father Russell (Hap) Beaverson.
Joan is survived by her mother, Rose Beaverson; sister, Pam Quinn;
children: Aimee Maulden (Patrick), Matthew Chopin (Beverly), Julie Keller (Mike), Mark Chopin;
and grandchildren: Cameron, Alec, Katelin, Matthew, Nathan and Ethan.
A memorial service will be held at noon Friday, June 29, 2012, at the Prout Chapel on the grounds of
the Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio.
LYNNE E. MICK, of Ypsilanti, MI, age 69, passed away on March 12, 2012 at home. She was surrounded by her loving family and caregivers during the last days of her life. Lynne was born at home in Defiance County, Ohio on October 11, 1942 the daughter of Walter and Faythe (Traxler) Mick. Lynne is survived by three children: Ronald Lyons, Ypsilanti, MI; Rhonda Lyons-Manning (Stephen) Belleville, MI; John Wesley Gunn III (Melanie) Ypsilanti, MI; six grandchildren: Ronnie and Rebecca Lyons, Corky Jordan, Cory, Carlene and John Gunn IV; two great grandchildren: Nathan Jordan and Liani Johnson. Lynne is also survived by four brothers: Tom (Linda) Mick, Defiance, OH; James Mick, Perrysburg, OH; Larry (Mary) Mick, Defiance OH; William Mick, Defiance, OH; and two sisters: Joan Hill, Vineland, NJ; Twila (William) Hay, Monroe, MI and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. A private family service was held on Thursday, March 15, 2012. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michigan Humane Society and the American Cancer Society.
DeVINEY Harold "Denny" Denny DeViney passed peacefully on Saturday evening, March 17, 2012 at UTMC with family and friends at his bedside. Denny was born July 13, 1938 to Margaret Breniff and Harold Jess DeViney. He grew up on Glencove Drive in Toledo, Ohio, and graduated from the former Ladyfield Grade School, Libby High School (1956) and Bowling Green State University. He was a long time member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Maumee, a founding member of the Toledo LP Gas Marketers Association, and a member of St. John's Fathers' Board and St. Joseph's School Board. Denny spent most of his career in the propane industry. He retired from Sun Oil Company after 25 years, then worked for McTeir Supply Company followed by IPS, finally retiring in 2008. He loved working with people and many of his customers became his close friends. Denny was a lifelong athlete who played football for Libby High School and ran track and field for Bowling Green State University. He was an avid golfer, golfing year round in all kinds of weather! He enjoyed coaching his children's and grandchildren's basketball, football, soccer and softball teams. He joked, "If I am the coach, my kids might have a chance to play!" Denny's number one priority was his family. He had a strong bond with the "Poker Group" (high school friends who played together for over 50 years), and with his golfing buddies, neighbors and longtime friends. He enjoyed every moment with them and was always there when they needed him with encouragement and a great sense of humor. Carrying on Denny's loving spirit are his wife of 46 years, Middy Baker DeViney; children, Erin Evans (David), Patrick DeViney (Jessica), Megan Taylor (Chip) and Michael DeViney (Erin); grandchildren, Brynn Evans, Landen and Olivia DeViney, CJ Taylor and Ragan and Evelyn DeViney; sister, Patricia Conklin; brother, Tom DeViney; niece, Julie Jones (Hugh) and nephews Jim, Andrew and John Conklin. Visitation for friends and family will be at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd. on Wednesday, March 21 from 3-8 p.m. with a scripture service at 7. Funeral services will begin in the mortuary on Trs. at 10:30 a.m. with the funeral mass at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at 11. Interment will be private. Those considering memorial donations can contribute to St. Joseph's Maumee Grade School. Please view and sign the online registry at CoyleFuneralHome.com.
Diana N. Zachrich, 69, of Defiance, passed away on Wednesday, August 8, 2012, at 9:45 p.m. in Toledo Hospital.
She was born on March 25, 1943, in Hudson, Mich., to Charles and Frances Zachrich. She had been retired for several years, after a lifetime of working various jobs, including Anderson Vreeland of Bryan, Ohio, the Holiday Inn of Defiance, Maumee Valley Guidance Center of Defiance, Gabrielle's Party Store of Pensacola, Fla., and the Arthritis Foundation in Pensacola, Fla.
