Obituaries from the Ohio JoHantgen Family
Carrie Victoria (Hiller) Johantgen, 1885 - 1967
Carrie V. Johantgen, 81, of Delphos, (Ohio) was dead on arrival at a Middletown hospital at 6 p.m. Thursday after suffering a heart attack at the home of a daughter in Middletown.
Born Nov. 26, 1885, in York Township, she was the daughter of Crist and Margaret Hiller. She was married to Robert G. Johantgen who died in 1957.
Survivors include a son, Robert of Delphos; three daughters, Mrs. Irma Ricker of Middletown, and Mrs. David (Ruth) Luersman of Delphos; two brothers, Samuel Hiller of Van Wert, and Wilbur Hiller of Oesso, Mich.; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Johantgen was a member of the Trinity Methodist Church in Delphos and the WSCS.
Funeral arrangements in the charge of Harter and Son Funeral Home are incomplete. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. today.
Francis Marion JoHantgen, 1882 - 1938
Francis Marion JoHantgen was the son of John and Mary and was born near Van Wert, Ohio, January 23, 1882. February 23, 1910, he married Clara Siegel, also of Van Wert. To this union were born three daughters and one son as follows: Belva, Mrs. Esther Bowers, Agnes and Maynard, all of West Unity.
Mr. JoHantgen spent his early life near Van Wert. 18 years ago he moved near West Unity and resided here until he passed away on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 20, in the Toledo Hospital where he had been undergoing treatment for his last illness. Mr. JoHantgen has been failing since the early summer and death came as a relief to great suffering. His age, 56 years, 7 months, and 25 days. He was converted in 1912 and remained a membeer of the local Methodist Church at the time of his departure.
Mr. JoHantgen was a good neighbor, a kind and loving father and an upright citizen.
Besides his bereft wife and children, he leaves to mourn his passing a grandchild, several brothers, and sisters, Walter of Los Angeles, Calif., Horace of Hudson, Mich., Mrs. Nannie Ireland and Mrs. Flora Gilliland of Van Wert, Robert of Delphos, and other relatives and also many friends.
Forever upward and onward
Be our paths on the hills of life
And soon will a radiant dawning
Transfigure the toil and strife
And our Father's hand will lead us
Tenderly upward then
In the joy and peace of a fairer world
He will let us begin again.
West Unity newspaper, 01 Sep 1938
Mary Jane "Jennie" (Schwanengal) JoHantgen, 1845-1888
The Bulletin only a few weeks back had occasion to comment on the deaths of three prominent young people in the small circle of one neighborhood in Ridge Township. One of these victims was Mr. E. J. JoHantgen and at noon last Sunday Mrs. JoHantgen, his mother, also died of the same dread disease typhoid fever. During the last illness of Edward, his mother was his constant and ever patient nurse. Loss of sleep, the exhausted vital powers, and the grief at the excitement of the death, made her an easy prey to the plague. The funeral was conducted by the Rev. J. F. Mounts at Beech Grove Church and the remains were folllowed to the grave in Woodlawn by a large muber of deeply sympathetic neighbors.
Mary Jane JoHantgen was born in Prussia, Feb. 13, 1845, and came with her parents to America in 1848. She was converted aand joined the United Brethren Church when 14 years old. Upon coming to this county in 1872 she united with the Methodist Church and continued a Christian wife and mother til her death. She was aged 43 years, 8 months, and 15 days.
Van Wert Times Bulletin Nov. 2, 1888
Edward J. JoHantgen, 1866 - 1888
Edward JoHantgen, son of John JoHantgen, died at his home 4 miles south east of Van Wert last Thursday. Mr. JoHantgen was a young man whom everybody respected and loved. He had been sick several weeks previous to his death, but his friends were hopeful that the crisis had passed. The funeral was held Saturday morning and the remains were laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery. The very large number of friends who followed the remains to their last resting place bore evidence of the esteem in which the deceased was held.
Van Wert Republican Oct. 11, 1888
Edward J. JoHantgen, whom the Bulletin mentioned two weeks ago as being very sick, died at his home 4 miles southeast of town at noon yesterday. His home is but a few hundred paces from the home of Miss Stuckey, the particulars of whose death may be found in another column. Thus by the same fate are two neighboring families stricken, the one of an eldest daughter, the other of an eldest son; both fell at the entrance of life's prime, when all the bewildering possibilities of manhood and womanhood seem very near, and death of all things most unwelcome.
Young JoHantgen's death had been looked for for several days but his friends had hoped the crisis had passed and that his health would be restored. The ways of Providence are mysterious; mortals can only submit. Mr. JoHantgen was a teacher of rising ability and was, withal, a young man of excellent habits and a good charcter. The funeral will be held tomorrow at ten o'clock at Beech Grove Church.
Van Wert Bulletin, Oct 5, 1888
Carrie Augusta (JoHantgen) Duprey, 1868-1934
Mrs. G. W. Duprey, member of a prominent Van Wert County family, died this morning, at her home in Ridge township, following a lingering illness. Mrs. Duprey who was sixty-six years of age was a native of Dayton. She was a member of the First Methodist Church and Van Wert Chapter Order of the Eastern Star and was active in club work. Among her direct survivors are her husband, one son, Rei Duprey, of Ridge township, two grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. Homer J. Gilliland, of South Washington Street, and Mrs. Elmer Ireland, of Ridge township, and four brothers, W. C. JoHantgen, of Los Angeles, H. P. JoHantgen, of Hudson, Mich., F. M. JoHantgen, of West Unity, and Robert JoHantgen, of Delphos. The funeral service will be held Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock, at the family home. Interment will be made at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Ronald E. Garber, 1935 - 1991
Delphos - Ronald E. Garber, 56, of Rt. 3, Delphos, died at 7:30 a.m. Thursday in his residence.
He was born on April 12, 1935, in Ottawa, a son of Ruth (JoHantgen) Good of Delphos and the late David Good.
Other survivors include three sons, Robert of Delphos, Michael of Fort Wayne, Ind. and John of Lima; a daughter, Mrs. Frank (Beverly) Cardone of Lima; a sister, Mrs. Lloyd (Joan) Ketcham of Delphos; and seven grandchildren.
Mr. Garber was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Delphos. He was a retired truck driver for Wenham Transportation.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Harter and Son Memorial Chapel in Delphos, with the Rev. Wayne Karges to officiate. Burial will be in the Walnuut Grove Cemetery.
Van Wert Times-Bulletin November 22, 1991
Ruth M. "Billy" (Johantgen) Good, 1914- 1992
Delphos - Ruth M. "Billy" Good, 78 of Delphos, died at 3:56 a.m. Sunday in St. Rita's Medical Center.
She was born Feb. 4, 1914, in Van Wert County, the daughter of Robert G. and Carrie (Hiller) Johantgen She married David Good who died Sept. 9, 1972.
Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Lloyd (Joan) Ketcham of Delphos; a sister, Mrs. Mary Katherine Luersman of Delphos; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son, Ronald E. Garber; a brother; a sister and a great-grandson.
Mrs. Good was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church and a life-long farmer.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Harter and Son Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Wayne Karges officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Van Wert Times-Bulletin November 16, 1992
Berneace (Gilliand) Duprey, 1899 - 1985
Berneace Duprey, 85, of Rt. 2, died at 5:35 p.m. Wednesday in Van Wert County Hospital.
She was born Dec. 23, 1899, in Van Wert, a daughter of Samuel B. and Martha Anne (Balyeat) Gilliland.
On Oct. 1, 1920, she married Rei Duprey. He preceded her in death in 1957.
Survivors include two sons, Richard E. Duprey and Wilson G. Duprey, both of Rt. 2; a nephew and three nieces.
She was also preceded in death by three sisters.
During World War I, her senior year at Van Wert High School, Mrs. Duprey gained her teaching certificate at Ohio University. She then taught at Dustman School until her marriage. In the 1940s she was employed by the Hines Drug Store.
Mrs. Duprey was a 65-year member of First United Methodist Church where she was a member of the United Methodist Women and Sarah Circle. She was also a member of the Eastern Star of which she had served as worthy matron and a member of the Daughtersof the American Revolution.
She was a charter member of the Red Cross Gray Ladies during World War II, a group who assisted the hospital with the nurse shortage. In the mid 1920s she operated a tea room in her home called the White Hen.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Alspach Funeral Home with the Rev. John Hickman officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Rei Duprey, 1895 - 1957
Death came unexpectedly this morning to Rei Duprey, 61-year-old livestock breeder and farmer of Ridge Township. He died at 6:30 a.m. in the Van Wert County Hospital after having been ill only about ten hours.
Mr. Duprey was born December 23, 1895, in Ridge Township, the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Duprey. He lived his entire life on the same farm where he was born.
He was married October 1, 1920, and his wife, Bernice, survives along with two children, Richard Duprey of Ridge Township and Wilson G. Duprey of New York City.
He was a member of the First Methodist Church and of the Masonic Lodge. He was a 1912 graduate of Van Wert High School and a graduate of Ohio State University.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Alspach Funeral Home, in the charge of Dr. Austin R. Whitmore, district superintendent of the Methodist churches. Burial will be at the Woodland Cemetery.
John Walter Johantgen, 1910 - 1953
John Johantgen, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Johantgen of Los Angeles and Estes Park (Colorado), died last Saturday at Golden while preparing to race in Sunday's Lookout mountain hill climb.
Johantgen, 42, was overcome by a heart attack while taking a trial run up the mountain. He was able to bring his powerful Jaguar to the side of the course, but was dead when officials reached him. There was no wreck and no other persons were involved.
The sports car enthusiast was widely admired for his cool, skillful driving and excellent sportsmanship. He had placed among the winners in nearly every competition including that at Estes Park in June. A memorial to him is being established by the Denver Sports Car club, in the form of an annual trophy for good sportsmanship.
Johantgen had spent all the summers of his boyhood in Estes Park where his parents have a cabin on the High Drive. Owner of Denver's Sea and Crest hotels, his home was in Bow Mar. Littleton.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth; a daughter, Jean, 13; a son, Peter, 10; his parents and two sisters, Mrs. Bernadine Breylinger of Escondido, Calif., and Mrs. Jane Keyzers of Delano, Calif.
