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Donald Dershem Obituary
DONALD DERSHEM
OTTAWA — Donald E. "Dersh" Dershem, age 73, was called into the presence of the Lord at 12:36 AM Saturday, September 17, 2016, at Lima Memorial Health System, surrounded by the love of his family.
Don was born March 12, 1943 in Lima, to the late Ross F. and Gwendolyn (Eley) Dershem. On August 16, 1997 he married Rebecca A. "Becky" (Laubenthal) Dershem who survives in Ottawa.
Don was a 1961 graduate of Lima Senior High School. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving in Vietnam. Don worked for Mohler's Flowers in many capacities for over 50 years and was responsible for the Go Bucks! on the roof of the flower shop. He enjoyed music, gardening, fishing and tinkering in his garage, "if Don couldn't fix it, it couldn't be fixed." His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Don was a quiet gentle man who left an imprint on the hearts of many and he had a smile for everyone he met. He was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and was a member of the Kerener - Slusser American Legion Post #63, Ottawa, Ohio.
He was blessed with a family who loved him dearly, four children, Brian M. (Tabitha) Dershem of Cincinnati, Kevin A. (Renee) Dershem of Galloway, Keith E. (Jennifer) Dershem of Newport, KY and Jeanna P. Bidlack of La Habra Heights, CA; five grandchildren, Brenna Dershem, Owen Dershem, Ian Dershem, Michael Dershem and Annie Dershem and brother, Leon (Jamie) Dershem of Kalamazoo, MI.
Other survivors include his mother-in-law, Mary Ann Laubenthal of Ottawa; four brothers-inlaw, Rick (Marsha) Laubenthal, Ned (Donna) Laubenthal, Al (Lynn) Laubenthal and Bruce (Stacey) Laubenthal; sister-in-law, Lisa (Rod) Seimet all of Ottawa and his extended family at Mohler's Flowers.
He is preceded in death by father-in-law, Lewis "Boz" Laubenthal.
Funeral Services will begin 11:00 AM Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at CHILES - LAMAN FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES, SHAWNEE CHAPEL. Pastor Rob White will officiate the service. Burial will follow in Allentown Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and VFW #1275.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 - 8:00 PM Tuesday, September 20, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 1701 Woodlands Dr., Suite 200, Maumee, Ohio 43537 or Putnam County Home Care and Hospice, 575 Ottawa - Glandorf Road #3, Ottawa, Ohio 45875.
Condolences may be expressed at chiles-lamanfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Dershem
American Heart Association
September 22, 2016
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Tony Lester
September 20, 2016
Becky,
I do not know how you feel losing your partner but I do know that my family and I are praying for you and your family.
There is no death! What seems so is transition; this life of mortal breath is but suburb of life elysian, whose portal we call death. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Jack Pugh
September 19, 2016
So s0rry t0 hear of Don's passing, He was a great guy!
September 19, 2016
Thank You Sir For Your Service To Our Country.
Jane Micha
September 19, 2016
My sincerest sympathy. I worked with Don many years ago at Mohlers. He was truly a very nice man.
Kevin Tabler
September 19, 2016
Sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of your family.
September 18, 2016
Becky,
Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
With deepest sympathy,
Dan & Lisa Rieman & Family
Elaine Knaack
September 18, 2016
Thoughts and Prayers
The Daughters Of
Ivan Wallace Dershem
Brenda, Tana, and Elaine
September 18, 2016
May God give you all his peace and comfort at this sad time.
Susan Jennings
September 17, 2016
Becky, thinking of you & sending love & hugs. Don will live forever in our hearts. He was such a precious, special man--a light in this world. You were an amazing, caring wife and you both complimented each other! You and Don will always hold a very special place in my life. I can never thank you enough for all the times you came to visit my mother (Anna Margaret Ruland). It meant so much to both of us. Bless you and praying for God's loving arms to enfold you, comfort you, and to keep you in all your days. xoxo
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Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services - Shawnee1170 Shawnee Rd, Lima, OH 45805
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