Timothy T. Wilde
December 13, 1950 - May 3, 2024
Timothy T. Wilde, PROUDLY from Toledo, Ohio and affectionately known as Tim, T-Dubs, TW, Cousin Smash, Mouse passed away peacefully on Friday May 3rd, surrounded by his loving family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend whose presence touched the lives of everyone he came across.
In 1969, he met the love of his life, Jane Verhelst, and were happily married for 50 years!
Throughout his life, Tim valued education and instilling in his children the importance of setting goals and embracing their values. He was a proud graduate of St. Agnes, Central Catholic High School, Defiance College, and the University of Toledo. His proudest moments were witnessing all four of his children receive their college diplomas from Jesuit Universities and seeing his beloved wife graduate from the University of Notre Dame.
Tim was an educator, school administrator and guidance counselor at Toledo Christ the King and Blissfield, Findlay, and Anthony Wayne Public Schools. His career path changed in 1984 when he began his most Impactful role as a stay-at-home dad, "The Original Mr. Mom."
Tim and Jane were inseparable and enjoyed life – visiting family, hosting parties at 4238 - "Party at Wilde's" and taking advantage of Jane's University of Notre Dame status as a coveted Football Season ticket holder. Tim reignited his love for playing sports and became a die-hard softball and basketball player.
He was known as the "Mayor" of the East Toledo Senior Softball League where he played on multiple teams, umpired, and sipped Mich Ultra's. Tim also played in the Sylvania Senior Softball League and on numerous travel teams. Jane was at every game keeping the scorebook and cheering him on!
Tim loved rocking away on the porch, listening to his favorite tunes, rooting on his beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Boston Red Sox, Toledo Rockets and Xavier Musketeers and his "date nights" with Jane at the Casino.
He was predeceased by parents, Arthur and Helen, and three brothers: Mike, Jim and Johnny. Tim was PROUD of his family and will be deeply missed by his wife, Jane; four children, Patrick (Nicole), Kelly, Joseph (Crystal), Erin (Jeff Strobehn) and seven grandchildren (Elizabeth, Scaia, Luca, Avery, Noah, Zoey and Kaylee). A special Irish Blessing to his life-long friend and cousin, "Captain Smash", Kevin Curran.
As Tim walks through the Golden Gate, he will likely greet the Lord with his trademark introduction, "How are you doing? I am Tim Wilde, from Toledo, Ohio. GO IRISH!
Published in The Blade from May 5, 2024.
Nathan D. Freeman
January 27, 1952 - May 28, 2023
Nathan D. Freeman, 71, of Oregon, passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center. He was born in Celina, Ohio on January 27, 1952 to Chester A. and Bernice M. (Gordon) Freeman. He graduated from Celina High School in 1970 and went on to serve in the US Army. Nathan retired as a telecommunication technician from AT&T and SBC Communications. He also worked as a transporter for Taylor Cadillac for several years. Nathan was a member of the C.W.A., Toledo Area Street Rod Association, N.S.R.A. and Good Guys Street Rod. He enjoyed playing softball in several E. Toledo Leagues and the East Toledo Family Center.
Surviving is his wife, Terry L. Noegel-Freeman; children, Curtis S. Freeman, Crystal D. Holmes, Annemarie (Tom) Roberts, Julie A. (Jim) Kapotas, Jamie S. (Kevin) Campbell and John P. (Cyndi) Noegel; siblings, Calvin W. (Linda) Freeman and Denise A. (Kerry) Zuercher; 17 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. Nathan was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will receive friends at the Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Road, on Saturday, June 3, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at noon. Interment: North Oregon Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to Wreaths Across America or a charity of the donor's choice.
Published in The Blade from June 1, 2023.
Matthew P. Edinger
May 31, 1959 - December 9, 2022
Matthew “Matt” P. Edinger, age 63 of Sylvania passed away Friday, December 9, 2022 in his home, following a battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He was born May 31, 1959 in Toledo to Elwood and Patricia Edinger. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries and Wildlife from Michigan State University in 1981, then earned a second Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science Engineering in 1998 from the University of Toledo. He worked for T.L. Industries as a software engineer for 37 years. Matt loved to fish and enjoyed playing Sylvania Senior Softball. He was an active member of Five Lakes Church.
