Thomas J. “Tom” Van Oss

GLANDORF - Tom passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026. He was born on April 8, 1943, in Lima, Ohio, to the late Joseph Jr. and Dolores (Schulte) Van Oss. On May 4, 1968, he married Sharon Stemen.

Tom is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sharon; three children, Angie Bockrath, Brent (Vicky) Van Oss, and Carrie (John) Karhoff, all of Ottawa; four grandchildren, Taylor (Nick) Leatherman, Cody (Danielle) Bockrath, Reese Van Oss, and Jace Van Oss; and five great-grandchildren, Jaysa and Aylinn Leatherman, and Callan, Nora, and Alaina Bockrath. Other survivors include brothers Bruce (Peggy) Van Oss of Lima and Kevin (Cheryl) Van Oss of Cloverdale; sisters Gloria Spencer of Cecil and Janice (Robert) Warnement of Kalida; brothers-in-law Roger (Jan) Stemen of Ottawa and Danny (Judy) Siefker of Glandorf; and sister-in-law Barbara Freeze of Kalida; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Dean Spencer, Everett Freeze, and Don Stemen; and sisters-in-law Linda Siefker and Judy Bollinger.

Tom was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Glandorf. He served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967 and was a member of the American Legion, Ottawa, Ohio-Post 63. In 2000, he retired from Philips, Ottawa

Tom enjoyed all things automotive, whether it was attending NHRA drag races, sprint car races, or NASCAR events. He also enjoyed participating in car shows and proudly displaying his classic cars, most recently his 1997 lowered Chevrolet pickup truck. Tom and Sharon also enjoyed RV camping together for many years. Above all, Tom found his greatest joy in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether attending their sporting events, cheering on their accomplishments, or simply sharing his love of Oreo cookies with them, family always came first. He was also an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Reds.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Glandorf with Fr. Matt Keller officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites by the Ottawa American Legion, VFW and AmVets. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. with a scripture service beginning at 2:45 p.m. and again on Thursday from 9 to 10 a.m. at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fair Haven Foundation in Indianapolis, IN, (https://fairhavenfoundation.org) or the Putnam County Cancer Assistance Program.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com