PAULDING, OH: 

Lynn P. Wells III, age 55, formerly of Payne, passed away from cerebellar ataxia, a rare brain condition, on November 12, 2026 at The Community Care Center in Paulding, Ohio.

Lynn was born on May 22, 1971, to Lynn “Phil” and the late Vickie (Lehman) Wells. He grew up in Broughton and graduated from Wayne Trace High School and Vantage Vocational School in 1989.

Lynn loved the outdoors. He spent his spare time fishing the rivers and reservoirs of Paulding County and making memories with his family at deer camp. He also enjoyed collected and trading sports cards and watching NASCAR, always cheering on his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and his No. 88 car. After graduation, he worked at M&W Countertops in Grabill, Indiana, for 33 years as an assembler and truck driver.

Lynn will be fondly remembered for his good nature, soft-spoken manner, and funny humor. One of his favorite sayings was, “Don’t do something stupid!” He lived life his own way.

Lynn leaves behind a son, Lynn IV, of Paulding; a daughter, Anna, of Payne; a sister, Wendy, of Van Wert; a brother, Jamie (Mikala), of Arizona; his father, Phil (Judy), of Cecil. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, grandparents, and a cousin.

Visitation will take place on Monday, November 16, 2026 from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Funeral services will be held at 12:00pm on Monday, November 16, 2026 at the funeral home with Rev. Ron Hofacker officiating. Burial will take place in Scott Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Elara Caring Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 58, Jackson, MI 49204, or to Community Care Center, 199 Road 103, Paulding, OH 45879.

Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.

PAULDING, OH: Donna M. (Goyings) Pieper, age 91, of Paulding, OH, passed away surrounded by her family at the Paulding County Hospital on Saturday, October 31, 2026. 

She was born on June 15, 1935, in Paulding County, OH to her late parents, William S. and Mary C. (Unger) Goyings. She married Oscar F. Pieper in 1953, and they shared 51 years of marriage before his passing in 2004.

Donna is survived by her three sons: Fred (Susan) Pieper, Paulding, OH; Tim (Rae Ann) Pieper, Shawnee, OH; and Jeff (Anne) Pieper, Paulding, OH; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Donna is also preceded in death by her brothers: William “Buck”, Homer, and Ray Goyings.

A polio survivor, Donna lived a life marked by strength, resilience, and a deep commitment to her family, and had a special way of making those around her feel loved and cared for.

A world traveler, Donna had the opportunity to see many
remarkable sites, including the Holy Land, Buckingham Palace, the Eiffel Tower, and the Colosseum, among many others. She especially enjoyed summers spent at Hamilton Lake, IN, with family and friends, where laughter was plentiful and lasting memories were made. 

Donna also had a deep love for St. Bernards. Raising 10 throughout her lifetime along with many litters of puppies.

She was deputy clerk for the Paulding County Auditor’s Office for 22 1/2 years, retiring in 1995. She was a devoted member of the Paulding United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school for 12 years. She was also a former member of the Know Your Neighbor Club and enjoyed volunteering at the Bargain Bin and the Paulding County Hospital Auxiliary. 

Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, OH, with Rev. George Reed officiating. Burial will be in Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding, OH. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home on Thursday. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s memory to the Bargain Bin of Paulding Co., Inc. 

Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com

ANTWERP, OH:

V. Joyce Cheek, 95, of Antwerp, passed away Thursday, October 29, 2026 at her home.

Joyce was born in Fort Wayne on March 8, 1931, the daughter of the late Leona & Earl Shuherk.

On September 28, 1968, Joyce married the love of her life, James (Jim) Cheek, and together they shared many wonderful and happy years. Joyce and Jim were actively involved in the American Legion and helped get it started at the Roller Rink in town. Joyce loved having her family gathered together at the cottage on Snow Lake. She also cherished her trips to Canada to visit her family and traveling out west to spend time with Jim’s family. Joyce was a kind, pleasant, and caring person who always had a warm smile and treated everyone she met with kindness. She will be remembered for her love of family, her warm heart, and the many special memories she created with those around her.

Joyce will be sadly missed by her children, Rose (Rudy) Ouellette-French & Steve (Janice) Ouellette; grandchildren, Joseph & James; & great granddaughter, Aleea Rose French.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim on April 25, 2017.

Service is Thursday, November 5th at 10:30 AM with viewing one hour prior at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp.

