Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home Obituaries

About Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home

Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home, located at 1605 Celina Rd, St. Marys, OH, 45885, has been a pillar of the community for many years, providing compassionate and professional funeral services to families in their time of need. With a long history of serving the St. Marys area, this funeral home has established a reputation for excellence and trustworthiness.

A Legacy of Compassion and Care

The team at Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home is dedicated to providing personalized and meaningful funeral services that celebrate the life of your loved one. They understand that every family is unique and that each person deserves a farewell that reflects their personality, values, and beliefs. From traditional funerals to cremation services, they offer a range of options to suit your needs and preferences.

Funeral Obiturary Search

Explore our extensive database to find and remember the lives of loved ones through millions of heartfelt obituaries

Search

Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Genoveva C Abreo - October 23, 1929 - October 21, 2023

Departed: 10/21/2023 (St. Marys)

Obituary Preview: Genoveva C. Abreo, 93, of Saint Marys, and formerly of Indianapolis, died 5:35 A.M. Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital in Saint Marys.

She was born October 23, 1929, in El Paso, Texas, the daughter of Mike and Julieta (Rodela) Chavez.

She is survived by her daughter, Rochelle (Dennis) Hommel of Saint Marys; by her granddaughter, Lessah (Hunter) Mullins of New Knoxville.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her four siblings.

She graduated from Ysleta High School in El Paso, and attended one year of college. She worked for many years as the office manager for a physician’s office in El Paso.

She was very gracious and everyone in the neighborhood called her “Grandma”. She loved baking and cooking and enjoyed helping her friends make Mexican food at Christmas. She also liked to garden and read. She fellowshipped with the Way International Ministry in New Knoxville.

Memorial services will be held at a later date in Indianapolis. Genoveva’s funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home, 200 West Spring Street, New Knoxville.

View Full Obituary

Patsy Chavoustie - November 25, 1952 - September 24, 2023

Departed: 09/24/2023 (St. Marys)

Obituary Preview: Patsy Jean Chavoustie, 70, passed away early on the morning of September 24th in the home she loved, surrounded by family.

Patsy was born in Kingsport, Tennessee, on November 25th, 1952, the daughter of Stanley and Barbara Jean Ketron. Under the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Patsy cultivated a love of reading, writing, and history, culminating in a history degree from the University of Tennessee in 1975.

She met and married the love of her life, David Chavoustie, in 1977. Together, they spent their lives in service in various locations as active members of The Way International. Patsy was a leader, teacher, and minister for 40 years as a Way Corps graduate. She will be especially remembered for her wisdom, thoughtfulness, and kindness in times of trouble.

Patsy is survived by her husband, David; her children, Mike, Gabrielle, and Kate; her sister, Nancy, and her brother, Tim; four grandchildren; and many, many friends.

A private memorial service will be held in the spring in the mountains Patsy adored.

View Full Obituary

Serena M Caiola - March 30, 1959 - September 21, 2023

Departed: 09/21/2023 (St. Marys)

Obituary Preview: Serena M. Caiola, 64, of New Knoxville, Ohio, died 3:28 A.M. Thursday, September 21, 2023, at her residence following a short illness.

She was born March 30, 1959, in Celina, the daughter of Mary Lou (Miller) Baker.

She married Joseph Caiola on June 16, 1989, in Los Angeles, California, and he survives in New Knoxville.

She is also survived by her children: Jeremy Fuller of Chicago; Jocelyn Morales of Los Angeles; Angelica Caiola; Favian Caiola. She is survived by her grandchildren: Amy Luna and Ozzy Barker; by her great-grandsons, Helios Luna, Gavin Fuller and Cedric Fuller; by her sisters: Theresa (David) Bubp of Saint Marys; Ronda (Mike) Roby of Saint Marys.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Lou Baker.

Serena was a 1978 graduate of Saint Marys Memorial High School. She retired from the US Postal Service after 30 years of service in southern California. She attended the First Church of New Knoxville. She enjoyed collecting antiques and making stained glass. She loved the ocean, lighthouses and ships, gems and crystals. She enjoyed gardening and working in her yard, but most of all she loved taking care of all the kids in her life.

