1-3-1916
Adam Leis
Aged Resident Is Summoned
Adam Leis, For Fifty Years a Resident OF Ottoville, Passed To Great Beyond Monday Evening,
Death Following a Paralytic Stroke – Was Well Known Throughout Putnam County
Adam Leis, well known throughout Putnam County and a pioneer resident, died at the family home two
and a half miles west of Ottoville Monday evening, at 11 o’clock. Mr. Leis was stricken with paralysis about
noon Monday, but his condition was not considered serious and his death came quite unexpectedly.
The deceased was born in Schmiweiler, Bavaria, on August 28, 1834, and was past 81 years old. He
came to America at the age of seventeen years and located in Sandusky, coming from there to Ottoville about
fifty years ago. On September 15, 1863, the deceased was united in marriage to Catherine Miller, at
Sandusky, and for more than fifty-two years Mr. and Mrs. Leis traveled life’s pathway together.
To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Leis were born thirteen children, five of whom have preceded their father in
death. Surviving are the wife, one brother, Paul Leis, Sandusky, and eight children, Peter, Joseph, John,
Michael, and Charles, all of Ottoville; Mrs. Mary Sellet, Mrs. William Shumacher, and Miss Rosa Leis, Dayton.
Funeral services over the remains will be held at the Immaculate Conception church at Ottoville Friday
morning at 8:30 o’clock, and interment in the Catholic Cemetery at that place.
1-12-1916
Henry Strottman
Resided In Vicinity For Many Years
Henry Strottman, Whose Death Occurred At Tiffin, Resided On Farms Near Ottoville For More Than
Fifty Years – Body Brought To Ottoville For Interment
The remains of Henry Strottman, whose death occurred at his home in Tiffin, O., at 2:30 o’clock
Wednesday morning, were brought to Ottoville, and taken to the home of his adopted daughter, Mrs. Fred
Bohn, Thursday. The body was accompanied to Ottoville by Mrs. Henry Strottman, Mr. And Mrs. Weirling, Mr.
Vever, Joseph Lambert, John Schlueter, all of Tiffin. Mr. Strottman’s death was due to bronchial pneumonia.
The deceased was born in Edgenberg, Hanover, Germany, August 24, 1838. He came to America from
Edgenberg at the age of seventeen, and located on a farm near Ft. Jennings, with his father. In 1859, Mr.
Strottman married Miss Kamphaus and they located on a farm one and a half miles west of Ottoville. No
children were born to this union but in 1860 Mr. and Mrs. Strottman adopted a daughter, now Mrs. Fred Bohn,
of Ottoville. Mrs. Strottman died 19 years ago, and on November 20, eighteen years ago, Mr. Strottman
married Fannie Schleuter.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Strottman settled on a farm one mile west of Ottoville where they made
there home until seven years ago when they went to Tiffin to reside. The deceased id survived by his wife,
Adopted daughter, Mrs. Fred Bohn, of Ottoville, and four step-children, Mrs. Catherine Weirling, Mrs. Elizabeth
Vever, John Schleuter, all of Tiffin and John Schleuter, of Ottoville.
Funeral services will be held from the Immaculate Conception Church in Ottoville Saturday morning at 8:
30 o’clock and burial in the Catholic Cemetery.
1-13-1916
Gertrude Brinkman
Ottoville Girl Answers Call
Miss Gertrude Brinkman, Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Brinkman, Died at The Family Home
Thursday Evening After Week’s Illness From Complication of Dideases, Following Grip
Miss Gertrude Brinkman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Brinkman, died at the family home, one and one-
half miles east of Ottoville, Thursday evening, at 7 o’clock. Miss Brinkman’s death came after a week’s illness.
She took sick last Friday with and attack of grip, which later developed into a complication of diseases and
death resulted at the hour above stated.
Miss Brinkman was born November 22, 1899 and was aged 16 years, 1 month and 21 days. She is
survived by her parents, three brothers and four sisters, Fred, Alphonse, Anna, Leona, Monica, Rowena and
Colletis Brinkman.