Horace Peter "Hod" JoHantgen, 1872 - 1960
Hudson, (Mich.) - Horace Peter JoHantgen, 85, a resident of this area for 35 years, died Saturday at the Wenzel Nursing Home.
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Margaret Crawford Danz of Harbor Springs, a son, O. P. JoHantgen of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., a brother, Walter, of Los Angeles, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 10 at the Charles E. .Brown and Son Funeral Home. The Rev. Howard Montgomery of the First Methodist church will officiate and burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery at Van Wert, Ohio.
Vertie O'Della (Casteel) JoHantgen, 1880 -1937
(Hudson, Mich.) Mrs. Bertha O'Della JoHantgen, 57 years of age, passed away at her home north of the city Wednesday morning at 4:45 o'clock after a 15 weeks' illness. She was born in Van Wert county, Ohio, on June 3, 1880, and for the past 28 years had lived in the vicinity of Hudson.
She leaves her husband,Horace JoHantgen, a daughter Mrs. Margaret Crawford at home, a son Ora JoHantgen of Jackson, two grandchildren Niles and Pauline JoHantgen, five sisters, Mrs. John Cattell, Mrs. Raymond Ready, Mrs. Merlin Baxter, Mrs. Herbert MIller, all of Jackson, two brothers Wilbur Casteel of Jackson and Glenn Casteel of Dearborn.
The funeral was held at the Charles E. Brown and Son Funeral Home in this city Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. The Rev. Pease of Jackson officiated. Burial was made in Maple Grove cemetery, Hudson
Vertie O'Della Casteel-JoHantgen was born June 3rd, 1880, to Amos and Mary Jane Casteel in Van Wert county, Ohio, and departed this life the morning of August 12th at the age of 57 years, 2 months, and 9 days. She was one of a family of ten children, three of whom have preceded her to the great beyond. She was converted when a girl of eighteen years at the U. B. Church in Paulding county, Ohio, and baptized in a stream near the church and has ever since kept her faith in the Lord. On January 19th, 1904, she was united in marriage to Horace P. JoHantgen and in 1909 they came to Michigan and bought the farm where she resided until her death. Her aim in life was to help others and she was always ready in sickness or health to assist her neighbors and friends. During her long illness she bore her suffering without a murmur and patiently waited for the Lord to call her home to meet the loved ones gone before. For several years she was a member of the school board and discharged her duties conscientiously and well. She was a charter member of the Lima Club, organized 24 years ago, and always looked forward eagerly to the monthly meeting with neighbors and friends. She is survived by her husband, and one daughter, Margaret Crawford who has always resided with her, one son Ora of Jackson, two grandchildren Niles and Pauline JoHantgen, five sisters Mrs. Eva Cattell, Mrs. Stella Miller, Mrs. Celia Ready, Mrs. Cora Brown, and Mrs. Mary Baxter, and two brothers, Glenn of Dearborn and Wilbur of Jackson, a number of neices and nephews and a host of friends.
Alpha Boyven Johantgen, 1899 - 1909
Typhoid Fever Causes Death of Alpha Johantgen, an Eleven-Year-Old Boy
The eleven year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Johantgen died at the home, north of the city, early Sunday morning, after a sickness of only a few days, the cause of death being typhoid fever. The body was shipped to the old home at Van Wert, Ohio, Tuesday morning, and funeral exercises were held there Wednesday evening. Mr. and Mrs. Johantgen have the sympathy of the community in their loss. They moved to this section but a short time ago from VanWert, and are hard-working industrious people.
Laura (Gilliland) JoHantgen, 1876 - 1918
Mrs. Hayes Wheeler JoHantgen died of pneumonia last night at Lindsborg, Kansas. Mrs. JoHantgen was stricken two weeks ago and her condition was so grave at the time of the death of her husband that she was unable to come to Van Wert for his funeral. Her condition showed signs of improvement, consequently, the message announcing her death was a shock to her relatives and friends. Mrs. JoHantgen was aged forty years and was formerly Miss Laura Gilliland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Gilliland, of Ridge township. She spent practically her entire lifetime in this county and enjoyed, as she richly deserved, the highest esteem of a large circle of friends for her nobel traits of character. Mrs. JoHantgen was a lifelong and devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her direct survivors are her parents, one daughter, Mildred, two sisters, Mrs. J. W. Fugate, of Raymond Street, and Mrs. Hugh Wallace, of Dayton, and two brothers, Messrs. Homer and Ira Gilliland, of this town, The remains will be brought home for burial and are expected to arrive on Sunday.
The funeral of Mrs. Hayes W. JoHantgen, who was stricken of pneumonia, at the family home in Lindsborg, Kansas, occurred Sunday afternoon, at 2:30 o'clock, at the residence of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Gilliland, of Ridge township. The service at the home was private, due to the nature of the disease of which she died. A public service was held at Woodland Cemetery, where the burial of the remains of both Mr. and Mrs. JoHantgen took place. The body of Mr. JoHantgen, whose death occured last week had been place in the vault.
Hayes Wheeler Johantgen, 1877 - 1918
Words of Appreciation for Hayes Wheeler Johantgen:
My friend, Hays Wheeler Johantgen, has said farewell and gone out into the great unknown, The earthly-story of one of the dearest friends providence ever bestowed, has been finished. The memory of his friendship is fragrant and immortal. Under the calm exterior, there glowed a great heart and a warm soul. The preacher across the way was to him an object of love and friendship. Did you see him as he lingered a few moments under the pines for a chat at dinner time? Did you see him "the little errand boy across the street" as he called himself, as he came across the street with gifts for the household.
The church of God has lost a great friend. The word impossible meant nothing to him. Ready to do for the cause of Christ he was the first to walk up and down the city to raise the necessary funds for the enterprise of the new building. He was ready to carry on at all times that the church might be established.
The city and the business circles have lost a leader. He was easily the biggest business man in our midst. His going so soon has stunned us into sorrow. He was one of the builders of the new glorious West.
And I have lost a friend. How I will miss his warm handclasp and his sunny smile. In vain will I look for him to come across the street for a chat under the pines. Thank God for his acts and words now a sweet memory.
Our prayers are with the family in this hour of deep waters. There must be a tomorrow when the broken links of love and friendship will be cemented into eternal fellowship.
Carl Eklund, Pastor Trinity Church, Lindsborg, Kansas, Nov. 28, 1918
The Meeker HERALD, 15 Jun 1928:
F. N. JoHantgen Dies in California
The many Meeker friends of F. N. JoHantgen were both shocked and grieved, when word was received from Englewood (sic) , California, Wednesday evening, that this pioneer of the White River Valley had taken his life that day. The word was received by Mr. W. A. Fairfield, brother of Mrs. JoHantgen.
Mr. & Mrs. JoHantgen left Meeker Monday morning for the coast and had only just gotten located with Mrs. JoHantgen's sister (Mrs. Evans) when the sad affair took place.
The first telegram not giving full particulars, Mr. Fairfield and W. J. Cunningham, Master of the Masonic Lodge, wired for further information as to plans for the funeral. Last evening Mr. Cunningham again called up long-distance and from Dick Evans obtained the particulars of the arrangements. He stated that the doctor had pronounced the shooting accidental--the gun being discharged in some manner while in the hands of Mr. JoHantgen. It was also learned that the funeral would be held at Englewood tomorrow afternoon with interment at that place.
Early last Fall Mr. JoHantgen suffered a nervous breakdown due to advancing age and years of hard work. The doctors ordered a trip to a lower altitude for at least a few months. Mr. JoHantgen left for Englewood, California, at which place he spent the winter months. He returned to Meeker about two months ago feeling much improved. The high altitude soon began to affect him again and it was decided that he and Mrs. JoHantgen would move to the Coast to make their future home. As stated above, they left Meeker Monday morning arriving in California Wednesday evening.
Florence L. (Ireland) McCleery, 1907 - 1991
Florence L. McCleery, 84, of McCleery Rd., died at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday in Van Wert County Hospital.
She was born on Jan. 21, 1907, in Ridge Township, a daughter of Elmer H. and Nannie V. (Johantgen) Ireland. On Sept. 19, 1931, she married Clifford E. McCleery and he survives.
Other survivors include a son, Ronald E. of Mendon Rd.; two daughters, Joyce R. Hirn of Middlepoint Rd., and Sharon L. Malinowski of Marietta, Ga.; a brother, Harold Ireland of Ireland Rd.; five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Mrs. McCleery was a homemaker. She was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church, where she had been Sunday School teacher for many years. She had served as president of the Van Wert YWCA Board of Directors, president of the Starr Commonwealth Auxilliary, chairwoman of the Van Wert County Farm Bureau Women's Committee, president of the former Women's Society of Christian Service at her church. She was president of the Ridge Neighbors and Ridge Progressive Club. She had been a Van Wert County Meals on Wheels volunteer and coordinator and member of the Winnebago Club.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Brickner Funeral Home. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery.
Niles Johantgen, Jr., 1957 - 1991
A 32-year-old Atlanta (Ga.) police officer was fatally shot Saturday night while trying to make an arrest in an area of the city known for heavy drug traffic, police said. Officer Niles Johantgen, the father of two young children, was found dying outside his police cruiser at 1060 Henry Thomas Drive near the Thomasville Heights public housing project. Police said a murder warrant has been issued .
The shooting occurred near the Atlanta federal Penitentiary, an area described by police as one of the city's most drug-infested pockets. The officer apparently didn't have a chance to defend himself. "Office Johantgen's gun was still in its holster." said a shaken Atlanta Police Chief Eldrin Bell.
Officer Johantgen, who had been on the Atlanta force for three years, was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital shortly after 6 p.m. He died a few minutes later in the surgical emergency clinic.
Atlanta Mayor Maynard H. Jackson came to Grady to meet with Gwen Johantgen, the officer's widow. The couple has two young sons, including a 4-month-old. The officer's mother and stepfather also came to the hospital.
The Johantgens live in Covington, 30 miles east of Atlanta. Officer Johantgen is the first Atlanta officer killed in the line of duty since June 1989.
