Donald H. Elchert

Donald H. Elchert, 83, of Tiffin, died at 1:15 p.m. Sunday, January 10, 2016, at Altercare of Canal Winchester, Ohio.

Donald was born September 15,1932 in Tiffin to Reuben and Gail M. (Kear) Elchert. On June 10, 1961 he married Elizabeth "Betsy" A. Caves at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tiffin. She passed away January 9, 2009.

Survivors include two sons, Keith (Laura Weston-Elchert) of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Kenneth of New York City; a daughter, Melodie (John) Dombrowski of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; two granddaughters, Emma Dombrowski and Holly Elchert; a grandson, Nicholas Elchert; a brother, Robert Elchert of Tiffin; and a sister, Carol Bain of Tiffin.

He was also preceded in death by his parents.

Donald was a 1950 graduate of Calvert Catholic High School, served in the US Air Force from 1951 to 1955, and retired as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Eagles Lodge and the Lions Club, where he especially enjoyed helping with the recording and delivering of popcorn balls. He was also an avid artist and woodworker, with his paintings winning numerous county fair ribbons in Seneca and Wyandot counties. He completely loved his grandchildren, as they loved their "Paw Paw."

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, January 21, 2016 at Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe St. Tiffin, Ohio 44883 (419) 447-3113. A wake will be at 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Prayers will be said at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 22, 2016 at the funeral home followed by the Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, officiated by Rev. Joseph Szybka. The Rosary will be recited 20 minutes prior to the Mass at the church.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the United Veterans Council.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lions Club or to the St. Francis Home.