Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home, 215 North Walnut Street, Bucyrus, OH (2026)

12/30/2025

Arden Lee Leonhardt passed away on December 28, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by his family at home. Arden passed away following a brief and aggressive battle with cancer, having lived a full life defined by hard work and devotion to his family. Born March 18, 1943, and raised in Sulphur Springs, Ohio, he was the son of the late Walter Leonhardt and Helen (Hammer) Leonhardt Noblit.

Arden, also known as Artie to most, attended Auto Diesel School in Nashville, Tennessee, after high school. He worked at General Motors until he founded Leonhardt Auto Sales in 1969. He successfully operated the dealership for decades before passing the family business on to his son, Greg in 2008. Artie took great pride in seeing the legacy continue through his grandson, Jacob Leonhardt, who now works alongside Greg at the lot on N. Sandusky Ave. Artie was a fixture in the Bucyrus community for over 50 years, known for having a way of finding the right car for every customer, his quick humor, and his love for telling a good story to anyone who stopped by. He was a regular at the Tiffin Auto Auction, rarely missing a week. He loved the thrill of the auction and the company of fellow car lovers. What mattered most to Artie was people. That genuine love for others became his defining trait, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met

Artie married Vera (Powell) Leonhardt in 1964, and together they built a life centered around family and the outdoors. Outside of the car lot, Artie had a love for his black 1958 Chevy Impala, motorcycles, boating, camping, fishing, deer hunting and was on a bowling team for many years. It had long been Artie and Vera’s dream to own land on Lake Erie. In 1980, they fulfilled that goal by building a family retreat in Marblehead, Ohio. This special getaway allowed them to spend more time together as a family and enjoy playing on the lake.
Beyond his community involvement, he was a lifelong Cleveland Indians fan who rarely missed a game on TV. He was a member of the American Legion, AMVETS, and VFW Post 1078. Additionally, he was a lifetime member of Bucyrus Moose 669, having been a member since 1969.

In addition to his wife Vera, Artie is survived by children: Dave (Connie) Leonhardt, Joellen (Tony) Leonhardt-Kistner, and Greg (Carrie) Leonhardt; Artie leaves behind 8 beloved grandchildren, Sarah (Aaron) Leonhardt-Fairbanks, Aleesa (Doug) Paullin, Baylee (Kirby) Clemens, Jacob Leonhardt, Carlee Leonhardt, Erin (Levi) Licata, Autumn Kistner, Stone Kistner and 5 great-grandchildren, Nola, Amelia, Clyde, Berklee and Xaden. Arden also shared a deeply meaningful bond with Theresa and Tom Fitkin and their family, whom he was blessed to find and embrace as his own; siblings brothers Gerald (Barbara) Leonhardt and Robert (Christine) Leonhardt.

Arden was preceded in death by his son Dan Leonhardt in October 2002. Following Dan’s passing, the family welcomed Dan’s wife Ronda’s new husband, Scott, and his children into their lives; they have been an integral part of the Leonhardt family unit ever since.

Artie faced his illness with the same quiet strength and relentless work ethic that defined his fifty-six years in the car business. He remained the man everyone knew and respected until the very end, finishing his life journey just like he lived—on his own terms.

The family will receive friends at the Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home on Friday from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm. Services will be held for the family on Saturday with Pastor Ray LaSalle officiating and burial to follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials be in the form of contributions to the Crawford County Conservation League or the donor’s choice. Expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com

12/29/2025

Edgar Thomas Rayborn, 90 of Bucyrus passed away on Saturday December 27, 2025 at Altercare of Bucyrus surrounded by his family. Edgar was born June 20, 1935 in Lewis County, Kentucky to the late Elmer and Vena (Ackley) Rayborn. He was married December 8, 1955 to the love of his life, Naomi Ruth Rayborn “Jippy” who preceded him in death on February 4, 2024. Along with his parents and wife, Edgar is preceded in death by sister; Ruthie Shaw, brothers; Paul, Allen, Robert, George, Jim, Jerry, and Dale, sister in law; Elizabeth, and granddaughter; Carrie Sue Stander.

Edgar is survived by children; Larry (Beth) Rayborn, Michale Rayborn, Rita (Mel) Edwards, Rick (Teresa) Rayborn, and Troy (Carolyn) Rayborn; 9 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren; sister, Marcella; sister in law, Ruby.

