Donald L. "Donnie" Bendele

KALIDA - Donald L. "Donnie" Bendele, 78, of Kalida, died 10:09 p.m. Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at Mercy Health St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima. He was born June 12, 1943 in Ottoville to the late John and Aileen (Wiechart) Bendele. After his mother's death at the age of two, he was raised by the late John and Veronica (Bendele) Heitmeyer.

Survivors include four children: Jeff (Melissa) Bendele of Kalida, Marci (John) Goecke of Spencerville, Steve Bendele and Mandi Paniagua, both of Ottawa; 10 grandchildren: Derek, Zachary (Emilee Meyer), Olivia, Jackson and Samuel Goecke, Kage Bockrath, Brynn, Brylee and Kavin Paniagua and Layla Bendele; two sisters: Doris Bendele and Mary Jane (John) Miller; a stepbrother: Dan (Betty) Wannemacher; a brother-in-law, Irvin Schroeder; a step brother-in-law, Jim Miehls; a step sister-in-law, Irene (Norbert) Renner; significant other, Sandra Lauf of Ottoville; and an adopted granddaughter, Mady Lauf.

He was also preceded in death by a son, Michael Bendele; a brother, John Bendele; a sister, Sharon Schroeder; a stepmother, Angela (Horstman)(Wannemacher) Bendele; a stepbrother, John Wannemacher; a stepsister, Joyce Miehls; and a step sister-in-law, Barb Wannemacher.

Donnie was a graduate of Kalida High School, Class of 1961, a U.S. veteran of the Army National Guard and a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church, Kalida. He retired from truck driving, logging almost 3 million miles where he delivered to every state in the continental U.S., except Vermont. In his later years, he enjoyed delivering motor coaches throughout the country and sightseeing on his way back home. He found joy in following his grandchildren in their many activities and sports, as well as watching local sprint car racing.

Funeral mass will begin 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 31, 2022 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Kalida with Fr. Mark Hoying officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 2 - 6 p.m. Sunday, January 30, 2022 at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township and Monday one hour prior to the mass at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.

Charity of the donor's choice