Remembrance - Laura (Hilty) Kempf

September 15, 1895 - June 21, 1985

Prominent Citizen

     Henry Deisel, Sr., was born in Gieselwerder, Germany on June 6, 1862. At the age of nineteen, he emigrated to America, coming to Lima in 1881. He had received a good education and was skillfully instructed in the craft of cigar making. In the early days, Henry rolled cigars at his home assisted by his wife, Emma Wolf Deisel, selling the product to the public. 
     He became associated with Henry Sonntag, a local pioneer of the profession. Through this association he met William and Henry Wemmer in 1891, forming the Deisel-Wemmer Co., later known as the Deisel-Wemmer-Gilbert Corporation.  

(Postcard image of the Deisel-Wemmer cigar factory)

     Initially the cigar company operated a small shop at 326 N. Main Street. Later a larger building on Main at the Pennsylvania R.R. was erected, with branches rapidly extending throughout the region. Soon the Deisel-Wemmer establishment became well known throughout the country and eventually worldwide. 
     Henry Deisel was also a deeply religious man. After early joining the German Reformed Church, his musical talents were immediately recognized. He became Choir Director for many decades, leading anthems in both German and English. On January 19, 1911, Mr. Deisel along with Fred Herold and George Urich as assistant directors formed the popular men's singing ensemble "Der Maennerchor" which was highly acclaimed in the area. 
     Blessed with an abundance of material goods and talents, Henry Deisel remained true to his Christian convictions, being a generous benevolent gentleman. 
      Sadly the vibrant life of Mr. Deisel came to a tragic end when he was thrown by his horse while riding on Eastown Road, suffering a heart attack, on November 29, 1932. 

      On the following day, this tribute was published in The Lima News:

"Lima became distinctly poorer yesterday through the death of Henry Deisel, Sr. The passing of this kindly friend and valuable citizen left a vacancy in the community that coming generations will find difficult to fill."

       

     Just a few days before his death, Mr. Deisel was honored at a banquet given in his honor by forty members of the choir. He expressed these humble words of appreciation:

"As long as the Lord gives me strength, I want to continue this work of church music for I have gotten to know the members of this choir and I love them."

[Coincidental note: Twenty-four hours after Mr. Deisel's passing, his associate in the cigar business, friend and fellow church member, William J. Wemmer, also died of a heart attack in Indianapolis...]

Service with a Smile

Maxine Saddler

(Church Secretary for many years beginning February, 1956)  

      The following excerpt was from an undated article featured in The Lima News during the time of Maxine's service to our church:

"AS CHURCH SECRETARY SHE SERVES A THOUSAND"

(by Terri Leffler, Lima News Staff Writer)

       Serving some 1,000 church members in numerous capacities is her job.                   
       She is Mrs. Howard (Maxine) Saddler, First Evangelical & Reformed United Church of Christ church secretary. For six years Maxine has worked in the church office and says her activities range from sharpening pencils to attending women's meetings to keep up with various interests.  Mrs. Saddler is a member of Zion Lutheran Church, however, and explains she can better serve First E&R as a neutral party.   

       Among her services are such things as posting weekly envelope offerings, mailing all congregational literature, filling out certificates for baptisms, weddings, funerals, confirmations, and mimeographing Sunday bulletins, as well as program booklets and a monthly three page newspaper.                                                                                                                   

       Mrs. Saddler works the number of hours daily required to do her job. She says usually this is about four to six hours, and admits this arrangement is one of the nicest things about her job. "Actually," she declares, "I like the work very much- every part of it..." 

    

     The article mentioned Maxine was the secretary at her own church (Zion Lutheran) for five and a half years prior to accepting the position at First E&R. In her free time, Maxine and her husband were active members of the Floral Garden Club, which she served as Treasurer. They were also members of the Feather and Fin Fish Club.                                                                 

Faithful Steward

Mr. George Klein

January 6, 1855 - December 26, 1932

     

     The outstanding record of Mr. George Klein, former Elder and choir member, cannot be erased from the memories of our congregation.  When God called him to a higher service on December 26, 1932, at the age of 77 years, Mr. Klein left an imprint on the life of the church he loved which is still plainly visible...

