Art Kandel

Art Kandel, age 87, of Orrville, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, following a period of declining health.
Born on November 15, 1937, in Orrville, Art was the son of the late Walter and Pauline (Miller) Kandel. He was a 1955 graduate of Orrville High School and married the love of his life, Mary C. Stauffer, on March 30, 1957, in Wooster.
A lifelong resident of Orrville, Art was deeply rooted in his community. He was both an owner and operator of the family farm and also owned and managed several restaurants over the years, showcasing his strong work ethic and passion for food.
Art had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed countless fishing trips to Canada and Florida. He found joy in farming, traveling across the United States, and spending winters in Florida. He especially loved playing shuffleboard and table games, attending gospel concerts, and listening to music. A talented craftsman, Art enjoyed working with wood, building everything from sheds to toys, and generously shared his skills through numerous Habitat for Humanity projects throughout the U.S.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Mary; three children, Joyce (Rick) Conley of Wooster, Karen (Mark) Youngs of Corning, NY, and Jerry (Denise) Kandel of Kouts, IN; 31 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Rita Jean (Jim) Atkinson and Susan M. (Dennis) Weaver, both of Orrville; son-in-law, Kurt (Pam) Schlegel of Shreve; and daughter-in-law, Julie Kandel of Big Prairie.
Art was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Carolyn Schlegel; son, Ronald Kandel; grandson, Travis Kandel; and sisters, Dorcas Lemon and Judy Wise.
Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Auble Funeral Home, 512 East Oak Street, Orrville.
A memorial service celebrating Art's life will be held on Saturday, October 25, at 11:00 a.m. at Martins Mennonite Church, 14027 Church Road, Orrville, with Pastor Jerry Kandel officiating. A private family burial will take place at Martins Mennonite Church Cemetery prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Church in Wooster, 4599 Burbank Rd, Wooster, OH 44691, woostergrace.org or Samaritan's Purse International Relief, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, samaritanspurse.org.