Thomasville Heights residents knew Officer Johantgen as "the Russian," a good-natured policeman with a husky build, short-cropped blond hair and an easy laugh. Even after a scuffle with a citizen, he was more likely to settle the dispute through conversation rather than an arrest, they said.
Abstracted from the Atlanta Journal and Constitution, 1991
from the Georgia Bulletin, January 2, 1992
Police Mourn A Fallen Comrade
By Rita McInerney
Grief preceded Christmas joy on Christmas Eve at St. Pius X Church in Conyers. It was expressed in the morning during a memorial service for Atlanta police Officer Niles Johantgen, slain Dec. 21 while on his beat at an Atlanta housing project.
Hundreds of police men and women from Atlanta and across Georgia were joined in mourning a slain comrade by state, city and county dignitaries.
Father John Walsh, pastor, presided at the Christmas eve service and also at the Christian wake service held Monday night at a funeral home. Gwen Johantgen, the officer’s wife, is a Catholic. The couple was married in a Catholic church, according to Father Walsh. There are two young sons, Justin, 7, and Mitchell, four months.
During the wake service attended by family, friends and some police men and women, Father Walsh took as his Scripture reading Matthew, Chapter 25, on the Last Judgment. At the memorial service the next morning he based his homily on John, Chapter 14: “Do not let your hearts be troubled…” Sorrow over the senseless shooting down of the police officer was audible in the crowded church as Officer Johantgen was eulogized by Mayor Maynard Jackson and Police Chief Eldrin Bell. It spilled over as Bell presented Johantgen’s badge, Number 4026, to his wife as she sat in the front pew.
The officer’s cap was place on top of the American flag that draped the coffin before the altar. Behind the coffin could be glimpsed the Nativity scene already in place for the children’s Mass.
Along with several hundred people packed into the church for the service, an overflow crowd viewed the service in the adjoining church hall via a closed circuit television set up, Father Walsh said, after Chief Bell advised him of the expected turnout.
Rosemarie Zivic, parish organist, and her husband, Richard Zivic, choir director, provided music for the service. Hymns included Amazing Grace, The Lord Is My Shepherd, On Eagle’s Wings, and How Great Thou Art.
A reception for family, friends and the many police personnel in attendance was provided by women of the parish.
Harold E. Ireland, 1913 - 1999
Harold E. Ireland, 85, of 12140 Ireland Road, died at 12:40 a.m. Tuesday, May 11, 1999, at Vancrest Care Center following a brief illness.
He was born Sept. 2, 1913, in Ridge Township, Van Wert County, the son of the late Elmer H. and Nannie V. (JoHantgen) Ireland
On June 23, 1936, in Van Wert, he married Mary ELizabeth Mollenkopf, who survives.
He was preceded in death by two sisters.
Mr. Ireland was a retired farmer and a former Van Wert County commissioner's clerk for 14 years. He was also a former Ridge Township clerk, Lincolnview Local Board of Education clerk and former member of the board of directors at First Federal Savings & Loan.
He served eight years on the Van Wert County Board of Education and was former county sealer for weights and measures.
He was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Middle Point.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, with the Rev. Thomas Cover officiating. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point.
Richard E. Duprey, 1922 - 1998
Richard E. Duprey, 76, formerly of Lincoln Highway in Van Wert, died at 2:50 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, 1998, at Vancrest Health Care Center following an extended illness.
He was born Feb. 19, 1922, in Ridge Township, Van Wert County, the son of the late Rei and Berneace (GIlliland) Duprey. In June, 1953, he married Margaret Lynch, who preceded him in death October 1993.
Survivors include a brother, Wilson G. Duprey of Van Wert and several cousins on both sides of the family.
Mr. Duprey was a lifetime farmer in Van Wert County. He attended Ridge Township School most of his school years, but graduated from Van Wert High School in 1940. He attended Ohio State University, Columbus, until drafted into the U. S. Army. He was attached to the 771st Field Artillery and was involved in the Normandy invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. He earned a Silver Star for gallantry in action connected with military operations against the enemy on Dec. 17, 1944, in Belgium. Shortly after that battle, he was severely wounded in the skull, which resulted in permanent paralysis to the left side of his body.
After many months in Army and Veterans Administration hospitals, he was able to return home and eventually to enter into limited normal life. He returned to Ohio State and graduatedin 1949 with a bachelor of science degree in animal husbandry from the School of Agriculture. He was an active member of the Alpha Zeta agriculture fraternity at Ohio State.
Returning to Van Wert and Ridge Township, Mr. Duprey was very active in 4-H and FFA, and became a partner with his father in the Lincoln Ridge Farm, where they were breeders of Aberdeen Angus cattle and Corriedale sheep. He showed cattle and sheep at the Van Wert County fairs and, in his senior year, won the grand champion steer ribbon on an Angus steer at the 1940 Ohio State Fair.
He served 10 years as Van Wert County recorder, was a life member of Van Wert Men's Garden Club, a Republican central committeeman from west Ridge Township for many years, a member of the Van Wert Masonic Lodge, a longtime member of the Hal V. Hunt Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church, VanWert, and a longtime member and past president of the Van Wert Historical Society. While president of the Historical Society, Mr. Duprey edited the "History of Van Wert County, Ohio" (1981), which was published by the society.
He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans.
There will be no funeral services or visitations.
Robert Grant Johantgen, 1884 - 1957
Robert G. Johantgen, 73, of Delphos, native of Ridge Township; a retired farmer and widely known swine raiser, was born May 5, 1884, in Ridge Township and his marriage to the former Carrie Hiller of York Township was solemnized February 23, 1910. He was a member of the Delphos Methodist Church.
Surviving besides the widow are three daughters, Mary Katherine Johantgen at home, Mrs. Ruth Good of Delphos and Mrs. Irma Epperson of Middletown; a son, Robert G. "Bud" Johantgen, at home; a sister, Mrs. Homer J. Gilliland of this city; two brothers, Walter Johantgen of Los Angeles and Hod Johantgen of Hudson, Mich., six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Harter and Son Memorial Chapel in Delphos. Rev. Leslie Kunze of Delphos will officiate and burial will be in Van Wert Woodland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home.
Clara Estella (Siegel) JoHantgen, 1882 - 1970
West Unity, (Ohio) - Following an extended illness, Mrs. Clara JoHantgen, 84, of West Unity, died Monday evening in the Hillside Nursing Home, route 2, Bryan.
She was the widow of Francis JoHantgen.
A native of Troy, (Ohio) she had lived in Van Wert before moving here 50 years ago.
Mrs. JoHantgen was a member of the United Methodist Church, the W. S. C. S. of the church, the Jefferson Rural Garden Club, and was a 57-year member of the Van Wert Election Club (organized to promote woman suffrage).
Survivors include one son, Maynard, of route 1, West Unity; three daughters, Mrs. Agnes Brown, of Hillsdale, Mich., Mrs. Esther Bowers, of West Unity, and Mrs. Belva Starr, of Montpelier; one sister, Theresa Gilliland, of Shaker Heights; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Hollingshead Funeral Home, with the Rev. James Rice, pastor of the United Methodist Church, officiating; Burial is to be in the Shiffler Cemetery.
Agnes Marcile "Peg" (JoHantgen) Brown
HASLETT, Mich. - Agnes Marcile "Peg" (JoHantgen) Brown died Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2006, at the Eaton Community Hospice. Born in Van Wert, Ohio, to Clara Estelle and Francis Marion JoHantgen, she married Carsen "Brownie" Brown on Sept. 20, 1942, and he survives. Raised on a farm in West Unity, Ohio, she graduated from West Unity High School in 1938. She moved to California during her husband's Army training and moved to Hillsdale, Mich. after World War II. After attending beauty school in Toledo, she had worked in Montpelier, Ohio as a beautician. In the early 1940s, she was employed at Ohio Art in Bryan. She had also worked in Hillsdale at Paramount making aircraft parts during World War II, for Burdette Kelly as a typist and then in the office of Michigan Gas Utilities for over 20 years, retiring in 1980. A resident of Hillsdale for 58 years, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church. In 2001, after being diagnosed with ALS (Lou GehrigÕs disease), she moved to Great Lakes Christian Home in Holt to be near family. She moved to Alterra Wynwood in Haslett in 2004. Surviving, in addition to her husband of 63 years, are a daughter, Mrs. Tim (Lynda) Crandall of Mason, Mich.; a son, Gerald (and wife, Cathy) Brown of Seminole, Fla.; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Belva Starr of Toledo; sister-in-law, Helen Palmer of California; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents; a sister, Esther Bowers; and a brother, Maynard JoHantgen. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in the Hillsdale First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Robert Hundley of Mason United Methodist Church and Margaret Zee Jones of Visiting Nurse Services to officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services in the church and immediately following the service at a luncheon at the church. A private family committal service will follow at the Maplewood Cemetery in Reading. VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home, Hillsdale, is in charge of services. Memorials may be made to Visiting Nurse Services of Michigan-Lansing (Hospice) or to ALS of Michigan. www.eaglefuneralhomes.com
The Bakersfield Californian
Paula Sue Keyzers-Allen
Nov. 25, 1942 - Nov. 15, 2004
An effervescent and kindred spirit was lost November 15 when Paula Sue Keyzers-
Allen left this world, succumbing to a short-term illnss.
Born a fraternal twin November 25, 1942 in Los Angeles, Paula was the daughter
of George B. and Jane Keyzers who brought her to Delano in 1950 when her
father purchased The Delano Record, then a twice-weekly newspaper.
She attended St. Marys and Cecil Avenue elementary schools and completed two
years at Delano High School before graduating from Westlake School for Girls
in Beverly Hills in 1964.
A member of Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, as her mother had been while
attending the University of Southern California, Paula graduated from that
Methodist university with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1965. She
later added two more degrees: a Masters in Education and a Masters in Special
Education from the University of Colorado in 1990 and 1991, respectfully.
In 1971, she spent six months trekking the length of Africa from Morocco to
Johannesburg, South Africa. Her eldest son, Michael, was born in Anaheim,
California in 1974 and then, as a military wife, her second and third sons
were born in Germany; Eric and Christopher were born in Wiesbaden and Bad
Kreuznach in 1975 and 1977, respectively.