The deceased was a member of the Young Ladies’ Sodality of the Immaculate Conception church at
Ottoville, and a very loveable young lady who had many friends in Ottoville and vicinity. Funeral services will
be held Monday from the Immaculate Conception church at 8:30 o’clock and interment in the Catholic
cemetery at Ottoville.
1-16-1916
Mary Deitering
Came Here In Early Days
Mrs. Mary Deitering, Who Passed Away At Ottoville, Was Native of Germany And Came To America In
Her Childhood – Was Resident of This Vicinity For Many Years
Mrs. Mary Deitering, an aged and respected resident of Ottoville, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs.
George Wenzlick, in Ottoville, Sunday morning at 1:30 o’clock. Death was due to the infirmities of age from
which she had been suffering for some time.
Mrs. Deitering was born in Germany on July 30, 1834, and was past 81 years of age. When she was quite
young she came to America and had been a resident of Ottoville for many years, being among the old settlers
in this part of the country. Her marriage to Herman Deitering, who preceded her in death seven years ago,
took place many years ago. To this union were born nine children, one of whom has died. The surviving
children are, Henry Deitering, of Ottoville; Barney Deitering, Elgin, Neb.; Joseph Deitering, Andy Deitering, Mrs.
Theresa Neitling, all of Chesaning, Mich.; Frank Deitering, Bancroft, Ia.; Mrs. Mary Dalsing, Kieferville, Kan.;
and Mrs. George Wenzlick, of Ottoville. Henru Honigfort, of Delphos, is a nephew of the deceased.
The deceased was a member of the Immaculate Conception church at Ottoville, and was also a member
of the Alter Rosary Society. Funeral services will be held from the Ottoville church Tuesday morning at 8:30 o’
clock and burial in the Catholic Cemtery there.
1-14-1916
Joseph Fischbach
1-19-1916
William Ruen
Pioneer At Ottoville Summoned
William Ruen, Step-Father of Mrs. Michael O’Donnel, of Delphos, Passed Away
William Ruen, Sr., a pioneer resident of Ottoville, who came to this section when it was a wilderness, was
summoned to the great beyond, Wednesday morning, after a week’s illness from grip. In the death of Mr.
Ruen, one of the oldest residents of Ottoville, in point of years and residence, has been taken.
The deceased was born in Westphalia, Germany, on November 1, 1824, and was 91 years, 2 months and
18 days old at the time of his death. He came to America in 1860 from Germany and located in Cincinnati. He
remained there for two years and while in that city, married Fredricka Hoerboun, in February of 1861. They
came to Ottoville from Cincinnati located on a farm one and three-fourths miles northeast of Ottoville, where
his death occurred. Mr. Ruen was living with his son, Frank Ruen, on the old home place. Forty-one years ago
Mrs. Ruen died, and in August of the same year, the deceased married Mrs. Sybilla Fritche, in Ottoville.
Surviving from the first union are three children, William Ruen, Cloverdale; Mrs. John Fuerst and Henry
Ruen, Ottoville. One child born to the first union, has preceded the father in death. To the second marriage
were born five children, two of whom have died. Surviving from this union are, Frank Ruen, Mrs. August
Trenkamp, of Ottoville; and Mrs. Joseph Schmersal, Kalida; Mr. Ruen is also survived by three step-children,
Mrs. Barney Scherger, Toledo; Mrs. Michael O’Donnel, Delphos; and Mrs. William Matthews, Kansas City.
The deceased was a member of the Immaculate Conception church at Ottoville, and also of the St.
Joseph’s Society, whose members will attend the funeral in a body. The funeral will be held from the Ottoville
Catholic church Saturday morning at 9 o’clock and burial in the Ottoville cemetery.
