Vern R. Elchert, 71, of New Riegel, passed away Sunday morning, June 29, 2014 at his home.

He was born on February 22, 1943, in New Riegel, to Louis E. and Irene B. (Schalk) Elchert. On May 18, 1963, in All Saints Catholic Church St. Peter Chapel, Alvada, he married Donna Gillig.

Survivors include his wife, Donna of New Riegel; son, Dave (Lori Ritzler) Elchert of New Riegel; daughter, Tonya (Scott) Hohman of Alvada; 7 brothers, Alton "Maverick" (Joanne) Elchert, Ron (Judy) Elchert and Larry (Donna) Elchert, all of Tiffin, Wilbur Elchert and Glenn (Sharon) Elchert, both of Fostoria and Russell (Ann) Elchert and Howard (Maryann) Elchert both of New Riegel; 5 sisters, Anita (Joseph) Marovich of Howell, NJ, Dalene (George) Reinhart of Holland, Carole (Phil) Elchert-Sugden of Findlay, Florence (Robert) Funk of Grand Rapids, MI and Theresa (William) Allen of Forest; 6 grandchildren, Morgan Gonya, Brittany Hess and Andrew, Emily, Christen and Brody Hohman; and 4 great grandchildren, Alyssa, Nautica, Kristina and Paul, Jr.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Rodney Elchert in 1987 and an infant son; brothers, Norman and Duane Elchert; and sister-in-law, Jean Elchert.

Vern graduated in 1961 from New Riegel High School, was a member of All Saints Parish, New Riegel and retired in 1993 after 31 years from Atlas Crankshaft in Fostoria. For 28 years he was a member of UAW Local 336 where he held many positions, was a Big Springs Twp. Trustee for 10 years, a volunteer firefighter for 50 years, volunteered at local soup kitchens in Fostoria and Tiffin and was a member of the New Riegel Moose #872. Vern enjoyed playing euchre, doing yard work, watching his grandkids play sports and going to breakfast with his friends at Fostoria CafAC.. He also enjoyed traveling on day trips, but loved being at home.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, July 3, 2014 at All Saints Parish, New Riegel, with Rev. Timothy Kummerer officiating. A Rosary will be prayed 20 minutes prior to Mass. Burial will follow in St. Boniface Cemetery.

Friends may visit with the family from 3-8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419) 447-2424. A Christian Wake Service will begin at 8:00 P.M.

Memorial contributions may be made to New Riegel NBS Fire District or All Saints Parish, New Riegel.

Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.