Elmer Fortener

Elmer Fortener, age 90, of Delphos passed away Friday, January 26, 2024 at Van Wert Manor.

He was born June 27, 1933 in Ottoville to Robert and Regina (Schmitt) Fortener who both preceded him in death. On June 27, 1953 Elmer married Rosemary Hesseling who survives in Delphos.

Elmer is also Survived by his children, Rick (Marla) Fortener of Delphos, Barb (Bill) Myers of Van Wert, Bonnie (Bill) Mullenhour and Connie (Denny) Klausing both of Delphos. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Laura (Keith) Schram, Ricky Fortener, Karen (Rigo) Juarez, David (Sarah) Hayson, Tyler (Taylor) Hayson, Kyle (Katie) Mullenhour, Kory (Tammy) Mullenhour, Kayla Mullenhour, Brad (Kendra) Klausing, Andrea (Jesse) Kill and AJ (Alyssa) Klausing; 28 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Elmer is survived by two sisters, Frani (Roger) Wurst of Delphos and Karen (Norm) Osting of Troy.

He is preceded in death by an infant son, Robert Eugene; a granddaughter, Katie Hayson; and two great-granddaughters, Aubrey Klausing and Claire Hayson; three brothers, Eugene Schmitt, PFC Robert Fortener, Jr. and John Fortener; and a sister, Helen Bottorff.

Elmer was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and an avid Blue Jay Fan. He was a route salesman for Shawnee Distributors for many years. After a short retirement he became a driver and the maintenance man for Eagle Print in Delphos. Elmer couldn’t sit still, always needing to be doing something, he was a master tinkerer. He loved playing cards and was the Bingo Champ at Van Wert Manor. He loved his Van Wert Manor Family and they truly loved him and Rosemary.  Elmer was a prankster to all, loved his PBR, affectionately known as ‘Uncle Army’ to his nieces and nephews.  He was an original founder and organizer for the Fortener annual family reunion, this June will be their 50th. Elmer and Rosemary just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last June. They had traveled to all 50 states. He was a wonderful, devoted husband, father and grandfather who will be truly missed by all.

A funeral mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with burial to follow in Resurrection Cemetery.

Friends may call from 2:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 29, 2024 at Weber Funeral Home, 1840 East Fifth St., Delphos and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesday prior to the mass. A parish wake will begin at 7:00 p.m. Monday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Van Wert Manor Activities Fund or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.weberfh.net.