2-9-1916
Orville Kramer (Infant)
2-7-1916
John P. Odenweller
Funeral Of Accident Victim At Ottoville
Remains Of John Odenweller, Who Met Death In Elevator Shaft In Overland Plant At Toledo Laid To
Rest Thursday
The remains of John Odenweller, who met a tragic death in the Overland automobile plant in Toledo,
were brought to Ottoville and funeral services were held at the Catholic Church in that place Thursday
morning. Interment was made in the Ottoville cemetery.
Word of the death of Mr. Odenweller did not reach relatives here until Wednesday. He was engaged in
operation of an elevator I the Overland plant. Monday the elevator was not working properly and he called an
electrician, taking him in the elevator to the third floor. As the gate went up and the electrician stepped off, the
elevator became unmanageable and Mr. Odenweller attempted to jump, but was caught under the gate. He
was held there until the elevator started to go up and he then dropped down the elevator shaft, a distance of
40 feet. He received injuries, which soon resulted in his death, his skull being fractured, both legs broken and
he was internally injured.
The deceased was past 62 years old. When a young man he taught school near Delphos and for a time
made his home here. He later went to Ottoville, where he resided on a farm for many years. Thirty-seven years
ago he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Rekart in Ottoville. She preceded him in death about nine years
ago. He left Ottoville and had been a resident of Toledo a number of years.
He leaves two daughters, Mrs. Elizabeth Wannemacher, of Leipsic and Mrs. William Finkenour, of
Indianapolis. He is also survived by one brother, Barney Odenweller, of Delphos and two sisters, Mrs. Ferd
Bertling and Mrs. William Boehmer, both of Ft. Jennings.
3-17-1916
Catherine Plescher
Ottoville Resident Summoned
Mrs. Joseph Plescher, A Native Of Austria, Died at Her Home Near Ottoville Thursday Evening After
a long Illness – Had Lived In This Vicinity For More Than Thirty
After an illness of several months from a complication of diseases, Mrs. Joseph Plescher died at her
home four miles north of Ottoville, Thursday evening, at 10:45 o’clock. On August 5 of last year Mrs. Plescher
underwent an operation but the hoped for relief was not secured and since that time she has been confined to
her bed the great part of the time.
Her maiden name was Katherine Kulhanek, and she was born in Urchan, Austria, July 25, 1863, and was
past 53 years of age at the time of her passing. On September 15, 1884, she was united in marriage to Joseph
Plescher at Auherzen, Germany, and shortly afterward they came to America, locating on a farm near Ottoville,
on which Mrs. Plescher’s death occurred. They have since been respected and esteemed residents of this
vicinity and many friends extend sympathy to the bereaved family.
To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Plescher, fifteen children were born, four of whom died in infancy. The
surviving children are: Anthony Plescher, Mrs. Michael Friend, Mrs. John C. Bachtel, Lima; Mrs. Charles Perrin,
Cloverdale; Joseph Plescher, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Josephine, Alfred, Henry, Gerhardt, Adolph and Leo, at home.
The deceased is also survived by six grandchildren, three sisters and two brothers, Mrs. John Dick, Mrs. John
Turnwald, Jacob Kuhlanek, Joseph Kuhlanek, Chesaning, Mich.; Mrs. Anton Hoehn, Ottoville.
The deceased was a member of the Immaculate Conception church and a good Catholic. Funeral
services will be held Monday morning at 9 o’clock from the Immaculate Conception church and burial will be in
the Ottoville cemetery. Mrs. Plescher was affiliated with the Alter Rosary Society and its members will attend
the funeral in a body as a mark of respect to the deceased.
3-21-1916
Albert Bender
Ottoville Child Taken In Death
Funeral Of Albert Binder Held At Immaculate Conception Church Saturday Morning
The last sad rites over the remains of Albert Binder were held from the Immaculate Conception church, at
Ottoville, Saturday morning, at 8:30 o’clock. The members of the St. Aloysius Society attended the funeral in a
body, and Rev. Ludwig conducted services. The body was laid to rest in the Catholic Cemetery at Ottoville. the
pall bearers were Messrs. Joseph and Arnold Lauer, Oliver Snyder, Otto Friemoth, Leo Miller, Arnold
Wannemacher, attending the funeral from out of town were: Misses Estella and Irma Binder, Hugo Binder,
Toledo; Bruno Binder, Mrs. Lintz, Cincinnati.