Matt met the love of his life, Kathy, on a Young Life weekend in 1976 and the rest is history. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on September 4th of this year. He is also survived by their 3 wonderful sons, Steve (Shonah), Joel (Abbey) and Andy Edinger; sisters, Christy Gipson, Natalie (Dwight) Brautigam and Abby (Duane) Craddock; sister-in-law Sue (Jef) Chaplin; brother-in-law Bob (Chris) Scarlett; mother-in-law Marilyn Scarlett; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Posted online on December 9, 2022; www.walkerfuneralhomes.com
Richard A. Block
February 5, 1945 - November 6, 2021
Lambertville - Richard A. Block, 76, of Lambertville, MI, passed away at Ebeid Hospice Residence in Sylvania, OH on November 6, 2021. Richard was born February 5, 1945, to Richard L. and Linda (nee Rodammer) Block in Saginaw, MI. He attended St. Lorenz Lutheran School and was a 1963 graduate of Frankenmuth High School. He received his Associate's Degree from Concordia, Ann Arbor and his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Concordia Teacher's College, River Forest, IL. He was united in marriage with his high school and college sweetheart Marajean Palmreuter on November 25, 1967.
Richard was a faithful minister of the Lord, serving as a Lutheran educator for 43 years. He was a teacher, coach, and administrator at Lutheran High School East, Harper Woods, MI; Lutheran High School, Indianapolis, IN; Christ Lutheran Academy, Plainfield, IL; St. Peter Lutheran, Arlington Heights, IL; and St. John Lutheran, LaGrange, IL. He was instrumental in leading a struggling Indianapolis Lutheran High to become a nationally recognized school in a brand-new modern facility. He was a successful and longtime high school basketball coach, winning over 300 games in his career and coaching both of his children. At various times he also coached football, baseball, and softball. He inspired students and colleagues alike through his leadership, diligence, personality, and faith, and led both his children to become teachers and coaches themselves. Richard was past president of the Association of Lutheran Secondary Schools and received his doctorate from Nova Southeastern University in 20
Upon retirement in 2011, Richard and Marajean moved back to Michigan and joined Christ the King Lutheran Church in Lambertville where he served as congregational president and as a deacon. His free time revolved around sports, whether it was watching his favorite Michigan teams, his grandchildren's games, or competing himself. He loved playing softball, traveling across the country to compete in tournaments and playing until age 75.
An excellent softball player, Richard loved the game and
played for many years in the Sylvania Senior
Softball League. He was a member of the Sylvania
Fricker's 70's traveling team that won three SPA
National Tournaments to qualify for the 2016 World
Series in Dalton, Georgia.
Richard is survived by his loving and faithful wife of nearly 54 years, Marajean; son Jason (Sarah) Block of Racine, WI; daughter Audra (Matt) VanBrandt of Ottawa Lake, MI; brother Bob (June) Block of Auburn, MI; grandchildren, Aaron Block, Andrew Block, Grace Block, Anna VanBrandt, and Aly VanBrandt. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gary.
Posted online on November 06, 2021; www.pawlakfuneralhome.com
George Stuller
July 8, 1946 - December 24, 2020
George J. Stuller, 74, of Curtice, Ohio passed away on December
24, 2020 in Florida. George was born to George and Agnes (Toth)
Stuller on July 8, 1946. He was a member of the Clay High School
class of 1964. He became an apprentice/member of the United
Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 50 Toledo and was
a member for 54 years.
He graduated from the University of Toledo in 1980 with a
technical degree in Mechanical Engineering.
