Vernon E. Doenges

Vernon E. “Vern” Doenges, 91, of Wapakoneta, died 2:20 a.m., Sun. Feb. 2, 2014, at St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. He was born Feb. 18, 1922, on the family farm in St. Marys Twp., Auglaize Co., the son of William J. & Marie (Oldiges) Doenges, who preceded him in death. On Sept. 11, 1948, he married Eileen M. Hasson, sne she died May 18, 2005. Survivors include 4 children, Nick (Tomoe) Doenges, Nina Stuckey, Noreen Wise, and Nell (William) Chadwick; grandchildren, Vern (Georjeanna) Doenges, Donna (Richard) Lindberg, David (Skye) Stuckey, Kelly (John) DiCarlantonio, Victoria Hoffman, Nicole Wise, and Michael Wise; 11 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren; a sister, Mary Lee (James) Wissman; a sister-in-law, Irene Doenges; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a 2 brothers, Louis and Ralph. Vern attended the one-room Graybill School for 8 yrs. He then graduated from Memorial High School, St. Marys in 1939 followed by business classes at Northwestern School of Commerce. He was medically deferred from the military service. He held various jobs (bookkeeper, musician, laundry route supervisor, janitorial service) before being elected in 1959 as Auglaize County Auditor where he served seven 4-year terms. In retirement, Vern was active in multiple organizations, known especially for his contribution to historical documentation, his personal historical collection and compilation of the Wapak Daily News column, Looking Back. His final column appeared Jan. 31, 2014. The column will continue under the bi-line of his son, Nick Doenges. Vern’s memberships included St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta, and its Resurrection Choir, Knights of Columbus, Elks, Eagles, VFW, Auglaize County Historical Society, Am. Federation of Musicians, AmVets, American Legion Auglaize County Farm Bureau, St. Joseph Parent Teacher Org. (President) Ohio County Auditor Assn (President), Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (President, Auglaize County chapter), AARP (Treasurer, Auglaize County chapter), Auglaize County Democrats (Treasurer until death). Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Sat. Feb. 8, 2014, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta, Rev. Daniel Hunt officiating. Burial is to follow in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Wapakoneta. The family will receive friends 4-8 p.m., Fri. at the Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta. Memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Vernon E. Doenges

February 18, 1922 - February 2, 2014