3-31-1916
Viola Maria Miller (Infant)
Miss Viola Miller, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Miller, residing at Ottoville, died at the family
home Friday, at the age of three months. The child was born on December 31, 1915. The little one was taken
ill with whooping cough several weeks ago and about two weeks ago inflammation of the bowels set in. the
parents and one brother survive. The funeral services will be held Monday morning, at 8:30 o’clock, at the
Immaculate Conception church in Ottoville, conducted by Rev. Ludwig. Interment in the Ottoville cemetery.
4-25-1916
Linus H. Friemoth (Infant)
4-27-1916
John H. Brinkman
Aged German Resident Dead At Ottoville
John Brinkman, A Native Of Germany And a Resident of That Country Until Thirty Years of Age,
Passes Away At Home of His Daughter
John Henry Brinkman, a native of Germany, but for many years a resident of Putnam County, died at the
home of his daughter, Mrs. Henry Martin, one and a half miles east of Ottoville, Thursday morning, at 8:20 o’
clock. Mr. Brinkman had been in failing health for several months, but had been bedfast for only two weeks,
suffering from inflammation of the bowels.
Mr. Brinkman was born in Luxemburg, Germany, on April 16, 1837, and was 70 years old. He remained in
Germany until he was thirty years old, coming to America in 1867. He located on a farm near Kalida where he
resided for a long time. In 1872, he married Mary Brunk, who died December 15, 1893.
The deceased is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Henry Martin, Mrs. Benjamin Rayman, Ottoville; Mrs.
Mary Meiter, Ft. Jennings, Mrs. Katie Tobe, of Minster, four sons, John Brinkman, Minster, Henry Brinkman,
Ottoville; Joseph Brinkman, Ft. Jennings; and Herman Brinkman, of Kentucky; two brothers, Joseph Brinkman,
Glandorf; and Henry Brinkman, Delphos; and two sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Klein, Cincinnati, and Mrs. Jennie
Leininger, Cincinnati.
Funeral services will be held from the Immaculate Conception church at Ottoville, Saturday morning at 8 o’
clock. The body will be laid to rest in the Catholic Cemetery at Ottoville, beside the remains of his wife.
4-28-1916
Regina Pittner (Infant)
5-17-1916
Michael Kehres
Was Among The First Settlers In Ottoville
Michael Kehres, A Pioneer Resident And Widely Known Throughout Putnam County, Answered
Final Summons, Death Coming Suddenly – Funeral To Be Held Saturday Morning
Michael Kehres, one of the earliest settlers in Ottoville, coming there when what is now the village was a
wilderness, has answered the final summons. His death, which occurred at the family home in Ottoville
Wednesday evening, at 11:30 o’clock, was sudden, and followed a very brief illness. Mrs. Kehres was taken
suddenly ill Wednesday evening and in a very short time life had left the body. The infirmities of age were
given as the cause of death.
Michael Kehres was born in Alsace, Germany, February 24, 1834, and at the age of 18 years left the old
country and came to America, landing in New York. From that city he went to Bloomville City and remained
there for eight years. He then came to Ottoville, being among the first settlers there. He located on a farm
three miles northwest of Ottoville and resided there for thirty-four years. In 1903 Mr. and Mrs. Kehres retired
from active labors and removed to Ottoville where his death came.
On July 29, 1860 the deceased was married to Margaret Perrin, at New Reigel, O., and in 1910 Mr. and
Mrs. Kehres celebrated their Golden wedding. To this union were born thirteen children, three of whom,
Josephine Kehres, Mrs. Carrie Shute and Mrs. Sophia Sellet have preceded their father in death. Surviving are
the widow and the following named children; Mrs. Louisa Leinnen, St. Mary’s; Mrs. John Krebs, Celina; Mrs.
