1942
2024
BLUFFTON -- David Kihm, 81, of Bluffton, died May 10th, 2024 at home surrounded by family.
Mr. Kihm was born Sept. 3, 1942 in Ashtabula, OH to Albert and Carolyn (O'Conner) Kihm, who he lost at an early age. He was raised by his brother Bud and his wife Norma.
He married Marilyn (Neiling) on Oct. 1, 1997.
He was among the last freshman class to graduate from St. Gerard's High School, Lima; and the original Lima Central Catholic School at St. Rose, graduating in 1960. He was Senior Class President.
Mr. Kihm proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 to 1964. He was stationed at Offutt Air Base in Omaha, NE and Royal Air Base Heyford, England, for 3 years. One of his memories was serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis where 18 B-47 bombers were running and ready to go when Communist Party Leader Nikita Khrushchev blinked first, and stood down.
He was one of the original 35 employees hired at Procter & Gamble of Lima in 1968. He retired in 1997 after working 29 and a half years. Dave enjoyed Civil War history and shooting groundhogs.
He is survived by brothers Tom (Nell) Kihm, of Arkansas, and Daniel (Julie) Kihm, Tipp City, OH.
Surviving are a son, Brent (Marie) Kihm, of Ottawa; a daughter, Danielle Laing, of Columbus Grove; grandchildren, Dr. Amber Kihm; Tyler (Ariel) Kihm; Abigail Laing, and Spencer Laing; step-children, Melissa (Jason) Brinkman; Kristy (Doug) Schweingruber; Tonya (Trent) VanFossen; a great-grandchild, Kaysen Richart Kihm; nephews Greg Kihm, Douglas Kihm, and Joseph Kihm; nieces Maria (Jim) Hicks, Rhiannon (Kyle) Lewis, grandchildren Kylie & Ashley Brinkman; Makayla, Jordan and Addison Schweingruber; and Alexis and Caden VanFossen.
Also preceding him in death were brothers James and Bud; and sister-in-law, Norma (IIames) Kihm; and a nephew Daniel "Little Dan" Kihm.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 240 W. Robb Ave., Lima, where the family will receive friends for 2 hours prior to the Mass from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Interment will immediately follow the Mass in Gethsemani Cemetery, where VFW Post 1275 and active duty members of the United States Air Force will render final military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Putnam County Hospice or to St. Gerard Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chiels-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Bill Bitters
May 15, 2024
Dave and I started at P&G together and worked on and off for 30 years.
He made many of those years very enjoyable with his humor.and smile. We send along our thoughts and prayers to family and friends.
Bill Bitters
Mike Van Meter
May 15, 2024
I just wanted to express my sympathy for the family. When I was young, my Dad who was John Van Meter was good friends with Dave and I remember going to his house where I saw for the first time Cher singing on the TV there.
I remember that he was so kind and always was laughing and my Dad had a Nick name for him and always called him Goon Bah. Not sure where that came from, but at times when I was driving to Bluffton down Rockport Rd and I would pass the farm, I would remember him and my Dad calling him by his Nick name.
A great man and he will be missed. God Bless.
Lucinda Werling
May 13, 2024
Dear Dani - my deepest condolences at the loss of your Dad.
I´m keeping your family in my prayers.
- Lucy
Neil Fossa
May 12, 2024
ON the same shift in Downy Process for many years. Another special person gone. RIP my friend,
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Dave Harsh
May 12, 2024
A good friend. We started together and worked at P&G. RIP my friend.
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Funeral services provided by:
Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services - Shawnee1170 Shawnee Rd, Lima, OH 45805

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