Lester O. Weitzel 74, of Ashland, passed away at his residence Sunday evening March 6, 2016 following a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Weitzel was born in Mansfield, Ohio on July 18, 1941 to the late Orra Jacob and Helen Rebecca (nee Wynn) Weitzel. He was a graduate of Ashland High School class of 1959 and had lived his entire life in the Richland and Ashland County areas.
He was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Vietnam War.
Following his release from the military Lester worked as a supervisor at the Cresco Manufacturing Company in Ashland until the company closed. He then worked at Hydromatic Pump Company retiring in 2004.
Lester attended the Jeromesville United Methodist Church. He enjoyed doing Genealogy and had a great love for animals, but he treasured the time with his family the most as he never missed any of his son’s or his grandchildren’s school or sporting events, and enjoyed helping watch his grandchildren when he retired.
Lester was first married to Sharon L. Highman who preceded him in death on March 15, 1991. On March 16, 1996 he was married to Connie (Campbell) who survives him. Also surviving is one son, John E. (Jennifer) Weitzel of Ashland and their children Alexis and Alyssa; step children, Heidi (John) Cutlip of Wooster and their children Ashlee and Adam; Rob (Kate) Garn of Jeromesville and their children Amanda, Daniel and Michael; Jodi (Kevin) Long of Ashland and their children Shelbi and Sydney and Jackie (Brent) Krichbaum of Loudonville and their children Mackala and Bradey. Also surviving are his siblings, Evelyn Hales of Ashland, Orrlon Weitzel of Ashland, Dale (Bonnie) Weitzel of Ashland, Judy (Tom) Milton of Greenwich; a half-sister, Bev (Dan) Carmichael of Ashland and a half-brother, Larry Robinson; several loving nieces and nephews; and his faithful grand-dog Max.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife Sharon Weitzel.
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 11, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home with the Rev. John Ballinger officiating. Burial, with full military honors presented by the Ashland Veterans Honor Guard, will be in the Ashland Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, March 10, 2016 from 1-3 p.m. and also from 6-8 p.m. at the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home. The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or to Hospice of North Central, 1050 Dauch Dr., Ashland, Ohio 44805.
For those not able to attend, expressions of sympathy may be made to the family by visiting denbowfh.com
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