Larry Niswander

1940 - 2021

FINDLAY — Larry Vilas Niswander has left this earthly life on Sunday, February 28, 2021 to begin his eternal life with Jesus Christ. He was noted to have had a big smile on his face as he stepped outside of the earthly bounds and entered Heaven to walk the streets of Gold.

Larry was born August 9, 1940 at Bluffton Community Hospital to Colleen and Vilas Niswander. He was preceded by his first wife, Aleta Dawn (Schmidt) who passed away in 1989 and together they had two sons; Brent Alan (Jennifer) Niswander and two grandchildren Emmerson Rose Niswander and Ashton Cole Niswander; step grandchildren Joseph William "Will" Hall and Zachary Alexander Hall; and youngest son Brian Aric (Priscilla) Niswander and two grandchildren Leah Rachael (Stephen Boose) Niswander and Benjamin Lucas Niswander. Larry leaves behind his wife of 32 years, Jerri Presley and stepdaughter, Kelli Renae Davis

Larry graduated from Findlay High School in 1958. After high school, Larry continued his education at Ohio Northern University and after two years in electrical engineering, he transferred to Ohio State University to continue his education and to be closer to the love of his life. Larry eventually chose to live at home to help reduce his education expenses. Upon receiving his BS in Marketing, he was drafted into the U. S. Army and sent to Military Police School and then was chosen to serve as the Honor Guard General Staff in Germany. This posting permitted Larry and Aleta to enjoy their lives together in Heidelberg, Germany. They were able to travel across many European countries and mix with the Europeans as locals. Their oldest son, Brent, was born in Heidelberg. Upon completing his Army commitment, Larry accepted a job with National Cash Register and later worked with his family at the Niswander Jewelry Store in Findlay. With Larry's strong background in electronics and years of amateur radio experience, Larry chose to join the sales team for Motorola Inc. After 26 successful years with Mororola, Larry retired to spend more time with his family and church.

Larry married his second wife Jerri on September 15, 1989. They met at a christian singles retreat called Solocon in Indianapolis. They spent time traveling and camping with family and friends. They attended the Findlay First Church of the Nazarene, where they enjoyed serving Jesus Christ together.

Larry is also survived by his brother, Barry, sister in law, Lynda and several nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his first wife, Aleta; parents Vilas & Colleen; brothers Jerry and Terry.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Findlay First Church of the Nazarene, 2501 Broad Avenue, Findlay. Burial will follow in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Putnam County. Visitation will be held 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Friday, March 5, 2021 at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Bridge Home Health & Hospice of Findlay, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay, OH 45840 or to Findlay First Church of the Nazarene, 2501 Broad Avenue, Findlay, OH 45840.