Paul J. Recker

KALIDA - Paul J. Recker, 79, of Kalida, passed away peacefully after a long courageous battle with Parkinson's at the Meadows of Kalida on Friday, June 28, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born to the late Alvin and Marcella (Warnecke) Recker on November 2, 1944, in Lima, OH. Paul married the love of his life, Rose Ann Vennekotter, on October 15, 1966, who survives in Kalida.  They were blessed with 57 years of marriage.

Paul is survived by three children: Renee and Marc Kerner, Ross and Amy (Vorst) Recker, Robb and Jill (Menke) Recker, all of Kalida; 8 grandchildren: Mitchell and Casey (Wehri) Kerner, Mason Kerner, Mariah Kerner, Evan and Katelyn (Siebeneck) Recker, Conner Recker, Livia Recker, Camryn Recker, and Cody Recker; a great-grandson, Elijah Kerner; 2 brothers: Jim (Diane) Recker, Dennis (Marie) Recker; 5 sisters: Joan Schnipke, Ruth Smith, Marge (Ken Gross) Hicks, Mary Ann (Leo) Fenbert, Janice (Alfred) Siebeneck; sister-in-law Beverly Maag, brothers-in-law: Clyde (Brenda) Vennekotter, Kevin (Joan) Vennekotter, and sister-in-law Joan Brinkman.

He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Makenzie Recker; a great-granddaughter, Kayley Recker; a sister, Jeanette and brother-in-law Larry Maag; and brothers-in-law, Don Schnipke, John Smith and Stephen Brinkman.

Paul was the owner/operator of Paul J. Recker Construction. He built and remodeled hundreds of beautiful homes throughout Putnam County and surrounding areas for 43 years. He also volunteered for numerous years as a Construction Manager for Putnam County Habitat for Humanity. Paul was awarded the prestigious Volunteer of the Year award for Habitat for the State of Ohio in 2013. He actively volunteered in many other ways through multiple ministries and services: The St. Michael Holy Name Society, Kalida Lions Club, Kalida Knights of Columbus, Ottawa Food Pantry, and Heartbeat of Lima/Putnam County. In addition, he assisted with mission trips to Appalachia. Paul was passionate about faith, family and instilling a work ethic. He enjoyed attending grandchildren's extra-curricular activities and sporting events. During Paul's last years, he developed friendships and support from Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson's and the Parkinson's group at the Putnam County YMCA. He enjoyed special times with his close friends, but above all, his family was his greatest joy.

A Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Kalida with Fr. Phil Smith and Fr. Mark Hoying officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township.

Memorial donations may be made to the Putnam County Habitat for Humanity, Kalida Park Foundation, St. Michael's improvement fund, or any of Paul's favorite charities.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com

Putnam County Habitat for Humanity
150 N. Oak St., Ottawa, Oh 45875,
Tel: 419-523-9621

Kalida Park Foundation
P.O. Box 466, Kalida OH 45853

St. Michael's Improvement Fund