Obituaries can be emailed to editor@thevwindependent.com. The Van Wert independent no longer accepts no-cost death notices. As of October 1, 2023, the cost of full obituaries will be $95 (including a photo). Local funeral homes are billed for full obituaries, while out-of-town funeral homes can also be billed, if so requested. Obituaries submitted by individuals must be paid in full prior to publication. The Van Wert independent accepts credit cards by telephone from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday at 419.238.1220.
POSTED: 12/28/10 at 3:42 pm. FILED UNDER: Info
Andrew Miller, 46, of Van Wert, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the people he loved most.
He was born on November 29, 1979, in Jackson, Michigan, to Wayne and Dorothy “Dottie” (Leist) Miller.
Andrew graduated from The Ohio State University with both his undergraduate and master’s degrees and was a devoted Buckeye fan, a passion he carried with him throughout his life. While at Ohio State, he met the love of his life, Melissa Breaden, and from that moment on, the two were inseparable. They were married on July 12, 2008, and together they built a life filled with laughter, partnership, and deep devotion to their children, Braden and Reese. Andrew and his family attended Lifehouse Church, where their faith community became an important source of connection and support.
Andrew approached every chapter of his life with curiosity and purpose. As an engineer, he most recently worked at Strick Trailers, and previously at Braun Ambulance, bringing his steady mind and problem‑solving nature to every project. Earlier in his career, he found joy in teaching-developing and leading Project Lead The Way, a STEM program that reflected his belief in hands‑on learning and helping students discover what they were capable of. He also coached cross country and track in both Virginia and Ohio, encouraging young athletes with the same patience and quiet confidence he offered his own children.
At home, Andrew’s creativity came alive in his woodworking. He loved the feel of tools in his hands and the satisfaction of building something solid and useful. Some of his happiest moments were spent camping with Braden and Reese-teaching them, laughing with them, and simply being present in the kind of unhurried time he treasured. Andrew had a sharp, playful sense of humor and a gift for lightening the mood. He could make Melissa laugh even on the hardest days, and those small moments of joy became some of their most cherished memories.
Andrew is survived by his wife, Melissa Miller; his children, Braden and Reese Miller, all of Van Wert; his parents, Wayne and Dottie Miller of Spring Arbor, Michigan; and his brothers, James Miller and Joseph Miller, both of Lansing, and John Miller of Atlanta, Georgia. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Amelia Lynn Dennings, whose memory remained close to his heart.
A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with Matt Braun officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. An additional service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at The Arbor Church, Spring Arbor, Michigan, with a brief visitation from 10-11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials: EverHeart Hospice.
To share in Andrew’s online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 04/07/26 at 10:14 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Karen Sue Dunlap, 81, of Van Wert, passed away at 3:20 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2026, with her children at her side.
She was born January 21, 1945, in Roscommon, Michigan, to Andrew Evald and Margaret (Wilson) Anderson.
Karen had worked at the former Van Wert Bookstore, Kennedy Manufacturing and Wal-Mart, all of Van Wert.
She loved her cats, flower beds and grandchildren. In her spare time, Karen enjoyed reading and watching the NBA and Lebron James.
Karen is survived by her children, Todd A. (Teresa) Dunlap of Van Wert and Cindy L. Dunlap of Toledo; her grandchildren, Karlin (Alexis) Dunlap, Brady (Brittany) Dunlap, Elisa Dunlap and Alexa (Petey) Post, and her great grandchildren, Heather, Easton, Baker and Micah Sue.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister and brother in law, Virgilene (Harry) Holobaugh.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials? the Van Wert County Humane Society.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 04/05/26 at 7:51 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Dolores E. Keysor went to be with our lord and Savior on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Dolores was born January 6, 1930, to Doyle D. and Verda V. (Miller) Burkholder and grew up in Delphos Ohio and graduated from Delphos Jefferson High School in 1948.
She married Dale L Keysor on August 22, 1948, and they were blessed with three children. Kathy Ann Keysor born August 23, 1949 and unfortunately passed away during infancy.
Their second daughter was Pamela S. Keysor who married Thomas E. Bockey, who passed away from cancer in 2000. She is now married to her current husband Dennis K. Smith and they reside in Van Wert. She has two stepchildren, Shelly and Lisa and five grandchildren, Landon, Ava, Ivy, Issac and the late Austin.
