Norman Francis von der Embse

Norman Francis von der Embse

   KALIDA -- Norman Francis "Tim" von der Embse, 92 of Kalida died 8:15 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2017 at the Meadows of Kalida surrounded by his family.  He was born January 25, 1925 in Kalida to the late Sylvester and Adelia (Hoffman) von der Embse.  On August 16, 1952 he married his wife of 65 years Dorothy Verhoff, who survives in Kalida.

   Also surviving are 7 children:  Timothy (Cynthia) von der Embse of Charlotte, NC, Jenny von der Embse of Ottawa, Daniel (Janice) von der Embse of Ottawa, Roger von der Embse, Greg (Kelly) von der Embse, Nick von der Embse, and Barry (Beth) von der Embse all of Kalida; 2 brothers:  Tom (Kay) von der Embse of Centerville and Urban (Eliane) von der Embse of Los Angeles, CA; 15 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.

   He is preceded in death by a sister:  Cecilia (John) Nartker.

   Norman graduated from Kalida High School, attended St. Joseph's College, Indiana and graduated from the University of Dayton.  He received his master's degree from Bowling Green State University and did advanced graduate work at other universities.

   Norman enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a teacher and school administrator.  He was a high school principal at Kalida, Secondary Supervisor at the Putnam County Board of Education, where he helped found the Putnam County Science Fair, and Superintendent at Fort Jennings Local Schools.  He then served for over 20 years as the director of the Putnam County Department of Human Services.

   Norman lived a life of service to his family, his community, his church and his country.  He was a proud veteran of WWII, serving on a B-17 crew in the Army Air Corps.  He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #715, Fort Jennings and the VFW Post 9142, Ottawa.  As a life long member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Kalida, he served on many committees and as a lector/commentator and usher.  He was a member of the Knight of Columbus Council 5669, Kalida and the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Assembly 839, where he was a past Grand Knight.  He was a proud charter member of the Kalida Lions Club and served in many capacities, including Lions District Secretary.  Norman was a member of the Serra Club, the St. Michael's Holy Name Society, the Kalida fish and Game Club and served on the Putnam County Mental Health Board. 

   Norman was a dedicated fan of the Cleveland Indians and enjoyed following Notre Dame football and the Cleveland Cavaliers and Browns.  He valued family time and pursued many hobbies throughout his life, including woodworking and caring for the family farm.

   Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Kalida with Father Mark Hoying officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites by the Ottawa VFW and American Legion and the Fort Jennings American Legion.  Visitation will be Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m. at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa.  There will be Knights of Columbus rosary service Sunday at 7:00 p.m. and a VFW service Monday at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

   Memorial contributions may be made to Putnam County Home Care and Hospice or to St. Michael's Catholic Church. 

   Condolences can be expressed at: www.lovefuneralhome.com.

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