Funeral rites will be held 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the First Church of New Knoxville, the Reverend Joel Bucklin, officiating. Private family burial rites will be held at the Willshire Cemetery.

Friends may call from noon until the time of services in the prayer room of the First Church of New Knoxville, where memorial gifts may be given to either Grand Lake Hospice or PANCAN.org, the pancreatic action network.

Condolences and memories of Serena may be sent to her family via Millerfuneralhomes.net.

Serena’s funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home, 200, West Spring Street, New Knoxville.

View Full Obituary

Charlyne L Ganger - August 19, 1946 - June 23, 2023

Departed: 06/23/2023 (St. Marys)

Obituary Preview: Charlyne L. Ganger, 76, of New Knoxville, Ohio, was found dead on Friday, June 23, 2023, at her residence.

She was born August 19, 1946, in Piqua, Ohio, the daughter of Charles and Lois (Minton) Pitsenbarger.

She married Homer Ganger on December 14, 1985, in Houston, Ohio, and he preceded her in death on March 18, 2018.

She is survived by her sisters: Vicki ( Brady) Rodgers of Hartselle, Alabama; Sue Ellen ((Dick Heron) Pitsenbarger of California. She is also survived by two nephews and four step-sons: Jeff Ganger of Rockford; Bruce (Robin) Ganger of Celina; Daniel (Holly) Ganger of Rockford; Mark (Christa) Ganger of Van Wert. She is survived by numerous step-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Homer.

Charlyne was a 1964 graduate of Houston High School where she was a cheerleader and lived in Iceland for a term as an exchange student. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Wittenberg University and was a former German teacher at Trotwood-Madison High School.

She was well known in the New Knoxville community as a kind, friendly person, and will be missed. Private family memorial services will be held at  a later date, and condolences may be sent to her family via Millerfuneralhomes.net

Charlyne’s funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home, 200 West Spring Street, New Knoxville.

View Full Obituary

Lillian E Wierwille - January 01, 1933 - March 14, 2023

Departed: 03/14/2023 (St. Marys)

Obituary Preview: Lillian”Lil”  Wierwille, 90, of New Knoxville, died 7:55 P.M. Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, Saint Marys.

She was born January 1, 1933, in New Knoxville, the daughter of Edward and Lela (Schmidt) Schroer.

She married Norman G. Wierwille on September 4, 1954, in New Knoxville, and he preceded her in death on June 19, 2014.

She is survived by her children: Steve (Marcia) Wierwille of New Knoxville; Beth (Chuck) Shreve of New Knoxville.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Kim (David) Meyer; Dan (Brittany) Wierwille; Nikki (Scott) Schwieterman; Colton Shreve; Tyler (Samantha) Shreve; by her great-grandchildren: Alayna Meyer; Adalee Meyer; Evan Wierwille; Brycen Wierwille; Casen Wierwille; Emerson Schwieterman.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, a sister, Ruth Henschen.

Lil  was a 1951 graduate of New Knoxville High School, and a graduate of the Miami Valley Hospital School of Nursing in 1954.

She was a Registered Nurse at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital in Saint Marys for 40 years, retiring in 1995.

Lil enjoyed reading, knitting, walking and riding her bike around New Knoxville. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of the First Church of New Knoxville, where she served with the Christian Women of Action, led Bible studies and was the funeral dinner coordinator. She was also a member of the New Knoxville Historical Society.

Funeral rites will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the First Church of New Knoxville, the Reverend Joel Bucklin, officiant. Private family burial rites will follow at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery.

Friends may call from 9:00-11:00 A.M. Saturday in the Heritage Room of the church, where memorial gifts may be given to the Cancer Association of Auglaize County. Condolences may be sent to Lil’s family via Millerfuneralhomes.net

Lil’s funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home, 200 West Spring Street, New Knoxville.

View Full Obituary

Larry J Haberkamp - August 12, 1951 - December 07, 2022

Departed: 12/07/2022 (St. Marys)

Obituary Preview: Larry Joe Haberkamp, 71, of New Knoxville, passed on to his heavenly Home on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at St. Rita's Hospital in Lima, Ohio.

