THOMAS EDWARD DOEPKER
OTTAWA - Thomas Edward Doepker, 76, born March 11, 1939, went to be with our Lord and Savior at 1:45 a.m. on March 18, 2015.  He was born in Ottawa, Ohio to the late Norman and Mathilda (Nartker) Doepker, Sr.  Tom married his high school sweetheart, Joan (Klausing) on October 17, 1959.
Tom has always been a devoted supporter and fan of the Ottawa-Glandorf Titans.  This passion for sports started back in 1957 during his senior year.  He played basketball for Sts. Peter and Paul on the only team to reach the "Sweet 16".  Tom also enjoyed playing cards with friends and loved the challenge on the golf course.
Along with a few others, Tom started the O.G. Athletic Boosters where he served as President on the booster committee.  He was an active member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa where he served as an usher and lector.  He also served on the Sts. Peter and Paul School Board.  He was a member of the Ohio National Guard, Ottawa Eagles, American Legion, and the Ottawa Knights of Columbus.  He also volunteered his time as a coach for the Pony League and Little League Baseball Organizations.
Tom was elected to the Ottawa Village Council for 28 consecutive years - a true testimony to his giving spirit.  He always put others first and was a true gentleman.
Tom started his career in sales with Dinner Bell Meats.  After that, he became a Manufacturer's Representative for Lima Distributors, Coronet, Queen and Shaw, where he retired from in 2001.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 55 years, Joan Doepker of Ottawa; children: Jeffrey (Sherry) Doepker of Toledo, Christopher (Lisa) Doepker of Elizabeth City, NC, Laura (Craig) Kuhlman of Swanton, Joanna (Greg) Johnson of Madison, MS, Jill (Chad) Okuley of Glandorf and a special daughter-in-law: Stacey (Bruce) Laubenthal of Ottawa.  He is also survived by 17 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren on the way; a brother: Norman (Lois) Doepker, Jr. of Ottawa; 4 sisters: Patricia Macke of Ottawa, Ruth (Don) Tesmond of Palm Dessert, CA, Marilyn Weber of Ottawa, and Molly Weisgerber of Sun City, AZ; and sisters-in-law Martha Doepker of Bradenton, FL and Anita Swary of Ottawa.
Tom was proceeded in death by his 2 sons: Dean and Nick; 2 brothers: Don and Bill; and 3  brothers-in-law: John Macke, Tom Weber and Richard Weisgerber.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Monday, March 23, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa, with Fr. Rick Friebel officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.   Friends may call at the LOVE  FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa, on Sunday from 2-8 p.m. where a K of C rosary will begin at 7:30 p.m. and scripture service at 7:50 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bridge Home Health and Hospice – Home Health Care Services.
Condolences may be expressed at: www.lovefuneralhome.com

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