He was an avid athlete. He enjoyed playing golf with his lifelong friends, Danny Miller and Chuck Tracy. His passion, however, was softball. He played softball for several years in a league in Curtice, Ohio while in his 20s and 30s. When George was turning 50, he returned to the game joining a senior softball league. He was a member of the East Toledo Family Center softball league for 20 years and served on their board.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Suzanne; and children, GJ (Annette) Stuller, Dawn Bryant, Jeff Stuller, and Todd (Vivian) Stuller; 11 grandchildren whom he loved unconditionally; and his siblings, Jeanette Bickle, Georgeanne "Georgia" Vail, Margaret Stuller, and Donald (Mary) Stuller; and is preceded in death by his parents.
Published in The Blade from Feb. 3 to Feb. 12, 2021.
Raymond Frick
1946 - 2018
Raymond Frick, who with chicken wings and good cheer built a chain of casual-dining venues with appeal to families and sports fans, died Wednesday in the Cleveland Clinic. He was 72.
He had cancer, his daughter, Amanda Frick, said.
Mr. Frick and his wife, Shannon, divided their time between Perrysburg and Naples, Fla.
He was president and chief executive of Fricker's, which has headquarters in Miamisburg, Ohio, and more than 20 dining locations, either company owned or franchised, in Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. The East Toledo native started with a single restaurant in 1985 in the Dayton area, opened with his brother Bob, who later went in business on his own. The Perrysburg location opened in 1989.
His sense of style was impeccable, longtime friend Jeff Carter said. And he rarely was seen without coffee and dark sunglasses, his daughter said. When spotted in frequent visits to the Perrysburg Fricker's, "he would be in the corner table behind the hostess stand, with a cup of coffee and his sunglasses on," his daughter said. "He loved being with people and working with people."
He respected employees and paid attention to what patrons wanted, said Mr. Carter, who is Fricker's quality assurance manager. He served as a mentor to many, and made customers into friends.
"They brought their friends, and they became friends, and they brought their friends," Mr. Carter said. "That grew the business.
"There were so many things that made him successful," Mr. Carter said. "I told him everybody has chapters in their lives, and he has written so many chapters in so many books in so many people's lives that it would fill a massive library."
He was born May 25, 1946, to Christena and Bernard Frick. He was a 1964 graduate of Waite High School, where he played on the football team. He received a bachelor of education degree from Miami University, where he also played football.
"He wanted to better his life and have opportunities," his daughter said.
Mr. Frick became a teacher, as older brother Bernard had. He taught at Robinson and Jones junior high schools and taught physical education, health, and science at Macomber Vocational and Start high schools, where he also coached. He received a master of education degree from Bowling Green State University.
Among the part-time jobs he took while teaching was as a floorwalker for a Perrysburg nightclub. He left teaching behind as his role in the business expanded. He became part-owner and had a role as the business expanded to Dayton and, later, Charlotte, N.C., and Myrtle Beach, S.C.
"He realized he had some sort of passion for working with people in that capacity," his daughter said. "In true Ray Frick fashion, when he found something he was passionate about, he wouldn't let anything get in his way. He didn't want to stay stagnant. He said life was made to be lived."
He knew a restaurant venture - opening Fricker's -- was a risk, his daughter said. "but he made that decision, and when you make that decision you move forward," she said. "He never gave up. There were times he had to sell everything he had and hoped he was making the right move. The stars aligned. God had a plan for him.
His marriages to the former Susan Bachar and the former Teresa Bureau ended in divorce.
Surviving are his wife, Shannon Riley Frick, whom he married June 25, 2004; sons Andrew and Christopher Frick; daughter, Amanda Frick, and brother, Robert Frick.
The family suggests tributes to the Frick Family Scholarship Fund at Waite High School.
Published in Toledo Blade on Aug. 12, 2018
Glenn R. Maxwell
1964 - 2017
[Glenn served as webmaster for the sylvaniaseniorsoftball.com website for four years.]
Glenn Robert Maxwell , 53, of Toledo concluded his battle with pancreatic cancer in the wee hours of November 30-December 1. It is common to use the term "battle" with such diseases, but in Glenn's case, it is wholly accurate. He was pragmatically optimistic and determined from first to very nearly last, and even at that point he remained astonishingly and humblingly positive.
