Elmer Eugene Wilch

1929 - 2018

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Elmer Eugene Wilch, age 89, of Findlay passed away at his residence on Sunday, December 2, 2018. He was born on August 17, 1929 to the late Albert and Malinda (Smith) Wilch in Hancock County (rural route Arlington). On August 28, 1929, he was baptized at home by Pastor Bauman and also confirmed on December 12, 1943 at St. Paul Lutheran Church (also by Pastor Bauman). He was a 1947 graduate of Arlington High School and a 1949 graduate of Tiffin University. He married Joan Bame on June 30, 1950 and she survives. He is also survived by a son, Steven (Sandra) Wilch; two grandchildren: Douglas Wilch and Suzanne Wilch; a great-grandson, Elijah Rodriguez; and a daughter-in-law, Tamara Wilch (Thomas) Langlois. A son, Donald Wilch; four brothers: Floyd, Orville, Lester, and Harley; and three sisters: Floy, Doris, and Vesta also preceded him in death. Elmer worked for the Lorian County Farm Bureau from 1949-1951 and for Marathon Oil Company from 1955-1986. He served in the US Air Force from 1951-1955 and was a member of the Korean War Veterans. He was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jenera where he previously served as an elder, chairman and the financial secretary. He was also a former co-president of the Northview PTO. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 6, 2018 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Steven Edmiston officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME and for one hour prior to the service (10-11:00 a.m.) Thursday at the church. Memorials can be made to the Donald Wilch Memorial Scholarship Fund at Horry Georgetown Technical College; the St. Paul Building Fund or Cemetery Fund, or the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation. Online condolences can be shared by visiting coldrencrates.com.

Service Information

  • Visitation Details:

    COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME [Map]
    205 West Sandusky Street
    Findlay, Ohio 45840
    Wednesday, December 5th 2018 2:00-4:00 PM and 6:00-8:00 PM

    St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church[Map]
    9340 Township Road 32
    Jenera, Ohio 45841
    Thursday, December 6th 2018 10:00-11:00 AM

  • Funeral Service:

    Thursday, December 6th 2018 - 11:00 AM

  • Service Location:

    St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church [Map]
    9340 Twp Rd 32
    Jenera, Ohio

  • Final Resting Place:

    St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery [Map]

    Van Buren Township, Ohio

  • Contributions:

    Donald Wilch Memorial Scholarship - Wilch
    For Online Donations, please select above link.
    743 Hemlock Avenue
    Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577

    Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Guild - Wilch
    For Online Donations, please select above link.
    11600 County Rd. 99
    Findlay, Ohio 45840

    St. Paul Lutheran Church Building Fund - Wilch
    For Online Donations, please select above link.
    9340 Twp. Rd 32
    Jenera, OH 45841

    St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund - Wilch
    For Online Donations, please select above link.
    9340 Twp. Rd 32
    Jenera, Ohio 45841

  • Instructions:




Condolences For Elmer Eugene Wilch

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To : The Elmer Wilch Family
Date :Tuesday, December 4th 2018
From : Sharon Montgomery
I knew Elmer from Marathon and kept in touch with him after his retirement. We had many wonderful times at breakfast through the years. I have never known a more caring and gentle person. He will be missed. My deepest condolences to his family.

Sharon Montgomery


To : Joan family
Date :Tuesday, December 4th 2018
From : Ruth Lamberjack
Heaven gained a wonderful, thoughtful caring man. May all your wonderful memories help you thru this time of sorrow.


To : Joan
Date :Wednesday, December 5th 2018
From : Rosemary Anderson Tritch
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.


To : The Elmer Wilch Family
Date :Wednesday, December 5th 2018
From : Leslie and Lois Current
So very sorry to learn of Elmer's passing. I (Les) enjoyed working with Elmer at Marathon Oil Co. for many years. Elmer was a caring friend and someone you could count on if you needed anything. He will be missed. Please know that Lois and I are thinking of you at this sad time in your life.


To : Joan family
Date :Wednesday, December 5th 2018
From : Yolanda Lee Gloria John
I would like to say it has been a pleasure to be his neighbor and friend so sorry for your loss and many blessing to Joan and family. Love you both!!


To : Joan and family
Date :Wednesday, December 5th 2018
From : Charlie and Carol Breitigam
So very sorry for your loss. We will really miss those weekly phone calls during football season!


To : Elmer Wilch Family
Date :Thursday, December 6th 2018
From : Connie Dehnart
Elmer was such a blessing to everyone. I worked with him at Marathon for many years. You have my sympathy

Connie Dehnart




To : Elmer Wilch Family
Date :Thursday, December 6th 2018
From : Connie Dehnart
Elmer was such a blessing to everyone. I worked with him at Marathon for many years. You have my sympathy

Connie Dehnart




To : Elmer Wilch Family
Date :Thursday, December 6th 2018
From : Britt Cotter
Elmer was such a fine man. Although I only worked near him at Marathon for a few years, he left a lasting impression on me, for his knowledge, humor, and perhaps more importantly, his kindness. Our condolences go out to all of his family.





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