NEW BAVARIA — John Francis Keeterle, 86, of New Bavaria, died Monday morning, February 23, 2015, at the ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital.

His legacy… He was born September 21, 1928, to Clarence and Agnes (Romes) Keeterle in Holgate. John graduated from Holgate High School in 1946. He married Edna Gerdeman. She died December 4, 1979. He married Marilyn Baker on September 5, 1981, and she survives. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Bavaria. John was a lifelong farmer. He was a charter member of the New Bavaria Volunteer Fire Department and member of the New Bavaria VFW and Sons of AMVETS. He enjoyed fishing, hunting for deer, camping and playing cards. John was an original member of the Pleasant Township Zoning Board and was on the board of German Mutual.

His family… Surviving are children, Diane (Dan) Hoellrich, Holgate, Karen Burgel, Findlay, Dan (Sandy) Keeterle, New Bavaria, Annette (Jeff) Rothman, Holgate and Dave (Melissa) Keeterle, New Bavaria; 15 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and stepchildren, James Baker, Las Vegas, Linda Henschen, Warsaw, Ind., Daniel Baker, Las Vegas, Randall Baker, Holgate and Thomas Baker, Holgate; nine stepgrandchildren; and four great-stepgrandchildren. John was preceded in death by a grandson; stepchild, Ronald Baker; stepgrandchild; and son-in-law, Ron Burgel.

His Farewell Services… Friends will be received in the Zachrich Funeral Home, 114 William Street, Holgate, on Wednesday from 2-8 p.m. The firemen’s last call service will be at 7 p.m. The rosary will be said that evening at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, February 26, 2015, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Bavaria, at 10:30 a.m., with Father Nick Cunningham officiating. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Contributions made in John’s memory can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Bavaria Fire Department or a charity of your choice. Please visit www.ZachrichFuneralHome.com to leave online condolences.