He was born August 12, 1951, in Lima, Ohio, the son of Eldon and Lois (Zwiebel) Haberkamp.

Larry grew up on a farm outside of New Knoxville and, as a boy, helped with the many chores around the farm. He was a member of both the FFA and 4-H. He graduated from New Knoxville High School in 1969. After graduation he worked at Pyropak/Airport Mfg., New Knoxville for 25 years as a tool & die maker and welder; then at Stolle's in Sydney for about 10 years.

He had numerous interests, such as being a member of "Adolph's Tug of War Team", trap shooting, golfing, drag racing, mushroom hunting and a bit of hunting and trapping.

He was a lifelong resident of New Knoxville as well as a member of First Church, New Knoxville.

He had a zest for knowledge with an affinity for Astronomy, using his own telescope. He enjoyed times with his nephews and nieces, liked board games with trivia questions and especially the card game, Rook.

Larry is preceded in death by his father, Eldon; mother, Lois; infant sister, Barbara and brother, Ted. He is survived by his brother, Rick (Monica) Haberkamp of Dublin, Ohio; Dean (Annette) Haberkamp and sister, Shirley Holland, both of New Knoxville, as well as numerous nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturday, December 17, 2022, in the Heritage room of First Church New Knoxville, to be followed immediately by the funeral service, the Reverend Joel Bucklin, officiant. Burial will follow at Pilger Ruhe Cemetery, New Knoxville.

Memorial gifts may be given to the American Diabetes Association.

Condolences may be sent to Larry's family via Millerfuneralhomes.net. Vornholt-Miller Funeral Homes, 200 West Spring Street, New Knoxville, is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to Larry’s family via Millerfuneralhomes.net

View Full Obituary

Margaret "Meg" Kish - July 14, 1948 - June 20, 2024

Departed: 06/20/2024 (St. Marys)

Obituary Preview: Margaret Watson Kish

Margaret Watson Kish, 75, of New Bremen fell asleep on Thursday, June 20, 2024, and is awaiting the return of her lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

Margaret (Meg) Watson was born an only child to John and Adelaide Watson in Rye, New York, on July 14, 1948. Meg had an idyllic childhood and was greatly influenced by her mother, who was an illustrator and portrait artist. In her teen years, Meg’s artistic talents began to show, and by the time she graduated from high school, she had decided to pursue a career in art herself.

Meg acquired a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Carnegie Mellon University, where she studied graphic design and classical realism. The summer before her final year in college, Meg worked as the art director for Cosmopolitan Magazine in New York City. Growth at her craft was a lifelong pursuit, and throughout her life she studied in ateliers of art masters. There was, however, one thing that Meg loved more than producing art and that was serving God. Her life was forever changed on June 8, 1970, when she accepted Christ as her risen lord and savior. In November of 1970, she took a bible class in New York that was offered by a small, but growing ministry from New Knoxville, Ohio—The Way International. This class, called “Power for Abundant Living,” furthered her relationship with God and provided her a greater understanding of God’s Word. Meg was among the group of Christians in Rye that became known as “The Groovy Christians of Rye, New York.” In the summer of 1971, Meg, along with other Christian believers, moved to Washington, D.C., to reach out with God’s love and establish a new area of work for The Way Ministry. Next, she moved to the headquarters of the ministry in Ohio at the request of its founder, Dr. Victor Paul Wierwille, in order to develop as a biblical illustrator. It was there that she married John Joseph Kish on August 28, 1976. Not long afterward, she and John graduated from The Way Corps, the ministry’s Christian leadership training program. In 1979 they were blessed with the birth of their first daughter, Marga, followed by the birth of their second daughter, Amber, who arrived just 18 months later. It was also in 1979 that John was ordained to the Christian ministry, further cementing the family’s commitment to serve God. In the early 1980s, The Way produced a video of Meg’s spiritual journey titled “The Renewed Mind… A Self-Portrait.”

