Howard Eugene Kochheiser

Howard Eugene Kochheiser, 86, of Lucas passed away unexpectedly at OhioHealth Mansfield on Thursday, November 16, 2017 following an accident at his home. He was born on October 25, 1931 in Galion, Ohio. He was the son of Clifford and Dora Kochheiser.

Howard proudly served his country in the United States Army. He retired from Guenther Plumbing and Heating. He was a member of the American Legion Post #535 in Bellville, Venus Lodge #152 (F & AM), Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 42, 51 year member of United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of plumbing and pipe fitting, and participated in military burial detail. In his younger years, he loved flying ultra light planes taking off and landing on a beautiful landing area on his property. Howard loved spending time with his family and friends. He was never one to sit idle, he had to always be busy. Many traditions were celebrated and looked forward to every year. In the fall, he and his wife Dardnell would host an apple butter gathering where family and friends would share in the fun of cooking apple butter and hobo soup over an open fire. In the spring, he would tap, gather and process maple syrup from his acres of trees. In the summer, he and Dardnell would raise a big, beautiful vegetable garden to can, freeze and share with family and friends. Howard loved hunting, fishing, gardening, wood working and panning for gold in Alaska. One of his fondest memories was the Honor Flight to Washington, DC that he took with his brother, Richard.

Howard is survived by his wife, Dardnell Kochheiser; children, Thomas (Sophia) Kochheiser and Sharon Deardruff; step-children, Charlotte (Don) Martin, Daniel (Ronda) Mulkey, David (Diane) Mulkey, Dale (Kathy) Piatt, Emma Patterson, John (Chriss) Littleton, Barb (Doug) Sweet, Sandi (John) Strine, Jerry (Cathy) Littleton, and Brenda (Mike) Ivy; 35 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; brother, Richard (Carol) Kochheiser; step-brother, Larry Holloway; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Faith Bilger; brothers, Harry, Lawrence, Don and Max Kochheiser; step-brother, Virgil Holloway; and step-daughter, Sharon Martin.

Pastor Les Vnasdale will officiate a memorial service at 10:30am on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at the Cornerstone Grace Brethren Church, 1905 North Lexington Springmill Road Mansfield. Memorial contributions may be made in Howard's honor to Honor Flight, 175 South Tuttle Road Springfield, Ohio 45505 or online at www.honorflight.org. The Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family of Howard Kochheiser.