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
Debra (Morefield) Klausing, 70, of Van Wert, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital.
She was born on August 25, 1955, to Peggy (Lamb) Morefield and Joseph Morefield.
Debra is survived by her three daughters, Kari (Clyde) Thatcher of Van Wert, Kelli Cheney of Wren, and Kristy Klausing of Reynoldsburg; her sister, Joanna (Rocky) Elrod of Calhoun, Georgia; her brother, Jeff Morefield of Van Wert; eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Peg and JD; her brother, Denny Morefield, and her son-in-law, Brent Cheney.
Debra loved Ohio State football, cheering on the Miami Dolphins – especially Dan Marino – watching crime shows, Survivor, and The Challenge. She enjoyed spending time on Facebook, keeping up with friends and family, sharing updates, and staying connected. But above all, she loved her family and the Lord. She was ready to meet her maker.
There will be no formal services at this time. A celebration of Debra’s life will be held at a later date, with details to be shared with family and friends.
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die.” — John 11:25
Brickner Funeral Home, Van Wert, assisted the family with arrangements.
POSTED: 02/19/26 at 1:50 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Robert W. “Bob” Etgen, 96, of Middle Point, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Vancrest of Van Wert.
He was born July 7, 1929, in Fort Jennings, to Sylvester and Catherine (Broecker) Etgen. They both preceded him in death. Bob was united in marriage to Peggy Neer on November 24, 1949. She preceded him in death on May 16, 2020.
Bob is survived by his brother, Paul (June Ernst) Etgen of Delphos; nieces, Janet (Mark) Correll of Delphos, Rene (Vernon) Hundley, Patty Fraker, and Karla (Bob) Hoying, all of Middle Point; nephews, Steve (Barb) Etgen of Ottoville, Greg (Joelyn) Etgen of Delphos, Dave (Angie) Etgen of Spencerville, Dana Hoghe, of Middle Point, Shane (Cindy) Neer, of Florida, and many great nieces and nephews. Bob and Peggy are also survived by their “unofficial” adopted family, Jim and Joyce Berning, of Wolf Lake, Michigan, who called Bob and Peggy “Grandpa and Grandma” and their children, Jason (Julia) Berning of Germany, Jamie Berning, of Hilliard,, Jeremy (Megan) Berning of Brunswick, and their children.
Bob was also preceded in death by three brothers in-law, Harold, Merkle, and Glen Neer; sister in-law, Helen Hoghe; nephews, Terry Neer and Joe Hoghe, and nieces, Mildred Johnson, and Kimala Strickler.
Bob was a graduate of Delphos St. John High School and played in the school band. He was a 1959 graduate of the Defiance College. Bob was proud to have been a United States Marine, serving in the Korean War. He was a business education teacher at Vantage Career Center and International Business College. Bob was a member of the United Methodist Church in Middle Point, Van Wert American Legion, Ohio Education Association, North Central Education, and Vocational Association. He was the past president of the Auglaize County Teacher’s Association, Ohio State Dance, Lima Area Council of Square Dancing, Middle Point Founder’s Day, and Revived Peony Festival. He and Peggy were always at the Van Wert County Fair, helping with the antiques. He also was a diehard fan of the Cincinnati Reds. Bob and Peggy hosted seven exchange students through Youth for Understanding. They spent their winters in Texas for many years.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 24, the Middle Point United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Ridge Cemetery in Middle Point. Visitation will be held an hour before the service.
Preferred memorials: the Middle Point United Methodist Church and CHP Hospice.
Harter & Schier Funeral Home, Delphos was honored to assist the family with arrangements.
POSTED: 02/17/26 at 8:41 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Sylvia Marie Hoghe, 95, of Van Wert, passed away Tuesday afternoon, February 10, 2026, at VanCrest of Van Wert.
She was born on April 26th, 1930, in Liberty Township, Van Wert County, to Earle C. Hoghe and Sylvia May (Parker) Hoghe, who both preceded her in death.
Family survivors include her nieces, Carol Smetzley of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Rosalyn (Jim) Witten of Phoenix, Arizona, Gloria (Jon) Foor of Lagro, Indiana, and Lucinda (Robert) Coveney of Eaton; her nephews, L. Stan (Millie) Hoghe of The Villages, Florida, and Kevin (Amy) Wermer of Medina.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Evelyn G. Clouse and Thelma M. Wermer; a brother, Albert C. Hoghe; a niece, Geraldine L. Sallee, and a nephew, Charles R. Clouse.
She was a 1948 graduate from Ohio City-Liberty High School. Sylvia was a short order cook at Balyeats Coffee Shop until her retirement in 1992. She was a member of Van Wert Senior Citizens Club, Van Wert Genealogical Society, Lima Astronomy Society, and the Promise Church of Van Wert.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home of Van Wert with Pastor Aaron McGranahan of Promise Church officiating. Interment will be at Van Wert Woodland Cemetery. Calling hours are from 9:30 a.m. until time of services on May 2 at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials: Promise Church or CHP Hospice of Van Wert.
