1922
2013
Ivan Dale Stettler, 90, of Lima, died at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, August 18, 2013, at his residence. He was born August 25, 1922, at home in Richland Township in Allen County, to William Henry "Will" and Nettie Mae (Oberly) Stettler who preceded him in death. He always used August 21, 1922 as his birthdate because, his mother said, "that was when he was born, despite what the birth certificate said." She was there.
He married Beverly Ann (Sheely) McGinnis on February 14, 1986 and she survives.
Mr. Stettler was a self-employed carpenter and a farmer. He enjoyed raising sheep for many years. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II serving on the LST-916 in the Pacific Theater. His first ship, LST-228 ran aground off Bahia Angra Island, Azores. The shipwrecked sailors spent some time with the British Forces in Portugal until they returned to the States. He was a life member of V.F.W. Post 1275, and attended Bluelick Bible Church. He attended a one- room school, the Phillips School, then Beaverdam School. He graduated from Lima South High School in 1941 and attended Ohio Northern University.
Also surviving are his children: Lon M. (Laurie) Stettler of Fairfield, OH, Brian G. Stettler, Jay A. Stettler, Marsha K. (Virgil II) Telljohann all of Lima, and Sondra L. Hale of Spencerville; stepsons: Capt. Brian R. (Kimberly) McGinnis of Lakehurst, NJ and Craig S. (Jennifer) McGinnis of Honolulu, HI; a sister, Orma Witham of Melbourne, FL.; twelve grandchildren, four step grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his former wife, Ellaree (Dotson) Stettler, 2 infant sons; three siblings and their spouses: Merton (Buelah) Stettler, Dorothea (Norman) Schroer and Eileen (Harold) Slade.
Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 22, 2013, at Siferd-Orians Funeral Home, with Pastor James Neighbors officiating. Burial will follow in Bluelick Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 2-8 p.m., in the funeral home.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Equestrian Therapy Program or the charity of the donor's choice.
Condolences can be expressed at www.siferd-oriansfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
August 22, 2013
Krista Telljohann
Even though he is not my blood relative - I will love him forever....he was a HERO, GENTLE MAN, HARD WORKER, GREAT FATHER, SUPERIOR FARMER/GARDENER AND DID WONDERS AS A CARPENTER....again I pray everyday that my son who carries on his wonderful first name that he becomes half the man that Grandpa was. I will see you again someday Grandpa!!! Love you (Say Hello to my Gentle Giant Grandpa and Grandma Burgei for me - they are holding a place for you!!!)
Much love to Grandma Bev and the Stettler family members!! love you
August 22, 2013
Krista Telljohann
Even though he is not my blood relative - I will love him forever....he was a HERO, GENTLE MAN, HARD WORKER, GREAT FATHER, SUPERIOR FARMER/GARDENER AND DID WONDERS AS A CARPENTER....again I pray everyday that my son who carries on his wonderful first name that he becomes half the man that Grandpa was. I will see you again someday Grandpa!!! Love you (Say Hello to my Gentle Giant Grandpa and Grandma Burgei for me - they are holding a place for you!!!)
Much love to all the family members & Grandma Bev love you!!!
August 22, 2013
Scott Slade
I always thought it appropriate that he lived on Cool Road, because my dear Uncle Ivan was one of the coolest people I have ever known. His humility, humor, and good old fashioned work ethic have been an inspiration to me ever since I was a very young boy. I have many treasured memories of family gatherings out at the farm, with baseball, fireworks, great food (loved the strawberries) and laughter. He was a great brother and friend to my mother and father, and raised an impressive family of his own. I have been thinking about you all and praying for you throughout the day, and wish I could have been there, but am so thankful that I got the chance to visit with him and Bev last January. For the hour-and-a-half I was able to spend with him that winter night, he was the same old Uncle Ivan to me, and I look forward to seeing him again one day, when we will never say good-bye (Revelation 21:4.)
August 20, 2013
Linda Burgei
prayers and thoughts go to the entire Stettler family.. A loving humble man has made his entrance to heaven, no more pain, no more suffering, God has opened His mighty arms to this remarkable man... will pray for the strength and understanding thru this time of grief.. But give God the glory for picking an exceptional angel to join Him in heaven... Kurly and Linda
August 20, 2013
Orma Witham
Wish we could be there in person to share our condolences. May God Bless your entire family during this time of grief and the days after.
Sherry Witham Deno & Orma J. Witham
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