     The son of Martin and Catherine Herold Klein, George was born at Eubingheim, Baden, Germany on January 6, 1855, and came to the United States in 1872.  He soon became identified with the German Reformed Church of Lima, and as a young man joined the choir and was elected to the consistory. He was a member of the Building Committee for the 1887 church edifice. For almost 60-years he was a faithful member of the choir...and served as Elder of the consistory for about 40-years. Klein's devotion to his duties was unparalleled and he would give much attention to the sick. Often serving as a delegate to the Synod, he was also active in the Men's Bible Class of the Sunday School.  

     In a resolution adopted by the consistory on January 9, 1933, after his departure, it is recited:

     "The congregation will be lonesome without him. He gave to his church the best labor of his heart. In expressing our sympathy in the church's loss, we pray that the youth of the congregation may imitate his steadfastness, his faithfulness, and his loyalty to the cause of Christianity..."

(Information from the First E&R 100th Anniversary booklet)          

Remembrance - Louise (Haller) Patrick

January 15, 1895 - February 5, 1987

Louise Patrick

(Her last picture - Christmas, 1986)

Remembrance - Letha (Decker) Vorhees

July 31, 1891 - September 10, 1983

Remembrance - Ruth (Haspel) Killian

June 21, 1914 - July 18, 1993   

                                                                                                                                            

                                                                                         

Hero Not Forgotten

Ensign John Arthur Leppla

Date of Birth: May 7, 1916

Place of Birth: Lima, Ohio

Service: Navy

Company: Scouting Squadron 2 (VS-2)

Division: U.S.S. Lexington (CV-2)

Action Date: March 10, 1942

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign John Arthur Leppla, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane in Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces over enemy-controlled waters near Lae and Salamaua, New Guinea on 10 March 1942. Ensign Leppla pressed home, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire, a vigorous and determined dive bombing attack on enemy ships, and as a result of this attack at least one ship was sunk. His outstanding courage, daring airmanship and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Action Date: May 7 & 8, 1942

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Navy Cross to Ensign John Arthur Leppla, United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Scouting Plane of Scouting Squadron TWO (VS-2), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-2), in action against enemy Japanese forces during the Air Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 and 8 May 1942. On 7 May, Ensign Leppla participated in a dive-bombing attack on an enemy Japanese aircraft carrier and contributed materially to the destruction of that vessel. On 8 May, as a member of the anti-torpedo plane patrol he faced severe fighter opposition to make repeated and fierce assaults against attacking enemy planes. His courageous and determined action in this engagement resulted in the destruction of three enemy aircraft, and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

(Information from "Military Times-Honor Roll" website)

     Worthy of a second Navy Cross, Leppla was promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade). 

     A member of First E&R Church, we pay tribute to our courageous hero who was listed as missing in action and presumed killed on October 26, 1942. In memory of John Leppla & his distinguished service to our Nation, his headstone of Honor can be found in the Arlington National Cemetery.

("Find A Grave" website - submitted by Anne Cady)

Remembrance - Katharina Wolf

April 19, 1902 - May 13, 1984

German Workmanship

     
     Traditionally recognized for their strong discipline and dedicated work ethic, the Germans have been highly esteemed for their manufacturing skills, ingenuity, and quality-made products. 
     For decades, Rhoda Brothers was a thriving business in our community. 
     Many members of our church are related to the Rhoda family heritage.                    

"Carl Rhoda in his shop" - October 1964
(image transferred from a slide found in our archives)

     

[The Lima News - August 23, 2013]

Blacksmithing: The Rhoda Brothers

LIMA — Carl Rhoda had been a blacksmith for 62 years when he talked to The Lima News for a July 1974 story on dying American crafts.

      Rhoda was the last blacksmith in Lima. Starting in 1913, he had done nearly everything involving fire and metal at Rhoda Brothers General Repairing and Welding in the 100 block of South Union Street.

