John E. Karcher

John E. Karcher, 78, of rural Bucyrus died Saturday, October 22, 2011 at Marion General Hospital after a recent illness.

He was born March 22, 1933 in Sycamore to the late John and Perle (DeBolt) Karcher. As a youngster, John's father died, instilling a strong desire to be a provider for his own family one day. He graduated from Sycamore High School in 1951. Just before leaving to serve in the U.S. Army, he met Miriam Cover and they began a long-distance relationship until his discharge as a corporal in 1955. He married the love of his life on August 3, 1956 sharing 55 loving years together.

John is survived by his wife, Miriam; their daughters, Karen (Jim) Ehret of Norwalk and Celeste (Greg) York of Seattle, Wash.; two grandchildren, Dylon and Tiarra Ehret; brother, Alan (Leatrice) Karcher of Tiffin; sister, Faye Brunton of Columbus and stepbrother, Charles (Mary Ellen) Dunlap of Upper Sandusky.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his stepfather, Jesse Dunlap and sisters, Jeanna Cover and Nola Dunlap.

John was a happy, wonderful, loving provider for his wife and children. He loved to tinker on cars, travel, bird watch and garden. Before falling ill, he was looking forward to harvesting some of his prized yellow bell peppers. He and Miriam also enjoyed visiting friends and loved ones in area nursing homes and it never took John long to become acquainted with a new friend. A devoted Christian, John was a former member of the Evangelical Pietist Church and also attended the First Church of the Nazarene in Bucyrus. He was proud to be an Eagle Scout and to have retired from The Timken Co. after 33 years of work. Although he said he would never have a use for a computer, in recent years John became very fond of his laptop, the internet and e-mailing friends and family.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus with Pastor Larry Bertsch officiating and music by MGH Chaplain Joel Fetter. Friends may call two hours prior from Noon-2 p.m. and burial will follow in Brokensword Cemetery where military rites will be offered by the U.S. Army and American Legion Post 181.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Gideons or Bucyrus Salvation Army through the funeral home.



Visitation:

Wednesday, October 26, 2011 Noon-2 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:

Wednesday, October 26, 2011 2 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Cemetery:

Brokensword Cemetery, 2145 Brokensword Rd., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820