Glenn was born Sept. 20, 1964 in Cleveland, to Kathleen (Anderson) and Robert Maxwell. A lifelong Ohioan, he grew up in Euclid, in Huron, and in Sylvania. After graduating from Sylvania Northview in 1982, he followed his football allegiance and enrolled at The Ohio State University. From OSU he received a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering and polymer science in 1987, and a master's degree in business administration in 1989. He also gained lasting friendships from his membership in Sigma Pi fraternity and cemented an enduring love of the Buckeyes.
He was hired as an applications engineer by Ransom and Randolph, an investment casting company in Maumee. In 1995, he was appointed as the firm's European business manager, industrial products, and then director, sales and marketing, positions in which he traveled extensively throughout Europe and made fast friends with many clients and colleagues. In 2000, he formed his own web design business, Nexus Enterprises. He was a loyal member of the Madison Avenue chapter of Business Network International.
Glenn was a man of many passionate interests: travel, history, pets, and music. His accomplished piano playing was a source of delight to family and friends, and he never met an instrument at which he did not want to try his hand (including bagpipes).
Glenn's love of family and friends was devoted and complete, and he will be missed with commensurate intensity by his parents; his sisters, Lisbeth Maxwell and Margo Hertzfeld; his brother-in-law, Dale Hertzfeld; his beloved nieces, Claire and Sara Hertzfeld; his longtime companion, Kathy Challender; aunts, Sara Maxwell and Betty Scott; godmother, Dorothy Johnson; several cousins; honorary nieces and nephews; and many friends and business associates throughout the world. His loss will also be felt by his cherished dogs, Mitzi and Georgia, who were with him throughout his hospice care.
The family is deeply grateful to the many dear friends who offered care and support during Glenn's illness and to the staff of Sincera and Hospice of Northwest Ohio, who made it possible for him to be at home in relative comfort in the closing days of his life.
Published in Toledo Blade from Dec. 6 to Dec. 8, 2017
Kenneth Kreuz
1937 - 2016
Kenneth “Ken” Kreuz was born July 10, 1937 in Swanton, Ohio to Wendel and Virginia (Langenderfer) Kreuz. After graduating from Swanton High School, Ken enlisted in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1958. After his return, he worked a number of years for the Delcraft Company in Wisconsin and that is where he met his first wife, Sandra O'Dell. Later he started his own company distributing West Bend and Regal cookware along with various kitchen products. He worked up until he had a stroke 4 1/2 years ago at which time his son, Scott took over the business. Ken loved working with the Amish
because they love Jesus.
While in Wisconsin he played semi pro baseball. In his later years he played
senior softball in East Toledo and Sylvania and went on to play in the senior Olympics and won the national senior championship for 65 and older in Saint George, Utah. He loved all sports and excelled in all he participated in. He also loved watching his children and grandchildren play sports.
Ken had great love for his God and his church and that is where he met his second wife, Sue Roberts. They enjoyed many years together. Ken was a longtime member of Highland Meadows and made many friends and had wonderful memories on the links. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and first wife, Sandra O'Dell Kreuz; brother, Leonard (Butch) Kreuz and sister, Suzanne Schauerte.
Surviving are his wife, Sue Kreuz; children, Scott (Natalia) Kreuz and Jennifer (Murray) Sales; brothers, James (Jacquie) Kreuz, Harold (Kathy) Kreuz; sisters, Eileen O'Boyle and Barbara (Mack)Smith; stepson, Kevin (Joanna) Hunter; stepdaughter, Kelli (Jeff) Bailey; grandchildren, Murray, Dawson and Carter Sales, Kenneth Nicholas Kreuz and step-grandchildren, Kory and Dylan Hunter and Lainey and Hunter
Bailey.
Published in Toledo Blade on June 15, 2016
Daniel K Rodgers
1929 - 2014
Daniel K. Rodgers, a longtime sporting goods merchandiser whose eponymous West Toledo store focused on custom uniforms and the needs of school teams, died Friday in Kingston Rehabilitation of Perrysburg. He was 84.
He had developed complications after a recent medical procedure, his daughter Joanie said.
