Kenneth J Doner, 89, of Van Wert, passed away Saturday morning, June 21, 2025, at Ohio Health, Van Wert. He was born on July 21, 1935, in Van Wert to Paul and Ruth (Ritchie) Doner, who both preceded him in death.
Kenneth married his lifelong sweetheart, Carol J. (Miller) Doner, who survives. They would’ve celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in September.
He is survived by his 5 children, Susan (William) Soldner, Jeffrey (Alan Van Dyne) Doner, Kathryn (Craig) Staley, Thomas Doner, and Julia Hamilton; 6 grandchildren, Katelynn (Shawn) Hovlid, Chelsa (Ricky Garbrandt) Soldner, Jacob (Brooke) Staley, Celesta Soldner, Kyle Hamilton and Kody Hamilton; and 3 great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Hailey Hovlid and Canaan Staley. His sisters, Margaret Davis, Pauline Weldy, Eloise (Gary) Thomas, and Nancy (Richard) Niehoff; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Debra Lynn; sister, Dorothy Weis; and brothers-in-law, Don Weis, Roy Davis, and William Weldy.
Kenneth was a lifelong farmer, who loved his job. He farmed with his father until his retirement, then farmed with his son-in-law, Craig, and grandson, Jacob. He was a faithful member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council as President and Secretary for many years. He was also a member of the church choir, and Farm Bureau, and was on the Board of Directors for Van Wert County Hospital. He also served in the United States Army Reserve.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Van Wert, with Rev. William Haggis, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Visitation for family and friends will be from 4-7 pm Friday, June 27, 2025, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Van Wert, along with one hour prior to the funeral services on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials may be directed to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, Ohio.