Edgar worked and retired from Swan Rubber after 32 years. He enjoyed watching sports and was an Ohio State, Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians, Kentucky Wild Cats, and the Colonel Crawford Eagles fan. Edgar also enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports, sometimes watching two ball fields at the same time. He was also a member of the Heritage Baptist Church.

A private funeral service will be held on Wednesday in the Munz Pirnstill Funeral Home with Pastor Rodney Noblet officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. The family suggest that memorials be made to the donor’s choice and expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com
The family would like to thank all the nurses and staff, as well as the residents that took care of our father at Altercare of Bucyrus.

12/27/2025

Beth Arlene Kirkpatrick, 48 of Chatfield, Ohio passed away on December 25, 2025, at home. Beth was born July 4, 1977, in Zanesville, OH to Leslie Kirkpatrick of New Lexington, OH and Bonnie (Sheline) Kirkpatrick of Heath OH. She was married December 18, 2023, to Pamela Sue (Holmes) Kirkpatrick who survives. Beth is also survived by children Harry Showalter and Megan Showalter; stepchildren Tracy (Troy) Blanchard, Aaron Harmon, Thomas Harmon, Eric Howard, and Stacy Howard; 6 step grandchildren and 1 expecting; as well as sister Teresa Hall.
Beth moved to this area in 2021 and worked in Willard at Fisher Titus Medical Center. She spent time with her family and always helped others. Beth enjoyed cleaning, playing video games on her phone and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday January 5th, 2025, at 3:00 pm in the Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com and memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home.

12/22/2025

Matthew Herman Saffell, 71 of Bucyrus passed away on Saturday December 20, 2025, at home. Matthew was born March 30, 1954, in Bucyrus to the late Don and Ruth (Messerschmidt) Saffell. He was also preceded in death by stepson Dennis Evans.

Matt is survived by wife Rebecca Evans-Saffell; children Nathan Saffell and Jessica Moyer; brother Tim Saffell; brother and sister-in-law David and Jackie Evans; stepson Corey Evans; and grandchildren which include special grandsons Erik, Crawford, and Logan Evans.

Matt graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1971. He enjoyed driving truck and working on his cars and motorcycles.

The Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements and expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com

12/12/2025

Charles Eric Smith, 84 of Bucyrus, passed away Tuesday, December 9th, 2025 at Galion Hospital. He was born September 23, 1941 in Akron, OH to the late Charles and Marjorie (Jones) Smith. On August 17, 1979 he married Linda “Carrie” Ann Smith, and she survives. Along with his parents, Charles was also preceded in death by brother, Mark Smith; and sister, Carol Gibeaut.

Charles is also survived by his children, Linda (Bell) Harigle of Bucyrus, Thomas (Angela) Bell of Shelby, Michael (Tara) Bell of Ridgeway, and Bonnie (Richie) Bell of Bucyrus; grandchildren, David Harigle, Nikitia Harigle, Tommy Harigle, Chelsea Bell, Garrett Bell, Freedom Bell, and Bladen Bell; several great grandchildren; sisters, Rosemary Fausnight, Suzanne Bettis; and brother, Walter Smith; and several nieces and nephews.

Charles was a loving and caring father who worked very hard to take care of his wife and children. He worked at Marion Power Shovel for 17 years and then became an over-the-road truck driver. He had a passion for antique tractors as well.

The Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com

12/11/2025

Hollie “Gene” Keenan, 66 of Bucyrus passed away on Monday December 8, 2025 at home. Gene was born June 11, 1959 in Charleston West Virginia to the late William and Susan J. (Armstead) Keenan. He was also preceded in death by nephew Shane Hammond and brother in law Floyd Forshaw.

Gene is survived by three children, David and Amy of Arkansas, and Shelley (Tyson) Thompson of Oceola, OH; grandchildren Destiny Thompson, Alvie (Jayden) Goad, and Nickolas Thompson; great grandchildren Isabelle Goodin and Elena Goad; brother Joe (Carol) Keenan of Crestline; sisters Charlotte Snyder of Galion, Deloris Keenan of Colorado Springs, Sharon Forshaw of Crestline, Janice (Chris) Dapper of Mansfield, and Sondra (Doug) Jones of Galion; best friends Vance and Carolina Shepherd of Indiana; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Gene last worked for Home Sheet Metal and Furnace in Bucyrus. He enjoyed doing auto repair work and going fishing.