Carrie O’Brien, Lima; Mrs. Charles Hemburger, Celina; Mrs. John Lutz, Columbus; Michael Kehres, Jr.; Mrs. E.
E. Miller, North Baltimore; Mrs. John Burkbarger, Columbus; Mrs. Joseph Miller, Lorain; Miss Regina Kehres,
Celina.
Mr. Kehres was widely known throughout Putnam County and was very highly respected. Arrangements
have been made to hold the funeral services Saturday morning at 9 o’clock from the Immaculate Conception
Catholic Church at Ottoville and interment in the cemetery there. The members of the St. Joseph Society, with
which the deceased was affiliated, will attend the funeral in a body as a mark of respect for Mr. Kehres.
5-19-1916
Anton Hoehn
Death Came Suddenly To Ottoville Man
Anton Hoehn, A Lifelong Resident Of Neighboring Village Passed Away Early Friday Morning – Was
A Member Of C. K. of O. And The St. Joseph’s Society
Another prominent resident of near Ottoville has been summoned by death, Anton Hoehn, who had
resided in that vicinity all his life, passing away ealy Friday morning. Mr. Hoehn had been failing for the past six
weeks, suffering from a complication of diseases, but the end, which came at 3 o’clock, was unexpected.
The deceased was born in Ottoville, February 7, 1861, and was 55 years, 3 months and 12 days old. On
May 3, 1887, he was united in marriage to Margaret Kuhlanek. The widow, ten children, William Hoehn, Lima;
Albert Hoehn, Columbus; Joseph, Mary, Frank, Leo, Antoinette, Sylvester, Rudolph, and Gilbert Hoehn, at
home. He is also survived by three brothers, Peter and Henry Hoehn, New Lathrop, Mich; and Oliver Hoehn,
Lima.
Mr. Hoehn was very well respected and a devout member of the Catholic Church. He was affiliated with
the C. K. of O. and the St. Joseph’s Society will attend the funeral in a body, meeting at their hall at 8 o’clock
on Monday morning. The funeral services will be held from the Immaculate Conception Church Monday
morning, at 8:30 o’clock, and interment in the Ottoville cemetery.
7-2-1916
Catherina M. Klein
Child’s Death At Ottoville Was Due To Diptheria
Miss Catherine Marie Klein, Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matt Klein, Died Sunday Morning – Private
Funeral Services Held Monday – Two Others In Ottoville Ill With Diptheria
Miss Catherine Marie Klein, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Matthias Klein, residing one and a half miles
southeast of Ottoville, died Sunday morning at 8:45 o’clock, death being due to diphtheria. The child was
taken ill with whooping cough some time ago, followed by measles and later diphtheria developed, causinf
death at the time stated above.
The child was born May 26, 1911, and was aged 5 years, one month and six days. The parents and one
brother, Henry Klein, are surviving. Private funeral services were held at family residence Monday morning at
the remains laid to rest in the Catholic Cemetery at Ottoville, Rev. Ludwig officiated at the funeral services.
There are two other cases of diphtheria in Ottoville, both in the same family, but it is believed that these
are not serious.
7-10-1916
Henry Peters
Funeral To Be Held From Local Church
Remains of Henry Peters, Who Died at Home Near Rushmore, To Be Interred In West Side Cemetery
– Rev. Bergener To Conduct Last Rites On Wednesday Afternoon
Funeral services over the remains of Henry Peters, who died at his home one mile north of Rushmore,
Monday noon, will be held from the St. Peter’s Lutheran church on North Pierce Street, Wednesday afternoon,
at 2 o’clock, conducted by the pastor, Rev. P. G. Bergener. The body will be laid to rest in the West Side
Cemetery.
Mr. Peters’ death followed an illness of a year, during which he suffered from dropsy and paralysis. He
had been bedfast fro the past three weeks and the end was not unexpected.