The Kishes remained at the ministry’s headquarters, where Meg served as art director and illustrator for The Way Magazine and several other publications—most notably, Heirs, a children’s magazine; Jesus Christ Our Passover, a major biblical research work; and a children’s sing-along booklet titled We’re Standing on the W-O-R-D. Additionally, she was the lead research artist for a painting titled “Dechomai” which hangs in the Word over the World Auditorium at The Way International.

John and Meg worked on staff at The Way from 1976 until 1990, when they accepted their first field assignment in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was their first of many assignments, as they were willing to go anywhere they were needed. In fact, over the course of their many relocations, they moved an astonishing 32 times in 48 years.

Always a giver, Meg continued to teach art privately and publicly wherever she moved. She truly bloomed wherever she was planted. She was a featured lecturer and speaker at conferences, art museums, libraries, art schools, and college campuses across the USA. Meg’s artwork is included in national and international corporate, public, and private collections, including The Way International Headquarters in Ohio, Ponte Vedra Beach Resorts in Florida, and the United States Federal Reserve Bank in Miami, Florida. Her illustrations have been published in books, magazines, advertisements, and her personal line of stationery, which she affectionately called “Gems.” Those who knew Meg personally knew that she was a force for good and always had a big smile and a kind word for everyone. Her grace and goodness mirrored that of her heavenly Father. These words from Meg sum up her entire philosophy of her art: “It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words, and I want those words to encourage and edify unto good things.” Her mission statement was “Word over the walls.”

Meg is survived by her loving husband, John; daughters Marga Kish and Amber (Ben) Wierwille; grandsons Sage, Steel, Cobalt, and Indigo; and granddaughter Rainbow. You will notice that both daughters’ and all the grandchildren’s names relate to colors of the rainbow. How fitting a legacy for a woman who admired and imitated God’s creation and always loved a fresh box of crayons.

A celebration of life will be held for Meg at a later date.

View Full Obituary

Facilities and Amenities

Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home boasts a beautiful and spacious facility that can accommodate large gatherings as well as intimate ceremonies. The funeral home features a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with comfortable seating areas, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, and ample parking. Their facilities are designed to provide a peaceful and serene environment where families can come together to pay their respects and celebrate the life of their loved one.

Funeral Services Offered

Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home offers a wide range of funeral services to meet the diverse needs of the families they serve. These include:

• Traditional Funerals: A classic funeral service that includes a visitation, funeral ceremony, and burial or entombment.
• Cremation Services: A variety of cremation options, including direct cremation, cremation with a memorial service, and cremation with a traditional funeral service.
• Memorial Services: A ceremony held without the presence of the deceased's body, often featuring a eulogy, music, and other personalized elements.
• Pre-Planning: The opportunity to plan and prepare for your own funeral in advance, ensuring that your wishes are respected and relieving your loved ones of the burden of making difficult decisions.

The Importance of Pre-Planning

Pre-planning your funeral may seem like a daunting task, but it can bring peace of mind to both you and your loved ones. By making your arrangements in advance, you can ensure that your wishes are respected, reduce the financial burden on your family, and spare them from having to make difficult decisions during an already emotional time. The team at Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home is happy to guide you through the pre-planning process and answer any questions you may have.

Grief Support and Resources

Losing a loved one can be a devastating experience, and the grief that follows can be overwhelming. Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home understands that grief is a journey that requires support and guidance. They offer a range of resources to help you navigate this difficult time, including:

• Grief Counseling: One-on-one counseling sessions with trained professionals who can provide emotional support and guidance.
• Support Groups: Group meetings where you can connect with others who have experienced a similar loss.
• Online Resources: Access to online grief support groups, articles, and other resources.

A Commitment to Excellence

Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home is committed to providing exceptional service to every family they serve. They strive to exceed expectations by offering personalized attention, compassion, and understanding. Their team is dedicated to ensuring that every detail is taken care of, from the smallest gesture to the largest arrangement.

Contacting Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home

If you're in need of funeral services or would like more information about pre-planning or grief support resources, please don't hesitate to contact Vornholt-Miller Funeral Home. You can reach them by phone at [phone number], email at [email address], or by visiting their website at [website URL]. Their caring staff is available 24/7 to assist you in any way possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It may also include information about their family, accomplishments, and surviving relatives.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to inform friends, family, and community members of a person's passing, allowing them to pay their respects and offer condolences. They also provide a lasting tribute to the deceased and can be a valuable resource for genealogical research.