Mr. Rodgers was a sales veteran at Athletic Supply Co., a downtown store, when in November, 1970, he opened Dan Rodgers Sporting Goods on Reynolds Road near West Bancroft Street. The store came to specialize in supplying jackets, uniforms, equipment, and trophies for team sports and later moved to Monroe Street.
“You’ve got to know where your niche is,” Mr. Rodgers told The Blade in 2006. “Mine has always been in team business and custom uniforms.”
Mr. Rodgers was a 1995 inductee in the City Athletic League Hall of Fame.
“The secret to his success was really giving everybody a great deal and being an advocate for the schools,” his daughter said. “He dealt with people in the right way. People kept coming back because they liked him.”
His daughter Cate Kaczala has been running the store.
He was born March 24, 1929, to Catherine and James Rodgers. He attended Central Catholic High School and was a graduate of Libbey High School. He attended the University of Toledo and served two years in the Army and was stationed in Japan.
Wayne A. Rode
1943 - 2011
Wayne A. Rode, age 68, of Walbridge, passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2011, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 25, 1943, in Toledo to Arnold and Victoria (Dobes) Rode. Wayne graduated from Waite High School and was a proud East Sider. He retired from CSX Transportation in 2003 after 40 years of service. Wayne made many lifelong friends throughout the years within the railroad family. He enjoyed many adventures with his fellow railroaders and was always eager to tell a story. Wayne was an avid fan of the Bowling Green Falcons and supporter of all East Toledo Sports teams. He played softball throughout the years in many different leagues, most recently for the East Toledo Family Center and Cape Coral, FL, league. He will be remembered as one of the best shortstops in all of the leagues. He was a member of the VFW, Moose, Eagles and American Legion clubs. He spent many winters in Pine Island, FL where he made numerous lifelong friends. One of his greatest joys in life was watching his grandchildren's sporting events and he took great pride in all of their many accomplishments. These are memories that will be treasured forever by his grandchildren. Wayne always had a smile and a story to share with those who knew and loved him. He will be remembered as a loyal friend and deeply committed to his family. He will bemissed by all. Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Jacqueline, children; Scott (Mary Lou) Rode, Julia (Tony) Gallaher, Jackie (Bruce) Fox, James (Clemencia) Fox, Jodi (Thomas) Muratori and Jennifer Smith, grand children; Scott, Sarah, Jordan, Joshua, and Jeremy Rode, Brooke, Tori, and Vinny Gallaher, Nicholas Foxand James and Joshua Smith, mother-in-law; Viola Barrett, and brother-in-law; Paul (Barbara) Youngblood.He was preceded in death by his parents, and father-in-law; Frank Youngblood.
Teammates Forever
This page is dedicated to the memory of our friends, loved ones and team mates who played softball ... a game they loved. The Sylvania Senior Softball League will forever remember our friends for their generosity, sportsmanship and contributions. May they live forever in our hearts!
Ricky James Hendee
April 30,1952 - May 12, 2022
Ricky James Hendee, age 70, of Stuart, Florida and formerly of Toledo, Ohio passed away on May 12, 2022 at Treasure Coast Hospice after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Rick was born in Toledo to Robert and Betty Hendee. He graduated from Whitmer High School and attended the University of Toledo.
Rick was a former owner of Telegraph Brake Service in Toledo. He had a passion for softball and played on many teams in Ohio and Florida. Rick was an avid sports fan, especially enjoying Ohio State and NASCAR.
Rick is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Kimberly Hendee; his daughter, Michelle (Theron Toney); granddaughter, Mya; sister-in-law, Brenda Bennett (Phillip); and nephews, Christopher, Matthew, and Ryan Bennett. He was a treasured friend to many and always found good qualities in everyone he met.
Published in The Blade from May 19, 2022.
Don Edward Montague
March 19, 1935 - April 29, 2021
Don Edward Montague, 86, of Rossford, Ohio died Thursday, April 29, 2021 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. He was born March 19, 1935 in Toledo to Frank and Louise (Brown) Montague.