The deceased was born in Putnam County, O., December 25, 1868, and was past 47 years of age. He
spent his early life on the farm near Ottoville on which he was born and after his marriage he located on a farm
in Van Wert County where they resided for some years. For the past six months Mr. and Mrs. Peters had been
living on the farm near Rushmore where his death occurred.
Mr. Peters was married to Matilda Miller in 1899. This union was blessed with six children, one of whom
preceded the father in death. Surviving are the wife, five children, one sister residing in Toledo, and three
brothers, Fred Peters, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Louis Peters, Flint, Mich.; Andrew Peters, Ottoville.
The deceased was confirmed in the Reformation Church, but for the past eighteen years was affiliated
with St. Peter’s Lutheran church in this city, and from there the funeral services will be held.
7-11-1916
Frank I. Sanders
Another Loses Life Swimming In A Quarry
Second Victim Of Accident In This Vicinity Within a Few Days – Frank Sanders, While Swimming at
Ottoville Seized With Cramps and Was Dead Before Rescuers Reached Him
The second victim of a swimming accident in this vicinity within the past three days, occurred at Ottoville
Tuesday evening, when Frank Sanders of that place, lost his life. Mr. Sanders, with Peter Bendele had gone to
the Lauer quarry, located just at the north edge of Ottoville, to enjoy a swim. Neither could swim very well, and
Mr. Sanders got beyond his depth, was seized with cramps and sank before help could reach him.
The quarry is about 25 to 30 feet deep in the deepest part and near the edge it is shallow. Mr. Sanders
was in the shallower waters, and started out into deep water when seized with cramps. Mr. Bendele
endeavored to rescue his companion, but not being very much of a swimmer, his efforts were unsuccessful.
Several boys were out on the quarry in a canoe, and they went quickly to the place where Mr. Sanders had
gone down. The body was rescued by several men from Ottoville and as soon as it was brought to the surface
Dr. Harmon of Ottoville and Rev. Fr. Ludwig, of that place made every endeavor to resuscitate him, working
with him several hours, but life was extinct.
The body was taken to Kramer & Eickholt morgue in Ottoville where it was prepared for burial and
Wednesday morning was taken to the home of the grief stricken parents, Mr. and Mrs. John A. Sanders. The
victim was born on a farm near Ottoville, February 8, 1888, and was 28 years, 5 months and three days old at
the time of his death. He was unmarried. He leaves to mourn his sudden death, his parents, five sisters, Mrs.
John Snyder, Mrs. William Bigelow, Mrs. Andrew Bendele, Mrs. Joseph Klima, all of Ottoville; Mrs. E. J.
Steinacker, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; and one brother, John G. Sanders, of Ottoville.
The deceased was a Catholic, a member of the Immaculate Conception church at Ottoville, and faithful to
his religious duties. He was a member of the Ottoville branch, C. K. of O., and the Young Men’s Sodality. Both
of these orders will attend the funeral in a body, the C. K. of O. to meet at their hall at 8:30 o’clock Friday
morning. Funeral services will be held from the Catholic church at Ottoville Friday morning at 9 o’clock and
interment in the cemetery at that place.
8-7-1916
Jacobus F. Wannemacher
Citizen Of Ottoville Passes Away
Jacob Wannemacher, 55, A Well Known Resident Of Neighboring Village Dies In Hspital at Mt.
Clemens, Michigan
Funeral Services To Be Held Thursday Morning From Catholic Church at Ottoville
Jacob Wannemacher, aged 55 years, a well known and highly respected resident of Ottoville, passed
away Monday evening. August 7, 1916, in a hospital at Mt. Clemens, Michigan. Death was due to a
complication of diseases, which dated for a period of several years back in the lifetime of the deceased. On
August 1st, acting on the advice of his family physician Mr. Wannemacher left his home for Mt. Clemens where
it was thought relief from his afflictions might be secured. Reports from the hospital in which he was placed
were encouraging for the first few days and naturally the news of his death proved a great shock to his many
friends in the community of Ottoville.