Their third daughter is Kristie L Keysor who was married to Rex Pollock, who also passed away of cancer. They had three children — a son, Scott, and twin daughters Arica and Andrea. She is now married to Jim Snyder and they reside in Van Wert. Jim and Kris have six grandchildren, Ryanne, Bentley, Rex, Katlyn, Risa, Emma and a step-grandson Gavin. They also have two great-grandchildren, Clarissa and Leilani.
Dolores handled many roles in the family farming business known as D&D Farms and held many different volunteer positions. She was a member of the Homemaker’s Club and Counsel and was awarded the honor of women of the year award. Dale and her were big advocates for the Lions Club of Van Wert, Farm Bureau, and Gideons Spouse Group. She especially enjoyed playing cards, travel and camping trips in their younger years.
Mrs. Keysor also leaves behind twin granddaughters, Arica (Ryan) Wermer and Andrea (Dennis) Merriman both of Van Wert; a grandson, Scott (Lanna) Pollock of Colorado Springs; grandaughters, Lisa Smith and Shelley Bowers of Indiana, plus 12 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Dolores was known as “Grahamcracker” by her granddaughters Arica and Andrea and that was her name that many people knew her by.
Mrs. Keysor leaves behind a legacy of commitment and love for her family and her kindness that she showed everyday among friends and family. She was a very classy lady that always had her make up and hair done everyday to match her charisma. She took pride in the beautiful loving life that her and Dale had created and will remain a legacy for generations.
“Her love shaped generations, and her memory will carry us forward.”
Funeral services for Dolores will be held at 12 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home of Van Wert. Visitation will also be on Wednesday, April 8, starting at 10 a.m. Interment will follow after services at Ridge Cemetery, Ridge Township.
Preferred memorials: the United Way of Van Wert, Trinity Global Church or EverHeart Hospice.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 04/03/26 at 2:09 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Deborah R. Paige, 74, of Van Wert, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Tranquility of Rockford after a ten‑year battle with Parkinson’s disease.
She was born September 7, 1951, in Van Wert, to Ray and Leona (Schwarck) McCollum, who both preceded her in death.
Deborah graduated from Van Wert High School and later retired from Continental Can.
A natural homebody who found comfort in the quiet of her own space, Deborah enjoyed watching General Hospital, Star Trek, and Walker, Texas Ranger. She loved sharing Star Wars and Marvel movies with her grandson, and she was an especially devoted Elvis fan. To those who knew her best, she was a “safe space” — someone who loved her family deeply and treasured every moment with her great‑grandchildren.
Deborah also enjoyed trying her luck, whether playing the slots at casinos or picking up scratch‑offs from the gas station. She even took a special gambling cruise, which became a favorite memory.
Above all, Deborah is now at peace, reunited with her husband, Jack, who passed away on September 22, 2008.
She is survived by her daughter, Laurie (Terry) Smith; stepchildren, Michael Paige, Amy Jo Paige, and Lisa Paige, all of Van Wert, and Brittany Paige of Richmond, Indiana; her niece, Crystal (Zachary) Adkins of Van Wert; grandchildren, Alexis Turner of Van Wert and Skylar Blue of Delphos; 11 step‑grandchildren; great‑grandchildren Amari and Amiah, and a great‑niece, Jocelyn Adkins.
In addition to her parents and husband, Deborah was preceded in death by her brothers, Stephen and Jeffrey McCollum.
Deborah will be laid to rest privately beside her husband in Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Online condolences may be shared at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, Van Wert.
POSTED: 04/02/26 at 2:19 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Susan Kay Mollenkopf, 87, of Van Wert, passed away Tuesday afternoon, March 31, 2026, at VanCrest of Van Wert.
She was born on September 29, 1938, in Union Township, Van Wert County, the daughter of Jesse Vernon Poling and Mary Elva (Sale) Poling, who both preceded her in death. On September 26, 1979, she married Dean Clair Mollenkopf and he preceded her in death on November 24, 2020. Also preceding her in death was Jay Mollenkopf.
Susan is survived by two children, Randy (Pam) Olson of Van Wert and Barry Olson; four grandchildren, Jeremy (Ashley) Olson, Jacob Olson, Katie Olson and Nicholas Olson; one great-grandson, Liem Olson; one sister, Lois (Gene) Goings of Van Wert, and stepdaughters, Lynn (Jeff) Johnson, Cheryl Mollenkopf, and Mary Jo Smith.
