Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory

01/20/2026

Shawn Travis Brown

Shawn Travis Brown, 57, of Findlay, Ohio, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Blanchard Valley Hospital, in Findlay. Born on March 31, 1968, in Findlay, he was the beloved son of Paul and Dianna (Stegaman) Brown.

Shawn earned an Associate's Degree and dedicated his professional life as a C.A.D. operator within the manufacturing industry.

He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Findlay.

Shawn grew up in a world that gave him the opportunity to spend the summers with his family, and just about all of that time revolved around spending it around the water. Through the years he thoroughly enjoyed anything to do with a boat, whether it was a row boat or a sailboat. He was happy either on or in the water. It took him a little longer to learn how to water ski, but he finally got it and he wouldn't stop talking about it. When out on the lake his dad would say "take us home", he would turn his ball cap around and smile from ear to ear as he put the throttle up. At 40 miles an hour, he was in heaven. What really gave him joy was spending his vacations with his family on their sailboat in the Bahamas. The sailboat wouldn't go 40 miles an hour, but he was at peace. The sound of the waves and wind lifted the weight of the world off his shoulders. In recent years, his greatest joy was spending time with his niece and nephew, Addison and Max Brown.

In addition to Addison and Max, Shawn is survived by his parents, Paul and Dianna Brown of Van Wert; a brother, Jason (Kelly) Brown of Westfield, Indiana; and his maternal grandmother, Joan Stegaman of Van Wert.

A private service celebrating Shawn's life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.

View Shawn Travis Brown's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/15/2026

Gary Lee "Harry" Spridgeon

Gary Lee "Harry" Spridgeon, 71, of Middle Point, Ohio, died on January 14, 2026, at his residence. He was born on March 29, 1954, in Van Wert, Ohio, to Gerald E. "Tuffy" and Esther E. (Byers) Spridgeon.

Harry was a dedicated truck driver for most of his life, having recently retired from Nickles Bakery in Lima, Ohio. He was a former volunteer for the Middle Point Fire Department, demonstrating his dedication to his community. A proud member of the Delphos Sons of the American Legion, Delphos Eagles, and Lima Teamsters Union, Harry found camaraderie in these organizations and cherished the friendships he built over the years.

Harry graduated from Lincolnview High School in 1972. He had a passion for the open road, often riding his Harley Davidson and attending sprint car races at Eldora Speedway.

Harry is survived by his sister, Elsie (Joe) Thompson of Newark, Ohio; and brother, Jay Spridgeon of Middle Point.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Harry's life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.

View Gary Lee "Harry" Spridgeon's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/15/2026

Robert McPhail

Robert D. "Danny" McPhail, 52, of Van Wert, passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Van Wert Hospital Emergency Room. He was born on December 29 in Van Wert to Nancy (Brown) Riley and Robert F. McPhail. Danny attended Vantage Career Center and graduated from Van Wert High School in 1993.

Danny lived for the open road on his Harley Road Glide. He was a proud supporter and past officer of Wetzel MC. He loved fishing and had the hands and imagination of a true craftsman. Whether turning a child's coffin into a motorcycle trailer or transforming a bed into a swing, Danny had a way of breathing new life into things most folks would have tossed aside.

He had a mischievous streak and a rough‑around‑the‑edges charm, but underneath it all was a man with a big heart. Danny never hesitated to step up for someone who needed a hand. His family was everything to him, and he made sure they were always taken care of.

Danny is survived by his mother, Nancy (Danny) Riley; father, Robert McPhail; son, Nicholus (Zoey) McPhail; daughter, Kaylee (Joshua Lane) McPhail, all of Van Wert; and stepbrothers Andrew (Shelly) Riley of Kalida and Cory Riley of Van Wert; Robert Wilhelm of Van Wert and Dennis Wilhelm Jr. of CA. He is also remembered by his brothers and sisters in the biker community, who were family to him in every way that mattered.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. To share in Danny's online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory.

View Robert McPhail's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/14/2026

Crystal Reed

Crystal Louise (Webster) Reed, 85, of Middle Point, passed away at 10:10 AM on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at her residence. She was born April 4, 1940, in Van Wert, to the late Betty (Davis) Dattilio and Charles Ralph Webster. On February 15, 1959, she married John M. Reed of Middle Point, who preceded her in death on October 26, 2008.

