Obituaries

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Robert E. “Bob” Klingler, age 87, of Ada, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at his home with his family by his side. 

He was born on April 18, 1938, in Ada, Ohio, to the late Keith and Annabelle (Routt) Klingler.  On December 18, 1955, Bob married Patricia K. “Pat” (Gilbert) Klingler, and she preceded him in death on July 9, 2022. 

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Walker John Freytag was the stillborn son of Troy and Natalie (Fiene) Freytag on December 12, 2025.  

Walker is the little brother of Liam, Amelia and Austyn; and the grandson of Cecil Freytag and Kurt and Jamie Fiene.  

A private family service will be held.

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FROM ONU.EDU__Dr. Kendall (Ken) Baker, Hon. D. ’11, served with distinction as Ohio Northern University’s 10th president from 1999 until 2011. He was named president emeritus upon his retirement. He passed away in Colorado on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at age 83.

Life of scholarship
Dr. Baker came from a military family and wanted to follow suit, but vision trouble derailed his plans. He decided to pursue a life of scholarship. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Maryland in 1963, followed by a master’s and doctoral degrees from Georgetown University in 1966 and 1969, respectively.

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Karen G. Wright, age 74, of Harrod, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025 at her home. 

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Ellis Puckett, age 76, of Alger, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Joint Township Hospital, St. Marys.  

He was born on December 15, 1948, in Lima, Ohio, to the late Kelly and Gladys (Hall) Puckett, Sr.   On June 29, 1968, Ellis married Ora (Smith) Puckett, and she preceded him in death on May 5, 2022. 

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Sharon K. Lease, age 77, of Lima, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. 

She was born on July 21, 1948, in Kenton, Ohio, to Waldo and Annis (Conley) Oglesbee. On July 1, 1966, Sharon married Arthur Lease, and he survives in Lima. 

Also surviving are her two sons: Darren (Sunny) Lease of North Lewisburg and Jeff (Lynn) Lease of Venice, FL; five grandchildren: Dalton, Batai, Savannah, Hershel and Larry; a sister-in-law, Dana Oglesbee; brother-in-law, Dana (Rhonda) Lease; and nephews: Kyle Oglesbee and Barry James Lease. 

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