Walter H. Delventhal

Walter H. Delventhal, 89, of Napoleon, Ohio died Sunday, March 1, 2015 at Fulton Manor Nursing & Rehab Center, Wauseon, Ohio. He was born May 26, 1925 in Gerald, Ohio to the late Herman and Emma (Ranzau) Delventhal. He married Lucia (Gerken) Cordes on May 22, 1953. Walter was a self-employed welder. He learned the trade from his father at a blacksmith shop in Gerald, Ohio. He became the owner-operator of that blacksmith shop one year after he was discharged from the US Navy where he had served in Norfolk, VA during WWII welding on the ships in the shipyards. His patriotic spirit carried over into his civilian life where he served in various offices of the Ridgeville American Legion Post 454, including Commander and County Council Legionnaire. He was part of many honor guard troops who were called to assist at military funerals. Walter was a leader. He was Chairman of the Building Committee to build St. John Lutheran Church. He was the Treasurer of the Henry County Fair Board for many years and received a special award in Columbus for being an Outstanding Fair Supporter. For many years he was on the Ridgeville School Board serving as president or vice president. Later he was called to serve on the School Board of St. John Lutheran School. He was on the Freedom Township Zoning Board and worked on the Archive Committee at St. John. He could read and speak German fluently and was often asked to translate some letters or writings. He was a founding member of the Low German Club. Most of all, Walter was a living historian. He could remember details that many had forgotten until he reviewed them. Walter loved to tell stories and almost every thing he saw reminded him of a story to tell. He dearly loved his grandchildren and would allow them to play in his shop to build some imaginary objects or to take a ride on the tractor with him. He teased them and they loved it. Laughter was part of every visit to his shop or house. Walter was a farmer who worked from sun-up to sun-down to bring in the harvests. He was a good steward of the earth and provided for his family. He also worked for Vernon Nagel Construction Company for many years. He is survived by his loving wife and partner of 61 years, Lucia; daughters, Nancy Cordes Hoover; Jane (David) Crandall, Joyce (Dan) Wiechers and Mary (Doug) Kossow; 11 grandchildren who will try to follow his guidelines; Nick (Kasia) Hoover; Kirk (Kasey) Hoover; Jill (Drew) Snoply; Rachel (Ross) Durham; Ryan (Audrey) Crandall; Matt (Erin) Crandall; Nathan (Danacia) Wiechers; Marcus (Alex) Wiechers; Eric Wiechers (Faith Decker); Tyler Kossow; Logan Kossow; and they have blessed the family with 18 great-grandchildren, Sydney; Elise; Madelyn; Kaylee, Konner; Katelyn; Eli; Olivia; Sam; Luke; Claire; Spencer; Simon; Calvin; Adam; Charlie; Gavin; MaKenna; and one on the way. Many nieces and nephews will also mourn his loss. He was preceded in death by son, Rick Cordes; a granddaughter, Stephanie Kossow; and sister, Mary Ann Gerken Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, March 6 at St. John Lutheran Church, Freedom Township with Rev. Stephen Niermann and Vicar Reed Shoaff officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery where military honors will be accorded by the US Navy and Ridgeville American Legion. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 2-8 p.m. at Rodenberger Funeral Home, Napoleon and Friday from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. John Endowment Fund. Walter was a man of strong faith, believing in the power and strength of Christ's love and the beauty and peace that would await him after his passing. Online condolences may be made at www.rodenbergerfuneralhome.com

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Walter H. Delventhal

May 26, 1925 - March 1, 2015