Dean W. Place, 95

Dean Walter Place, 95, of rural Wapakoneta, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2021, at his home form natural causes.

He was born Aug. 10, 1925, in at home in Auglaize Co., the son of Merlin and Riva (Bowersock) Place who preceded him in death. On June 22, 1947, he married Betty Lou Kraft at the Christy Chapel, and she preceded him in death on June 28, 2020.

Dean was a life long farmer, and retired form Teledyne Ohio Steel after 40 years of service. He and his wife Betty co-owned and operated the Pine Restaurant along with Don and Donna Elsass. Dean served as the fiscal officer for Logan Township for 24 years. He was a life long member of the Buckland United Church of Christ. He was a Veteran of the U. S. Army serving during World War II, and a member of the Wapakoneta V.F.W. #8445. Dean was a member of the Acadia Lodge #306, F.& A.M., Spencerville. He had been a school board member for the Buckland Local School, the Wapakoneta City School District, and the Apollo Joint Vocational School. He had served on the board of directors for the Buckland Cooperative Company and was one of the founding members of the Buckland Rec Club. He tremendously enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their sports, 4H, and FFA activities.

Survivors include children, Greg (Pam) Place, and Todd (Anne Law) Place; grandchildren, Erika Van Poppel, Joel (Stephanie) Place, Megan Place, Lauren Place, and Kaleb Place; great-grandchildren, Emme Van Poppel, Holden Van Poppel, Ellie Van Poppel, Elizabeth Miller, and Gabrielle Place; a sister-in-law, Mildred Graessle; niece, Debra (Mike) Williams.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Merlin and Riva Place; his wife Betty Lou; two infant siblings; and a brotherin-law, Edwin Graessle.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Sunday, March 21, 2021, at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, with Pastors Adrian Sunday & Kent Place officiating. Burial will follow in the Buckland Cemetery, where military rites will be conducted by the Wapakoneta V.F.W. Post #8445. The family will receive family and friends from 4-8 p.m., Saturday, March 20, 2021, and one hour prior to the service Sunday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the Buckland United Church of Christ. Condolences may be expressed at eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com. In keeping with current health guidelines, masks and social distancing are required.