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William Grimm Obituary
William Wallace (Wally) Grimm, 82, of Wapakoneta, formerly of Van Wert, went to be with his Lord Friday, January 10, 2025, at his home. Wally was born in Mason, West Virginia, March 7, 1942.
He was preceded in death by parents, Rev. Harry Joseph Grimm and Maxine Elias Grimm; as well as a sister, Claudia Jo McDaniel.
He married Donna L. Ebner on August 5, 1967, who survives him and lives in Wapakoneta. He is the father of four children, Claudia (Matt) Crawford of Ada, T.J. (Suzanne) Grimm of North Royalton, Shelly (Bob) Barrett of Wapakoneta, and Rusty (Vicki) Grimm of St. Mary's; and grandfather of nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Wally was a graduate of Tiffin Columbian High School, Heidelberg College, and received his master's degree from Bowling Green State University. He was an English teacher at York High School, Bellevue High School, Bowling Green High School, and Lakota High School. Wally loved the arts and music and directed many high school musicals and show choirs. He was also an actor and musician and had starring roles in musicals such as Fiddler on the Roof, The Music Man, Oliver, The Sound of Music, and many others in local theaters. Wally was a 32 degree Mason, and member of the Van Wert Service Club. He also coached basketball and golf. He then became the principal of Van Wert High School for 26 years, during which time he spent years serving on Ohio High School Athletic Association Northwest District Board of Control. After retirement, he worked at Willow Bend County Club and coached Van Wert High School golf team.
Wally was a dedicated Christian who was a lay speaker in his church and a speaker for the Gideon Organization. He was a member of Wapakoneta First Methodist Church. He was a member of the choir and was a frequent soloist. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and the jokes he always played on people.
Preferred memorials are to Wally Grimm Scholarship Fund at Van Wert County Foundation located at 138 East Main Street, Van Wert, Ohio 45895
Funeral Services will be at 12 p.m. Saturday January 18, 2025, at Wapakoneta First Methodist Church at 504 Glynwood Road, Wapakoneta, Ohio. Visitation will be from 10-12 p.m. Saturday, prior to the service. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, Wapakoneta, where condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Grimm
Sponsored by Eley Funeral Home & Crematory - Wapakoneta.
Dick kuhn
January 18, 2025
Correction.
I miss printed the thing with Wally said he was a nice girl. I said nice guy. We also used to play football together. We always stuck him on the line because he was younger than we were. We also did a lot of fun things like kick the can or hide and go seek. That was many years ago, but I still remember my neighbor, Wally. Also, his dad played football with us. They were great neighbors.
Terry Sullivan
January 18, 2025
I was a former teacher and coach when Wally was principal. He was friendly, fun loving and enjoyable to work with. My condolences to Donna and the family members.
Rachel Dunkelberger Fowler
January 17, 2025
I was a classmate of Wally. He was a very likable person. He will be missed.
JOE WARNEMENT
January 16, 2025
DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO WALLYS FAMILY I ALWAYS ENJOYED BEING IN SHOWS AT VWCT WITH HIM
Dick kuhn
January 16, 2025
I grew up as a neighbor with Wally. He was a happy girl, lucky kid.
Alycen Urban
January 15, 2025
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Wally, but my family (my Mom & late Grandma Margie Young) had such great stories. I also work for CHP in which his wife founded. The story I remember the most from my Mom is that my late Grandfather Jack Young, who passed in 1985, was very close with the Grimms, even serving on CHP's Board of Directors. I did not get to meet my Grandpa because he passed before I was born, but, my mom said he was buried in one of Wally's suits :) And that has always held a special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Grimm family.
Kimberly Woten
January 13, 2025
Wally was a beautiful soul and I always loved hearing him sing from the pews in church, when he wasn't up in the choir. What a privilege to have known Wally! God bless you Donna and family during this difficult time. R.I.P. Wally! Kimberly Woten
Garnett and Leo Beagle
January 13, 2025
Dear Donna and family. Our condolences at this time of Wally´s passing. We will remember his ready smile and welcoming personality.
Serena Coulter
January 12, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss of Wally he was a great guy with such a great big smile I'm glad I got to meet him.
Bill Reese
January 11, 2025
Pray God consoles, comforts, and blesses the family at this time. Wally was an extra special person with an extra special family. He will certainly be missed by all who knew him. R.I.P. Wonderful Wally
Bill Reese and Family
Cherie L. Conrad
January 11, 2025
Thoughts & prayers for Donna & family. Neighbors & Friends while living in Van Wert & worked for Donna at CHP. Great People in supporting our community, Wally in school system & Donna with CHP & working hard to build VW Hospice Center.
DENNIS KEAR
January 11, 2025
On behalf of all the classmates from the Tiffin Columbian class of 1960. Our deepest condolences to Donna and the rest of the family. We will all miss him deeply.
Lynn Solomon Lash
January 11, 2025
Condolences from a Faith United Methodist Church, Tiffin, Ohio member.
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