She was a beautician at Hair Happening in Van Wert and was a 1956 graduate of Convoy-Union High School. Susan also like to cook and paint.
At this time there will be no visitation or services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 04/01/26 at 4:13 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Ronald Eugene Weck, 83, of Paulding, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center.
Ron was born in Van Wert on June 15, 1942, a son of Louise (Perry) and Henry Weck, who both preceded him in death.
Ron was a man whose work ethic and passion showed up early and never faded. From a young age, he worked at his father’s tile mill, and by just 16, he had already started his own body shop on his family’s property. His lifelong commitment to service led him to a remarkable 58-year career in law enforcement, serving with the Paulding Police Department, the Paulding County Sheriff’s Department, as Chief of Police in Latty, Haviland and Grover Hill Police Departments, and with the Antwerp Police Department.
Alongside this, Ron logged over 9,000 hours as a pilot, combining his love of aviation with hands-on work painting, refurbishing, and designing graphics for aircraft, as well as helping operate the Van Wert and Paulding airports. His favorite airplane was the Seneca II. He was also known throughout the county for his work with 2-way radios, often joking that there wasn’t a tractor in Paulding County that didn’t have a Weck radio in it.
Deeply devoted to his faith, Ron spent 16 years recording services at Christ Lutheran Church in Woodburn and sharing them with the VA Hospital and the Paulding County Jail. Known for his warm personality, storytelling, and ability to connect with anyone he met, Ron leaves behind a legacy of service, skill, and kindness.
Ron will be sadly missed by his wife, Joyce (Wilkin) to whom he was married August 19, 1972; brother, David (Tracey) Weck, and his nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.
Ron was also preceded in death by his sister, Dolores Weck Hanna.
Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. Friday, April 3, at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp. Visitation will also be held from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Saturday, April 4, followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, Woodburn, Indiana. He will be laid to rest in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Preferred memorials: Christ Lutheran Church.
Fond memories may be shared at dooleyfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 04/01/26 at 2:58 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Nolan Richard Taylor, 97, of Van Wert passed away Tuesday afternoon, March 31, 2026, at VanCrest of Van Wert.
He was born on December 5, 1928, in Grover Hill the son of Thomas and Christine (Winters) Taylor, who both preceded him in death. On May 29, 1948, he married Joy Isabelle (Sanderson) Taylor and they enjoyed 75 years of marriage before she passed on March 14, 2024.
Richard was a 1947 graduate of Grover Hill High School. He was a farmer, construction worker, a master carpenter, plumber, and drove a school bus for Wayne Trace Schools. He was also a member of the Wayne Trace School Board for 12 years. Later when Richard and Joy lived in Florida, he was a tour bus driver and they were champion square dancers. He had been a member of Roselms Church and also attended Mt. Pleasant and First Baptist Church in Van Wert.
Richard is survived by his daughter, Tonya Joy Taylor of Van Wert and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Richard was preceded in death by five siblings and spouses, Ronald and Mabel Taylor, Willis and Velma Taylor, Edward and Mabel Taylor, Leland &and Bertie Taylor, and Irene and Everett Ford.
A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. Monday, April 6, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, with Pastor David Prior officiating. Interment will follow at Middle Creek Cemetery. Calling hours are 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday prior to the service.
Preferred memorials: Grover Hill Fire and EMS.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 04/01/26 at 12:10 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Carla Rene Speelman, 68, of Van Wert, passed away at 8:24 a.m. Monday, March 30, 2026, at Vancrest of Van Wert.
She was born on January 1, 1958, in Van Wert, to Carl E. and Rosalyn (Fisher) Speelman.
Carla was a member of North Union Church of Van Wert. She was a licensed beautician who owned and operated Shear Magic in Scott and had also worked at Holloway in Sidney, the Van Wert Manor, Crestview Local Schools and the Van Wert County Correctional Facility.
Carla didn’t know a stranger and could be very ornery. She was very involved with the Crestview Band Parents for many years. Above all, she loved spending time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by her mother, Rosalyn Speelman of Van Wert; her two sons, Lucas (Erin) McClure of Wesley Chapel, Florida and Matthew (Kala) Speelman of Van Wert; seven grandchildren, Corey, Gavin, Gabriella, CJ, Fisher, Nellie and Henry; a sister-in-law, Suzanne Speelman of Newnan, Georgia; nieces, Carly and Lauren, and a great-niece, Wraylie.
