Thomas J. Kohlrieser

August 29, 1945 - October 14, 2020

Thomas J. “Tom” Kohlrieser, 75, of Wapakoneta, died 1:41 a.m., Wed. Oct. 14, 2020, at Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH. He was born Aug. 29, 1945, in Lima, the son of Ralph & Farrell (Hittepole) Kohlrieser, who preceded him in death. On Dec. 30, 1967, he married Nancy L. Copeland, and she died Aug. 7, 2011. Survivors include, 3 daughters, Melissa (Marty) Manger, Wapakoneta, Jennifer (Granville) Lee, Camillus, NY, & Rebecca (Todd) Cooper, Wapakoneta; 7 grandchildren, Lukas, Trentin, Katie, Brennin, Josiah, Addisyn, & Lydia; siblings, Judy (George) Steinke, Darryl (Sharon-dec) Kohlrieser, Linda (Joe-dec) Walter, Shirley (Rick) Schroeder, Mary (Mike) Ruppert, & Cathy (George) Hengstler; fiancée, Jill Sanders; brothers-in-law, Don (Melody-dec) Chiles, & Steve Copeland. In addition to his parents & wife, Tom was preceded in death by his father-in-law & mother-in-law, Leo & Roberta Copeland. Tom was a life time farmer, and worked as a welder-fabricator for 45 years with the Ohio Shield Co., Wapakoneta. He was a member of St. John Catholic Church, Fryburg. A 1963 graduate of Cridersville High School, Tom served in the U.S. Marine Corps. His memberships included, Brands Lake Fishing Club, Wapakoneta V.F.W. Post #8445, the American Legion, Post #330, Amvets, Post #333, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie #691, all of Wapakoneta, and the Loyal Order of the Moose, Lodge #1533, Indian Lake. Tom enjoyed farming, clubbing, horseshoes, bowling, golfing, and cards. However, he most enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren. Due to current health concerns, a private family mass will be held at the St. John Catholic Church, with Rev. Sean Wilson officiating. Burial is to follow in the St. John Cemetery, Fryburg where military rites will be conducted by the Wapakoneta V.F.W. Post #8445. The committal service will be open to the public. The family will receive family and friends 2-6 p.m., Sun. and 9-10 a.m., Mon., at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Thomas Kohlrieser Agricultural Scholarship Fund. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com. In keeping with state health guidelines, masks and social distancing are required.