Crystal lived at the Marsh Foundation in Van Wert and was a 1958 graduate of Van Del High School. She later retired from Teleflex in Van Wert.

She was a proud member of American Legion #178; an associate member of VFW #3035 in Delphos, AmVets Auxiliary #698 of Middle Point, Eagles #471 of Delphos, and the Middle Point Fire Department Auxiliary. She was also a devoted member of Middle Point United Methodist Church. Crystal loved her family, loved her church, and loved to travel.

Survivors include her children: Shelly (Kevin) Fraker of Middle Point; John C. Reed of Jonestown; and Christina (Gary) Eley of Lima; grandchildren: Miranda (Tony) Crawford, Jake (Cassie) Reed, Tyler (Aaron) Leadingham, Joshua (Cassie) Eley, Jared (Abby) Eley, Ethan (Katie) Fraker, and Kendra (Garrett) Henderson; as well as 12 great‑grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Crystal was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Edith Anderson; granddaughter, Shelby Reed; and great‑grandson, Jacob Crawford.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Middle Point United Methodist Church, with visitation prior to the service from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Pastor Tim Owens will preside. Crystal will be laid to rest next to her husband in Ridge Cemetery during a private ceremony.

Memorial contributions in Crystal's name may be directed to the Middle Point Fire Department.

To share in Crystal's online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory.

View Crystal Reed's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/13/2026

David Kiehl

David L. Kiehl, 79, of Sarasota, Florida, formerly of Van Wert, passed away at his home on December 22, 2025. He was born in Van Wert on January 15, 1946, to the late Charles and Shirley Kiehl. A proud member of the Lincolnview High School Class of 1964, David entered the United States Army in 1966 and served in Germany during the Vietnam War.

On May 8, 1976, he married the love of his life, Della Kinkle, who preceded him in death in 2020.

Photography was David's lifelong passion. He attended photography school in New York City and spent countless hours capturing the flora and fauna surrounding his home in Sarasota. He loved sharing his photographs with neighbors, close friends, and family. David also enjoyed visiting with his neighbors and offering his trademark "tidbits of wisdom." A devoted Ohio State Buckeyes fan, he cheered faithfully during football season-always wearing his lucky OSU hat.

He is survived by his sister, Pamela (Dana) Eaken of Antwerp; nephews, Jeffrey (Kathy) Gribler of Napoleon and Brian (Kendra) Eaken of Antwerp; niece, Amy (Robert) Eaken Barnhart of Yellow Springs, along with many extended family members from both the Kiehl and Kinkle families.

In addition to his parents and wife, David was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas J. Kiehl; sister, Louisa Anne Gribler; and baby brother, Barry L. Kiehl.

David will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife in Woodland Cemetery during a graveside service at 10:00 AM, Monday, January 19, 2026.

To share in David's online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory.

View David Kiehl's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/08/2026

Lori Webster

Lori Ann Webster, 64, of Grover Hill, passed away on January 6, 2026, at Van Wert Hospital. Born on April 28, 1961, in Van Wert to the late Franklin and Myrtle (Whittredge) Wyandt, Lori grew up with a gentle spirit that carried through every chapter of her life. Her life was shaped by simple joys, quiet creativity, and the people she held closest to her heart.

Lori built a meaningful career as a dental hygienist after earning her associate degree from UNOH, offering comfort and kindness to countless patients over the years. Though she loved her work deeply, her career was ultimately cut short by her disability and illness. Even so, she continued to find joy in the small, personal rituals that made her feel most like herself-creating Diamond Dotz art, treating herself to fresh nails and hair, and enjoying the simple pleasure of shopping. Animals held a special place in her heart, but nothing brought her more joy than time spent with her grandchildren, whose presence lit up her days.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Clarence "Chet" Webster III; her daughter, Crystal (Arturo) Lucius; her stepdaughter, Codi (Cody) Feasby; grandsons, Ayden Bolenbaugh and Arturo Lucius Jr.; and step‑grandchildren, Chase and Callie Feasby. Lori is also survived by four sisters and one brother.

Lori will be cremated, and her family will honor her life privately, in the quiet way she would have appreciated.