Carla was preceded in death by her father, Carl Speelman; a granddaughter, Grace Anna, and brother, Robert E. Speelman.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 3, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with Pastor Daniel Perry, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert, Ohio. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials: the Crestview Band Parents.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
Carla’s family would like to thank all of her friends and caregivers at Vancrest of Van Wert for the exceptional care she received.
POSTED: 03/30/26 at 8:10 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Donald E. Benschneider, 86, of Payne, passed away at his home on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Don was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on June 11, 1939, the son of Ervin and Lucile (Overmyer) Benschneider, who both preceded him in death.
Don devoted his life to hard work, beginning with a lifelong career in farming and in partnership in Wildcat Creek Farms. On December 13, 1981, he married the love of his life, Elaine (Hanenkratt), and together they built a life filled with love and many happy years.
As a young man he enjoyed working at Van Wert Airport, owning his own plane and instructing. Deeply committed to his community, Don served as Mayor of Payne and contributed his leadership to numerous organizations, including the Farm Credit, Countrymark, Inc., Landmark, Inc., Paulding Landmark, NCBA, CBI, Buckeye State Mutual Insurance, Orange Harbor Cooperative. He was also a dedicated member of the Payne Chamber of Commerce and the County Farm Bureau.
In his free time, Don enjoyed snowmobiling trips in Michigan and traveling to Florida. Above all, he cherished time with his family, especially cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events. Don will be remembered as a kind-hearted, soft-spoken man and a true role model to all who knew him.
Don will be sadly missed by his wife, Elaine; daughters, Terri (Lyle) Ulrey of Van Wert and Lanette (Jarrod) Dossen of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Chris (Kali) Ulrey, parents of Sazi and Ophelia; Nicholas (Miranda) Ulrey, parents of Locklin and Kollins; Blake (Loren) Dossen, parents of Bastian, Jude, Margaret, and one on the way, and Branson (Karson) Dossen, parents of Beau and one on the way and Bree Dossen; in-laws, Phil and Betty Hanenkratt, Mike (Myra) Hanenkratt, Jill (George) Tsafarides, Jay Hanenkratt, Loraine Comfort, Van (Lisa) Hanenkratt, Corinne (Mike) Lamb and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Don was also preceded in death by his brother, Richard “Dick” Benschneider.
Viewing will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, April 2, with a Masonic Service at 7 p.m. at Dooley Funeral Home, Payne. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 3, with viewing one hour prior at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in Wiltsie Cemetery.
Preferred memorials: Elara Caring Hospice or the Payne Fire & EMS.
Fond memories may be shared at dooleyfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 03/30/26 at 4:24 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Delores “Dee” Ann Jackson, 78, of Van Wert, passed away Friday morning, March 27, 2026, at Mercy Health Medical Center of Lima.
She was born on November 18, 1947, in South Charleston, West Virginia, the daughter of Donald Eustace Lanier and Virginia Louise (Stover) Lanier, who both preceded her in death. On October 1, 1994, she married Michael V. Jackson, who survives in Van Wert.
Dee was the beloved mother of two children, Kelly (Rick) Rangler of Jackson, Michigan, and James C. Moore of Stockdale, Texas; two stepchildren, Michael Jackson of Adrian, Michigan, and Janine (Jeff) Kelk of Morenci, Michigan; eight grandchildren, Spencer Rangler, Corbin Rangler (dec.). Olivia Rangler, Molly Moore, Ellie Moore, Haley Moore, Seth Kelk, and Calvin Kelk; one sister, Cathy L. Lanier of Van Wert, and many nieces and nephews that she truly adored.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Kevin Ray Moore; two brothers, Donald E. Lanier and Gerald E. Lanier, and one sister, Amy Louise Sowards.
She worked as a seamstress at the General Motors Plant in Adrian, Michigan, sewing car seats. Dee was a 1965 graduate of South Charleston High School in West Virginia and a member of First United Brethren Church of Christ in Van Wert. She was also a former member of the TWIG Group IV and the Evergreen Garden Club, and an OSU Master Gardener.
Funeral services for Dee will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 2, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home of Van Wert. Calling hours will be from 9 a.m. until the time of services on Thursday. Interment will take place at the Palmyra Village Cemetery in Palmyra, Michigan, at 3 p.m. Thursday.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Gideons International or the Corbin Rangler Memorial Bluebird Scholarship Fund of Jackson County, Michigan.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 03/30/26 at 9:52 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
