Donald Hempfling

GLANDORF – Donald Hempfling, 90, of Glandorf, passed away at 10:17 p.m., Sunday, August 16, 2026, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 4, 1936, in Delphos to the late Melvin and Margaret (Etzkorn) Hempfling. He was the loving husband of Lou Ann Ellerbrock, who survives in Glandorf. They were married on July 19, 1958, and enjoyed 68 blissful years together.

In addition to his wife, Lou Ann, Donald is also survived by four children: Bonnie (Greg) Schroeder, Mark (Gerri) Hempfling, Keith (Beth) Hempfling and Kevin (Julie) Hempfling, all of Glandorf; thirteen grandchildren: Kyle (Darcy) Schroeder, Erica (Jordan) Hermiller, Seth (Lori) Schroeder, Zac (Brandi) Hempfling, Jake (Kelly) Hempfling, Marna (Zac) Unterbrink, Chelsea (Mike) Escamilla, Ashley (Jermey) Duling, Stephanie (Jake) Kahle, Kadie Hempfling, Kaitlyn (Rishin Banker) Hempfling, Brandon (Megan) Hempfling and Collin (Alex) Hempfling; twenty-eight great-grandchildren with one on the way; and two siblings: Rose Brickner of Ottoville and Kenny (Kathy) Hempfling of Delphos; and a sister-in-law, Irma (Carl) Schroeder of Lexington, KY.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a grandchild, Kristen Hempfling; great-grandchild, Kennedy Schroeder; a sister, Rita (Al) Wrasman; and a brother-in-law, Walt Brickner.

Donald was a lifelong farmer whose passion was farming and raising dairy cattle. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Glandorf, 4th Degree Knight of the Ottawa Knights of Columbus, past board member and owner of the Ottawa Feed and Grain, and past board member of the D.F. A and Putnam County Soil and Water. Donald enjoyed riding his Harley, driving his semi, and spending time with family, especially watching his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 20, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Glandorf with Fr. Matt Keller officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday with a scripture service beginning at 1:30 p.m. and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Rosary Service beginning at 7:30 p.m. at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa. Additional visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to Putnam County Hospice or Connections for Autism and Other Disabilities.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com