To share in Lori's online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory

View Lori Webster's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/05/2026

Maria L. Martinez

Maria Louisa Martinez, 82, of Van Wert, Ohio, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on January 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born on March 16, 1943, in Hondo, Texas, to Dionicia Morales, who preceded her in death. Maria lived a life defined by hard work, devotion, and unconditional love for those around her.

On April 2, 1963, Maria married the love of her life, Rito Martinez. Together they shared many years of marriage until his passing on August 29, 2020. Their bond was one of deep love and partnership that remained strong throughout their lives.

Maria is survived by her brother, Santos Morales, and his wife, Carolina from Hondo, Texas; three sons, Joe Benny Martinez and his wife Julie, Tony Martinez and his wife Angie, and Chris Martinez and his wife Kimberly. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Cassandra Martinez, Bethany Martinez, Elijah Martinez, Logan Martinez, Jackson Martinez, Josephine Martinez, Kierstynn Baker, Drew Shaffer, Adilynn Shaffer, Jason Anderson and Ophelia Martinez.

Also preceding her in death are a Brother Jose Rodriguez, a Daughter Paula Rose Martinez, and a Grand Daughter Belinda Martinez.

Maria was a loving wife, sister, mother, and grandmother who always put the needs of others before her own. Her heart was generous, her love unwavering, and her presence a source of comfort and strength to her family.

Earlier in life, Maria worked as a migrant worker, traveling to many states before eventually settling in Van Wert. She later worked at North American Philips, where she formed lifelong friendships that she deeply cherished. A dedicated and hardworking woman, Maria labored tirelessly to provide for her family while remaining constant in her duties at home.

In her free time, Maria found joy in the simple things she loved most: caring for plants and flowers, Mexican music, cheering for THE Ohio State Buckeyes, wearing rings on her fingers, cats and watching her favorite WWE superstar, John Cena.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, January 8, 2025, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory with Rev. Roger Peugh, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.

Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to services on Thursday, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Services have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.

Maria Louisa Martinez will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her legacy of love, strength, and selflessness will live on through her family for generations to come.

01/04/2026

Donna M. (Schoenauer) Foehl

Donna M. Foehl, 97, of Convoy, passed away Saturday morning at Hearth and Home of Van Wert. She was born April 9, 1928, in Blue Creek Township, Paulding County, to Fred and S. Leona (Zartman) Schoenauer. She married Robert E. Foehl.

Donna was a homemaker and the ultimate farm wife. She was always there to haul grain and help in any other way she could. Donna could also be found baking cookies and mowing her lawn well into her 90s.

She was a long time member of Convoy Methodist Church and the church women's group. Donna was also very active in the Crestview Farm Wives, Convoy Homemakers and the Japonica Garden Club.

Donna is survived by her children, Ken (Robin) Foehl of Convoy and Barbara Fant of Cincinnati; grandchildren, Charles (Shawnee), Alicia (Josh), Matt, Christopher (Meaghan), Kyle (Emma), and Jodi (Brian); great grandchildren, Avery, Megan, Shooter, Branch, Copper, Creek, Miriam, Leah, Landon and Oliver; a great great grandchild, Atlas; and a sister, Betty Gloor of Hicksville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob; and brothers, Norman, Gene and Ron Schoenauer.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Convoy Methodist Church with Rev. Bill Thomas, Officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to services Wednesday, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Services have been entrusted to Gearhart-Sauer Funeral Home, 655 N. Main St, Convoy, Ohio.

View Donna M. (Schoenauer) Foehl's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/30/2025

Jerry Simindinger

Jerry Lynn Simindinger, 66, of Cloverdale, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born on September 15, 1959, in Paulding, Ohio, to the late Kenneth and Betty (Talbott) Simindinger Sr.

Jerry graduated from Wayne Trace High School and went on to enlist in the United States Army. Throughout his life, he worked many jobs, most recently with SIMS Cabs Inc. and Defiance Stamping.

Jerry and his brothers were raised in the Mandale Church. A homebody at heart, he was known for his extensive movie collection, which he freely loaned to others. He also enjoyed tinkering with cars and spending time at home.

