David Kihm served in the U.S. Air Force
David Kihm, 81, of Bluffton, died May 10th, 2024 at home surrounded by family.
Mr. Kihm was born Sept. 3, 1942 in Ashtabula, OH to Albert and Carolyn (O'Conner) Kihm, who he lost at an early age. He was raised by his brother Bud and his wife Norma.
He married Marilyn (Neiling) on Oct. 1, 1997.
He was among the last freshman class to graduate from St. Gerard's High School, Lima; and the original Lima Central Catholic School at St. Rose, graduating in 1960. He was Senior Class President.
Mr. Kihm proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to 1964. He was stationed at Offutt Air Base in Omaha, NE and Royal Air Base Heyford, England, for 3 years. One of his memories was serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis where 18 B-47 bombers were running and ready to go when Communist Party Leader Nikita Khrushchev blinked first, and stood down.
He was one of the original 35 employees hired at Procter & Gamble of Lima in 1968. He retired in 1997 after working 29 and a half years. Dave enjoyed Civil War history and shooting groundhogs.
He is survived by brothers Tom (Nell) Kihm, of Arkansas, and Daniel (Julie) Kihm, Tipp City, OH.
Surviving are a son, Brent (Marie) Kihm, of Ottawa; a daughter, Danielle Laing, of Columbus Grove; grandchildren, Dr. Amber Kihm; Tyler (Ariel) Kihm; Abigail Laing, and Spencer Laing; step-children, Melissa (Jason) Brinkman; Kristy (Doug) Schweingruber; Tonya (Trent) VanFossen; a great-grandchild, Kaysen Richard Kihm; nephews Greg Kihm, Douglas Kihm, and Joseph Kihm; nieces Maria (Jim) Hicks, Rhiannon (Kyle) Lewis, grandchildren Kylie & Ashley Brinkman; Makayla, Jordan and Addison Schweingruber; and Alexis and Caden VanFossen.
Also preceding him in death were brothers James and Bud; and sister-in-law, Norma (IIames) Kihm; and a nephew Daniel "Little Dan" Kihm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 240 W. Robb Ave., Lima, where the family will receive friends for two hours prior to the Mass from 9:00 to 11:00 a,m.
Interment will immediately follow the Mass in Gethsemani Cemetery, where VFW Post 1275 and active duty members of the United States Air Force will render final military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Putnam County Hospice or to St. Gerard Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com/
Stories Posted This Week
Monday, June 30, 2025
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Saturday, June 28, 2025
- Community Pool closed June 28
- Weekend Doctor: About Rotator Cuff Repair
- WOAL Swim Champs in Wapakoneta July 11-12
- '60s Survivors Band plays fifth annual free concert
- Bluffton Lions to bring all-abilities playground to new Legacy Park
- July 2025 programs and services at Bluffton Public Library
- Save the date: July 17 Garden Club is all about herbs
- Bluffton Vacation Bible School, July 13-17 at Bluffton Y
Friday, June 27, 2025
- Foundation launches Rooted to Rise initiative
- Eight vehicle injury crash IR 75 in Hancock County
- Bluffton Mayor commends Safety Services on June 26 injury accident response
- What's in your weekend?, June 27-28-29
- Go wolfhound to Bluffton
- Letter: Ask for veto of HB 96 library provision
- ODNR Offering Hunter Education Instructor Classes
Thursday, June 26, 2025
- Bluffton safety services respond to multi-vehicle accidents on I-75
- Travel opportunities update from Bluffton Senior Center
- Send July 2025 Community Calendar items to the Icon
- National Night Out is August 5, planning is in final stages
- Bluffton Senior Center activities schedule for July 2025
- Does your business have summer hours? Post them on the Icon
- Bluffton, Ohio ranks 4th in Ohio for bike network quality