Wayne Roehrig

DEFIANCE - Wayne "Mutt" Lee Roehrig, 88, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 5, at CHP Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center surrounded by his loving family.

Mutt was born on April 29, 1936, to Olin and Veronica (Cupp) Roehrig in Defiance, Ohio. He was a member of St. John Catholic Church. On June 16, 1956, he married Linda Lee Smith in St. Mary Catholic Church, Defiance. Wayne became "Mutt" at a young age, after his brothers Gene and John called him a mutt for following them everywhere like a lost dog. A man of many nick-names, others included Mr. Fix-it, Mr. Perfect and Mr. Safety. He grew up on the east side of Defiance in what would later become "Roehrigville". His father Olin built homes for each of his 9 children on what was the family farm. Mutt and his siblings had a total of 44 children between them, who grew up together. Mutt is remembered for his strong work-ethic and fondly recalled his many jobs. He began working at a young age farming mushrooms and at 16 began working at Rummel's Market in Defiance. At the age of 18, his father Olin purchased and stocked Roehrig's Market for Mutt, with his brother Donald joining following his return from service. He most enjoyed working as the butcher at the market. Mutt continued to operate the store until 1969, when he began working as a Metallurgist in the lab for General Motors, retiring from GM in 1999. Later in life, he continued to work cleaning businesses and homes with his daughter, Shelly and granddaughter Kristen. His strong work-ethic and moral character was passed down to his children and grandchildren, much to his pride. He was extremely proud of the academic achievements of his grandchildren, but more importantly their exceptional moral footing and caring for others.

To his late wife, Linda, Mutt was a wonderful provider and devoted husband. They were blessed with almost fifty years of marriage. Many of those years were spent at Witmer Lake where they enjoyed going on walks, garage sales, sail boating, and spending time with their kids and grandkids. He missed her every day these past nineteen years and we take comfort in knowing they are finally reunited.

To his children, Jeff, Shelly, and Jenny, he was the best father and loved them unconditionally. He was fun, yet strict, and taught them the value of hard work. He was always available to help with projects around their houses and enjoyed the extra time with them. He was invaluable in every aspect of their lives.

To his family, he was both a buddy you could joke around with and a role model. He could play the room with his Mutt-isms ("Shave and a haircut two bits", "Don't take any wooden nickels", etc.) and his way of teasing you without making you feel like the butt of a joke. On the other hand, he was committed to doing every task the right way and had the patience to teach the grandkids the same. They will remember his hobbies, special handshakes with his grandsons, working on crossword puzzles, sitting on the porch and listening to music, tending the lawn, finding arrowheads by the Maumee River, fishing on Witmer Lake, answering the phone with "whistler" or "yo babe", and showing off his skyhook in basketball. In addition to being Grandpa Mutt, he was the neighborhood barber, handyman, and music taste-maker. Most of his grandsons didn't see any other barber until they were well into adulthood, and he was the guy to call if you had a tricky DIY project that probably should have been done by a professional contractor. He shared a love of music, and some of his favorite artists were The Band, Chuck Berry, Waylon Jennings, among other great folk, country, and rock musicians. His large vinyl record collection led to small dance parties that always brought life to family gatherings. "Wooly Bully", "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" and "Pink Shoelaces" were some of the grandchildren's favorites.

Mutt is survived by his children, Jeffery (Diana) of Kalida, Michele (Tom) Dietrich of Defiance, and Jenifer (Evan) Anders of Defiance; grandchildren, Kristen (Isaac) Lee, Audrey (David) Archer, Peter Roehrig, Emily Anders, Mitchell (Annie) Roehrig, Tony (Shila) Dietrich, Kevin (Jamie) Roehrig, Abby Anders, Zach (Xue) Dietrich, Bryant (Maddie) Dietrich, Katerina Roehrig, Jillian Dietrich, and Alexa Dietrich; and great grandchildren, Addison, Madelyn, Jackson and Henry Lee, Evan, Piper, and Jhett Archer, Kaya Dietrich, Nora and Liam Dietrich, Lucy and Wade Roehrig, Calli, Cooper, and Carter Roehrig. Brothers, John and Denny Roehrig; sister- in- law Rose Smith; brother- in- law Ronnie ( Mary) Smith. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and a special great niece, Cheryl (Roehrig) Harrow.

He was preceded in death by his parents Olin and Veronica; in-laws Lee and Addie Smith; wife Linda Lee Roehrig; son Timothy; and grandsons David and Douglas Roehrig. Brothers Gene, Paul, Lynn, and Donald, and sisters June Hoffman and Joyce Shock. Sister in-laws, Carolyn Sizemore, Dorothy Beckham; brothers-in-law Larry Smith, Billy Smith, Bobby Smith.

We want to thank the wonderful staff at CHP Inpatient Hospice Center for their wonderful care of not only Mutt but our entire family. Your kindness is something that carried us through some of our most difficult days.

Visitation for Mutt will be Sunday, March 9th, 2025 from 2-8 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson-Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, March 10 at 11am at St. John Catholic Church in Defiance. Graveside services will follow at Riverside Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the Eagles in Defiance at 1pm.

Memorials can be made to CHP Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center or St. John Catholic Church.

As Mutt would always say "Keep your dauber down". Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.