Deanna M. Assenheimer

Deanna Marie Assenheimer, 85, died on Saturday, November 29, 2025, her 57th wedding anniversary, at home under the care of Gentiva Hospice after a recent glioblastoma diagnosis.

She was born March 11, 1940 in Crestline, the 13th of 14 children of the late Matteo and Viola (Fanelli) Anatra. She enjoyed growing up on Bucyrus Street, playing at Kelly Park, and splashing in Paramour Creek. Having older brothers, Deanna always preferred sports over dolls and played basketball at Crestline High School before graduating in 1958. After working briefly for North Electric, she attended cosmetology school and then began working at General Electric in Bucyrus. Mutual friends introduced her to Lowell Assenheimer while at the Court Café in Bucyrus and they hit it off. After a few years of courtship, they were married November 29, 1968. When her boys were born, Deanna devoted herself to the full-time duties of being a farm wife and mother, with no job too big to take on whether planting, harvesting, or maintenance.

Deanna was a faithful servant who loved the Blessed Mother and the Rosary. As a member of Holy Trinity Parish, she volunteered preparing funeral meals helping with BINGO fundraisers. She was a wonderful mom to her boys, instilling faith and a strong work ethic as a guide who encouraged them to forge their own path and learn from every decision. Her reward on earth was the joy of spoiling and loving her grandchildren.

When not farming, Deanna and Lowell were privileged to do a lot of traveling by car throughout the USA, visiting friends, family, sightseeing, and making a few casino stops. She also got to visit Italy with some siblings where their parents were born and raised. At home, she tended to her angel collection, watched westerns, and was an excellent cook, hosting Spaghetti dinners every Sunday.

Deanna is survived by her husband of 57 years to the day, Lowell G. Assenheimer; sons, Neil (Jessica) Assenheimer and David (Tracy) Assenheimer; grandchildren, Bennett, Christian, and Olivia; brother, Victor (Phyllis) Anatra; sister, Bernadette Wilson; sisters-in-law, Josephine Anatra and Marilyn Houk; and her beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by infant brother, Bartolo; brothers, Bartolo, Alex, Matthew, Leo, Sam, and Albert; and sisters, Frances Abata, Marianna Neumann, Florence Reinhard, and Josephine Dunn.

The Assenheimer family will receive friends at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus on Friday, December 5 from 4-7 pm and the evening will conclude with a Rosary Service at 7:00 pm. On Saturday, December 6 at 11:00 am, the Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Fr. Paul Fahrbach officiating. She will be laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery on a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made payable to Holy Trinity Church and given through the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook of Deanna’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.