Settling in Colorado Springs, Paula taught elementary school at Pauline
Catholic School and then special education students at North Elementary School
in Widefield for ten years.
She was a member of Chapter DE, PEO, all of her adult life and for the last
twelve years was an active volunteer member of the El Paso County Search and
Rescue (SAR) during which time she earned a Wilderness Emergency Technician
license and was thought to have been the oldest woman in the region to have
served in that capacity. She also served as the SARs equipment coordinator and
participated in numerous rescue and recovery missions, breaking her leg during
the transport from the summit of Pikes Peak of a would-be hiker. Her SAR
colleagues and fellow teachers honored Paula, October 20, during a special
presentation held at the SAR facility.
She is survived by her three sons, Michael and wife Beth and nine-week-old
granddaughter Nola Ruth Elaine Allen; Eric and wife Delaine; and Christopher
Alexei, all of Colorado Springs; twin brother Neil of Wofford Heights and
nephews John and Scott Keyzers, of Bakersfield.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 18, at the Search and
Rescue facility, 3950 Interpark Drive, Colorado Springs 80907, at 2:00 p.m. In
lieu of flowers, donations to the El Pasco County Search and Rescue or the
Pikes Peak Hospice are encouraged.
Mrs. Leroy Blessing Dies
Bellefontaine Native, 85, Was Talented Musician
(October, 1963)
Mrs. Leroy Blessing, 85, talented musician and long a teacher of students of vocal music, died a 5 am Tuesday in the Latham Convalescent Home. She had been a patient there since her admission 2 ½ weeks ago from her home at 212 east Chillicothe street.
She was born Leigh J., a daughter of Joseph and Dola JoHantgen, Nov. 29, 1877, in Bellefontaine. A graduate of Bellefontaine high school she lated studied music in Cleveland and New York. She was married on Oct 14, 1902 to Leroy Blessing and in 1920 they went to Honolulu where he was secretary of the Automobile Club. While there Mrs. Blessing directed the choir in the Community Church of Honolulu. Upon her husband's retirement, they returned to Bellefontaine in 1938 and his death occurred here May 23, 1949.
The deceased was a member of the First Presbyterian church, Alpha Circle of King's Daughters, the Woman's club, Tourist club and the former Co. O. E. club.
The only immediate survivors are a niece, Mrs. Fred G. (Gretchen) Wood, 554 Paimer road, a cousin, James Leister, 632 Henry street, and several great and great, great nieces and nephews. A sister and a brother are dead.
Funeral service will be conducted Thursday at 1:30 pm at the Eicholtz Funeral Home by Rev. J. Lowell Hays. Burial will be made in Bellefontaine Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 pm Tuesday.
Mrs. O. L. JoHantgen Dies
Well-known Bellefontaine Native was Ill Several Years
(Nov 1946)
Mrs. O. L. JoHantgen, 68, died Sunday at 1:30am at her home at 208 east Chillicothe street.
She was a daughter of one of Bellefontaine's best-known families and had been active in religious, musical and social organizations for many years. She had been in failing health for several years and bedfast for the past 10 days.
She was born Lena Colton, daughter of Joseph and Mary Brunton Colton, Dec. 30, 1881, in Bellefontaine. She was educated in the Bellefontaine schools and was graduated from high school in 1900. She attended Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware for one year, then was later graduated from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. In her younger life, she was for a number of years a member of the First Methodist Church choir.
Her marriage to Mr. JoHantgen took place on Nov. 14, 1905. He preceded her in death Dec. 26, 1946.
Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Fred G. Wood, 1121 west Columbus avenue: three grandchildren, and two brothers, E. M. Colton, of Minneapolis, Minn. and Ashlin Colton, of Washington, D. C.
The deceased was a member of the First Methodist Church. She was affiliated with the Art Club, Tourist Club, and St. Cecilia Circle of King's Daughters.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 2 pm at the Eicholtz Funeral Home by Rev. Edwin H. Dickey. Burial will be made in Bellefontaine Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home.
Leroy Blessing Dies
Former Editor, C. of C. Secretary Succombs Monday
(May, 1949)
LeRoy H. Blessing, 71, of 212 east Chillicothe avenue, prominent and highly respected resident of Bellefontaine died at 1:15 pm Monday at Mary Rutan hospital where he was admitted last Saturday for medical treatment. Death was due to an embolism.
He was born in Bellefontaine, Oct. 14, 1877, a son of Frank and Anna Silver Blessing and had made his home in this city all of his life with the exception of a period from 1929 to 1938 when he served in Honolulu as manager and secretary for the Far Western Outpost of the American Automobile Association.
He was married to Leigh JoHantgen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph JoHantgen, pioneer residents, in 1903. Mrs. Blessing, a foremost musical artist, survives. One sister, Mrs. Lucius (Grace) Bennett preceded her brother in death in 1939.
The deceased, who returned to Bellefontaine from Hawaii upon retirement in 1938, served as Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, when Fred H. Miller, the incumbent, entered the military service.
A life-long member of the First Presbyterian Church, he was also affiliated with all the Masonic bodies and a member of Aloha Shrine in Honolulu.
In 1903, upon the retirement of J. Q. X. Campbell from Bellefontaine's newspaper, the "Republican", to accept the city postmastership, the Index company purchased it and the two papers were consolidated under the name "Index-Republican". Mr. Blessing became editor and under his supervision, it became a daily paper with a wide circulation.
He had talent for the lecture platform as well as journalistic ambitions and as an after-dinner speaker had few rivals.
The body is at the Eicholtz Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 pm in the residence with Rev. Alan O. Jones, pastor of First Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will be made in the Bellefontaine Cemetery.
Friends may call at the family home after 2 pm Tuesday.
Olaf Leister JoHantgen was born Nov. 5, 1880, in Bellefontaine, the son of Jospeh and Dola Leister JoHantgen. He was a graduate of Bellefontaine High School and attended Case School of Applied Science in Cleveland. In college he became affiliated with the Phi Delta theta national fraternity.
For many years, Mr. JoHantgen was associated with his father in the carriage manufacturing business, the offices and factory having been on south Detroit street. After carriage making was discontinued, with the advent of the motor age, Mr. JoHantgen continued to maintain part of the original buildings as offices for his work as representative of the Goodyear tire and Rubber Company.
Several years ago Mr. JoHantgen turned his full attention to banking interests. For many years he had been a member of the Board of Directors of the Bellefontaine Building and Loan Company, having succeeded his father-in-law, the late Joseph Colton, on that board.
After retirement of Charles S. Hockett from the B. & L. Presidency, Mr. JoHantgen was elected to the position.
O. L. JoHantgen was married in 1905 to Miss Lena May Colton and the family home was made in Bellefontaine throughout their married life. Mrs. JoHantgen remains as does their one daughter, Gretchen, the wife of Dr. Fred G. Wood, 1121 west Columbus avenue, a sister, Mrs. LeRoy Blessing, 212 east Chillicothe avenue, and two grandchildren, Nancy Lou and Frances May Wood. A sister, Gretchen Swift JoHantgen, died in childhood.
A member of the Lutheran Church until his marriage, Mr. JoHantgen then transferred his membership to the First Methodist Church and was continuously active in that congregation. For many years he served as a member of the Official Board of the church, and in more recent years, as a Trustee.
He was active in the Masonic Lodge, belonging to the Blue Lodge, the Chapter, was a charter member of Bellefontaine Comandery, belonged to the Knights Templar, and to the Shrine.
Mr. Johantgen was one of the original Board of Directors of May Rutan Hospital; he belonged to the Board of Bellefontaine Cemetery Trustees, succeeding his late father, and served until about two years ago. He was a charter member of the Bellefontaine Country Club and an ardent golfer. He was interested in many forms of outdoor sports…football, baseball, hunting and fishing. Mr. and Mrs. JoHantgen had traveled widely, and for many years had spent long Summer and Fall vacations in interesting places, where they could both enjoy outdoor life and find a climate beneficial to the health of Mr. JoHantgen, who was subject to asthma. In recent years, they had spent much time in Minnesota and in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
He was a member of the Bellefontaine Chamber of Commerce.
For many years, Mr. JoHantgen served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bellefontaine National Bank until that institution's reorganization a number of years ago. His uncle, the late W. V. Marquis and his grandfather, James Leister, for whom he was named, were President and Cashier, respectively, of the Bank.
When the second World War demanded the setting up of rationing boards, Mr. JoHantgen gave unstintingly of his time and strength as a member of the Bellefontaine Rationing Board.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 3 pm at the Eicholtz Funeral Home, with Rev. E. J. A. St. Louis, paster of the Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be made in Bellefontaine Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Eicholtz Funeral Home.
Bellefontaine Examiner; Dec. 1946
Paul B. Starr
(1911 - 2000
MONTPELIER - Paul B. Starr, 88, of Montpelier, died Wednesday
evening, June 21, 2000, in Swan Creek Retirement Village, Toledo,
following a lingering illness. Born Nov. 9, 1911, at West Unity, to Edna W.
(Gortner) and Orville O. Starr, he had been a Montpelier resident since
1940. He was a 1931 graduate of West Unity High School, and was a
member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Montpelier. On Sept.
27, 1940, he married Belva (JoHantgen) and she survives.
Mr. Starr had owned and operated the Starr Insurance Agency for
many years, and had retired in 1974 after 35 years with the Ohio Dept.
of Liquor Control in its Bryan store. Following retirement, he and his
wife had spent their retirement winters in Tavares, Fla., and summers
in Montpelier.
A member and past president of the Montpelier Fraternal Order of
Eagles, he was also a member of the West Unity Masonic Lodge, the
Montpelier Chapter and Council of the Lodge, and the Montpelier Moose
Lodge.
Surviving in addition to his wife are a son, Roger (and wife, Nancy) of
Holland, Ohio; a daughter, Mrs. Kenneth (Nancy) Gage of Jackson, Mich.;
four granddaughters, Traci and Katie Gage, Joni Starr and Mrs. Burt
(Julie) Monroe; and a great-grandson, Chandler Monroe.
