James U. Kirchner, age 73, of Schonhardt St., Tiffin, died at 1:10 am Saturday, October 11, 2008, at his residence.
He was born April 15, 1935, in Tiffin to the late Karl and Viola (Lehnert) Kirchner. In 1956, James married Thelma (Wyrich) at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York, and she survives.
Other survivors include: two sons, Vince (Cindy) Kirchner of Tiffin, and Tony (Jana) Kirchner of Bowling Green, Kentucky; two daughters, Traci (Mike) Rannefeld of Buchanan Dam, Texas, Valerie (Todd) Nusbaum of Burnet, Texas; 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Nancy (Wes) Anderson of Fremont, and Marguerite Gross of Tiffin.
James was preceded by a brother Don Kirchner, and a brother-in-law, Ralph Gross.
James attended Calvert High School and graduated from Columbian High School in 1953. He was a member of the United States Marines, serving from 1953 to 1961. In 1993, James retired from General Electric as a supervisor after 33 years of service.
He was a member of the Journey Missionary Alliance Church, the Division Reconnaissance Marine Traveling Rifle and Pistol Team, a Ceremonial Honor Guard and a Military Police Officer.
The Funeral Service will be officiated by Pastor Bill Brown at 10:30 am Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at Traunero Funeral Home, 214 S. Monroe St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883 (419)447-3113. The United Veterans Council of Seneca County will perform Military Honors on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas.
Friends may call Monday, October 13, 2008 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Traunero Funeral Home.
Contributions may be made to Community Hospice Care, The Journey Alliance Church and The American Lung Association in care of the funeral home.
To view the Celebration of Life Video click on the play button below.