Richard G. Distel

Richard G. Distel, 91, of Tiffin, passed away at 4:26 a.m. Sunday, January 19, 2020, at St. Francis Home, Tiffin. He was born October 9, 1928, in Tiffin to Frank and Marie (Nye) Distel and was raised by his father and step-mother, Mary Ellen Distel.  He married Virginia Semer in 1952 at the St. Joseph Rectory, Tiffin.  They were married for 61 years without ever having an argument.  She died August 29, 2013.

Survivors include; a brother-in-law, James Semer of Idaho Falls, Idaho, a special niece Valerie (Steve) Clouse of New Riegel and many other nieces and nephews, James L. Semer, Jason R. Howard, Brett Wilson, Brenda Wilson and Larry Wilson along with many great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ardath and Don Wilson.

Richard was a 1948 graduate of Calvert High School.  He enlisted in the U.S, Army after graduation, was stationed at Fort. Knox, Ky. and was also the 72nd Tank Battalion of the 2nd Infantry Division of Fort Lewis, Wash.  He worked for the city of Tiffin for 10 years, and then he worked for Columbia Transmission retiring after 30 years.  He enjoyed working in the yard and flower beds and refinishing antique furniture.  He also helped his wife, Virginia with her antiques and participating in shows in Ohio and West Virginia.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Tiffin Glass Club.

Visitation for family and friends will be 4-8 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2020, at Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883, (419)-447-3113. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home.  Rev. Joseph Szybka will officiate. Burial will take place at Rock Creek Cemetery, with military rites performed by the Seneca County United Veteran Council.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stein Hospice or to the Seneca County Humane Society.

For out-of-town flower orders, to view the Celebration of Life video, or to offer condolences to the family, go to: www.traunerofuneralhome.com