Surviving in loving memory are her daughters, Robin Dunbar of Pensacola, Fla., and Wendy Dunbar (Allen) Bristow of Stafford, Va.; her son, Donald (Desiree) Dunbar II of Paulding; her granddaughter, Lauren Bristow; and stepgrandchildren, Hailey and Logan McDaniel; her sister, Linda Sherer; brothers Paul "Marty" (Beverly) Long, Chauncey "Buzz" (Karen) Long; her aunt, June (Mike) Curtis; former husbands, Donald Dunbar and E. Sims Charles; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father, who perished in World War II, and her mother, who died in 1999.
There will be no funeral services; however, a memorial/celebration of Diana's life will be held at a later date for family and friends.
BRYAN -- Robert G. Rex passed away at his home in Bryan, Ohio, on January 10, 2013.
He was born June 21, 1925, in Defiance, Ohio, the son of Rev. W.A. and Eva (Godfrey) Rex. Bob was a 1943 graduate of Defiance High School where he enjoyed football, basketball and track. He was a lifelong, loyal supporter of all DHS athletics, and was inducted into the first class of the "Pride of the Bulldogs." A "perfect weekend" for him was when the Bulldogs, Yellow Jackets and Buckeyes all were victorious. He was also proud to tell you he was in attendance at the famous "Snow Bowl" game at Ohio State in 1950.
After serving in the Army Air Force, he graduated from Defiance College and later obtained a master's degree from Bowling Green State University. He taught school and coached in Pettisville, Hicksville and Defiance City Schools before retiring in 1978. He also taught one year in Sebring, Florida.
In 1946, he married Betty Morris, who preceded him in death. In 2005, he married Judy Starrett, who survives.
He has two sons, Robert of Maumee and Tom (Beth) of Catawba Island; three grandsons, Aaron (Stephanie) Rex of Altamonte Springs, Fla., Adam (Jen) Rex of Sherman Oaks, Calif., and Peter Rex, Altamonte Springs, Fla.; two stepgrandsons, Ryan Glazener of Austin, Texas, and Nick Glazener of Chicago, Ill.; and two great-grandchildren, Zeke and Lawson Rex, Altamonte Springs, Fla. Also surviving are sister-in-laws, Mrs. Joe Rex, Connie (Wes) Kimble and Jody Bowden, and brother-in-laws, Jerry (Shirley) Hicks and Jim Hicks.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, William, John and Joe; two sisters, Frances and Julia; and one daughter-in-law, Amy Mayer Rex.
According to Bob's wishes, his body was donated to the University of Toledo, College of Medicine. There will be no funeral visitation. A service of remembrance will be held at St. John United Church of Christ, Defiance, on February 2 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of any flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church or CHWC Hospital Hospice & Home Health. Arrangements are being made by Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.defiancefuneralhome.com.
Ralph Baringer, long-time Defiance businessman dies
Ralph J. Baringer, 88, of Defiance, Ohio, passed away Monday, January 28, 2013.
Ralph was born on October 6, 1924, in Defiance, Ohio, the son of Ralph V. and Emma G. (Stork) Baringer. He attended St. John Lutheran School during grades one through eight and was a 1942 graduate of Defiance High School. He attended Catholic University, Washington D.C.
He was a decorated soldier and expert infantryman having served his country in World War II as a member of the Greatest Generation. He served in the 102nd Infantry Division in the Rhineland and Central European Campaign. He was honorably discharged in March of 1946 as a technical sergeant.
His military memberships include the VFW 3360; life member of Military Order of the Purple Heart, American Legion and Ohio State Veterans Service Commissions; officer for 18 years on the Veterans Commission; member of the War Memorial Committee of Defiance County and Soldiers Relief Commission, Defiance, Ohio; life member of DAV; and a member of the Herbert E. Anderson American Legion Post 117.
As a businessman and entrepreneur, Ralph co-owned and operated the Baringer Food Center from 1946-78. He and his brother, Ronald, also partnered to develop Baringer Addition in the late 1950s and early 60s with their business called Suburban Homes.
During the 1950s and 60s, Ralph's love for kids and baseball led him to coach the Bolley Little League team for nine years. After helping with the Defiance Baseball Association as coach and member, he later continued his interest in youth with Defiance College students. He helped connect DC student groups with the community, encouraging them to complete philanthropic activities and thus, earned the title of honorary member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Defiance Chapter.
Ralph observed Defiance grow and change while serving on the Defiance City Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. He was appointed by the honorable Mayor M. Ben Gaeth as city safety director (administrator of police and fire departments) from 1965-79. In 1979, he made a bid for mayor of Defiance, but was defeated in a close election. He pursued a new career in 1979 as an agent for the Ohio Department of Liquor.
