Carmen M. Hogrefe

Carmen Mae Hogrefe, 88, of Deshler, Ohio, passed away early Sunday morning, Nov. 9, 2025, at Vancrest Health Care Center, Holgate.

She was born May 19, 1937, in Holgate, Ohio, to the late Martin and Laura (Koppenhofer) Imbrock. She graduated from Deshler High School in 1955.

On Sept. 8, 1957, she married Donald Hogrefe at St. John Lutheran Church, Deshler. They shared over 61 years together, and family life was so important to both of them.

They raised four children, enjoyed the blessings of grandchildren and great grandchildren. They built a legacy that will last for generations. Don preceded her in death on March 29, 2019.

Carmen had worked in the offices of the former Dekalb Hybrids and Ronald Thatcher Insurance Agency, both of Deshler. She would eventually work alongside her husband and her family at Don Hogrefe Construction, playing a role in a successful family business known for their fine craftsmanship and services to their community.

Carmen was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church, Deshler. She was a leader for the women at St. John, where she held many offices amongst their groups and served as the synod president of the Women of the ELCA. With a strong faith, she was always active and took time to share her experiences with speaking engagements with other churches. She also served as the choir director and her singing talents were always evident inside and outside of church.

When not practicing her faith, she was a member of the Bavarian Club, the Patrick Henry Athletic Boosters and volunteered for over 10 years with Henry County Hospice. She spent her free time loving and caring for her family and finding the enjoyment in crocheting.

Carmen is survived by her four children, Dennis (Dawn) Hogrefe, Faye (Kent) Badenhop, Douglas (Lori) Hogrefe, Hope (David) Yarnell; 10 grandchildren, Bryce Hogrefe, Collin (Brooke) Hogrefe, Cory (Lindsey) Badenhop, Haley (Owen) Leeper, Blake (Blair) Badenhop, Mia Badenhop, Logan (Emma) Hogrefe, Noah Hogrefe, Eric (Karly) Yarnell, Krista Yarnell; 11 great-grandchildren, Hayden, Finley, Olive, Eleanor, Theodore Badenhop; Eli, Emersyn, Theodore, Andi Yarnell; Zylo Leeper; Maisie Badenhop; and a sister, Alice (John) Tussing.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Waldo, Raymond and Marvin Imbrock; and sister, Mary Imbrock.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church, Deshler, with Rev. Steve Bauerle officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery and a luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 at Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler, and from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday at the church.

The family suggests memorials to Putnam County Hospice, St. John Lutheran Church or Sufficient Grace Ministries.

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Vancrest Health Care and Putnam County Hospice for their exceptional care of Carmen over the past several years.

Messages and memories can be left for the family at www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com.