Jerry is survived by his brothers, Tim Simindinger of Cloverdale; Virgil (Teresa) Simindinger of Van Wert; and Marcus Gale (Lisa) Simindinger of Van Wert; sister‑in‑law, Liz Simindinger of Cloverdale; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his daughter, Heather Simindinger; and his brothers, David Simindinger, Kenny Simindinger Jr., and his twin brother, Terry Simindinger.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Mandale Church, 2820 OH‑66, Cloverdale, Ohio, with Pastor Doug Eicholt presiding. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the church. Jerry will be interred in Marion National Cemetery in Indiana.

To share in Jerry's online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach‑Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory.

View Jerry Simindinger's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/28/2025

Jerry Bolton

Jerry Dean Bolton, 85, of Van Wert, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on December 27, 2025, following an extended illness.

Jerry was born on November 6, 1940, in Van Wert, Ohio, to Edwin and Eva Jean (Davis) Bolton. He was a 1958 graduate of York High School. On September 22, 1963, he married Janet (Good) Bolton, who survives.

Jerry was the proud father of two children: a son, Jay (Betty) Bolton of Van Wert, Ohio, and a daughter, Jill (Marc) Mohr of Lapel, Indiana. He was a devoted grandfather to Clay (Bethany) Bolton of Lancaster, Ohio; Damon Bolton (Jacque) of Grand Junction, Colorado; Lauren (Rod) Powers of Fruita, Colorado; Evan (Kait) Mohr of Georgetown, Kentucky; and Isaac Mohr and Cade Mohr of Pendleton, Indiana. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Hayes Bolton; Luke and Madison Bolton; Aubree Beebe; Natalie Powers; and Brooks and Berkley Mohr.

He is survived by his brother, Robert (Dot) Bolton of Van Wert. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Bonnie Bolton; and a brother, Richard Bolton.

Jerry's strong work ethic defined much of his life. He was employed by Aeroquip Corporation before co-founding ER Bolton and Sons Oil Company with his father and two brothers. For many years, Jerry delivered oil products to customers throughout Van Wert, Mercer, and Auglaize counties. The family also owned and operated the Motor Inn Truck Stop in Mercer. In addition, Jerry drove school buses for Van Wert City Schools, faithfully serving a daily route and transporting numerous Cougar athletic teams.

A lifelong supporter of Van Wert Cougar athletics, Jerry was an avid fan and spent many years keeping the scorebook for the boys' basketball team-an experience he especially treasured was keeping the scorebook when the Cougars advanced to the state basketball tournament.

Sports were always a central part of Jerry's life. He umpired high school baseball games, was a devoted Cincinnati Reds fan, and spent countless fall Saturdays cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Van Wert, where he sang in the choir and enjoyed fellowship with his church family.

Jerry proudly served his country for six years in the Fort Wayne Air National Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Van Wert Cougars Booster Club or to First United Methodist Church of Van Wert.

Jerry will be remembered for his dedication to family, his love of sports, his strong work ethic, and his larger than life laugh.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 2 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home from 2:00-6:00. The funeral will take place Saturday, January 3 at 10:30 at First United Methodist Church, Van Wert Ohio. Burial will follow at Woodland Cemetery.

To share in Jerry's online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory.

View Jerry Bolton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/27/2025

Patricia Jeanne Weaver

Patricia “Pat” Jeanne (Muncey) Weaver, age 71, of Van Wert, OH, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025 , after a short battle with cancer.

She was born on November 27, 1954 in Euclid, OH to Thomas James and Joanne Margaret (Funk) Muncey, and grew up in Wickliffe, OH.

Pat was blinded at birth by retinopathy of prematurity, however, she never let this limit her. She attended public school in a regular classroom starting in kindergarten, ultimately graduating from Wickliffe High School. She attended summer camp annually at Cleveland Sight Center Highbrook Lodge, a special camp for blind students. As a teenager, she joined the Water Spaniels Swim Team, where she earned her junior water lifesaving certification, later using it to assist a friend in distress during a lake swim. She sang in the All-Ohio Youth Choir, along with taking many years of lessons in classical piano and guitar.

