Arlene L. Bendele

OTTOVILLE – Arlene L. Bendele, 88, of Ottoville, passed away at 4:40 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Vancrest of Delphos.  She was born May 4, 1937, in Van Wert County to the late Gilbert and Frances (Martin) Kroeger.  On September 5, 1960, she married Robert P. "Bob" Bendele, he preceded her in death on October 12, 2024.

Arlene is survived by four children: Mike (Jennifer) Bendele, Dan (Sue) Bendele, Jim (Terri) Bendele, and Sherri (Joel) Edelbrock, all of Ottoville; ten grandchildren: Drew Bendele, Seth (Rachel) Bendele, Anna Bendele, Megan (Kyle) Evers, Kyle (Carly) Bendele, Rachelle (Austin) Selhorst, Ryan Bendele, Kambrie Edelbrock, Caden Edelbrock, Kylin Edelbrock; five great-grandchildren and one on the way: five siblings: Betty (Don) Beining of Ottoville, Kenneth Kroeger of Ottoville, Marilyn Lenhart of Spencerville, Bill (Barb) Kroeger of Delphos and Tom Kroeger of Delphos.

She is preceded in death by three sisters-in-law: Marge Kroeger, Janet Kroeger and Gloria Kroeger; and a brother-in-law, Gene Lenhart.

Arlene was a 1955 graduate of Delphos St. John High School. She and her classmates regularly met on a Thursday of every month since graduation. She retired as co-owner of Ottoville Hardware Furniture Company, along with her husband Bob. Arlene was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville. Arlene and Bob dedicated their entire lives to giving back to the Ottoville community and church through generous donations and time. Arlene was an avid reader, the best baker of cookies for her kids and grandkids, and always had amazing flowers in her flower bed that were enjoyed by everyone. She loved her family and community immensely and will be deeply missed.

Funeral Mass will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, May 26, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville with the Very Reverend George Mahas officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ottoville. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday and 11 to 12 p.m. on Monday at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township.

Memorial donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville or the Putnam County District Library, Ottoville Branch.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Ottoville OH 45876

Putnam County District Library (Continental Branch)
136 Putnam Parkway, Ottawa OH 45875