The family will receive friends in the Wilson-Geesey Funeral Home,
Montpelier, on Saturday from 11 a.m. until time of the memorial service,
scheduled for 1 p.m. with Pastor David Andersen officiating. Burial will
be in Shiffler Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
Carrie V. Johantgen, 81, of Delphos, (Ohio) was dead on arrival at a Middletown hospital at 6 p.m. Thursday after suffering a heart attack at the home of a daughter in Middletown.
Born Nov. 26, 1885, in York Township, she was the daughter of Crist and Margaret Hiller. She was married to Robert G. Johantgen who died in 1957.
Survivors include a son, Robert of Delphos; three daughters, Mrs. Irma Ricker of Middletown, and Mrs. David (Ruth) Luersman of Delphos; two brothers, Samuel Hiller of Van Wert, and Wilbur Hiller of Oesso, Mich.; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Johantgen was a member of the Trinity Methodist Church in Delphos and the WSCS.
Funeral arrangements in the charge of Harter and Son Funeral Home are incomplete. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. today.
Francis Marion JoHantgen, 1882 - 1938
Francis Marion JoHantgen was the son of John and Mary and was born near Van Wert, Ohio, January 23, 1882. February 23, 1910, he married Clara Siegel, also of Van Wert. To this union were born three daughters and one son as follows: Belva, Mrs. Esther Bowers, Agnes and Maynard, all of West Unity.
Mr. JoHantgen spent his early life near Van Wert. 18 years ago he moved near West Unity and resided here until he passed away on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 20, in the Toledo Hospital where he had been undergoing treatment for his last illness. Mr. JoHantgen has been failing since the early summer and death came as a relief to great suffering. His age, 56 years, 7 months, and 25 days. He was converted in 1912 and remained a membeer of the local Methodist Church at the time of his departure.
Mr. JoHantgen was a good neighbor, a kind and loving father and an upright citizen.
Besides his bereft wife and children, he leaves to mourn his passing a grandchild, several brothers, and sisters, Walter of Los Angeles, Calif., Horace of Hudson, Mich., Mrs. Nannie Ireland and Mrs. Flora Gilliland of Van Wert, Robert of Delphos, and other relatives and also many friends.
Forever upward and onward
Be our paths on the hills of life
And soon will a radiant dawning
Transfigure the toil and strife
And our Father's hand will lead us
Tenderly upward then
In the joy and peace of a fairer world
He will let us begin again.
West Unity newspaper, 01 Sep 1938
Mary Jane "Jennie" (Schwanengal) JoHantgen, 1845-1888
The Bulletin only a few weeks back had occasion to comment on the deaths of three prominent young people in the small circle of one neighborhood in Ridge Township. One of these victims was Mr. E. J. JoHantgen and at noon last Sunday Mrs. JoHantgen, his mother, also died of the same dread disease typhoid fever. During the last illness of Edward, his mother was his constant and ever patient nurse. Loss of sleep, the exhausted vital powers, and the grief at the excitement of the death, made her an easy prey to the plague. The funeral was conducted by the Rev. J. F. Mounts at Beech Grove Church and the remains were folllowed to the grave in Woodlawn by a large muber of deeply sympathetic neighbors.
Mary Jane JoHantgen was born in Prussia, Feb. 13, 1845, and came with her parents to America in 1848. She was converted aand joined the United Brethren Church when 14 years old. Upon coming to this county in 1872 she united with the Methodist Church and continued a Christian wife and mother til her death. She was aged 43 years, 8 months, and 15 days.
Van Wert Times Bulletin Nov. 2, 1888
Edward J. JoHantgen, 1866 - 1888
Edward JoHantgen, son of John JoHantgen, died at his home 4 miles south east of Van Wert last Thursday. Mr. JoHantgen was a young man whom everybody respected and loved. He had been sick several weeks previous to his death, but his friends were hopeful that the crisis had passed. The funeral was held Saturday morning and the remains were laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery. The very large number of friends who followed the remains to their last resting place bore evidence of the esteem in which the deceased was held.
Van Wert Republican Oct. 11, 1888
Edward J. JoHantgen, whom the Bulletin mentioned two weeks ago as being very sick, died at his home 4 miles southeast of town at noon yesterday. His home is but a few hundred paces from the home of Miss Stuckey, the particulars of whose death may be found in another column. Thus by the same fate are two neighboring families stricken, the one of an eldest daughter, the other of an eldest son; both fell at the entrance of life's prime, when all the bewildering possibilities of manhood and womanhood seem very near, and death of all things most unwelcome.
Young JoHantgen's death had been looked for for several days but his friends had hoped the crisis had passed and that his health would be restored. The ways of Providence are mysterious; mortals can only submit. Mr. JoHantgen was a teacher of rising ability and was, withal, a young man of excellent habits and a good charcter. The funeral will be held tomorrow at ten o'clock at Beech Grove Church.
Van Wert Bulletin, Oct 5, 1888
Carrie Augusta (JoHantgen) Duprey, 1868-1934
Mrs. G. W. Duprey, member of a prominent Van Wert County family, died this morning, at her home in Ridge township, following a lingering illness. Mrs. Duprey who was sixty-six years of age was a native of Dayton. She was a member of the First Methodist Church and Van Wert Chapter Order of the Eastern Star and was active in club work. Among her direct survivors are her husband, one son, Rei Duprey, of Ridge township, two grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. Homer J. Gilliland, of South Washington Street, and Mrs. Elmer Ireland, of Ridge township, and four brothers, W. C. JoHantgen, of Los Angeles, H. P. JoHantgen, of Hudson, Mich., F. M. JoHantgen, of West Unity, and Robert JoHantgen, of Delphos. The funeral service will be held Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock, at the family home. Interment will be made at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Ronald E. Garber, 1935 - 1991
Delphos - Ronald E. Garber, 56, of Rt. 3, Delphos, died at 7:30 a.m. Thursday in his residence.
He was born on April 12, 1935, in Ottawa, a son of Ruth (JoHantgen) Good of Delphos and the late David Good.
Other survivors include three sons, Robert of Delphos, Michael of Fort Wayne, Ind. and John of Lima; a daughter, Mrs. Frank (Beverly) Cardone of Lima; a sister, Mrs. Lloyd (Joan) Ketcham of Delphos; and seven grandchildren.
Mr. Garber was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Delphos. He was a retired truck driver for Wenham Transportation.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in the Harter and Son Memorial Chapel in Delphos, with the Rev. Wayne Karges to officiate. Burial will be in the Walnuut Grove Cemetery.
Van Wert Times-Bulletin November 22, 1991
Ruth M. "Billy" (Johantgen) Good, 1914- 1992
Delphos - Ruth M. "Billy" Good, 78 of Delphos, died at 3:56 a.m. Sunday in St. Rita's Medical Center.
She was born Feb. 4, 1914, in Van Wert County, the daughter of Robert G. and Carrie (Hiller) Johantgen She married David Good who died Sept. 9, 1972.
Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Lloyd (Joan) Ketcham of Delphos; a sister, Mrs. Mary Katherine Luersman of Delphos; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son, Ronald E. Garber; a brother; a sister and a great-grandson.
Mrs. Good was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church and a life-long farmer.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Harter and Son Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Wayne Karges officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Van Wert Times-Bulletin November 16, 1992
Berneace (Gilliand) Duprey, 1899 - 1985
Berneace Duprey, 85, of Rt. 2, died at 5:35 p.m. Wednesday in Van Wert County Hospital.
She was born Dec. 23, 1899, in Van Wert, a daughter of Samuel B. and Martha Anne (Balyeat) Gilliland.
On Oct. 1, 1920, she married Rei Duprey. He preceded her in death in 1957.
Survivors include two sons, Richard E. Duprey and Wilson G. Duprey, both of Rt. 2; a nephew and three nieces.
She was also preceded in death by three sisters.
During World War I, her senior year at Van Wert High School, Mrs. Duprey gained her teaching certificate at Ohio University. She then taught at Dustman School until her marriage. In the 1940s she was employed by the Hines Drug Store.
Mrs. Duprey was a 65-year member of First United Methodist Church where she was a member of the United Methodist Women and Sarah Circle. She was also a member of the Eastern Star of which she had served as worthy matron and a member of the Daughtersof the American Revolution.
She was a charter member of the Red Cross Gray Ladies during World War II, a group who assisted the hospital with the nurse shortage. In the mid 1920s she operated a tea room in her home called the White Hen.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Alspach Funeral Home with the Rev. John Hickman officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Rei Duprey, 1895 - 1957
Death came unexpectedly this morning to Rei Duprey, 61-year-old livestock breeder and farmer of Ridge Township. He died at 6:30 a.m. in the Van Wert County Hospital after having been ill only about ten hours.
Mr. Duprey was born December 23, 1895, in Ridge Township, the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Duprey. He lived his entire life on the same farm where he was born.
He was married October 1, 1920, and his wife, Bernice, survives along with two children, Richard Duprey of Ridge Township and Wilson G. Duprey of New York City.
He was a member of the First Methodist Church and of the Masonic Lodge. He was a 1912 graduate of Van Wert High School and a graduate of Ohio State University.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Alspach Funeral Home, in the charge of Dr. Austin R. Whitmore, district superintendent of the Methodist churches. Burial will be at the Woodland Cemetery.
John Walter Johantgen, 1910 - 1953
John Johantgen, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Johantgen of Los Angeles and Estes Park (Colorado), died last Saturday at Golden while preparing to race in Sunday's Lookout mountain hill climb.
Johantgen, 42, was overcome by a heart attack while taking a trial run up the mountain. He was able to bring his powerful Jaguar to the side of the course, but was dead when officials reached him. There was no wreck and no other persons were involved.
The sports car enthusiast was widely admired for his cool, skillful driving and excellent sportsmanship. He had placed among the winners in nearly every competition including that at Estes Park in June. A memorial to him is being established by the Denver Sports Car club, in the form of an annual trophy for good sportsmanship.
Johantgen had spent all the summers of his boyhood in Estes Park where his parents have a cabin on the High Drive. Owner of Denver's Sea and Crest hotels, his home was in Bow Mar. Littleton.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth; a daughter, Jean, 13; a son, Peter, 10; his parents and two sisters, Mrs. Bernadine Breylinger of Escondido, Calif., and Mrs. Jane Keyzers of Delano, Calif.