     “I’ve repaired lawn mowers, clamps for drawing lumber and bicycle frames,” Rhoda said in 1974. “I know a man who works side shows in county fairs and carnivals. Every year he brings me the hammers from the high striker to repair.” Carl Rhoda, president of Rhoda Brothers, was still working several hours a day at the shop when he died in 1979. He was 83 years old.

     Carl’s older brother Harry started working at Rhoda brothers as a child. On his 100th birthday in September 1984, Harry Rhoda recalled shoeing while his father Charles Rhoda shoed. Harry Rhoda told The News he chased flies away from the horses for 10 cents a week. Harry Rhoda died at 101 in 1985.

     The original Rhoda Brothers, William and Charles, were the sons of Christian and Anna Maria Shook Rothe who came to America from Germany in the mid-1850s. The family name was later changed to Rhoda. They settled in Allen County where Christian pursued the trade of blacksmith. William Rhoda was born in Westminster in 1858 and Charles Rhoda the following year.

     The brothers were educated in the public schools in Allen County’s German Township. In the mid-1870s, at 17 years of age, William Rhoda came to Lima to apprentice as a blacksmith, according to a 1921 history of Allen County. Following his apprenticeship, William Rhoda was employed as a journeyman by J.C. Blocher. By 1883, he was a partner in Blocher and Rhoda blacksmith shop in the 100 block of South Union Street.

     At 19, Charles Rhoda began dividing his time between working on the family farm and learning a trade, training as a blacksmith at Blocher and Rhoda beginning in 1884, according to the history. By 1890, William Rhoda had bought out Blocher and brought in his brother Charles as a partner.

     “Founded in 1883 as a two-anvil shop, it initially specialized in blacksmithing and wagon repair,” a 1971 Allen County Historical Society story noted. “The original shop, a wooden structure, was located on the west side of South Union Street directly across from the present location at 117 S. Union St.”

     An ad for Blocher and Rhoda in the 1880s gives some insight into the shop’s early years. “Will furnish you 4 buggy wheels and tire for $10 or with axles for $14, and paint your buggy for $7.50.” Horses were shoed for as little as $1 per horse including the cost of the shoes, and presumably the shoeing.

     Prior to 1900, according to the 1971 historical society article, Rhoda Brothers also dabbled in the wholesale side of the business. “The brothers purchased horseshoes and nails in quantity lots. A car load consisted of 50 kegs each containing 100 pounds of horseshoes in assorted sizes … These were sold by the keg to blacksmiths from all the surrounding towns and villages.”

   A Lima Times-Democrat article from Aug. 5, 1901, showed one of the unique dangers a blacksmith shop in Lima, at that time in the midst of an oil boom, faced. Rhoda Brothers’ workers were building a fire to heat a heavy tire (the metal band around the outside of a wagon wheel). “The wood that was used included several pieces of an old wagon bed that had recently been removed from a nitroglycerin wagon (nitroglycerin was used to get oil wells flowing.) Some of the pieces had been saturated by the dangerous fluid and when the fire reached them the explosion resulted,” the Times-Democrat reported. No one was injured but several windows were blown out.

     An Aug. 22, 1908, Times-Democrat article reported a happier occasion. “Rhoda Brothers, the wagon makers on South Union Street, have just completed and delivered to the Wash Simmons Truck Line the largest wagon in Northwestern Ohio. Mr. Simmons ordered the wagon built for use in moving the heaviest of objects, such as big safes, monuments, etc., and the order read to make one that would haul anything that ever came to Lima. The completed wagon looks as if it could easily do that.” The completed wagon weighed three tons, the newspaper said, “showing that it will take pretty good horses to pull it without a load.” Indeed, when the wagon was delivered, Simmons’ shed floor “collapsed under the great weight of the vehicle.”

    In November 1915, according to the Lima Daily News, the Rhoda Brothers moved their blacksmith and carriage repair business to a new building at 117-119 S. Union St. William Rhoda died in February 1925, and Charles Rhoda in October 1923.