She will be laid to rest in Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Visiting Angels, 121 S. Walnut Street, Van Wert, Ohio 45891.

Fond memories may be shared at dooleyfuneralhome.com

PAULDING, OH:

Alice Gerber graduated unto the Heavens on October 14, 2026. She was born in Paulding, Ohio on February 23, 1954. She was the daughter of Drs. Kirkwood A. and Edythe C. Pritchard MDs of Paulding. She married Ronald R. Gerber on October 25,1980 and gave birth to two daughters Audra L. Schoenauer (Scott Schoenauer) of Payne, OH and Susanne L. Sample (Walter Sample) Cincinnati, OH.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ronald R. Gerber, and her boyfriend Ron Johnson. She left behind her children, and siblings : Laura Gibson Morrison of Butler, Ohio; Dr. Kirkwood A. Pritchard Jr. PhD (Marilyn Pritchard) of Elm Grove WI; and Dr. James C. Pritchard of Cincinnati, OH. She was a life-long member of the First Christian Church in Paulding. She had nieces and nephews; Kirkwood Blaine Gibson; Kathryn Pritchard (Corwin Holzman) and son Gryffin, Sarah Pritchard, Emily Pritchard (Areli DeAnda), Ellie Pritchard and Anna Pritchard. Her grandson and granddaughter are Jack Schoenauer and Olivia Sample.

Alice attended Paulding High School and graduated from Paulding High School in spring of 1972. She continued her education at Taylor University in Upland, IN. She graduated in the spring of 1976. She began employment at the Paulding County Welfare Dept. which ultimately became the Paulding County Dept. of Job and Family Services in the Children Services unit. She retired after 32 yrs. of service. She continued to miss doing Foster and Adoptive home studies and finalizing adoptions after retirement.

Alice wrote a book about her mother and her painting friends who loved to paint! Through the historical articles of the Paulding Progress, stored on file at the Paulding County Library, she found many talented people who were also addicted to art. Her hope with the book was that other families would write their own stories about their parents and friends. Paulding County is truly blessed with artists in various areas.

Alice continued to dabble in art and poetry. She depended upon her faith. Through the grief of widowhood, she began a card ministry for those who fell into widowhood for many years. It then grew to families who lost young and adult children, as well as the loss of parents.

Alice’s passing wish is that others look for the GOOD! And here are a few she loved:

“There is always MUCH to be grateful for.”

“Revisit your Victories.”

“Make your dominant thoughts be Positive!”

“Anchor yourself in Jesus.”

“Be kinder than necessary.”

“Do all the good you can.” John Wesley

“Write in your heart that every day is the best day in years.” Ralph Waldo Emerson “Faith does not eliminate questions. But Faith knows where to take them.” Elisabeth Elliot.

I have received my diploma and graduated unto my Lord. Amen.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 22, 2026 at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Paulding, OH. Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding Township.

Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, OH. There will also be visitation one hour prior to the services at church on Thursday.

Memorial donations may go toward St. Jude Children’s Hospital

Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.

FOREST CITY, IA:

Dr. Robert E. AuFrance, 57, of Forest City, Iowa, entered the gates of Heaven on Friday, October 9, 2026. He was born December 2, 1968 to Larry and Vicki (Fulmer) AuFrance. Dr. AuFrance, known as Bob to all, was a writer, scholar, director, mentor, collector, musician, son, brother, and friend. Though Bob never had any children of his own, he had many “kids” over the course of his long career teaching at the college level.

Bob’s passion was his students – giving a chance to those that otherwise would not have had the opportunity. Dr. AuFrance was in his 25th year at Waldorf University as the Dean of Fine Arts, Department Chair, Professor of Theatre, and Playwright-in-Residence. He was currently directing and teaching the acting, directing, playwriting, theatre histories, theatre education pedagogy and film studies tracks for the Theatre Department. He was heading the Artistic Expression program. Bob also served as Waldorf University’s playwright, having had ten of his plays produced at Waldorf.

Additionally, his works have been presented on three continents. Dr. AuFrance hosted playwriting workshops with middle and high school students across the Midwest and had won several writing awards (including being a two time KCACTF, and Region V winner of the Mark David Cohen National Playwriting Award). Bob created the Musical Theatre Major; co-created the “24 Hour Theatre Festival” and the college’s traveling theatre troupe; established the annual “Haunted House Food Drive”, was the originator of the “Loose Change” program, and was the founder and advisor for Waldorf’s chapter of Alpha Psi Omega (the honorary theatre fraternity). Dr. AuFrance was honored by his students for his service to the department when they named the black box theatre “The B.O.B.” in 2011. In that same year, he was recognized by Waldorf College by being presented the Outstanding Faculty Trustee’s Award.

