Ronald Pothast

DELPHOS -- Ronald Leo Pothast, 87, of Delphos, passed away Friday, October 4, 2024 at VanCrest of Delphos.

He was born April 9, 1937 in Lima to the late Cornelius 'Nick' and Mildred (Pohlman) Pothast. He married Jane (Siebeneck) Pothast and they celebrated 64 years of marriage on September 3, and she survives in Delphos.

Ron is survived by his five children, Carolyn (Tim) Kuhlman of New Bavaria, Linda (Kevin) Soltzberg of North Ridgeville, John (Cathy) Pothast of Westerville, Deb (Mark) Fischer of Delphos and Brian (Libby) Pothast of Whitsett, North Carolina; an ex-son-in-law, Gene Culp of Delphos; grandchildren, Jeremy (Tracey) Culp, Amanda (Kevin) Keipper, Stephenie (Charles) Fuerstenau, Mike (Tucker) Fisher, Nick Pothast, Greg Pothast, Brandon (Leeannda) Fischer, Derek (Kayla) Fischer, Ryan (Laura) Fischer, Kelsey (Chandler) Kaeck, Sarah Pothast and Drew Pothast; and 16 great-grandchildren. Ron is also survived by his sibling; sisters, Mary (Ted) Maag of Danville, California, Darlene (Don) Moenter of Cridersville and Sue (Steve) Clark of Delphos.

He was also preceded in death by sisters, Jean (Ray) Kleman and Janice (Bob) Hoehn.

Ron retired from Central Soya/Bunge where he was a boiler operator for 43 years. He served in the United States Navy on the Franklin D. Roosevelt aircraft carrier as a boiler operator from 1955-1959. The shipmates held reunions for 30 years. He was an avid fisherman, fishing from Canada to the local fishing hole. He enjoyed deer hunting camps for 50 years in Williams County and Michigan, and trap shooting every Sunday winning regularly. Ron was one of the founding members of the Van Wert County Outdoorsmen Shooting Club.

Ron fixed everything with a small motor, always building and tinkering. He traveled extensively covering all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Canada. The family enjoyed vacations every year with tents or cabins. He lived in the family house his entire life except for 10 years while in the Navy and their newlywed years. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. He was also a member of Ft. Jennings American Legion, Knights of Columbus Council 1362, Eagles Aerie 471 and Kalida Fish and Game. One of the highlights of his life was the trip to Washington D.C. with the Honor Flight.

Friends may call on Friday, October 11, 2024 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Weber Funeral Home, 1840 E. Fifth St., Delphos. Visitation will also be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Saturday.

A funeral service will begin at 11:00a.m. Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Weber Funeral Home. Burial to follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Delphos, where military honors will be conducted by the Delphos Veterans Council.

Memorial contributions may be made to Honor Flight or to the donor's choice. Online condolences for Ron may be shared at www.weberfh.net.