The remains were taken to the home of his sister, Miss Fannie Wannemacher, at Ottoville, via the Clover
Leaf, at 8:45 p.m. Tuesday night.
Funeral services will be conducted from the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Ottoville,
Thursday morning at 9 o’clock. Rev. J. D. Mertes of that parish will be in charge. Burial to take place in the
Catholic Cemetery of Ottoville.
Jacob Wannemacher was a native of Ottoville, having been born near that village, February 21, 1871.
Being a son of good practical Catholic parents, he was naturally raised in the faith of his father and mother,
and to the precepts of the mother church he clung inseparably throughout is lifetime. He was the son of Mr.
and Mrs. J. Wannemacher, deceased.
He leaves to mourn their loss one sister, Miss Fannie Wannemacher, of Ottoville, with who the deceased
made his home throughout his lifetime; also four brothers, Joseph, John, Alex Wannemacher, of Ottoville; and
S. P. Wannemacher of Cloverdale. Also a host of relatives and friends who have been cast in deep mourning
because of his sudden departure.
The deceased was never married. His moral conduct was always above reproach and his good qualities
made him popular among all with whom he was acquainted. The result of his untimely demise has been to cast
a gloom over the community which nothing but the hand of time will be able to remove.
9-10-1916
Stephan Studenka (Infant)
9-15-1916
Charles J. Rekart
Ottoville Man Fell Dead At His Home
Charles Rekart, Prominent Resident of Neighboring Village, After Partaking in a Hearting Supper,
Dropped Dead In Living Room of His Home – Was Member of Delphos Council K. of C.
Without a moments warning, death came to Charles Rekart, a prominent and very respected resident of
Ottoville, Friday evening, and the news of his passing came as a shock to his relatives and friends. Mr. Rekart’
s death occurred about 7:30 o’clock Friday evening, at his home, one and a half miles east of Ottoville.
Mr. Rekart had worked all day and ate a hearty supper in the evening. He had just gone from the dining
room into the living room of his home, when he fell over dead. Medical assistance was immediately summoned,
but efforts to revive him were unavailing. The spark of life had gone out. Heart trouble was given as the cause
of death.
The deceased was a lifelong resident of Ottoville. He was born there forty-one years ago last August,
grew from boyhood to manhood, married established his home and was rearing his children. He was twice
married. His first marriage was to miss Clara Wiechart, of Delphos. She died shortly after their marriage and on
Jun 24, sixteen years ago, he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Otte, of Ottoville. Mr. Rekart was a
prosperous and energetic agriculturist, a splendid citizen and devoted to his family. His bereaved relatives
have the sympathy of all who knew him in their sadness.
Mr. Rekart is survived by his wife, three daughters, Marcella, Gertrude and Margaret, two sons, Elvin and
Harold; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Rekart, of Ottoville; six sisters, Tillie, who is in the convent of the
Franciscan Sisters in La Crosse, Wis.; Mrs. Rose Weisenberger, Mrs. Catherine Fornier, Toledo; Misses Anna,
Olivia and Mrs. Joseph Wurst, of Ottoville and three brothers, Ed, William and Frank of Ottoville.
Reared in the Catholic faith, Mr. Rekart was ever faithful to his church duties and followed the teachings
of the church. He was a member of the Ottoville Branch C. K. of O., and the Delphos Council, Knights of
Columbus. In both of these orders his presence will be missed and to show their esteem for the departed
member, the members of the two organizations will attend the funeral in a body. The last sad rites will be held
from the Immaculate Conception church at Ottoville Monday morning at 9 o’clock. Burial in the Ottoville
cemetery.
9-16-1916
Norbert Giesken
10-16-1916
Maria Ricker
Aged Resident Of Ottoville Died Tuesday
Mrs. Bernadine Ricker, Aged Nearly 77 Years Passed Away at Her Home Near Neighboring Village –
Funeral To Be Held From The Ottoville Catholic Church
Mrs. Bernadina Ricker an aged resident of near Ottoville, died at her home near that village Tuesday
morning. She was born in Glandorf, O., in 1839, and was aged 76 years, 11 months and 23 days. She had
been a resident of near Ottoville for many years and was highly esteemed by everyone.