Horace Peter "Hod" JoHantgen, 1872 - 1960
Hudson, (Mich.) - Horace Peter JoHantgen, 85, a resident of this area for 35 years, died Saturday at the Wenzel Nursing Home.
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Margaret Crawford Danz of Harbor Springs, a son, O. P. JoHantgen of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., a brother, Walter, of Los Angeles, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 10 at the Charles E. .Brown and Son Funeral Home. The Rev. Howard Montgomery of the First Methodist church will officiate and burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery at Van Wert, Ohio.
Vertie O'Della (Casteel) JoHantgen, 1880 -1937
(Hudson, Mich.) Mrs. Bertha O'Della JoHantgen, 57 years of age, passed away at her home north of the city Wednesday morning at 4:45 o'clock after a 15 weeks' illness. She was born in Van Wert county, Ohio, on June 3, 1880, and for the past 28 years had lived in the vicinity of Hudson.
She leaves her husband,Horace JoHantgen, a daughter Mrs. Margaret Crawford at home, a son Ora JoHantgen of Jackson, two grandchildren Niles and Pauline JoHantgen, five sisters, Mrs. John Cattell, Mrs. Raymond Ready, Mrs. Merlin Baxter, Mrs. Herbert MIller, all of Jackson, two brothers Wilbur Casteel of Jackson and Glenn Casteel of Dearborn.
The funeral was held at the Charles E. Brown and Son Funeral Home in this city Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. The Rev. Pease of Jackson officiated. Burial was made in Maple Grove cemetery, Hudson
Vertie O'Della Casteel-JoHantgen was born June 3rd, 1880, to Amos and Mary Jane Casteel in Van Wert county, Ohio, and departed this life the morning of August 12th at the age of 57 years, 2 months, and 9 days. She was one of a family of ten children, three of whom have preceded her to the great beyond. She was converted when a girl of eighteen years at the U. B. Church in Paulding county, Ohio, and baptized in a stream near the church and has ever since kept her faith in the Lord. On January 19th, 1904, she was united in marriage to Horace P. JoHantgen and in 1909 they came to Michigan and bought the farm where she resided until her death. Her aim in life was to help others and she was always ready in sickness or health to assist her neighbors and friends. During her long illness she bore her suffering without a murmur and patiently waited for the Lord to call her home to meet the loved ones gone before. For several years she was a member of the school board and discharged her duties conscientiously and well. She was a charter member of the Lima Club, organized 24 years ago, and always looked forward eagerly to the monthly meeting with neighbors and friends. She is survived by her husband, and one daughter, Margaret Crawford who has always resided with her, one son Ora of Jackson, two grandchildren Niles and Pauline JoHantgen, five sisters Mrs. Eva Cattell, Mrs. Stella Miller, Mrs. Celia Ready, Mrs. Cora Brown, and Mrs. Mary Baxter, and two brothers, Glenn of Dearborn and Wilbur of Jackson, a number of neices and nephews and a host of friends.
Alpha Boyven Johantgen, 1899 - 1909
Typhoid Fever Causes Death of Alpha Johantgen, an Eleven-Year-Old Boy
The eleven year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Johantgen died at the home, north of the city, early Sunday morning, after a sickness of only a few days, the cause of death being typhoid fever. The body was shipped to the old home at Van Wert, Ohio, Tuesday morning, and funeral exercises were held there Wednesday evening. Mr. and Mrs. Johantgen have the sympathy of the community in their loss. They moved to this section but a short time ago from VanWert, and are hard-working industrious people.
Laura (Gilliland) JoHantgen, 1876 - 1918
Mrs. Hayes Wheeler JoHantgen died of pneumonia last night at Lindsborg, Kansas. Mrs. JoHantgen was stricken two weeks ago and her condition was so grave at the time of the death of her husband that she was unable to come to Van Wert for his funeral. Her condition showed signs of improvement, consequently, the message announcing her death was a shock to her relatives and friends. Mrs. JoHantgen was aged forty years and was formerly Miss Laura Gilliland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Gilliland, of Ridge township. She spent practically her entire lifetime in this county and enjoyed, as she richly deserved, the highest esteem of a large circle of friends for her nobel traits of character. Mrs. JoHantgen was a lifelong and devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Her direct survivors are her parents, one daughter, Mildred, two sisters, Mrs. J. W. Fugate, of Raymond Street, and Mrs. Hugh Wallace, of Dayton, and two brothers, Messrs. Homer and Ira Gilliland, of this town, The remains will be brought home for burial and are expected to arrive on Sunday.
The funeral of Mrs. Hayes W. JoHantgen, who was stricken of pneumonia, at the family home in Lindsborg, Kansas, occurred Sunday afternoon, at 2:30 o'clock, at the residence of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Gilliland, of Ridge township. The service at the home was private, due to the nature of the disease of which she died. A public service was held at Woodland Cemetery, where the burial of the remains of both Mr. and Mrs. JoHantgen took place. The body of Mr. JoHantgen, whose death occured last week had been place in the vault.
Hayes Wheeler Johantgen, 1877 - 1918
Words of Appreciation for Hayes Wheeler Johantgen:
My friend, Hays Wheeler Johantgen, has said farewell and gone out into the great unknown, The earthly-story of one of the dearest friends providence ever bestowed, has been finished. The memory of his friendship is fragrant and immortal. Under the calm exterior, there glowed a great heart and a warm soul. The preacher across the way was to him an object of love and friendship. Did you see him as he lingered a few moments under the pines for a chat at dinner time? Did you see him "the little errand boy across the street" as he called himself, as he came across the street with gifts for the household.
The church of God has lost a great friend. The word impossible meant nothing to him. Ready to do for the cause of Christ he was the first to walk up and down the city to raise the necessary funds for the enterprise of the new building. He was ready to carry on at all times that the church might be established.
The city and the business circles have lost a leader. He was easily the biggest business man in our midst. His going so soon has stunned us into sorrow. He was one of the builders of the new glorious West.
And I have lost a friend. How I will miss his warm handclasp and his sunny smile. In vain will I look for him to come across the street for a chat under the pines. Thank God for his acts and words now a sweet memory.
Our prayers are with the family in this hour of deep waters. There must be a tomorrow when the broken links of love and friendship will be cemented into eternal fellowship.
Carl Eklund, Pastor Trinity Church, Lindsborg, Kansas, Nov. 28, 1918
The Meeker HERALD, 15 Jun 1928:
F. N. JoHantgen Dies in California
The many Meeker friends of F. N. JoHantgen were both shocked and grieved, when word was received from Englewood (sic) , California, Wednesday evening, that this pioneer of the White River Valley had taken his life that day. The word was received by Mr. W. A. Fairfield, brother of Mrs. JoHantgen.
Mr. & Mrs. JoHantgen left Meeker Monday morning for the coast and had only just gotten located with Mrs. JoHantgen's sister (Mrs. Evans) when the sad affair took place.
The first telegram not giving full particulars, Mr. Fairfield and W. J. Cunningham, Master of the Masonic Lodge, wired for further information as to plans for the funeral. Last evening Mr. Cunningham again called up long-distance and from Dick Evans obtained the particulars of the arrangements. He stated that the doctor had pronounced the shooting accidental--the gun being discharged in some manner while in the hands of Mr. JoHantgen. It was also learned that the funeral would be held at Englewood tomorrow afternoon with interment at that place.
Early last Fall Mr. JoHantgen suffered a nervous breakdown due to advancing age and years of hard work. The doctors ordered a trip to a lower altitude for at least a few months. Mr. JoHantgen left for Englewood, California, at which place he spent the winter months. He returned to Meeker about two months ago feeling much improved. The high altitude soon began to affect him again and it was decided that he and Mrs. JoHantgen would move to the Coast to make their future home. As stated above, they left Meeker Monday morning arriving in California Wednesday evening.
Florence L. (Ireland) McCleery, 1907 - 1991
Florence L. McCleery, 84, of McCleery Rd., died at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday in Van Wert County Hospital.
She was born on Jan. 21, 1907, in Ridge Township, a daughter of Elmer H. and Nannie V. (Johantgen) Ireland. On Sept. 19, 1931, she married Clifford E. McCleery and he survives.
Other survivors include a son, Ronald E. of Mendon Rd.; two daughters, Joyce R. Hirn of Middlepoint Rd., and Sharon L. Malinowski of Marietta, Ga.; a brother, Harold Ireland of Ireland Rd.; five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Mrs. McCleery was a homemaker. She was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church, where she had been Sunday School teacher for many years. She had served as president of the Van Wert YWCA Board of Directors, president of the Starr Commonwealth Auxilliary, chairwoman of the Van Wert County Farm Bureau Women's Committee, president of the former Women's Society of Christian Service at her church. She was president of the Ridge Neighbors and Ridge Progressive Club. She had been a Van Wert County Meals on Wheels volunteer and coordinator and member of the Winnebago Club.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Brickner Funeral Home. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery.
Niles Johantgen, Jr., 1957 - 1991
A 32-year-old Atlanta (Ga.) police officer was fatally shot Saturday night while trying to make an arrest in an area of the city known for heavy drug traffic, police said. Officer Niles Johantgen, the father of two young children, was found dying outside his police cruiser at 1060 Henry Thomas Drive near the Thomasville Heights public housing project. Police said a murder warrant has been issued .
The shooting occurred near the Atlanta federal Penitentiary, an area described by police as one of the city's most drug-infested pockets. The officer apparently didn't have a chance to defend himself. "Office Johantgen's gun was still in its holster." said a shaken Atlanta Police Chief Eldrin Bell.
Officer Johantgen, who had been on the Atlanta force for three years, was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital shortly after 6 p.m. He died a few minutes later in the surgical emergency clinic.
Atlanta Mayor Maynard H. Jackson came to Grady to meet with Gwen Johantgen, the officer's widow. The couple has two young sons, including a 4-month-old. The officer's mother and stepfather also came to the hospital.
The Johantgens live in Covington, 30 miles east of Atlanta. Officer Johantgen is the first Atlanta officer killed in the line of duty since June 1989.
Thomasville Heights residents knew Officer Johantgen as "the Russian," a good-natured policeman with a husky build, short-cropped blond hair and an easy laugh. Even after a scuffle with a citizen, he was more likely to settle the dispute through conversation rather than an arrest, they said.