Previously, he had worked at Albion College, Albion, MI; University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; and Kent State University, Kent, OH. It was at the University of Missouri where Dr. AuFrance completed his Ph.D. in playwrighting and theatre history in 2004. In 2016, Dr. AuFrance was inducted into Paulding Exempted Village Schools Academic Hall of Fame.

Bob read his Bible from cover to cover, faithfully. Once he finished, he would restart. He even traveled with it. Though his time on Earth was short, he knew his eternal destination was forever. His family will take comfort in knowing that they will see him again.

Surviving is his mother, Vicki; sister, Tami; step-father, Charlie Mewhorter; and a special aunt, LaDonna Carpenter; all of Oakwood. Other survivors include uncles, Tom (Linda) Fulmer, New Bavaria, OH, and Nickie (Linda) Fulmer, Indiana, many cousins, and friends. Preceding him in death were his father; brother, Andy; uncle, Bill Carpenter; uncle and aunt James and Marie Fulmer; paternal grandparents, Louis and Dorothy AuFrance; and maternal grandparents Charles (Ray) and Alice Fulmer.

Services will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, OH, with Pastor Jim Hall officiating with one hour visitation prior to services. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Jackson Township, Paulding, OH. Visitation is from 4-8 p.m., Friday, October 16, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, OH.

Preferred memorials are to American Diabetes Association or Waldorf University Theatre Department, Forest City, IA.

Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.

PAULDING, OH:

Timothy L. “Tim” Neer, age 54, passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at his home in Paulding. 

Tim was born on November 11, 1971 in Paulding, OH to Terry and Linda (Dempsey) Neer. On March 26, 1992 he married Tina Gaskill. Tim worked for Hartzog’s Lumber and Supply for 15 years. He loved playing softball, shooting pool, and woodworking. He was a fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes. 

Tim will be sadly missed by his wife, Tina Neer, Paulding, OH; mother, Linda Neer, Paulding, OH; daughter, Dovie (Tiffany) Neer, Fort Wayne, IN; stepson, Dewey (Hailey) Barajas, Van Wert, OH; stepdaughter, Katrina Barajas, Fort Wayne, IN; brother, Greg (Becky) Neer, Paulding, OH; sisters: Deb (Gary) Fisher, Payne, OH; Pam (Chris) Rosswurm, Payne, OH; 10 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. 

Tim was preceded in death by his father, Terry “Sleep” Neer. 

Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. on Monday, October 5, 2026 at Den Herder Funeral Home. 

Memorial contributions may be made in Tim’s memory to an organization of the donor’s choice. 

Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.

PAULDING, OH:

Robert P. “Bob” Fessel, age 77, of Paulding, OH, passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at CHP Inpatient Hospice, Defiance, OH.

Bob was born in Fort Wayne, IN on October 25, 1948, to his late parents, E.C. “Bud” and Ruth (Cormany) Fessel. On March 20, 1971, he married Nancy Fessel. Together, they shared a beautiful life.

He was the owner and president of Fessel Jewelers, Paulding, OH for 51 years. Bob earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ohio University in Athens, OH in 1971. Bob was also a graduate gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America, Fellowship by Examination of the Gemmological Institute of Great Britain, certified gemologist of the American Gem Society, and a member of the International Society of Appraisers.

Bob was the past president of the Paulding Chamber of Commerce, former president of the Paulding Kiwanis Club, past president of Delta Sigma Chi, elder of Bible Fellowship Church, Paulding, OH. He was a great cook, magician, enjoyed carpentry, coaching little league baseball, camping, traveling, as well as mentoring new jewelers, and spending time with his grandchildren.

He will be lovingly missed by his wife, Nancy Fessel, Paulding, OH; son, Daniel Fessel, Cape Coral, FL; daughter, Kelly (Jerrod) Kirkland, Bryan, OH; grandchildren: Gabriel Fessel, Cape Coral, Fl; Taylor Lucas, Cuyahoga Falls, OH; step grandchildren, Lucy and Bryce Kirkland; siblings: Richard Fessel, Patricia Luo, and Sharon Chopin.

