LaVerne A. Stetler

LaVerne Allison Stetler, 95, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Celina Manor in Celina, Ohio. He was born on April 12, 1922 to Emanuel and Alta (Allison) Stetler. He was the baby of the family of seven children and was adored by his older siblings.

He graduated from Willshire High School in 1940. He was very active in sports including basketball and baseball. In 1943, he joined the Aviation Division of the United States Navy. He was one of 12 others who transported and dropped bombs from a seaplane. He loved the water, hence his desire to join the Navy, but hated flying and always found it ironic he served the majority of his time on a seaplane. He loved talking with others about his time spent serving his country and the friendships he established while in the Navy. After finishing his service, he began his lifelong career of farming on the family farm and continued until his retirement in the early 1980s. He had a love of cars, especially Ford models, and could tell you the year, model, mileage and amount he paid for each of his many cars. He was an avid sports fan and loved watching just about any sport but favored watching Ohio State football and Pittsburgh Pirates baseball. If he couldn’t find a game to watch on TV, you would find him listening to a game on his AM/FM radio. He also enjoyed being outdoors, listening to music, watching game shows, spending time with family, and visiting with friends.

He will be greatly missed by surviving family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and six siblings, Harold, Lowell, Kermit, Basil, Florice, and Neva.

Visitation will be two hours prior to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, March 10 at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, Ohio. Burial will be at Mercer Memory Gardens in Celina, Ohio.

Memorials may be made to Community Health Professionals of Celina.

Arrangements provided by Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, Ohio.