Abstracted from the Atlanta Journal and Constitution, 1991
from the Georgia Bulletin, January 2, 1992
Police Mourn A Fallen Comrade
By Rita McInerney
Grief preceded Christmas joy on Christmas Eve at St. Pius X Church in Conyers. It was expressed in the morning during a memorial service for Atlanta police Officer Niles Johantgen, slain Dec. 21 while on his beat at an Atlanta housing project.
Hundreds of police men and women from Atlanta and across Georgia were joined in mourning a slain comrade by state, city and county dignitaries.
Father John Walsh, pastor, presided at the Christmas eve service and also at the Christian wake service held Monday night at a funeral home. Gwen Johantgen, the officer’s wife, is a Catholic. The couple was married in a Catholic church, according to Father Walsh. There are two young sons, Justin, 7, and Mitchell, four months.
During the wake service attended by family, friends and some police men and women, Father Walsh took as his Scripture reading Matthew, Chapter 25, on the Last Judgment. At the memorial service the next morning he based his homily on John, Chapter 14: “Do not let your hearts be troubled…” Sorrow over the senseless shooting down of the police officer was audible in the crowded church as Officer Johantgen was eulogized by Mayor Maynard Jackson and Police Chief Eldrin Bell. It spilled over as Bell presented Johantgen’s badge, Number 4026, to his wife as she sat in the front pew.
The officer’s cap was place on top of the American flag that draped the coffin before the altar. Behind the coffin could be glimpsed the Nativity scene already in place for the children’s Mass.
Along with several hundred people packed into the church for the service, an overflow crowd viewed the service in the adjoining church hall via a closed circuit television set up, Father Walsh said, after Chief Bell advised him of the expected turnout.
Rosemarie Zivic, parish organist, and her husband, Richard Zivic, choir director, provided music for the service. Hymns included Amazing Grace, The Lord Is My Shepherd, On Eagle’s Wings, and How Great Thou Art.
A reception for family, friends and the many police personnel in attendance was provided by women of the parish.
Harold E. Ireland, 1913 - 1999
Harold E. Ireland, 85, of 12140 Ireland Road, died at 12:40 a.m. Tuesday, May 11, 1999, at Vancrest Care Center following a brief illness.
He was born Sept. 2, 1913, in Ridge Township, Van Wert County, the son of the late Elmer H. and Nannie V. (JoHantgen) Ireland
On June 23, 1936, in Van Wert, he married Mary ELizabeth Mollenkopf, who survives.
He was preceded in death by two sisters.
Mr. Ireland was a retired farmer and a former Van Wert County commissioner's clerk for 14 years. He was also a former Ridge Township clerk, Lincolnview Local Board of Education clerk and former member of the board of directors at First Federal Savings & Loan.
He served eight years on the Van Wert County Board of Education and was former county sealer for weights and measures.
He was also a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Middle Point.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, with the Rev. Thomas Cover officiating. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point.
Richard E. Duprey, 1922 - 1998
Richard E. Duprey, 76, formerly of Lincoln Highway in Van Wert, died at 2:50 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, 1998, at Vancrest Health Care Center following an extended illness.
He was born Feb. 19, 1922, in Ridge Township, Van Wert County, the son of the late Rei and Berneace (GIlliland) Duprey. In June, 1953, he married Margaret Lynch, who preceded him in death October 1993.
Survivors include a brother, Wilson G. Duprey of Van Wert and several cousins on both sides of the family.
Mr. Duprey was a lifetime farmer in Van Wert County. He attended Ridge Township School most of his school years, but graduated from Van Wert High School in 1940. He attended Ohio State University, Columbus, until drafted into the U. S. Army. He was attached to the 771st Field Artillery and was involved in the Normandy invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. He earned a Silver Star for gallantry in action connected with military operations against the enemy on Dec. 17, 1944, in Belgium. Shortly after that battle, he was severely wounded in the skull, which resulted in permanent paralysis to the left side of his body.
After many months in Army and Veterans Administration hospitals, he was able to return home and eventually to enter into limited normal life. He returned to Ohio State and graduatedin 1949 with a bachelor of science degree in animal husbandry from the School of Agriculture. He was an active member of the Alpha Zeta agriculture fraternity at Ohio State.
Returning to Van Wert and Ridge Township, Mr. Duprey was very active in 4-H and FFA, and became a partner with his father in the Lincoln Ridge Farm, where they were breeders of Aberdeen Angus cattle and Corriedale sheep. He showed cattle and sheep at the Van Wert County fairs and, in his senior year, won the grand champion steer ribbon on an Angus steer at the 1940 Ohio State Fair.
He served 10 years as Van Wert County recorder, was a life member of Van Wert Men's Garden Club, a Republican central committeeman from west Ridge Township for many years, a member of the Van Wert Masonic Lodge, a longtime member of the Hal V. Hunt Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church, VanWert, and a longtime member and past president of the Van Wert Historical Society. While president of the Historical Society, Mr. Duprey edited the "History of Van Wert County, Ohio" (1981), which was published by the society.
He was also a member of the Disabled American Veterans.
There will be no funeral services or visitations.
Robert Grant Johantgen, 1884 - 1957
Robert G. Johantgen, 73, of Delphos, native of Ridge Township; a retired farmer and widely known swine raiser, was born May 5, 1884, in Ridge Township and his marriage to the former Carrie Hiller of York Township was solemnized February 23, 1910. He was a member of the Delphos Methodist Church.
Surviving besides the widow are three daughters, Mary Katherine Johantgen at home, Mrs. Ruth Good of Delphos and Mrs. Irma Epperson of Middletown; a son, Robert G. "Bud" Johantgen, at home; a sister, Mrs. Homer J. Gilliland of this city; two brothers, Walter Johantgen of Los Angeles and Hod Johantgen of Hudson, Mich., six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Harter and Son Memorial Chapel in Delphos. Rev. Leslie Kunze of Delphos will officiate and burial will be in Van Wert Woodland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home.
Clara Estella (Siegel) JoHantgen, 1882 - 1970
West Unity, (Ohio) - Following an extended illness, Mrs. Clara JoHantgen, 84, of West Unity, died Monday evening in the Hillside Nursing Home, route 2, Bryan.
She was the widow of Francis JoHantgen.
A native of Troy, (Ohio) she had lived in Van Wert before moving here 50 years ago.
Mrs. JoHantgen was a member of the United Methodist Church, the W. S. C. S. of the church, the Jefferson Rural Garden Club, and was a 57-year member of the Van Wert Election Club (organized to promote woman suffrage).
Survivors include one son, Maynard, of route 1, West Unity; three daughters, Mrs. Agnes Brown, of Hillsdale, Mich., Mrs. Esther Bowers, of West Unity, and Mrs. Belva Starr, of Montpelier; one sister, Theresa Gilliland, of Shaker Heights; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Final rites will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Hollingshead Funeral Home, with the Rev. James Rice, pastor of the United Methodist Church, officiating; Burial is to be in the Shiffler Cemetery.
Agnes Marcile "Peg" (JoHantgen) Brown
HASLETT, Mich. - Agnes Marcile "Peg" (JoHantgen) Brown died Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2006, at the Eaton Community Hospice. Born in Van Wert, Ohio, to Clara Estelle and Francis Marion JoHantgen, she married Carsen "Brownie" Brown on Sept. 20, 1942, and he survives. Raised on a farm in West Unity, Ohio, she graduated from West Unity High School in 1938. She moved to California during her husband's Army training and moved to Hillsdale, Mich. after World War II. After attending beauty school in Toledo, she had worked in Montpelier, Ohio as a beautician. In the early 1940s, she was employed at Ohio Art in Bryan. She had also worked in Hillsdale at Paramount making aircraft parts during World War II, for Burdette Kelly as a typist and then in the office of Michigan Gas Utilities for over 20 years, retiring in 1980. A resident of Hillsdale for 58 years, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church. In 2001, after being diagnosed with ALS (Lou GehrigÕs disease), she moved to Great Lakes Christian Home in Holt to be near family. She moved to Alterra Wynwood in Haslett in 2004. Surviving, in addition to her husband of 63 years, are a daughter, Mrs. Tim (Lynda) Crandall of Mason, Mich.; a son, Gerald (and wife, Cathy) Brown of Seminole, Fla.; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Belva Starr of Toledo; sister-in-law, Helen Palmer of California; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents; a sister, Esther Bowers; and a brother, Maynard JoHantgen. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in the Hillsdale First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Robert Hundley of Mason United Methodist Church and Margaret Zee Jones of Visiting Nurse Services to officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services in the church and immediately following the service at a luncheon at the church. A private family committal service will follow at the Maplewood Cemetery in Reading. VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home, Hillsdale, is in charge of services. Memorials may be made to Visiting Nurse Services of Michigan-Lansing (Hospice) or to ALS of Michigan. www.eaglefuneralhomes.com
The Bakersfield Californian
Paula Sue Keyzers-Allen
Nov. 25, 1942 - Nov. 15, 2004
An effervescent and kindred spirit was lost November 15 when Paula Sue Keyzers-
Allen left this world, succumbing to a short-term illnss.
Born a fraternal twin November 25, 1942 in Los Angeles, Paula was the daughter
of George B. and Jane Keyzers who brought her to Delano in 1950 when her
father purchased The Delano Record, then a twice-weekly newspaper.
She attended St. Marys and Cecil Avenue elementary schools and completed two
years at Delano High School before graduating from Westlake School for Girls
in Beverly Hills in 1964.
A member of Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega, as her mother had been while
attending the University of Southern California, Paula graduated from that
Methodist university with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1965. She
later added two more degrees: a Masters in Education and a Masters in Special
Education from the University of Colorado in 1990 and 1991, respectfully.
In 1971, she spent six months trekking the length of Africa from Morocco to
Johannesburg, South Africa. Her eldest son, Michael, was born in Anaheim,
California in 1974 and then, as a military wife, her second and third sons
were born in Germany; Eric and Christopher were born in Wiesbaden and Bad
Kreuznach in 1975 and 1977, respectively.
Settling in Colorado Springs, Paula taught elementary school at Pauline
Catholic School and then special education students at North Elementary School
in Widefield for ten years.