The funeral services will be held Thursday morning, at the Immaculate Conception church in Ottoville.
Burial was in the Catholic Cemetery at that place.
10-21-1916
Joseph Becker
Death Comes Unexpectedly
Joseph Becker, Resident Of Near Muntanna For Many Years, Passed Away After An Illness Of Short
Duration – Funeral To Be Held In Ottoville Tuesday Morning
The news of the death of Joseph Becker, a prominent resident of near Muntanna, and universally
esteemed, came as a shock to his many friends and acquaintances. Mr. Becker was apparently in the best of
health until last Wednesday evening when he became ill and in a short time his condition was pronounced
pneumonia. He lived but a short time after the disease became apparent, passing away at 1:05 o’clock
Saturday afternoon. In his passing a splendid citizen, whose life was worthy of emulation, has been summoned
to the Great Beyond.
Funeral services will be held from the Immaculate Conception church at Ottoville Tuesday morning at 9 o’
clock and burial in the Ottoville cemetery. Mr. Becker was a very devout Catholic, having been reared in that
faith and clinging to the Catholic belief throughout his life.
The deceased was born in Glandorf, Germany, June 19, 1861, and was 55 years, 4 months and 2 days
old. He spent his boyhood days in the fatherland and at the age of sixteen years came to America to seek his
fortune, locating on a farm one fourth mile west of Muntanna, where had had since made his home. Since the
death of his wife, twenty-three years ago, he continued to reside on the old home place, his son August
Becker and wife making there home there and another son being at home.
Mr. Becker was untied in marriage to Theresia Strecker, at Glandorf, thirty-three years ago. To this union
were born six children, four of whom are surviving. The living children are; August and John Becker, Mrs.
Albert Schimmoeller and Mrs. Henry Horstman, all living in Jackson Township. Three brothers, August Becker,
William Becker, of Douglas, Charles Becker, of Cloverdale and two sisters, Mrs. Anna Ston, living in Glandorf,
Germany and Mrs. Barney Soecke, of St. Henry, O., also survive.
12-31-1916
Catherina Bendele
Ottoville Lady Found Dead In Bed
Mrs. Sebastian Bendele, Who Had Been In Failing Health For Several Years Passed Away Early
Sunday Morning Her Husband Finding Her Dead About 4:30 o’clock – Was Mother of Eleven
Children
Mrs. Sebastian Bendele, one of the most highly esteemed residents of Ottoville, was found dead in bed,
by her husband, when he awakened bout 4:30 o’clock Sunday morning. Mrs. Bendele had been in failing
health for several years and for the past eleven months she had been bedfast, suffering from a complication of
diseases. Mrs. Bendele had apparently died a short time before her husband awakened.
Mrs. Bendele’s maiden name was Catherine Herzog, and she was born in Sulz, Germany, she was aged
72 years and 11 days, she came to America at the age of 22 years and located in Ottoville and had since
made that place her home. She was united in marriage to Sebastian Bendele, many years ago. Surviving are
the husband, eleven children, fifty-seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The children are; Mrs.
Anthony Bensman, Mrs. John Plescher, Andy Bendele, Mrs. Michael Kehres, Sebastian Bendele, Leo Bendele,
Mrs. Barbara Eickholt, all of Ottoville; Mrs. Frank Wieging, Mrs. John Wieging, Mrs. Fred Ewgelen, all of Ft.
Jennings; Mrs. Charles Giesken, Chesaning, Mich.
The deceased was a devout Catholic, a member of the Immaculate Conception church at Ottoville and
also a member of the Alter Rosary Society. The funeral services will be held from the Immaculate Conception
church at Ottoville Wednesday morning at 9 o’clock, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Fr. Mertes. The burial will
be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.