     After the deaths of the founders, Charles Rhoda’s son Carl and William Rhoda’s son Otto took over the business.
    September 1921 saw the company combine with Frey-Jones Pattern Works. “The company specializes in commercial truck bodies and cabs, winter tops for pleasure cars and wood and metal products of every description,” the Daily News reported. The Allen County Republican Gazette reported May 10, 1923, that the firm was erecting a plant at Jackson and McKibben streets.

     In July, 1924, the company unveiled “the latest design in economical motor bus transportation” the “Rhoda-Ford” a “12-passenger sedan coach” built on a Ford chassis, the Republican Gazette reported.

   Less than two years later, on April 25, 1926, the Lima News reported the Rhoda Body Manufacturing Co. was in bankruptcy. Rhoda Brothers survived and by the 1940s farm repair and welding were added to its services. In the 1970s, the business moved to 131 S. Union St.

   Carl Rhoda’s son-in-law, Burdette Vermillion, told the News in July 1974, that the job had changed a great deal over the years.

    “When Lima was the center for fitting wagon wheels in this part of the state, blacksmiths heated metal bands that went around the wheel rim in the forge to get a tight fit,” he said. “Many of them did horse shoeing and jobs now done by welding, such as joining two joints. Now the job encompasses much more. He (Carl Rhoda) makes tools and reshapes and retempers old tools, rehandles shovels, spades and axes, and does work on farm machinery and construction equipment.”

      Rhoda Brothers, at the time one of Lima’s oldest businesses, closed in 2001.

Remembrance - Clara (Kuck) Bishop

August 6, 1899 - January 10, 1989

   

       

Silent Requiem

  When Even The Organ Refused To Play
(excerpt of an article written by Lee Van Blargan)

                              

      It was 2:00 P.M. on December 2, 1932. A great crowd had gathered in the First Reformed Church to pay their last respects at the funeral of their beloved choir director, Henry Deisel, Sr.  Grief was unmistakably written on the faces of the audience for this kindly man who for almost forty years had served as choir leader and who for many years had been a member of the Consistory.

      Everyone scheduled to have a part in the service was in place and then-- the mighty Skinner Organ refused to play! 
     This organ had faithfully accompanied the choir led by its distinguished director for many years and to some it seemed now as if the great instrument could not reconcile itself to the sudden loss of this inspired leader. Actually, of course, mechanical difficulties had caused this happening and soon a piano was substituted and the services proceeded...

  

Dorothy's slippers

Organ shoes worn by Dorothy McNett,

organist of First United Church of Christ

from 1942-1972 

 

   

 

 

 

Tribute to Dorothy Rhoda McNett

(written by Church Historian Lee Van Blargan, 1972)

 

 

      The entire congregation was shocked to learn of the sudden death on February 15, 1972 of Dorothy Rhoda McNett, our devoted church organist for thirty-years. Dorothy was born on June 23, 1923, the daughter of Carl H. and Ruth Irene Rhoda. She was a great-granddaughter of Christian Rothe, the last surviving member of the first Consistory elected in the year 1863.

     Dorothy became interested in music at an early age and for some time studied under our former distinguished organist, George Urich. On September 1, 1942 she became our church organist and in a dedicated manner served until the time of her death. Her family has had the shoes worn by her while at the organ, bronzed and has presented them to the church... Her life was a continual source of inspiration to all and her memory will not fade throughout the coming years.

 

An Early Family Portrait

The Jacob Moser Family

 

Left to right: Albert, Bertha, Mrs. Elizabeth Neunschwander Moser, Emma,
Jacob & Calvin





     One example of the many families who were zealous pioneers of our early church. Before coming to Lima in 1871, Jacob Moser was postmaster in Bluffton, Ohio and instrumental in naming that village. He served as Sunday School Superintendent in 1873, and several years following. And for more than 25-years, Mr. Moser was the choir director.  Also served many terms on the Consistory, including the 1887 Building Committee.  

     Jacob Moser was born in Switzerland on April 13, 1835, and died in Lima on April 25, 1910.