She was a member of Chapter DE, PEO, all of her adult life and for the last
twelve years was an active volunteer member of the El Paso County Search and
Rescue (SAR) during which time she earned a Wilderness Emergency Technician
license and was thought to have been the oldest woman in the region to have
served in that capacity. She also served as the SARs equipment coordinator and
participated in numerous rescue and recovery missions, breaking her leg during
the transport from the summit of Pikes Peak of a would-be hiker. Her SAR
colleagues and fellow teachers honored Paula, October 20, during a special
presentation held at the SAR facility.
She is survived by her three sons, Michael and wife Beth and nine-week-old
granddaughter Nola Ruth Elaine Allen; Eric and wife Delaine; and Christopher
Alexei, all of Colorado Springs; twin brother Neil of Wofford Heights and
nephews John and Scott Keyzers, of Bakersfield.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 18, at the Search and
Rescue facility, 3950 Interpark Drive, Colorado Springs 80907, at 2:00 p.m. In
lieu of flowers, donations to the El Pasco County Search and Rescue or the
Pikes Peak Hospice are encouraged.
Mrs. Leroy Blessing Dies
Bellefontaine Native, 85, Was Talented Musician
(October, 1963)
Mrs. Leroy Blessing, 85, talented musician and long a teacher of students of vocal music, died a 5 am Tuesday in the Latham Convalescent Home. She had been a patient there since her admission 2 ½ weeks ago from her home at 212 east Chillicothe street.
She was born Leigh J., a daughter of Joseph and Dola JoHantgen, Nov. 29, 1877, in Bellefontaine. A graduate of Bellefontaine high school she lated studied music in Cleveland and New York. She was married on Oct 14, 1902 to Leroy Blessing and in 1920 they went to Honolulu where he was secretary of the Automobile Club. While there Mrs. Blessing directed the choir in the Community Church of Honolulu. Upon her husband's retirement, they returned to Bellefontaine in 1938 and his death occurred here May 23, 1949.
The deceased was a member of the First Presbyterian church, Alpha Circle of King's Daughters, the Woman's club, Tourist club and the former Co. O. E. club.
The only immediate survivors are a niece, Mrs. Fred G. (Gretchen) Wood, 554 Paimer road, a cousin, James Leister, 632 Henry street, and several great and great, great nieces and nephews. A sister and a brother are dead.
Funeral service will be conducted Thursday at 1:30 pm at the Eicholtz Funeral Home by Rev. J. Lowell Hays. Burial will be made in Bellefontaine Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 pm Tuesday.
Mrs. O. L. JoHantgen Dies
Well-known Bellefontaine Native was Ill Several Years
(Nov 1946)
Mrs. O. L. JoHantgen, 68, died Sunday at 1:30am at her home at 208 east Chillicothe street.
She was a daughter of one of Bellefontaine's best-known families and had been active in religious, musical and social organizations for many years. She had been in failing health for several years and bedfast for the past 10 days.
She was born Lena Colton, daughter of Joseph and Mary Brunton Colton, Dec. 30, 1881, in Bellefontaine. She was educated in the Bellefontaine schools and was graduated from high school in 1900. She attended Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware for one year, then was later graduated from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. In her younger life, she was for a number of years a member of the First Methodist Church choir.
Her marriage to Mr. JoHantgen took place on Nov. 14, 1905. He preceded her in death Dec. 26, 1946.
Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Fred G. Wood, 1121 west Columbus avenue: three grandchildren, and two brothers, E. M. Colton, of Minneapolis, Minn. and Ashlin Colton, of Washington, D. C.
The deceased was a member of the First Methodist Church. She was affiliated with the Art Club, Tourist Club, and St. Cecilia Circle of King's Daughters.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 2 pm at the Eicholtz Funeral Home by Rev. Edwin H. Dickey. Burial will be made in Bellefontaine Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home.
Leroy Blessing Dies
Former Editor, C. of C. Secretary Succombs Monday
(May, 1949)
LeRoy H. Blessing, 71, of 212 east Chillicothe avenue, prominent and highly respected resident of Bellefontaine died at 1:15 pm Monday at Mary Rutan hospital where he was admitted last Saturday for medical treatment. Death was due to an embolism.
He was born in Bellefontaine, Oct. 14, 1877, a son of Frank and Anna Silver Blessing and had made his home in this city all of his life with the exception of a period from 1929 to 1938 when he served in Honolulu as manager and secretary for the Far Western Outpost of the American Automobile Association.
He was married to Leigh JoHantgen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph JoHantgen, pioneer residents, in 1903. Mrs. Blessing, a foremost musical artist, survives. One sister, Mrs. Lucius (Grace) Bennett preceded her brother in death in 1939.
The deceased, who returned to Bellefontaine from Hawaii upon retirement in 1938, served as Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, when Fred H. Miller, the incumbent, entered the military service.
A life-long member of the First Presbyterian Church, he was also affiliated with all the Masonic bodies and a member of Aloha Shrine in Honolulu.
In 1903, upon the retirement of J. Q. X. Campbell from Bellefontaine's newspaper, the "Republican", to accept the city postmastership, the Index company purchased it and the two papers were consolidated under the name "Index-Republican". Mr. Blessing became editor and under his supervision, it became a daily paper with a wide circulation.
He had talent for the lecture platform as well as journalistic ambitions and as an after-dinner speaker had few rivals.
The body is at the Eicholtz Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 pm in the residence with Rev. Alan O. Jones, pastor of First Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will be made in the Bellefontaine Cemetery.
Friends may call at the family home after 2 pm Tuesday.
Olaf Leister JoHantgen was born Nov. 5, 1880, in Bellefontaine, the son of Jospeh and Dola Leister JoHantgen. He was a graduate of Bellefontaine High School and attended Case School of Applied Science in Cleveland. In college he became affiliated with the Phi Delta theta national fraternity.
For many years, Mr. JoHantgen was associated with his father in the carriage manufacturing business, the offices and factory having been on south Detroit street. After carriage making was discontinued, with the advent of the motor age, Mr. JoHantgen continued to maintain part of the original buildings as offices for his work as representative of the Goodyear tire and Rubber Company.
Several years ago Mr. JoHantgen turned his full attention to banking interests. For many years he had been a member of the Board of Directors of the Bellefontaine Building and Loan Company, having succeeded his father-in-law, the late Joseph Colton, on that board.
After retirement of Charles S. Hockett from the B. & L. Presidency, Mr. JoHantgen was elected to the position.
O. L. JoHantgen was married in 1905 to Miss Lena May Colton and the family home was made in Bellefontaine throughout their married life. Mrs. JoHantgen remains as does their one daughter, Gretchen, the wife of Dr. Fred G. Wood, 1121 west Columbus avenue, a sister, Mrs. LeRoy Blessing, 212 east Chillicothe avenue, and two grandchildren, Nancy Lou and Frances May Wood. A sister, Gretchen Swift JoHantgen, died in childhood.
A member of the Lutheran Church until his marriage, Mr. JoHantgen then transferred his membership to the First Methodist Church and was continuously active in that congregation. For many years he served as a member of the Official Board of the church, and in more recent years, as a Trustee.
He was active in the Masonic Lodge, belonging to the Blue Lodge, the Chapter, was a charter member of Bellefontaine Comandery, belonged to the Knights Templar, and to the Shrine.
Mr. Johantgen was one of the original Board of Directors of May Rutan Hospital; he belonged to the Board of Bellefontaine Cemetery Trustees, succeeding his late father, and served until about two years ago. He was a charter member of the Bellefontaine Country Club and an ardent golfer. He was interested in many forms of outdoor sports…football, baseball, hunting and fishing. Mr. and Mrs. JoHantgen had traveled widely, and for many years had spent long Summer and Fall vacations in interesting places, where they could both enjoy outdoor life and find a climate beneficial to the health of Mr. JoHantgen, who was subject to asthma. In recent years, they had spent much time in Minnesota and in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
He was a member of the Bellefontaine Chamber of Commerce.
For many years, Mr. JoHantgen served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bellefontaine National Bank until that institution's reorganization a number of years ago. His uncle, the late W. V. Marquis and his grandfather, James Leister, for whom he was named, were President and Cashier, respectively, of the Bank.
When the second World War demanded the setting up of rationing boards, Mr. JoHantgen gave unstintingly of his time and strength as a member of the Bellefontaine Rationing Board.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at 3 pm at the Eicholtz Funeral Home, with Rev. E. J. A. St. Louis, paster of the Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be made in Bellefontaine Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Eicholtz Funeral Home.
Bellefontaine Examiner; Dec. 1946
Paul B. Starr
(1911 - 2000
MONTPELIER - Paul B. Starr, 88, of Montpelier, died Wednesday
evening, June 21, 2000, in Swan Creek Retirement Village, Toledo,
following a lingering illness. Born Nov. 9, 1911, at West Unity, to Edna W.
(Gortner) and Orville O. Starr, he had been a Montpelier resident since
1940. He was a 1931 graduate of West Unity High School, and was a
member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Montpelier. On Sept.
27, 1940, he married Belva (JoHantgen) and she survives.
Mr. Starr had owned and operated the Starr Insurance Agency for
many years, and had retired in 1974 after 35 years with the Ohio Dept.
of Liquor Control in its Bryan store. Following retirement, he and his
wife had spent their retirement winters in Tavares, Fla., and summers
in Montpelier.
A member and past president of the Montpelier Fraternal Order of
Eagles, he was also a member of the West Unity Masonic Lodge, the
Montpelier Chapter and Council of the Lodge, and the Montpelier Moose
Lodge.
Surviving in addition to his wife are a son, Roger (and wife, Nancy) of
Holland, Ohio; a daughter, Mrs. Kenneth (Nancy) Gage of Jackson, Mich.;
four granddaughters, Traci and Katie Gage, Joni Starr and Mrs. Burt
(Julie) Monroe; and a great-grandson, Chandler Monroe.
The family will receive friends in the Wilson-Geesey Funeral Home,
Montpelier, on Saturday from 11 a.m. until time of the memorial service,
scheduled for 1 p.m. with Pastor David Andersen officiating. Burial will
be in Shiffler Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.