Larry Ned Althaus, 72, of Bluffton died at 5:40 p.m. July 20, 2011 at St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima. He was born Dec. 7, 1938 in Bluffton to Henry and Gertrude Diller Althaus. On Dec. 13, 1958 he married Patricia Drury and she survives.

Mr. Althaus was a farmer and retired from the Ford Motor Company as a toolmaker. He was a member of First Mennonite Church, Bluffton where he served on various boards and committees. A member of the Allen East Ohio Young Farmers, Allen County Farm Bureau and its council circle 35, Farm Service Agency of Allen County and Board of directors of Farmer's Elevator of Beaverdam and the Swiss Community Historical Society. Graduate of Bluffton High School in 1956. He enjoyed woodworking and his antique tractors.

Survivors also include two sons, Jeffrey (Dianne) Althaus of Columbus Grove, Randall (Janice) Althaus of Bluffton, a daughter, Annette (Nathan) Heslep of Bluffton, six grandchildren, Traci (Steven) Heinze, Katie Althaus, Julie Althaus, Abbey Heslep, Amelia Heslep, Jason Althaus, two brothers, Jerry (Irene) Althaus of Bluffton, Gary (Janis) Althaus of Brookville and a mother in law, Louise Drury of Sebring, Fla.

Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday at First Mennonite Church, Bluffton. Revs. Steven Yoder and Louise Wideman will officiate. Burial will be in Ebenezer Mennonite Cemetery, Bluffton.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Saturday and 2-6 p.m. Sunday at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services. Memorial contributions may be made to First Mennonite Church Capital Improvement Fund or the Swiss Community Historical Society. Online condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.