Online condolences may be expressed on the Tribute Wall at cowanfuneralhome.com.
POSTED: 02/16/26 at 1:26 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Richard G. Hubble, 79, of Van Wert, died at 4:30am on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Vancrest of Van Wert.
He was born on January 8, 1943, in Jamestown, Indiana, to George Edwin and Leota (Wethington) Hubble. He married the former Monica Lynn Burnett.
Rich graduated from Lima Shawnee High School was in 1966 and was a veteran of the United States Army. He retired from Federal Mogul in Van Wert. Rich was a member of Grace Bible Church in Van Wert and the United Steel Workers Union. He found joy in attending church functions and horseback riding at Woods and Waters in Delphos.
Rich is survived by a son, Michael T. Hubble of Van Wert, and three grandchildren, Asher, Jaden and Gracen Hubble.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Moni; a son, Benjamin Hubble, and his brother, Robert Hubble.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m.Thursday, February 19, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with Rev. Lance Hostetler officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials: the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 02/16/26 at 1:08 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Barbara Anne Allen, 92, of Convoy, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Vancrest of Van Wert.
Barbara was born on February 24, 1933, in Convoy, at her family home to William F. and Rhea (Kreischer) Clay. On June 14, 1953, she married Richard F. Allen, who preceded her in death on December 17, 2010.
She is survived by her five children, Cindy Baxter of Convoy, Randy (Julie) Allen of Columbus, Dan (Laurie) Allen of Grove City, Jim (Carrie) Allen of Convoy, and Mary (Jared) Stumpp of Vermilion; 13 grandchildren, Zach Baxter, Kyle (Tiffani) Baxter, Caleb (Beth) Hoffman, Jennifer Allen (Nathen Miller), Brian (Sarah) Allen, Kimberly (Kyle) Leachman, Bradley Allen, Alexx Allen, Larissa (Eliott) Richardson, Whitney (Anthony) Snead, Emily Stumpp (Timothy Woolf), Katie Stumpp, and Heather (Andrew) Smith; 24 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren. Mrs. Allen has a sister, Libbi Ellis of Brookville, and a brother-in-law, Roger (Dottie) Allen of Warsaw, Indiana. She was a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Jeanne Stuck; and a brother, Thomas Clay; and a great granddaughter.
Barb was the only remaining classmate of her graduating class of Convoy High School 1951, of which she was salutatorian. She had attended Wittenberg College in Springfield and was a telephone operator for Indiana Bell Telephone Company in Fort Wayne and later in Convoy. She was an honorary member of the Convoy Research Club, was an avid reader and a former charter member of Calvary Evangelical Church. She cherished her family, was an avid sports fan, especially The Ohio State Buckeyes, an avid bird-watcher, and a dog lover of many, especially Daisy.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Gearhart-Sauer Funeral Home, Convoy. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with Rev. Clark Williman, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Preferred memorials: to the Van Wert County Humane Society or to the Brumback Library.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 02/14/26 at 12:13 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Todd R. King passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 in Stuttgart, Germany.
He was born August 15, 1961, to Randolph and Delight King. Randolph King preceded him in death August 12, 2021.
Todd leaves behind his mother, Delight King of Van Wert; his wife Maria of Stuttgart, Germany; his son Jordan King of Be’er Sheva, Israel; three grandchildren, Jordan Jr., Aviv King, and Livia King all in Israel; a brother Trent and Judy King of Van Wert, and brother Tobin and Renee King of Moreland, Georgia.
Todd graduated from Van Wert High School in 1979, Working as a trainer for the Cougar football team during high school and working for his good friend Bill Derry at Derry Drug. Todd then went on to further his education at Valparaiso University for one year and then went on to Texas Christian University (TCU) for the remainder of his education majoring in education. He then worked teaching in Ohio and furthered his learning in computer programing. In 2010 Todd got hired by a company that contracted to our military forces overseas. After training in Fort Benning, Georgia, his first assignment was in Kuwait, and then various places around Europe, settling in Stuttgart, Germany since 2016.
Todd was well liked everywhere he went and had many friends. He was very energetic and full of life and was up for anything. He loved sports of all kinds and adored his grandchildren. He is truly missed and was loved by all. Todd was a Christian and professed his faith in Jesus Christ.
Internment will be in Germany and there will be no services.
POSTED: 02/13/26 at 9:32 am. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Paula Jean Wexler, 78, of Columbus, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Kobacker House.
Paula was born on April 21, 1947, in Toledo to Paul and Nancy Warden.
Paula grew up in Van Wert and was the eldest of eight children. She moved to Columbus in 1969. She was a loving mother to her three children and ten grandchildren.
She worked in sales, which suited her because of her outgoing and vivacious personality. She enjoyed vacationing at the beach, playing Euchre and Gin Rummy and watching live music. Her favorite thing was spending time with her family and spoiling her grandchildren. She volunteered at the women’s shelter and provided gifts and homemade treats at Christmas to the homeless shelters in Columbus. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and read several books a week. Her favorite show was Jeopardy, and she knew most of the answers. She was always impeccably dressed and lit up every room she walked into. She wouldn’t been seen in public without her favorite red lipstick and loved a statement hat.