Retiring in 1990 from his job with the state of Ohio, Ralph was able to enjoy time with his family and friends and also travel in the U.S. and abroad.
His lifelong membership at St. John Lutheran Church was very important to him. He served as an elder, high school Sunday school teacher, and on several committees in his lifetime, including endowment, scholarship and the stewardship committees.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Ralph V. and Emma G. (Stork) Baringer; his wife of 57 years, Jean Marie (Lambertson) Baringer; and brothers, Ronald B. Baringer and Rev. Carl W. Baringer. His surviving relatives include a loving sister, Mrs. Forrest (Wilma) Beaverson; two sons, Richard C. (Rosemary) Baringer of Warren, Ohio, and James L. (Maryellen) Baringer, Toledo, Ohio; a daughter, Mrs. Rick (Nancy) Baldwin, Defiance; and eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and loving nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may visit from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, January 31, at the Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Friday, Feb. 1, at St. John Lutheran Church, 655 Wayne Ave., one hour prior to the service. Funeral services will begin 11 a.m. in the St. John Lutheran Church, Defiance, Ohio. Interment will follow at the Riverside Cemetery with a military salute.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. John Lutheran School, St. John Lutheran Church or Veterans of Foreign Wars.
STERLING, Va. -- Patricia "Pat" Dianne Engle, 70, formerly of Defiance, died at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, in Sterling.
She was the daughter of Daniel and Ruth (Martin) Knoll. On Oct. 3, 1964, she married Jerry Engle, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Timothy (Jessica) Engle of Aliza Veijo, Calif.; two brothers, Neil (Joyce) Knoll of Defiance and Gary (Sandy Storch) Knoll of Elizabeth, Colo.; nieces, Tonya (Jeff) Justus and Wendy (Scott) Sullivan, both of Defiance; and nephews, Steven (Christeen Magel) Knoll of Colorado, and Travis Knoll of California.
She graduated from Defiance High School in 1960, and worked all of her life and enjoyed that very much, along with her cats and many friends.
A celebration of her life will be held in Sterling. Condolences may be sent to patengle@aol.com.
Charles F. "Chiz" Wahl, 86, of Defiance, passed away on June 30, 2013, at the Kingsbury House, Defiance.
He was born on January 14, 1927, to Frederick and Delta (Gecowets) Wahl. He married Dorothea C. Hohenbrink on July 27, 1957, and she preceded him in death on May 23, 2008.
Chiz is survived by his sons, Tim (Margo) Wahl of Clarkston, Mich., Jack (Diane) Wahl of Defiance, Steve (Jodi) Wahl of Defiance; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughters, Mary Ann Wahl, and Margaret Wahl, in infancy; brothers, Richard, Donald, Philip and James Wahl; sister, Katherine Emmert.
Chiz graduated from Defiance High School in 1944, then attended the University of Michigan where he lettered in football. He was a life member of the "M" Club. He graduated from Defiance College in 1949, and was a member of the Purple and Gold Club. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving from 1945-46, and was stationed in the South Pacific Theatre, achieving the rank of seaman 1st class.
Chiz began his teaching career at Hudson High School in 1949. He returned to Defiance and began work for the Defiance City School System in 1952, where he taught junior high mathematics. He was very active in many aspects of the Defiance Athletic Department, serving as head track coach, assistant football coach, track official and started the cross country program. He remained active many years after retirement.
He is also a member of Defiance High School Athletic and Academic Halls of Fame, as well as the Defiance College Athletic Hall of Fame. After retiring from the Defiance School System, Chiz worked at the Hubbard Company in Defiance as a salesman for 13 years. He was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, where he was a council member, choir member, and helped to count weekly collections. Other memberships include the Defiance American Legion, and Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 3360.
Visitation will be held at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, Ohio, on Tuesday, July 2, from 2-8 p.m. and one hour prior to the services at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, from 10-11 a.m., with funeral services to be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday July 3, 2013, with Rev. Michael Donnally officiating. Burial will follow at a later date at Riverside Cemetery, where military honors will be held.
I lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Defiance City Schools Foundation or a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.
Charles L. Pixler, 87, of Defiance, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2013, at CHP Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center.
He was born on December 23, 1925, to Clifford and Zelpha (King) Pixler in Defiance, Ohio. On February 24, 1951, he married Susan (Ellsworth) Pixler.
