Wilbur "Bill" E. Altenburger

Ottoville --  Wilbur "Bill" E. Altenburger, 90, of Ottoville, died 3:55 p.m. on Friday, March 4, 2016. He was born April 24, 1925 in Ottoville, to the late Andrew and Matilda (Schmitt) Altenburger. On May 5, 1945 he married Sally Koester whom he spent 66 years with before she died July 23, 2011.

He is survived by six children: Diane Langhals of Ottoville, Wilbur Jr. "Bill" (Janet Gasser) Altenburger of Cold Springs, KY, Robert "Bob" (Carol Reinhart) Altenburger of Amherst, Tom (Jan Kissell) Altenburger of Columbus Grove, Janice (Roger) Fortman of Durham, NC, Larry (Deb Wessell) Altenburger of Ottoville; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Louise "Sis" Alt of Ottoville, Irene Stechschulte of Kalida; two brothers: Donald (Betty) Altenburger and Paul (Bettie) Altenburger both of Ottoville.

Bill is preceded in death by a son-in-law: Michael Langhals; a daughter-in-law: Mary Lou (Vorst) Altenburger; three brothers Harold, Hubert, Jerome; and one sister: Dolores Friemoth.

Bill was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Ottoville. An entrepreneur at heart, Bill owned and operated several businesses, including Altenburger Service Store in Ottoville, a Tire Store in Delphos, and later enjoyed starting and owning Bee Line Trucking with his sons. Bill was known for his giving spirit-always quick to assist a young person just starting out – providing a job or words of wisdom and mentorship. Bill was extremely proud of those he was able to assist throughout his life. Always quick-witted, Bill enjoyed educating others on business and politics over the years. He embraced technology, being an early adapter of email and texting and utilizing the Internet for his trucking business. An avid card player, Bill could always be found looking for players to challenge them to a game of Scat.

A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday March 7, 2016 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ottoville, with Fr. John Stites officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday and one hour prior to mass, all at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township, where there will be a scripture service at 7:50 p.m. on Sunday.

Memorial donations may be made to Putnam County Hospice or Ottoville School Library.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.