In Loving Memory

John Lautzenheiser

John Lautzenheiser was born June 29, 1931, the third child of Russell and Viola Lautzenheiser. The family farmed in the small town of Bolivar, Ohio and this is where John developed his love of the earth and of all things living. He was a farmer from the start, and his love of farming and family laid the foundation of his philosophies, and later, for his family life.

John graduated from Bolivar High School and got a job at Robinson Clay Products in Strasburg. He married his high school sweetheart, Christy Lillie. They were married 58 years and have 3 great children together: Terry, Faye, and Wade. As his family grew, John was promoted to the Akron office of Robinson Clay and began studying accounting at night school. He received his degree from Akron University, graduating with honors.

John also worked for Bellows –Valvair (later part of International Basic Economy Corporation), whom he was with while earning his CPA. The company was owned by the Rockefellers and John was offered a promotion to their New York office, but he was too much of a farm boy to accept. Later, a job opened up at Arnold Graphic Industries and he became the VP of Finance. He became part-owner and eventually sold to Reynolds and Reynolds Paper Company of Dayton. After selling the company he had time on his hands and not enough to do on the farm, so he did consulting work. He loved the farm, though, and that is why he always wanted to live there.

John was a member of South Arlington United Methodist Church for 52 years. During this time he served as Sunday school teacher of junior high students for over 30 years. He sang in the choir for 50 years, and was also the finance chair for 35 years. He and his wife Christy were co-counselors for the Jr. High youth group for 13 years.

John is survived by his wife Christy and children Terry (Cristine) of Michigan, Faye (Lee) Wetherbee of Ashland, and Wade (Karen) of North Canton. His six surviving grandchildren include Christopher and Sarah Wetherbee, and Tyler, Adam, Elizabeth and Madigan Lautzenheiser.

Also surviving are John’s brother Dale, of Texas, his children Diane (Jim) Norris, Ken (Ruth), Carol, and Steven (Lara) and their children. John often referred to them as his “special Texas kids” since they spent a lot of time with John and Christy at the farm when Dale’s career military service called him elsewhere. There are many other nieces and nephews in several states.

Preceding him in death were his sisters, Ruth Maxwell and Jean Hood, his sister-in-law Catherine, and granddaughter Jessica.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at 10 a.m., at the South Arlington United Methodist Church, 790 South Arlington St., Akron, OH 44306, with Rev. Nan Morgan officiating. Interment at Grandview Union Cemetery in Strasburg, OH. The family will receive friends at the Eckard Baldwin Funeral Home and Chapel, 760 E. Market St., on Tuesday, May 19, from 4 - 8 p.m.

Due to John’s long-time love of South Arlington church, the family has requested memorials in lieu of flowers. They will be used for the practical, tangible projects that John was known for supporting.