Charles was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran, honorably serving his country in the South Pacific. He graduated from Defiance College and continued his studies at Bowling Green State University, where he received his master's degree in education. He was school teacher and principal at Slocum Elementary School/Defiance Junior High School. He also taught sociology and physiology at Northwest State Community College in Archbold, Ohio. Charles helped start the YMCA in Defiance and was a former director. He was a founding member of the Skylark Club, a 60-year member of the Elks and a member of Defiance VFW Post 3360. He refereed basketball games and wrestling matches. He coached and played on the Defiance High School football team and played on the Defiance College football team. Lou also coached the old-timer's football team, Pixler's Pirates.
Charles is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Susan; sons, Jim (JoAnn) Pixler of Cincinnati, Tom Pixler of Defiance, John (Linda) Pixler of Petersburg, Mich., Dave Pixler of Defiance, Steve (Lori) Pixler of Westminster, Md., Paul (Tammy) Pixler of Defiance; 15 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; brother, Jack (Gwen) Pixler of Lehigh Acres, Fla.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William "Bill" Pixler; and a sister, Phyllis King Carr.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Monday, June 24, 2013, at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance, with Deacon Jeff Mayer officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Defiance, where military honors will be accorded by VFW Post 3360. Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, June 23, 2013, at Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the CHP Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center www.ComHealthPro.org or a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.
ROBINSVILLE, Tenn. -- Stephen James Spurgeon, 71, of Robinsonville, Tenn., died of heart failure on Aug. 19, 2013. Stephen was born in Defiance, Ohio, to Walter James and Helen Marie (Cook) Spurgeon on Nov. 18, 1941. He graduated from Defiance High School in 1960. He attended the Defiance College. He worked predominately in the airline industry in Phoenix, Ariz., and Memphis, Tenn., for Bonanza Air Lines, Hughes Airwest, Republic Airlines and retired from Northwest Airlines. His career spanned about 45 years. Mr. Spurgeon served in the U.S. Army, stationed in the U.S. and South Korea. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Stephen is survived by daughters, Kelly Spurgeon Robbins of Palmyra, Va., and Kristina Spurgeon of Kansas City, Mo.; and granddaughter Madison Milwee Cline, currently serving in the U.S. Navy, Norfolk, Va. He is also survived by five siblings, Susan Spurgeon Sweet, Defiance, Ohio; Marc Spurgeon, Clinton Township, Mich.; Trent Spurgeon, Suwanee, Ga.; Ann Spurgeon, Los Angeles, Calif.; and Jane Spurgeon, Sylvania, Ohio.
Thomas Michael Potts, 71, of Defiance, passed away Monday morning, November 25, 2013, at the CHP Defiance Area In-Patient Hospice Center.
A realtor and auctioneer, Tom had been a co-owner of Century 21 Strait Realty, Inc. in Defiance, and also Potts & Company Auctioneers of Defiance.
Tom was born in Defiance on August 12, 1942, the son of Lawrence C. and Mary (Shisler) Potts. On February 24, 1963, he married Sharon Goebel, and she survives. He was a 1960 graduate of Defiance High School, a 1962 graduate of International Business College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and he went on to Reppert's Auction School in 1965. Tom had also been an auctioneer at the Defiance County Fair, where he was a lifetime supporter. He was also a member of the Northwest Ohio Board of Realtors. Tom was a member of the Independence United Methodist Church, and was also a member of the Defiance Elks and the Defiance F & AM.
Surviving besides his wife, Sharon, are three daughters, Tami VanAlstine of Maumee, Lori Fragapane of Avon, Ohio, and Michelle Stark of Defiance. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Jason and Justin VanAlstine, Emily and Maggie Fragapane, and Dakota, Olivia and Sara Stark; and three sisters, Helen (Fred) Grisier of Stryker, Nancy (Larry) Noffsinger of Defiance and Susie (Stephen) Miller of Defiance; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son.
Visitation will be held from noon-4 p.m. Friday, November 29, 2013, at the Grisier Funeral Home in Archbold. A memorial celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 30, 2013, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Defiance, with Pastor Laura Clark officiating. Private interment will be in Riverview Memory Gardens.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be given to Independence United Methodist Church, the Defiance County Fair Endowment, or Defiance County Heart Association. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.grisierfh.com. Grisier Funeral Home in Archbold has been entrusted with arrangements.
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