     Mrs. Moser was called to her Heavenly Home on November 3, 1928; the lone survivor of her family.

     Albert became a prominent physician, and served in the Far East as an Army Surgeon. An honorable servant, he died in 1903.

     Calvin, a funeral director and businessman, found his Heavenly reward in 1893. 

     Bertha occasionally served as organist, married W.H. Deakin. Resting in Peace, 1913.

     Emma married Dr. Frederick G. Stueber. Following in the footsteps of her father, was choir director and organist for many years. A founder of the King's Daughters Society, Emma entered the Heavenly Kingdom on October 11, 1890.  

 

 

Jacob Moser's German Prayer Book & Emma's Hymnal



        

Remembering Beda

    
     As we commemorate Memorial Day honoring our brave soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect and defend our Freedom, we should also pay tribute to the families through the generations who have suffered the heartbreaks of war and burdens of military service.
     Beda Shafer was a remarkable lady who gave (and also lost) so much...a Faithful life dedicated to God, Home & Country. Following in the footsteps of her forefathers, she left behind a wonderful legacy...

BEDA GRACE SHAFER, 86, died at 1 a.m. Nov. 16, 2006, at Lima Manor Nursing Home. She was born Jan. 24, 1920, in Putnam County to William D. and Rosa Basinger Goodwin, who preceded her in death. On Oct. 31, 1939, she married Paul T. Shafer, who died Jan. 1, 1993. Mrs. Shafer had been a dietary supervisor and nurse’s aide at St. Rita’s Medical Center. She was a member of First Evangelical and Reformed Church and its Ladies Aide Society. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames XVIIC, Daughters of Union Veterans, Daughters of 1812, Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America, the Colonial Clergy, Women Descendants of Ancient Honorable Artillery and the National Society Magna Charta Dames. She was also a member of the First Families of Allen County, First Families of Putnam County, the Allen County Genealogical Society, the Ohio Genealogical Society and the Allentown Historical Society. She was a member of the 173rd Airborne Society (SEP), the National Committee Person Republican Party, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6741 Auxiliary, Elida, American Legion Post 96 Auxiliary, and its America Gold Star Mothers, and the Vietnam Veterans of American LZ89. She was a registered genealogist and taught piano. She was a graduate of Columbus Grove High School and Bluffton College. Survivors include a son, William M. (Judy) Shafer, of Lima; a daughter, Joanne E. Shafer Reese, of Elida; nine grandchildren, Jeffrey C. (Bonnie) Shafer, Pamela S. (John) Moser, Heidi L. Kavick, Scott D. (Melissa) Shafer, James W. (Michelle) Shafer, April L. (Ronald) Reese-Engstrom, John E. (Debra) Shafer, Paul W. (Dawn) Shafer and Rebecca S. (David) Smith; 15 great-grandchildren, Ryan Kavick, Sean Kavick, Wolfgang T. Shafer, Clara Moser, Elsa Shafer, Jacob Shafer, Anthony M. Reese, Casimiro R. Martinez, Ella Moser, Ruby Moser, Maxwell Shafer, Samuel Shafer, Kylie Shafer, E. Nicole Reese and Regan Arin Engstrom; two stepgrandchildren, Todd (Jennifer) Geren and Brian Geren; four stepgreat-grandchildren, Arielle Geren, Taylor Geren, Ciann Geren and Ian Geren; a daughter-in-law, Kathleen Shafer; and a granddaughterin-law, Emilia Reese. She was preceded in death by two sons, Sgt. James D. Shafer, who died in Vietnam in 1967, and George Ronald Shafer, who died in 1995; a grandson, Staff Sgt. Aaron T. Reese, who died in Iraq in 2003; and two sisters, Alice J. Miller and Ima Louise Staltman. Services will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. The Rev. Ed Rhinehart will officiate. Burial will be in Allentown Cemetery, Allentown. Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.
(Obituary: Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home)

"To perpetuate the noble principles for which they fought & died."

(Motto of the Gold Star Mothers)

 

 

Earliest Certificate

     The oldest Confirmation Certificate in our archives dates back to 1874, written in German, issued by Rev. C.F. Waldecker to Friedrich Stuber.

