Elmer Alphonse Markward

ELMER ALPHONSE MARKWARD On April 4, 2024, the oldest man in Ottoville and last WWII veteran, Elmer Alphonse Markward, 98, passed away at 7:16 a.m. at his home with his loving wife of almost 71 years, Rosemary, and his children by his side. He was born July 11, 1925, in Delphos to the late Frederick and Christine (Wiechart) Markward. On July 11, 1953, he married Rosemary Koester, who survives in Ottoville Elmer is also survived by six children: Margie (Terry) Byrne, Kenneth (Carol) Markward, Thomas (Barb) Markward, Nancy (Carl) Byrne, Jerry (Lois) Markward, and Scott (Sandy) Markward, all of Ottoville; 17 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and 6 step-great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by three siblings: Mary Ann (Claude) Liebrecht, Mildred (Ralph) Wittler, and Donald (Isabelle) Markward. Elmer was a 1943 graduate of Middle Point High School, where he excelled in basketball and played in the 1943 State Basketball Tournament. He was a US Army veteran serving during WWII, where he was awarded the WWII Victory Medal and Medal for Good Conduct. He worked for Gramm Trailer Corp and founded M & W Trailers, Inc., Ottoville in 1956. Elmer was a member of Ottoville Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville VFW, and Delphos Country Club. He enjoyed polka dancing and spending January in Myrtle Beach, SC. Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville with Very Reverend George Mahas officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Ottoville. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, and 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township. A scripture service will begin at 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville, St. Mary's Cemetery, Ottoville, Putnam County Homecare and Hospice, or Ottoville VFW. Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.