Andrew J. Macke

OTTAWA - Andrew J. "Andy" Macke, 91, of Ottawa died at 5:45 p.m. January 29, 2016 at ProMedica Ebeid Hospice, Sylvania, OH. He was born February 21, 1924 in St. Henry, OH to the late Bernard H. and Gertrude (Huelsman) Macke.  On November 30, 1946, he married Virginia Mae Stechschulte. She died July 23, 1986. On November 4, 1988, he married Gloria Ruff Dracz who survives in Ottawa.

Surviving are 6 children: Andrea Wilson, Findlay; Janis (Gary) Gatanis, Toledo; Frank (Marianne) Macke, Columbus; William Macke, Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Guy Macke, Ottawa; Margaret (Dave) Krozier, Warren; 3 Step-children: David (Joanne) Dracz, Linda (Fred) Bartnikowski and Sharon (Rich) Miller all of Toledo; 15 grandchildren: 13 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters: Theresa Bruser of Cincinnati, Catherine (John) Kahle of Kalida; 2 sisters-in-law:  Pat Macke and Ruth Ditto; brother-in-law: Don Dracz and many nieces and nephews.

He was also preceded in death by 3 brothers: Wilbert Macke, Louis Macke and John Macke and a sister: Mary Stech.

Andy had been a Journeyman, millwright and machine repairman working for Ex Cello and Ford Motor Companies, both in Lima, Whirlpool in Findlay and retiring from Dana Corporation in Lima. In his younger years he worked with his dad and brothers in the family canning business, Macke Packing Co. The Ottawa canning factory location later became the Ottawa Lanes bowling alley and then the Inn Between (a young adult night club) that he owned.  He was a Purple Heart recipient serving in the U.S. Army (Co A 7th Inf 3rd Div) during World War II; he was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa; Ottawa VFW Post 9142 and American Legion Post 63. As the old saying goes, "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away" and that he did. He was most proud of his many engineering feats in automation of the packing industry, one of which was known as the un-scrambler.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa with Fr. Rick Friebel officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Ft. Jennings with military rites by the Ottawa American Legion and VFW.  Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa where there will be a VFW service 1t 7:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Putnam County Hospice or Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.  Condolences may be expressed at: www.lovefuneralhome.com.