Elmer Pothast

ELMER POTHAST

DELPHOS — Elmer W. Pothast, 96, passed away Monday, September 28, 2015 at Vancrest Healthcare Center.

His Family…. He was born April 18, 1919 in Landeck to the late John C. and Rose (Fischer) Pothast. On May 29, 1946 he married Alice Clare (Pohlman) Pothast who preceded him in death on June 24, 1971.

Elmer is survived by three daughters: Louise Haunhorst, Mary Jo (George) Berelsman and Becky (Mike) Berelsman, all of Delphos; a brother: Omer Pothast of Delphos; seven grandchildren: Aaron (Christin) Haunhorst, Todd (Trisha) Haunhorst, Cara (Travis) Sherrick, Jill (Dave) Martz, Brad (Brittany) Berelsman, Gina (Pat) Craun and Megan (Dustin) Fisher; fourteen great-grandchildren: Jacob Haunhorst, Elizabeth Haunhorst, Alice Haunhorst, Caleb Haunhorst, Cole Haunhorst, Carter Sherrick, Eli Sherrick, Alex Martz, Claire Martz, Gwen Martz, Warren Martz, Cainan Craun, Gideon Craun and Sierra Fisher; and his fiancée Bernadette Hasenkamp's family.

He was also preceded in death by three brothers, Walter, Nick and Clifford Pothast; a sister, Gertie Ernst; a son-in-law, Michael Haunhorst; and his fiancée, Bernadette Hasenkamp.

His Legacy…. Elmer was a retired self-employed electrician, plumber and a lifelong farmer. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Landeck where he distributed communion and was a lector. He had also distributed communion at St. Rita's Medical Center for 16 years and was a Lay Minister for the Diocese of Toledo. Elmer had been a member for over 75 years of the Catholic Order of Forester Landeck Branch 76, receiving his 50th year Golden Rosary and 75 year pin. He was a member of the Delphos Eagles Order 471 and also volunteered at the Thrift Shop. He was a professional tinkerer and inventor. A perfect day for Elmer would be a drive to see the wind turbines and a trip to McDonald's.

His Farewell Services.… Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 2 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Landeck, the Rev. George Mahas officiating. Burial will follow in St. John the Baptist Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. on Thursday at Weber Funeral Home, 1840 E. Fifth St., Delphos, where a Catholic Order of Forester's Wake Service will be held at 7:45 p.m., followed by a Parish Wake Service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist maintenance fund or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.weberfh.net