Who typically writes an obituary?

The task of writing an obituary usually falls to the family members or close friends of the deceased. In some cases, a funeral home or crematorium may assist with writing the obituary or provide a template to help guide the process.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's full name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, military service (if applicable), and surviving relatives. It may also mention hobbies, achievements, and other personal details that celebrate the person's life.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or online platform it will be published in. Generally, it should be concise and to the point, ranging from a few sentences to a short paragraph.

Can I include photos or other multimedia in an obituary?

Yes, many online obituary platforms and some print publications allow you to include photos, videos, or other multimedia elements to enhance the tribute and make it more personalized.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online platform?

The submission process varies depending on the publication or platform. You can usually find guidelines on their website or by contacting their customer service department directly.

Is there a cost associated with publishing an obituary?

Fees for publishing an obituary vary widely depending on the publication or platform. Some may offer free listings, while others charge by the word or line. Be sure to check the pricing structure before submitting your obituary.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, it's possible to write your own obituary in advance. This can be a therapeutic exercise that allows you to reflect on your life and legacy. Keep in mind that your family may still need to review and edit the final version.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of someone's passing, usually including only basic information such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary is a more detailed tribute that celebrates the person's life and achievements.

Can I include humor or anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! Obituaries don't have to be somber and serious. Including humorous stories or anecdotes can help capture the personality and spirit of the deceased.

How do I handle sensitive information in an obituary?

If the deceased had a complicated or sensitive aspect to their life, it's essential to approach this information with tact and respect. Consider consulting with family members or close friends before deciding what to include.

Can I include charitable donations or memorial information in an obituary?

Yes, many people choose to include information about charitable donations or memorial funds in lieu of flowers. This can be a meaningful way to honor the deceased and support a good cause.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The time frame for publishing an obituary varies depending on the publication or platform. Online platforms may publish immediately, while print publications may take several days or weeks.

Can I make changes to an obituary after it's been published?

In some cases, it may be possible to make corrections or updates to an obituary after it's been published. However, this depends on the publication or platform's policies and procedures.

What if I want to publish an obituary in multiple places?

You can certainly publish an obituary in multiple locations, such as local newspapers, online platforms, and social media sites. Just be sure to check each publication's guidelines and fees before submitting.

Can I create an online memorial or tribute page instead of a traditional obituary?

Yes, online memorial pages are becoming increasingly popular as a way to celebrate someone's life and share memories with others. These pages often allow for interactive features like guestbooks and photo uploads.

How do I ensure accuracy when writing an obituary?

To ensure accuracy, verify facts such as dates, names, and spellings with reliable sources like birth certificates, passports, or other official documents.

What if I'm struggling to write an obituary due to grief or emotional distress?

If you're finding it difficult to write an obituary due to emotional reasons, consider seeking support from a friend, family member, or professional counselor. They can help you navigate your feelings and craft a fitting tribute.

Can I include quotes or poems in an obituary?

Absolutely! Quotes or poems can add depth and meaning to an obituary. Choose something that resonates with the deceased's personality or spirit.

How do I handle conflicting opinions within the family when writing an obituary?

If there are differing opinions within the family about what to include in the obituary, try to find common ground and focus on celebrating the person's life rather than dwelling on disagreements.

What if I want to keep the funeral private but still publish an obituary?

You can certainly publish an obituary without mentioning funeral details. Simply omit this information and focus on sharing news of the person's passing with friends and community members.

Can I republish an old obituary from years ago?

If you want to republish an old obituary from years ago, you may need permission from the original publication or copyright holder. Be sure to check their policies before proceeding.

Are there any specific guidelines for writing an obituary for someone who was young or died unexpectedly?

When writing an obituary for someone who died young or unexpectedly, it's essential to approach the task with sensitivity and compassion. Focus on celebrating their life and achievements rather than dwelling on the circumstances of their passing.