A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday December 17, 2025 at 12 noon at the Keenan Cemetery near Summersville, West Virginia. The Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements and expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com. The family suggests any memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home.

12/10/2025

Christine Joy (Nickelson) Ricksecker, 64 of Bucyrus passed away on Monday December 8, 2025, at home following a longtime illness. Christine was born February 4, 1961, in Bucyrus to the late James Robert Nickelson and Rita Irene (Stover) Nickelson of Bucyrus. She was married on July 18, 1981 to Michael Ricksecker who preceded her in death on August 8, 2015. In addition to her father and husband, she was preceded in death by nephew Bryan Nickelson and niece Ashley Leuthold Montgomery.

Christine is survived by her mother Rita, siblings James (Becky) Nickelson Jr., Mike (Betty) Nickelson, Sue Powell, and Grant (Carrie) Nickelson; special nephew that she raised Scott Wicker; as well as many additional nieces, nephews, friends, and her two favorite cats “Sweet Pea” and “Poppy”.

Christine graduated from Wynford High School in 1979 and had worked at United Church Directories and Black Hawk. She also volunteered for New Day Ministries that she was very passionate about. Christine was very creative and loved doing arts and crafts. She is remembered for her outgoing personality, contagious laugh, & a caring heart! She also was a huge fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday December 18, 2025, at 6:00 pm in the Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home with Pastor Kaden Thomas officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until the time of the Service.

The family suggests memorials be in the form of contributions to New Day Ministries and expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com

12/04/2025

Arnold White, 90 of Bucyrus passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday December 3, 2025 at home. Arnold was born March 23, 1935 in Vanceburg, Kentucky to the late George Frances White and Catherine (Hauck) White. He was also preceded in death by sisters Evelyn White, Corinne White Decker, and Wanda Hartzer.

Arnold is survived by wife Helen Fay (Bloomfield) White; children Valerie (Robert) VanBuren, William (Lori) White, and Jeff (Kelli) White; 7 grandchildren, Anjuli and Erik White, Natasha Riley, Rebecca, Daniel, and Anthony Coleman, and Ashley VanBuren, 7 great grandchildren, as well as brother Lynn “Bud” White.

Arnold moved to Bucyrus in 1955 and retired from Swan Hose after 43 years. He was a member of the Marion Road Church of Christ where he served as an elder and treasurer for several years. Most important to Arnold was the Lord and his family. He enjoyed helping others and was a blessing to all that knew him.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday at 12 Noon in the Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home with Matt Dahm officiating. Burial will be held in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Marion Rd. Church of Christ or to Avita Hospice.

12/02/2025

Edward E. Vinson, 86 of Bucyrus passed away on Monday December 1, 2025 at Bucyrus Community Hospital. Ed was born June 7, 1939 in Cookeville, TN to the late Davie and Vada (Ragland) Vinson. He was also preceded in death by his wife Bessie (Harper) Vinson on April 11, 2013 as well as brothers Brian and Paul Vinson.

Edward is survived by children Debra White and Terry Carmichael of Bucyrus; Anna White-Berry of Littleton, CO; Stevi (Mike) McIntosh of Washington, D.C.; Terrance Carmichael of Bucyrus; Everett and Marcus Carmichael both of Bucyrus; great grandchildren Ashley and Robbie Berry and Chloe McIntosh; sister Wanda Riley of Johnsville, OH; nephews and niece David Eric Vinson, Laura Joan Browning, Keith and Gary Vinson, Wayne, Michael, Donald, and Jeffery Spence; numerous great nephews and nieces; and 2 sister in laws Cynthia Harper and Sharon Vinson both of Bucyrus.

Ed graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1957 and was a self-employed contractor both building and remodeling. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army and enjoyed watching the O.S.U. Buckeyes and doing puzzles.

Funeral Services for Edward will be held on Friday at 1:00 pm in the Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home with burial to follow in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 11:00 am until the time of the service. Expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com

11/25/2025

Phyllis Ann Spengler, 89, of Bucyrus passed away on Monday November 24, 2025 at Altercare of Bucyrus. Phyllis was born July 24, 1936 in Galion, Ohio to the late Howard L. and Georgia May (Westenbarger) Burwell. She was married on June 19, 1954 to Donald Jones of Shelby and separated in 1975. She was also married on January 23, 1977 to Herbert Spengler who preceded her in death.