She had many friends and was loved by all. She will be dearly missed but her memory will live on in all she touched. We know Heaven welcomed her with open arms and find peace in knowing she is whole again and feeling no pain. She will forever be our guardian angel watching over those she loved so deeply.
Paula is survived by her six siblings, nine nieces and nephews and her children, Lisa Thitoff, Jeff (Heather) Thitoff, Chad Thitoff; grandchildren, Gabrielle, Thomas, Ashley, Olivia, Emma, Ari, Maddy, Chloe, Charlotte and Arthur, and her best friends since childhood, Dianne Moysey-Fisk and Trina Shultz.
Paula was preceded in death by her father, Paul; mother, Nancy; husband, Donald; brother, Steven, and granddaughter Sophie.
The family will host a celebration of life at Gabby’s from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, March 14.
To share a condolence with the family, visit www.Shaw-Davis.com.
The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Compassus Hospice and the Kobacker House for ensuring Paula was comfortable and passed with dignity.
To order memorial trees in memory of Paula Jean Wexler, click here.
POSTED: 02/12/26 at 4:44 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Sandra K. Tracy, 78, of Van Wert, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Lima Memorial Hospital.
She was born on September 29, 1947, in Defiance, to James and Helene (Reynolds) McCulley, who both preceded her in death. On May 4, 1968, Sandra married the love of her life, Stanley Tracy. Together they were members of First United Brethren in Christ Church, where she faithfully served as secretary.
Sandra was the assistant director of the Brumback Library until 1994, after which she worked for Dr. Benya for several years. She later served as office manager for the Van Wert Chamber of Commerce and for ALL Service and Repair. She enjoyed working with the public and visiting with friends and family. She adored her pets and especially cherished every moment spent with her granddaughter, Zoey.
Sandra is survived by her daughter, Megan Tracy of Van Wert, and her granddaughter, Zoey Elaine Tracy of Rockford.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Tracy.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at First United Brethren in Christ Church, Van Wert. Visitation will be held prior to the service.
Memorial donations may be directed to the family.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 02/12/26 at 1:57 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Glenda K. Schaadt of Van Wert, passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital.
She was born May 16, 1954, to Glenn and Dorothy Etzler, who both preceded in in death, and was also preceded in love and guidance by her stepfathers, Sylvester Grote and Ervin Klausing.
Glenda leaves behind a legacy defined by love, kindness, and quiet strength. She was known for her warm heart, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends. One of four siblings: brother Gary (Linda) Etzler of Hubbard Lake, Michigan, and sisters Sue (Doc) Stokes of Middle Point, and Debra (Dewight) Hitchcock of Van Wert. She was a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.
On May 20, 1989, Glenda married the love of her life, Kent J. Schaadt, who remained her devoted husband. Her greatest pride and joy were her children. She was a deeply devoted mother to Robert (Josue) Sites of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Spencer (Zoey) Schaadt of Van Wert. Her heart overflowed with love for her grandchild, Romy Wendyl Schaadt, who affectionately knew her as “Gramma Gigi,” a title Glenda treasured above all others.
Glenda had a unique gift for making everyone feel instantly welcome, often greeting others with her signature introduction: “Hi, I’m Glenda-like the good witch!” Through thoughtful conversation, quick wit, a helping hand, or a simple smile, she touched countless lives in meaningful and lasting ways. Her professional life was rooted in service to others, reflecting her natural compassion and care. She cherished her family, the comfort of her home, a good sweet treat, and the simple joys of time spent together – moments that became lifelong memories.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, February 13, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home Chapel, Van Wert.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness in Glenda’s memory.
Glenda was a passionate supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and various social causes, and donations made in her honor are welcome. https://www.stjude.org/donate.
Online condolences may be shared at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 02/10/26 at 4:12 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
Glendene VanLandingham, 102, of Convoy, passed on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Van Wert Manor.
She was born in 1923, in Paulding County to Fred and Phoebe (Mohr) VanLandingham, who both preceded her in death. Glendene was reared by her uncle and aunt, the late Alfred and Opal (Spicer) Mohr.
Surviving are several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her infant sister, Lois Maxine VanLandingham; one brother, Dean Mohr VanLandingham; one half brother, Charles L. VanLandingham, and four cousins, Guiles C. Mohr, Kendall A. Mohr, Ersel E. Mohr, and Elizabeth A. Brautigam.
Glendene was a graduate of Convoy High School and graduated with degrees from Mission House College and Western Michigan University. She was an educational missionary to India in the early 1950s. For the next 30 years, Glendene taught high school students and was a guidance counselor. She retired from Ottawa-Glandorf Schools. Glendene was a member of Pleasant Chapel United Methodist Church.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home with Pastor Kimberly Thomas officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour before the service.
Memorials may be made to Crestview Bible Center or to Van Wert Pregnancy Life Center.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.
POSTED: 02/08/26 at 6:41 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries
