Merle K. Fondessy

Merle K. Fondessy, 77, of Clay Center, Ohio, died Monday afternoon, June 30, 2014, at The Toledo Hospital, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Merle was born February 5, 1937, in Clay Center to Kenneth and Mary (Kekelic) Fondessy. On September 6, 1957, in Monroe, Michigan, he married Patricia F. Cowan and she survives. Merle retired after 30+ years from Toledo Hydromatic. He was a charter and very active member of the Genoa Area Boosters, a member of TMACOG, President of Clay Center Council and councilman for many years, and a past member and president of Genoa Area Kiwanis Club. His other memberships included the Ottawa County Planning Commission and the Ottawa County Republican Central Committee. Merle had also been a member of St. Johns United Church of Christ in Genoa, where he was past president and had taught Sunday School. One of Merles accomplishments was donating 113 pints of blood to the American Red Cross. He was a true Genoa Comet fan and an avid fan of his grandchildrens athletic events. In addition to his wife, Pat, Merle is survived by his son, Dr. Terrence (Connie) Fondessy of Fostoria and daughter, Cheryl Kraemer of Genoa; his grandchildren, Nicholas, Caitlin, and Colleen Fondessy and Jennifer, Stephanie, Nicole and Natalie Kraemer. He is also survived by his brother, Gerald (Kathy) Fondessy of Arnold, MD. His parents and grandson, Lucas Fondessy, preceded him in death. Visitation for Merle will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2014, at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, 501 West St., Genoa. The funeral service will be conducted 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 3, 2014, at St. Johns United Church of Christ, Genoa, with interment to follow in Clay Township Cemetery. The family has suggested that memorials for Merle be directed to St. Johns U.C.C. Organ Fund, 1213 Washington St., Genoa, OH 43430; or Allen-Clay Fire Dist. Station #2, 3155 N. Genoa Clay Center, Rd., Genoa, OH 43430.