Bruce Willrath

Bruce Willrath, age 67, of Mendon, Ohio, peacefully passed away on October 18, 2025, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital in St. Marys. He was born on April 12, 1958, in Celina, to the late John and Mary Helen (Adams) Willrath.

Bruce is survived by his fiancée, Tami Ziegenbusch of Mendon; son, Brock Willrath of Mendon; and grandson, Bransen Willrath. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley (William) Abercrombie of Texas; brother, Bob (Brenda) Willrath of Mendon; brothers-in-law, Brent (Linda) Unger and Bif (Mandy) Rogers, both of Florida; sisters-in-law, Kim (Jeff) Everman of Celina and Joann (Greg) Kramer of Florida; and mother-in-law, Linda (Wendel) Rogers of Florida.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Babette (Unger) Willrath, whom he married in September 1982, and who preceded him in death on December 9, 1988; his parents; mother-in-law, Shelva (Dick) Egten; and father-in-law, Herman Rogers.

A 1976 graduate of Mendon-Union High School, Bruce worked alongside his father at JB’s Repair for several years before joining Speicher’s in Celina. He later retired from Crown Equipment Corporation in New Bremen after 29 years of dedicated service.

Bruce enjoyed working on machinery, being around horses, playing cards, and spending time outdoors fishing and hunting with friends. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Reds fan and cherished time spent with his family.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Cisco Funeral Home in Celina, with Pastor Jason Boroff officiating. Family and friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Buck Cemetery in Celina.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grand Lake Hospice in St. Marys and/or the Cancer Association of Mercer County.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate caregivers of Grand Lake Hospice and Joint Township District Memorial Hospital. They also extend their sincere gratitude to Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina & St. Marys for their care and support.

To share memories or express condolences, please visit www.ciscofuneralhome.com or the Cisco Funeral Home Facebook page.