Obituaries

Ruth L. Fritschi, 88  died Aug.15, 2015, at Richland Manor, Bluffton. Ruth was born April 14, 1927, in Beach City, Ohio, to Swiss immigrants Arnold and Lina (Bloch) Winkelman who preceded her in death. On Nov. 13, 1955, she married Ernest Fritschi who survives.

Ruth Fritschi, 88, died Aug. 15, 2015, at Richland Manor, Bluffton. Arrangements are incomplete at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton.

J. Irene Hamman, 94, died Aug. 6, 2015, at Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton.  Irene was born July 1, 1921, in New York City to Tracy and Mary (McKnight) Baseley who preceded her in death. On Oct. 1, 1944, she married Raymond Hamman who preceded her in death on April 11, 2000.

She was an active member of her church in each community where she lived, teaching Sunday school, VBS, singing in the choir, working on various committees, and hosting as needed. She served as a Girl Scout leader for several years and chaperoned more than one Junior Prom.

Charles E. "Chuck" Shepler, 97, died Aug. 14, 2015, at Bridge Hospice Care Center, Findlay.  Chuck was born June 3, 1918, in Rockford to the late Robert and Marintha (Roberts) Shepler. On Oct. 14, 1939, he married Augusta "Mim" (Kill) Shepler who preceded him in death on April 16, 2009.

Chuck had worked for Buckeye Pipeline for 45 years. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Bluffton. Chuck was a member of the Columbus Grove Eagles #2772, Bluffton Senior Citizens and the Ada VFW.  He was also a member of the Northwest Ohio Antique Machinery Association. 

Lawrence Amstutz Jr., 87, of Pandora died 12:35 p.m., Aug.13, 2015, at the Hilty Memorial Home, Pandora.  Lawrence was born July 11, 1928, in Pandora to the late Lawrence and Verna Miller Amstutz.  On Dec. 9, 1960 he married Betty Dew at the Grace Methodist Church, Lima, and she survives. 

Lawrence retired from the Ford Engine Plant, Lima.  He was a member of the Pandora United Methodist Church. Lawrence was a graduate of Pandora High School and served in the Air Force during the Korean War. 

Gerald L. “Jerry” Joseph, 64, died on Friday, Aug. 7, at 3:34 p.m. at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima.

He was born on Sept. 17, 1950 in Lima, Ohio, to John “Buck” Joseph, Jr. and Goldie (Courtright) Breece. His father survives in Arizona. His mother is deceased and dad, Robert (Vicki) Breece survives in Lakeview. On May 20, 1996, he married Kathy L. Mann and she survives in Harrod.

Jerry retired as an electrician from Continental Plastics, Lima, and DTR Manufacturing, Bluffton. He was a member of the Indian Lake Moose Lodge #1533.

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