     

  

      Young Frederick would grow up to be a prominent eye surgeon.

      Dr. & Mrs. Emma (Moser) Stueber were the parents of two "kinder" also confirmed in our Church.  Their son Dr. Paul Stueber was confirmed in 1901, by Rev. Paul H. Land; and daughter Ruth (Mrs. William Daniels) in 1907, by Rev. A.G. Gekeler.

Cleanliness Next to Godliness

"...We will not neglect the House of the Lord..." (Nehemiah 10:39)

     Henry Stutzman was never forefront in our congregation. He never served on the Consistory, taught a Sunday School class, or sang in the choir. But Henry took great care of the Lord's House as our custodian from 1938 to 1945.  

     Henry was small in physical stature, softspoken with a slight German accent; a gentle spirit with a sweet smile. Brought to America as an infant, he was born in Baden, Germany. 

     Rolls first show Mr. & Mrs. Henry (Mary) Stutzman as members in 1926. Although he was a foundry worker, he & his wife tithed generously. Mary died in 1932.  

     On January 1, 1938, Henry Stutzman became our custodian, and the church literally became his home. His "apartment" consisted of a cot-sized bed, a small radio on a little table, and a comfortable chair in the furnace room area. His little bit of cooking was done in the church kitchen. It was assumed the galvanized tub hanging on the wall of the furnace room doubled as his bathtub and sink, for he and his clothes were always clean and neat. 

     His "apartment" was cool in the summer and warm in winter, where Henry was always there to stoke the old coal furnace. Besides sweeping, dusting, scrubbing and general cleaning, Henry planted flowers around the church and parsonage in the spring. And shoveled snow in the winter. He was perfectly content taking care of God's House. His annual salary was $90.

     Rev. Paul Graeser and his family lived in the parsonage next door, along with other church members in the neighborhood. Often they would cook "extra" for dinner, then invited Henry. Being a shy man, he would usually politely decline their offers. Taking the left-overs back to his place, Henry preferred eating alone.  

     The children adored Henry and were thrilled watching him ring the church bell. He would pull the rope, then hang on as it lifted him high off the floor. The children laughed...and so did Henry! 

      Henry worked until his death on February 14, 1945. He was 63. 

      With tears in his eyes, Rev. Graeser officiated the funeral which was held in the church that Henry loved. 

      Henry Stutzman rests peacefully in Memorial Park Cemetery.  

            

(from an article written by VaLaire Orchard; 2008)  
  

"Hail Mary"...!!?

     
     Rather out of the ordinary regarding our staunch German Protestant history, but this is for the benefit of sports fans in the final throes of football season. 
     Rev. Tillman W. Hoernemann was our 10th Pastor, with the distinction of serving the second longest ministerial term at our Church 1914-1929. We will pay our due respects in a future post. But thru his Pastorate, our Church connected with one of the greatest coaches of all time!       



Paul "The Fox" Hoernemann
1916-1965

       Paul "The Fox" Hoernemann, was the son of Rev. & Mrs. (Bertha) Hoernemann. Born in Lima, he was a teen-ager when his father left our Church to assume a position in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Paul was a 1938 graduate of Heidelberg College (founded in 1850 by the German Reformed Church), where he would return as Head Football Coach 1946-1959. During his 14-year career he lost only 18 games (his overall record being 102-18); consisting of 16 & 17-game winning streaks and two undefeated seasons. While he was Coach, the Heidelberg "Student Princes" won the Ohio Conference in 1948, 1952, 1954, and 1956. The Ohio Conference later established the Hoernemann Trophy, awarded to the best defensive lineman. And during those days, an article featured in Sports Illustrated listed Coach Hoernemann #7, topped by the infamous Knut Rockne from Notre Dame leading the roster.   
      In 1997, Paul "The Fox" Hoernemann was posthumously inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.  
     
     To my knowledge it is a mystery how he earned his nickname. But I'll make the call, and say it was due to his cunning coaching expertise!