Mary Ellen Warnecke

80, of Van Wert, died at 10:38 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2005, at Van Wert County Hospital in Van Wert.

She was born March 18, 1925, in Van Wert County, the daughter of the late Edwin and Lauretta (Beckman) Kroeger. On September 8, 1945, she married Ralph W. Warnecke, who survives in Van Wert.

Mrs. Warnecke was a homemaker and a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert and its Rosary Altar Society.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by four sons, Dennis (Shirley) Warnecke of Van Wert, David (Marlene) Warnecke of Fort Wayne, Ind., Dale (Paula) Warnecke of North Royalton and Douglas (Katie) Warnecke of Denver, Colo.; four daughters, Diane (Dan) Grothaus of Landeck, Donna (Howard) Mongold of Portland, Ore., Darlene Warnecke of Denver, Colo., and Dell Harting of Van Wert; a brother, Gerard (Judy) Kroeger of Middle Point; two sisters, Lenore Klausing of Spencerville and Janelle (John) Friedrich of Delphos; 17 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert, with Father Charles Obinwa officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

Calling hours are 6-9 p.m. Sunday, April 24, and 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. Monday, April 25, at Brickner Funeral Home, where a parish vigil service will be held at 8:30 p.m. Monday.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of donor's choice.