David Eugene "Dave" Yoder
OTTAWA David Eugene "Dave" Yoder, 94, of Ottawa, passed away at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, July 3, 2025, at The Meadows of Ottawa. He was born April 12, 1931, in Monroeville, IN to the late Owen J. and Verda C. (Yoder) Yoder. On August 11, 1956, he married Rosetta Brundige, who preceded him in death on May 10, 1998.
He is survived by three children: Tona (Jeff) Franz of Ottawa, Dan (Sue) Yoder of Glandorf and Melissa (Ken) Bodi of Ottawa; seven grandchildren: Jenna Franz of Lima, Amy (Ryan) Schroeder of Ottawa, Dustin (Chelcie) Yoder of Cloverdale, Katelyn (Clayton Haug) Yoder of Indianapolis, IN, Kaleb Yoder of Glandorf, Kristi (Jason) Miller of Lima and Michelle (Chris) Kuhlman of Ottawa; nine great-grandchildren: Raelynn and Chase Schroeder, Holden and Hallie Yoder, McKenna and Brady Miller, and Kellan, Kinsey and Kamryn Kuhlman; and a sister, JoAnn Gundy of Peru, IN.
He was also preceded in death by a son, David Owen Yoder on April 1, 1982; and two siblings: Darrel Yoder and Jean Lambert.
Dave was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Korean War. He was awarded The Korean Service Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars, The United Nations Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. In 2014, he was awarded The Ambassador for Peace Medal while attending the ceremony honoring the 64th anniversary of the Korean War.
Dave worked as a teacher and truck driver, retiring from Niese Transport in 2010. He was also a football and girls' basketball coach for O-G School System.
Dave was a life member of both Kerner-Slusser Post 63 and Ottawa VFW. He was actively involved in many roles/committees including: Commander, Sergeant-At-Arms, Color Guard and Post 63 Legion Baseball.
He was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church of Ottawa, serving on numerous committees, member of the choir, and was involved with the Church Youth Group.
Dave loved spending time with family and friends, especially attending the activities/sports events of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a loyal fan of O-G sports and The Ohio State Buckeyes.
The family would like to express their appreciation to The Meadows of Ottawa, Dr. Jacinta Eickholt, and to Putnam County HomeCare, Hospice and Palliative Care for their kindness and compassion.
Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Trinity United Methodist Church, Ottawa with Rev. Harry Scott officiating. Burial will follow at Harman Cemetery, Gilboa with military rites by the Ottawa VFW, American Legion, AMVETS and DAV. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, with a VFW Service beginning at 7 p.m. at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa and again on Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church, Ottawa or Post 63 Legion Baseball. Condolences may be expressed at
www.lovefuneralhome.comPublished by Putnam County Sentinel from Jul. 3 to Jul. 9, 2025.