Bob is also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Alisha Fessel and stepfather, J. Gareth Hitchcock.

A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, OH with Pastor Brent Roth officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date at St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding Township.

Calling hours will be will from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, OH.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to the Paulding County Dog Shelter, c/o Paulding County Sheriff’s Office or to the Bible Fellowship Church, Paulding, OH.

Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.

CONVOY, OH:

Bonita Adileen Myers of Convoy went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

Bonita was born at home on Thanksgiving Day, November 30, 1933, to Wesley and Ica (Matthews) Custer. She grew up on the family farm outside of Rockford along with older sister Josephine and younger twin sister Bonnie. After graduating from Rockford High School in 1952, she served as the school secretary prior to moving to Convoy to start her family after marrying Lester W Myers on June 14, 1958.

She is survived by daughter Karen and son David (Robin) both of Convoy, sister-in-law Beverly Marsee and eight nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, brothers-in-law; Robert Muhlenkamp, William Ehrsam, Fred Marsee and her beloved husband Lester.

Throughout the years, she spoke fondly of the memories of the students and staff she met during her time as secretary at the Rockford school. Along with memories of attendance at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Rockford and Sugar Ridge Church of God in Convoy, Bonita had accepted the gift of God’s salvation through Jesus Christ and was looking forward to reuniting with loved ones.

Private services are planned. 

Honoring Lester and Bonita’s wishes, they will be interred together in Convoy I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Crestview Heritage Board, 9193 Lincoln Hwy, Van Wert, OH, 45891-8300.

Arrangements entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

PAULDING, OH:

Charlotte R. Russell, age 88, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at CHP Inpatient Hospice, Defiance, Ohio.

Charlotte was born on November 3, 1937, in Greencastle, Indiana, a daughter of the late George and Marguerite (Black) Scott. On September 6, 1963, she married Lloyd W. “Bill” Russell, who preceded her in death in 2002.

Throughout her working years, Charlotte was a familiar face to many in the community. She spent many years serving as the kitchen manager at Auglaize Country Club and later worked at Ace Hardware. Charlotte was a devoted mother and grandmother who treasured her family and the time spent with those she loved. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were an important part of her life and brought her much joy through the years.

Charlotte will be sadly missed by her daughter, Kristine (Chad) Lantow of Paulding; five grandchildren, April Daubenspeck, Adam Himsel, Sarah Gerencser, Kaitlin Bortel, and Thomas Lantow; great grandchildren: Ayla, Colton, Payton, Aedyn.

In addition to her parents and husband, Bill, Charlotte was preceded in death by her daughter, Debra Himsel; and siblings, Barbara Bevan, Mary Pierce, Janet Secrest, Steven Scott, Sarah Wilson, and George “Butch” Scott.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.

COLUMBUS, OH:

Gladys A. Dachenhaus, age 93, of  Columbus, OH, formerly of Paulding, OH passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026 at the Columbus Alzheimer’s Care Center.

She was born at the Norden family homestead in Napoleon, OH on March 19, 1933 to her late parents Ferdinand and Mathilda (Badenhop) Norden. On March 19, 1960, she married James J. Dachenhaus who preceded her in death in 1983.

Gladys was a devoted member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Paulding, OH where she worked as the secretary for the church as well as being a member of the Rachel Circle, Worship and Music Committee, sang in the church choir, member of the church council, and teaching Sunday school. In early years, she was also a Boy Scout Den Mother.

She loved spending time with her grandchildren, playing Nickel-Nickel card game, listening to Hymns, Polkas and  Big Band music and watching OSU football and westerns on TV.

She will be lovingly missed by her children: Jay (Beth) Dachenhaus, Paulding, OH; Dawn Dachenhaus, Delaware, OH; Stacy (Tyler) Reed, Grove City, OH; grandchildren: Elizabeth (Brian Cole) Dachenhaus, Delaney Dachenhaus and Lauren and Spencer Reed; brother, Dan Norden, Deerfield, OH.

Gladys is also preceded in death by her brothers: Leonard Norden and Norman Norden; sisters: Florence Behnfeldt, Mary Ann Iliff, and Margaret Lanzer;  four grandchildren.

Memorial service at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Paulding, OH with Rev. Clyde Singh officiating on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 11:00 am. Inurnment will follow at St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding Township. 

Calling hours at the church before the services Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 10:00 am until time of services. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gladys’ memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Online condolences may be shared at www.denherderfh.com.