James J. Laubenthal

OTTAWA - James J. Laubenthal, went peacefully to be with the Lord on January 20, 2017, surrounded by his family. He was born in New Cleveland, OH on March 14, 1925 to the late A. J. and Elizabeth (Klear) Laubenthal.  He married Mildred T. (Meyer) Laubenthal on September 10, 1947 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Columbus Grove, OH and she survives in Ottawa.  Jim is also survived by three daughters: Jane Baxter of Columbus Grove, OH,  Linda (Craig) Sakemiller of Lima, OH and         Susan (Bert) Buza, Columbus, OH; a sister-in-law, Mary Ann Laubenthal of Ottawa; three grandchildren: Jeff Baxter, Todd (Stephanie) Baxter and Katha (Stephen) Rabal;  eight great-grandchildren: Anthony and Brett Baxter (Kylie Cox), Zachary and Benjamin Baxter, Dominic Buza, Makayla, Ashley and Jakob Kinser; and two great-great-grandchildren: Jackson and Thea Baxter.

He is preceded in death by one brother and three sisters: Lewis (Boz) Laubenthal, Lucille (Ernest) Schroeder , and Bette (Elwood) Steffen, Eileen (Leon "Shorty") Niese.

Jim and his wife Owned Made-Rite Concrete Products.  He was a Navy SF 1C and a Veteran of World War II who served on the LST 559, as well as being a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving on The Conway DE 507.  He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa, Charter member of the Ottawa VFW 9412, a Life Member of Ottawa Knights of Columbus, a Life Member of Ottawa Eagles 2234, a Life Member of Ottawa American Legion Post 63. He was a member at the Elks 54 in Lima, OH, and a Member of Ohio LST 559 Association (Landing Ship Tank) where he served as the VP of LST 559 Reunions.

Jim received 4 Bronze Stars for his service in the Pacific, and his WWII uniform is on display at the Greensboro Historical Museum in Greensboro, NC. In 2015,the living members of The Conway DE 507 were recognized by the Republic of Korea. Each living sailor received the 2015 Korean Conflict Ambassador of Peace Award for their humanitarian service.  He loved to play golf, fish, play cards, have morning coffee group, and travel. He and Mil spent 29 winters in Arizona.

A Mass of Christian burial will begin 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 23, 2017 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa with Fr. Rick Friebel officiating.  Military rites will be presented by the Ottawa American Legion, VFW and Am vets following the mass.  Burial will be in Holy Family Cemetery, New Cleveland at a later date.   Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m., Sunday at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa where a VFW service will begin at 7:30 p.m. and K of C rosary to follow.

Memorial contributions can be made to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church or Putnam County Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at:  www.lovefuneralhome.com