Phyllis is survived by son Jeff Jones of Bucyrus and daughter Susan (Roy) Barnes of Ontario, Canada; grandchildren James (Danielle) Jones of Bloomville, Erica (Nico) Giles Provost of Quebec, Canada, and Cameron Barnes of Ontario, Canada; great-grand daughter Tallie Rhea Provost; dear friend Harold Manring of Bucyrus; as well as one sister Bonnie (Jim) Craig of Cummings, Georgia.

Phyllis lived her entire life in this area and graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1954. She began her career at Swan Rubber in the office and was a secretary at the Ohio State Highway Patrol-Bucyrus Post. For many years Phyllis worked in the Crawford County Courthouse Probation office as an executive secretary and then as the Crawford County Divorce Investigator. Phyllis was an expert at shorthand, typing and organization.

A Member of Woodlawn Global Methodist Church, Phyllis was also a member of the Red Hat Society, a lifetime member of American Legion Post 181, and the Ohio AMVETS Post 27 where she served on the Ladies Auxiliary.

Phyllis was always busy volunteering including in the gift shop at Bucyrus Community Hospital, Meals on Wheels, and crocheting sleeping mats for the homeless.

Phyllis touched many people throughout her life. She was a kind, considerate and friendly person. Phyllis loved traveling and celebrating holidays, spending time with friends and family, playing bingo and euchre, putting together challenging jigsaw puzzles, reading, knitting and crocheting. She kept a beautiful home, loved growing flowers and sitting on her front porch swing.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday December 1, 2025 at 2:00 pm in the Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Oakwood Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio AMVETS Post 27, or Gifts for Yanks. Expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com

11/24/2025

Maria Dos Anjos Machado Silva (Angie), 65 of Bucyrus passed away on Saturday November 22, 2025 at Unger Park Post Acute. Maria was born October 2, 1960 in Portugal to Manuel and Maria Sofia (Machado) Silva. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by grandchild Jillianna and siblings Manuel (Manny) and Kevin.

Maria is survived by children Jennifer, James “Jimmy” (Ally), Madeline (J.R.), and Sabrina; grandchildren Chase, Kera, Brianna, Morrigan, Christian, Andromeda, Cordilia “DD”, Tony, and Adrian; great grandchild Vivian; and siblings Valdimar “Val”, Maria Fernanda “Marie”, Maria Da Graca “Grace”, Joao (John), Fernando, and Annbella “Ana”

Maria came to America from Humberto Grande Portugal in the late 70’s early 80’s. She lived most of her teen life in Fall River Massachusetts and eventually moved to Ohio. Growing up, she became very, very close friends with Betty and Debra and enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow up. She was never afraid to speak her mind. She loved traveling to different places and going on trips with her friends. She also enjoyed listening to her radio and crocheting in her free time. Her soul may be with God, but her memory is remembered by many.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com

11/24/2025

Wilma J. (Spears) Nolen, 90 of Bucyrus passed away on Sunday November 23, 2025 at home. Wilma was born June 19, 1935 in Huntington, West Virginia to the late John Henry and Viola (Endicott) Spears. She was married October 31, 1960 to Elmer Nolen who preceded her in death on March 3, 2009. Wilma was also preceded in death by son Thomas Nolen; daughter in law Vicky Nolen; siblings that locally included brothers John Spears Jr., James and William Spears; sisters Mary Arnold and Catherine Musselman; and nieces and nephews.

Wilma is survived by children John (Marie) Zornes of Alabama, Jeffrey (Sonja) Nolen of Upper Sandusky, Elmer Nolen of Bucyrus, Marvin (Kara) Nolen of Bucyrus and Brian (Sherry) Nolen of Bucyrus; 20 grandchildren; numerous great and great great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Wilma moved to this area when she was 15 years old and was a homemaker. She was formerly a member of the VFW Post 8999 and the Carey Conservation League. Wilma enjoyed playing Bingo, fishing with her grandkids, NASCAR, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday at 1:00 pm in the Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home with burial to follow in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 11:00 am until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to the Crawford County Conservation League and expressions of sympathy can be left at www.munzpirnstill.com

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