He married Barbara Jean Shuman on August 31, 1957 and together raised six children. He is a long-time member of St. Mark Lutheran Church. In the United States Army he was with the 82nd Airborne Division and served as a medic. For many years he was a member of the Rossford American Legion Post 533. For over 30 years, he represented teachers at the Ohio Education Association and co-founded the National Staffing Organization. The East Toledo Family Center was important to Don in his childhood years, and he continued there into adulthood as a fundraiser and served on its board. He was very passionate about sports, and was especially fond of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Reds. For over 30 years, Don played softball with various teams, including several that advanced to senior Olympics level. Don and his wife spent winters in Florida, traveled the world, and sailed aboard more than 40 cruise ships.
Don is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara Montague; children, Cindy (Ken) Drill, Nina (Robert) del Valle, Mark (Ann) Montague, Tom (Becky) Montague, Michelle (Willem van der Ven) Montague, Melissa (Ed) Conley; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Tim Montague; grandchildren, Siena and Anya van der Ven; brothers, Frank, Harold, and Gerald Montague.
Published in The Blade from May 2, 2021.
David R. Korn
December 14, 1939 – October 4, 2020
David R. Korn, 80, of Toledo, OH passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. He was born in Middle River, MD on December 14, 1939 to Ernest and Muriel (Hanna) Korn. David was one of nine children.
He attended Whitmer High School and then joined the United States Marine Corps where he served a term of 3 years. David retired from General Motors after 30 years of service. His passion was music and he took pride in his music collection. David loved dancing and singing with his brothers and friends, along with attending "Doo-Wop" concerts whenever he could. He played softball into his 70's and enjoyed watching sports, especially the Detroit Tigers and NASCAR. Anyone that knew him would know his love of his animals, dog, Cheyenne and cats, Taco and Nacho. He was loved by many and will be missed dearly.
Surviving is his wife of 60 years, Barbara; children, Joseph Korn Sr., Debbie (Dave) Ollila, and Brian Korn; grandchildren, Amanda and Brittany Ollila, Robert & Joseph Korn Jr.; great-grandchildren, Mikayla and Landon Korn; sister, Phyllis Michael; brothers, Merle (Sandee) Korn, Gary (Karen) Korn, and Doug (Jennifer) Korn; sister-in-laws, Evelyn Korn and Donna Korn.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Muriel Korn; sister, Patty Korn; and brothers, Edwin (Barb) Korn, George Korn, and Richard Korn.
Published in The Blade from Oct. 11 to Oct. 13, 2020.
William “Ridge” Ridgeway Hooks
December 22, 1945 – April 5, 2020
William Ridgeway "Ridge" Hooks passed peacefully into eternal life on Sunday, April 5, 2020, in Tyler, TX, surrounded by his family. He was born in Waco, TX to Brian and Geraldine (Ridgeway) Hooks Dec. 22, 1945. He was welcomed by older brother, Wallace Brian "Wally" Hooks, who promoted Ridge's interest in sports.
Ridge's family moved back to Oklahoma City, where he attended school at Sequoyah Elementary, Taft Middle School, and graduated high school at Northwest Classen in 1964. He went on to study at Oklahoma Baptist University, Casper Junior College in Wyoming, and Oklahoma State University, where he was a walk-on on the Cowboys football team. In 1969, he proudly joined the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War as a Scout Dog Handler, attached to the 101st Airborne (Green Berets), with his K9 partner, Bliss, and finished his service as an MP at Fort Sill, OK.
