Howard C. Wilhelm

Sebring - Howard C. Wilhelm, 93, formerly of SR45, Leetonia, died at 9:55 a.m. Monday, January 9, 2012 at Crandall Medical Center, Sebring. He had resided at Copeland Oaks for the past nine years.

Mr. Wilhelm as born February 3, 1918 in Leetonia, a son of the late Charles E. and Leeta Cope Wilhelm and had lived in the area all of his life. He served in the US Army during WWII.

He was employed as a clerk at the former Spatholt's Hardware in Leetonia for 38 years, retiring in 1984. Prior to that, he had worked at the former Franklin Furniture in Columbiana.

He was a member of St. Jacob's United Church of Christ where he had served as an Elder and has served as chairman of the building committee. He was a member of Mt. Nebo Grange #664, Leetonia and the Leetonia Ruritan Club where he had served as secretary and president. He as an avid wood worker and was well known for his "Jesus" crosses and his "private squirrel club".

He is survived by his wife, the former Gladys A. Bailey, whom he married July 6, 1941; a daughter, Dianne Strunkenburg of Plain City, OH; a son, Ronald (Judy) Wilhelm of Salem; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Kevin Wilhelm and a brother, Edward Wilhelm.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 12, 2012 at the St. Jacob's United Church of Christ with Pastor Jenna Brown officiating. Burial will follow in St. Jacob's Church Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Woods-Rettig Funeral Home, Leetonia and at the church one hour prior to the services on Thursday. Memorial tributes may be made to the church memorial fund.