Pat attended Heidelberg College in Tiffin, OH where she earned a double bachelor’s degree in Spanish and Speech. She enjoyed a semester in Bogota, Colombia, as a foreign exchange student. She also met Brad Weaver, marrying him shortly after graduation in 1977. They moved to Mansfield, OH, where Pat lived for the next 35 years until Brad’s death.

In Mansfield, Pat made music her ministry. She led weekly sing-a-longs with the residents of Memorial Homes, and was on the worship team for Grace Fellowship Church for many years. She had four children between 1980 and 1986, and considered raising them to be her biggest accomplishment. Life in Mansfield was full of church, children’s activities, and trips to Cedar Point. Pat was well known in her community for her chocolate chip cookies and fresh bread baked from scratch. She was generous with her music, her baking, and her joyful words of encouragement.

In her later years, Pat lived with her daughter, Sarah, in Baltimore, OH and Van Wert, OH. She continued her music ministry, singing regularly with the residents of Crestview, Van Wert Manor, The Homestead, and Vancrest nursing facilities. She remained active into her 70’s, completing 2 half-marathons, swimming weekly, and attending Silver Sneakers classes at the local YMCA.

Above all, Pat loved Jesus, her Lord and Savior. On March 6th 1969 she asked Christ into her heart. She wanted to be used by him. She had no idea at the time what that would look like. When she realized that God had gifted her with music, she decided to use this gift to praise him. She often had to step out in complete faith. During her time abroad as a foreign exchange student, navigating moves, or rebuilding her life after tragedies, God provided someone with her who was walking the same path, as a reminder that God is with her. She said, “Whether I am with God in person or he is here in my heart, I do not fear because we are together.”

Pat Weaver is survived by daughters Victoria (Rustin) Cerveny of Lansdale, PA, Elizabeth (Marcus) Williams of Austin, TX, Sarah (Brett) Sheets of Van Wert, OH, son Jonathan (Alison) Weaver of Dearborn, MI, and grandchildren Karisa, Chayse, Lexi, Esther, Tabitha, Willow, Judah, Everest, Joanna, Luana, Nathan, and Ethan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bradford Weaver of Mansfield, OH, and by her parents.

Visitors may call on the family from 12 to 3 PM on Thursday, January 1, 2026 at St. Paul’s Church, 6077 German Church Road, Ohio City, OH where a memorial service will follow at 3PM. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2PM on Saturday, January 3, 2026 Grace Fellowship Church, 365 Straub Rd E, Mansfield OH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ohio State School for the Blind. (Payment Type: Fiscal/Superintendent, Reference “Memorial Donation” in Notes.) https://payments.cboss.com/clients/pymt/ohioschoolfortheblind/paymentlaunch/default.aspx

To share in Patricia’s online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home and Crematory.

View Patricia Jeanne Weaver's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/24/2025

Karl D. Knodel

Karl D. Knodel, 90, of Ohio City, passed away at 5:55pm on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, with our Jesus after 43 days of inpatient care at Kindred Hospital in Lima. He was born July 3, 1935, in Van Wert, to Herb and Euthemia (Smith) Knodel. On September 25, 1960, he married the former Connie Lee Wallace.

He is survived by his much loved wife of 65 years, Connie Lee Knodel of Ohio City; his son, Kirk (Joellen) Knodel of Ohio City; and his grandson, KC Knodel of Chicago, Illinois.

Karl graduated from Van Wert High School and the Standard Oil Service and Management School.

Karl is a veteran of the United States Army where he served overseas for 4 years with the 37th Combat Engineers.

Mr. Knodel was a meat cutter in the family partnership of Knodel's Meat Market and Knodel's East End Market. He also owned and operated the Standard Oil Station on North Washington Street. He was also a supervisor at U.S. Metalcraft in Delphos, and a maintenance supervisor at Stran Buildings. He retired from maintenance at El Monte Plastics in Ohio City.

Karl also operated K and K Sales and Service in Ohio City with his son, Kirk. He also built several hot rods and built and drove sprint cars at Eldora Speedway and other tracks in the area. He had coached many youth sports teams and was a mechanic for his son and grandson's amatuer and professional motorcycle racing.

Karl was a member of the Ohio City Methodist Church, the Moose Lodge and had been a Second Vice Commander of the Harvey Lewis American Legion.

There will be no services at this time.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.

View Karl D. Knodel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.