After serving in the military, he returned to Oklahoma City to raise his two young sons, Bryan and David Hooks. He worked as an assistant manager for Piggly Wiggly grocery; he was a salesman for WJ Jones Brokerage; and he then began an amazing 25-year career with M&M/Mars. Ridge was affectionately known as "The Candy Man" among his family and friends because he always had a stash of candy with him and had a knack for producing just the right piece of chocolate at just the right time to brighten someone's day. He was a member of the elite Mars Tie Club, and in 1988, he was a recipient of the Vice President's Award for Excellence. He served as District Manager in Memphis, TN and Houston, TX, and ended his career with Mars as Customer Relations Manager, covering 32 states. Although his work in candy came to a close, his candy jar was always open. In May of 1988, he married the love of his life, Ann Stewart, and her two daughters, Holly and Wendy Stewart, joined their family. Ridge had a lifelong love of all sports. Baseball, basketball, football … you name it. He would have a statistic or "one to watch" to discuss! He was a huge OSU Cowboys fan and loved going to the games in Stillwater. After years of playing softball, he became involved with USSSA in Oklahoma in the 1970s. When he was appointed State Director, he took pride in developing free youth clinics, where every child received M&M candy, with stuffed animals given as prizes. Ridge was known for sending the most teams to National and World tournaments every year. After serving as National Church Director and Southern Region President with USSSA, he went on to work with NSA in Texas, which piqued his interest in senior softball.
Published in The Oklahoman on Apr. 12, 2020
Gilbert Valdez Amaya
1951 - 2019
Gilbert Valdez Amaya, formerly of Tecumseh, passed away on Jan. 23, 2019
, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on Oct. 27, 1951,
at his family's home in San Antonio, Texas. Gil was most proud of his
service to his country. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1970 at
the age of 18. He deployed to Vietnam as an infantryman with the 502nd,
101st Airborne Airmobile Division.
Gil retired from Consumers Energy in January 2015 after a 33-year career. He spent most of the last four years living in Thailand, where he fell in love with the people and the culture. There he lived a life of leisure and made friends from all corners of the world.
Gil was an avid sports fan, playing softball and coaching youth baseball for many seasons, and passionately cheering on his beloved Detroit Tigers and Michigan Wolverines. He was somewhat of a savant when it came to sports statistics, remembering in vivid detail nearly every aspect of all the great moments in sports history. He had a love of Harley's and enjoyed riding and traveling with his friends.
Gil was small in stature but had a larger than life personality. He was a master story-teller and a jokester who loved to laugh. He had a huge heart and a generous spirit. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his kids and grandkids and found endless joy in giving to others. He never met a stranger and loved conversing with people.
Gil is survived by his stepfather, Arden Keefer of Morenci; children, Gabby (Barry) Stover of Morenci, Amanda (Robby) Torres of Rio Rancho, N.M.; Matt Amaya of Amarillo, Texas; and Ashley Amaya (Tim Bronson) of Livonia; as well as his eight grandchildren, Jacob and Dominique Morin, Jayden and Landon Amaya, Santana Torres, Caeleb and Cameron Clemons, and Anthony Bronson; and his great-grandson, Isaac Coleman. He also leaves behind a large group of lifelong friends that he considered to be more like family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Tomasita Keefer; and father, Elias Amaya.
Gil's family will host friends for a Celebration of Life in Michigan in late April. Additional details to follow.
Published in The Daily Telegram on Jan. 30, 2019
Randy Clark Main
1954 - 2018
Randy Clark Main, 63 of Temperance, MI died February 6, 2018 of a heart attack. Born in Toledo, OH to Mearl and Joanne (Main) Poulos. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Main; sons, Clark, Spencer, Coltin, Randy II; sisters, Dawn (Main) Lenz, Lisa (Main) Reedy (Sean); brother, Doug Main. Survived by his mother, Joanne Poulos.
Published in Toledo Blade on Feb. 18, 2018
Charles L. McMillen
Sunrise: Dec. 26, 1945 - Sunset: Jan. 1, 2018
Charles L. McMillen, 72, of Adrian died Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Morenci.
He was born Dec. 26, 1945, in San Bernardino, Calif., to Soloman Archie and Edith Hazel (Eisele) McMillen. He married Marcia McIntire on Dec. 6, 1969, in Greenville, Mich. She preceded him in death in 1991. He married Jerry Ann Montague on June 23, 2001. She survives.
