Ralph Edward Warnecke

83, of Van Wert, died at 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 14, 2008, at Van Wert County Hospital in Van Wert.

He was born July 15, 1925, in Putnam County, the son of the late Henry C. and Cecelia (Beckman) Warnecke. On September 8, 1945, he married Mary Ellen (Kroeger) Warnecke, who died April 22, 2005.

Mr. Warnecke retired from Chrysler Corporation as a journeyman tool and die maker. He was a member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert, the United Auto Workers Retiree Club and the Knights of Columbus in Delphos.

Survivors include eight children, Dennis Warnecke and Della Harting, both of Van Wert, Diane (Daniel) Grothaus of Landeck, David (Marlene) Warnecke of Fort Wayne, Ind., Dale (Paula) Warnecke of North Royalton, Donna (Howard) Mongold of High Point, N.C., and Douglas (Kathleen) Warnecke and Darlene (Steven) Smith, both of Denver, Colo.; a brother, Melvin O. (Barbara) Warnecke of Goodlettsville, Tenn.; 15 grandchildren, Brent (Cory) Grothaus, Brad (Kathryn) Grothaus, Tammy (Kory) Futa, Randy Grothaus, Sara Ann Warnecke, Clint Warnecke, Carrie (James) Robinson, Andrea (Neil) Golli, Hannah Warnecke, Emma Warnecke, Maura Warnecke, Kelly Harting, Kasey Harting, William Harting and Kati Harting; and seven great-grandchildren, Brady Grothaus, Landen Grothaus, Lillian Grothaus, Kael Grothaus, Joslyn Robinson, Alexis Robinson and Ethan Golli.

A brother, Carl Warnecke, and one sister, Mildred Schlereth, also preceded him in death.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 18, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert, with Father Mike Zacharias officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, and from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, July 17, at Brickner Funeral Home, where a parish vigil service will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Van Wert County Hospital or a charity of the donor's choice.