John Michael Gottfried

He was born on May 6, 1923, to Andrew and Barbara (Brandt) Gottfried (who were immigrants from Franzfeld, Yugoslavia, in the early 1900s).

John graduated from Madison Township High School in 1941. He was actively involved in amateur radio, the newspaper and annual staffs (author of the class poem for his graduating class), the photo club, and basketball. He was a faithful attendee of nearly all class reunions.

Following graduation, he worked at the News Journal, created and crafted billboard advertisements, became a member of the Board of Governors of the National Society of Public Accountants and a self-employed accountant of the businesses and individuals until 2012. He treasured the friendships he made with his clients. John was also the business agent for the Painters and Glaziers Union 406. Additionally, he was in the Auxiliary Coast Guard. He was a member of Cornerstone Grace Brethren Church.

On September 21, 1948, he married Gladys Leah Cripe with whom he had two children, Cheryl Lynn and Jon Michael. John was a devoted husband and father and enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren immensely, becoming a great-great grandfather in October 2015.

Survivors include his wife Gladys; daughter, Cheryl "Cheri"; grandsons, Derek, Troy (Kate), and Drew; great-grandchildren, Dacota Eby (Jonah), Brooklyn Gottfried, Maci and Destini Gottfried, Miles and Vera Gottfried; great-great grandson, David Eby; and sister-in-law, DaLee Wachs Gottfried, along with numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his son, Jon "Mick"; his parents; brothers, Andrew and his wife Clariss, Robert and his wife Connie, and Paul; sisters, Barbara, Betty (and her husband Mervin DeLong), and infant sisters Pauline and Katherine.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, September 8, 2016 from 4:00- 7:00 p.m at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington Springmill Road. A funeral service conducted by Pastor Les Vnasdale of the Cornerstone Grace Brethren Church, will be held on Friday, September 9, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Additional visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the Garden of Devotion at Mansfield Memorial Park.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to OhioHealth Hospice for their tender and loving care for John and his family.