M. Kurtis “Kurt” Winegardner, 78, died on Sunday, July 12, 2015 at 4:41 p.m. at Lima Memorial Health System, Lima.

He was born on April 17, 1937, in Rural Harrod, Ohio to Willis B. and G. Marie (Dillinger) Winegardner who preceded him in death. Kurt married Sundra “Sis” Orchard on June 20, 1954, they were married for 61 years and she survives in Harrod.

Kurt retired from the Teamsters Local 908 and was a retired farmer. He previously worked at LaKing Trucking, he also drove for Texaco and Dot Lines. He was an Auglaize Township trustee for 12 years of Allen County, and a member of the Allen County Township Association. He attended Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Harrod. He attended Harrod High School. 

He was a 4-H advisor for 12 years for the Harrod Lively 4-H Club and one of its founders. He was a member and on the board of directors of the Allen County Soil and Water Conservation Distri ct. Kurt won several awards for his farming skills.

He is also survived by his six children: Randy (Cathy) Winegardner of LaFayette, Carol (Bill) Myers of Lima, Cathi (Mark) Atkinson of Olin, Iowa, Chris (Tom) Bowersock of McAllen, Texas, Rusty (Stephanie) Winegardner of Harrod and Carrie (Tim) Skinner of Lima.

12 grandchildren: Eric Winegardner, Jason Winegardner, Amy (Dom Badea) Winegardner, Nicole (Chris) Ridge, Kelly (Steve) Kinney, Jennifer (T.M.) Martin, Melissa (Brice) Johnson, Courtney (Jason) McBride, Brett Winegardner, Danielle (Jacob) Wilkin, Mitchell Skinner, Makenzie Skinner; three step grandchildren: Liisa (Rick) Spaller, Kristi (Brian) Morris, Brian (Jennifer) Gerschutz.

18 great-grandchildren: Emma, Ellie, Eva, Kyla, Melana, Tristan, Caitlin, Connor, Braylon, Everett, Kennedy, Abigail, Riley, Caleb, Kaya, Jackson, Macie, Eli and one on the way; five step great-grandchildren: Marlo, Maris, Finley, Ava and Drew. He is also survived by several brothers and sisters-in-law.

He was preceded in death by two brothers: Kenneth and Karl Winegardner; two sisters: Kathryn Hobensack-George and an infant sister, Koneta.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 16, at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada with Rev. Doug Adams and Pastor Tom Casey officiating. Burial will be in Auglaize Cemetery, Harrod.

Friends may call 2 -8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada and until time of service on Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, c/o Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, P.O. Box 38, Ada, Ohio 45810 and/or Harrod Rescue Squad. P.O. Box 227 Harrod, Ohio 45850.