A 1963 graduate of St Johns High School, Charles worked for 35 years as a technician for Verizon before retiring in 2008. He was a member of the United States Army, serving in Germany during the Vietnam era. Charles was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting deer in northern Michigan and elk in Colorado. He was also a member of the Sylvania Senior Softball League at Pacesetter Park in Sylvania.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, Jerry, are his children, David McMillen of Adrian, Alicia McMillen of North Carolina, Christina (Rick) McFarland of Texas, Jason (Michelle) Lockwood of Montpelier, Ohio; Jeremy (Lauren) Lockwood of West Unity, Ohio; and Amie Lockwood of Adrian. Also surviving are his brother, Larry McMillen of Alabama; 10 grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and first wife, Marcia, Charles was preceded in death by two stepbrothers, Dennis Hudson and Doyle Hudson.
Memorial contributions in honor of Charles may be designated to the American Diabetes Association. Friends can share memories and words of comfort with the family online at www.eaglefuneralhomes.com.
Published in The Daily Telegram from Jan. 3 to Jan. 4, 2018
Douglas L. Johnson
Sunrise: Sept. 19, 1958 - Sunset: March 9, 2017
Douglas L. Johnson, 58, passed away Thursday, March 9, 2017 in Addison Heights, Nursing Home, Maumee, Ohio. He was born on September, 19, 1958, in Helena, Arkansas to William Johnson and Willia Mae Thomas. He graduated from Scott School High in 1976. Doug served his country in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged. He was employed by Barrows Jewelry Store for many years in the Sales department. Surviving his memory, his only daughter, Tameka M. Johnson; his only grandson, Julian Huddleston Jr.; his brothers and sisters.
As published in The Blade
Robert Lester Collins, Jr.
Sunrise: July 10, 1944 - Sunset: February 3, 2013
Bobby's passion was his wife, Carmen, his family and friends...and softball. He started at the age of 6 and in 2012 he played 147 games with great success. Bobby was a member of the Sylvania Senior Softball Association. In 2012, he played with Wheelock Pharmacy on Tuesdays, at Pacesetter, winning the Master's League. He was also a member of the Sylvania 65's traveling team. In September 2012 Bobby traveled to St. George, Utah, playing with his good friends, the Detroit Masters Senior ballclub in the World Huntsmen Senior Softball Tournament. The squad won a gold medal in the 65 "C" Division. A graduate of Libbey High School, Bobby played various sports, but he favored baseball and basketball. Bobby fought in Vietnam in 1966 and brought home the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. He was cherished by his loving and devoted wife, Carmen Collins; daughters Shelly (Dennis) Boyd, Rhonda McFadden, Robyn Harrison and Jamie (Pete) Lloyd; sister, Angela (Noah) Britt; mother-in-law, Lillian Kyser; grandchildren, Leah, Evan, Javon, Chester III, Tai, Kayla and Orlando R., and a host of nieces, nephews, the entire Kyser family and great friends. Bobby was a warrior, unique in his scope and manner of service. He served his Community quietly, with his support of people in numerous ways. His enduring smile and permeating spirit shouted out - "kindness, generosity and caring.'' Bobby's goodness, was his legacy to his family, friends and the community.
Dennis M. Roeske
1945 - 2009
Dennis M. Roeske, age 63, of Toledo passed away Monday, February 16, 2009, at Toledo Hospital. He was born on July 7, 1945, in Toledo, Ohio to Raymond and Dorothy (Benarth)Roeske. Dennis served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was employed as a driver for Tarta for over 27 years before retiring. After retirement he worked for the Seagate Convention Center.Dennis was a former State Highway Patrol and Northwood Police Officer. On May 4, 1990, he married Patricia Cipriani. He was a member of the American Legion Adams Township Post #553 and a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He leaves to cherish his memory; his loving wife, Patricia; sons, Troy (Dawn) Roeskeof Maumee and Bradley (Jessica) Roeske of Cincinnati; grandchildren, Kayla, Mya and McKenna Roeske and Drake Wroblewski and sister, Janice Reining of Walbridge. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Dorothy and brother-in-law, Fred Reining. The family would like to offer a special thanks to the Toledo Hospital ER, the ICU staff and Dr. Donald Vogel for all their care and compassion shown to Dennis and to the family.