Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Chester Placke Obituary
Chester Eugene "Gene" Placke of Findlay passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, at Bridge Hospice Care Center surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Gene was born July 22, 1938, in Middle Point, Ohio, to the late Elsie and Julian Placke. He married the love of his life, Ruth A. Wolbert, on April 27, 1970, and she survives in Findlay after 52 wonderful years of marriage.
Gene is also survived by his son, Andrew (Kerrie) Placke of Ohio City; daughter, Jeanann (Jim) Thomas of Findlay; grandchildren, Crystal (Mike) Koon of Vandalia, Christopher (Katie) Placke of West Milton, Kelsie Preston of Greenville, Audrianna Placke of Wapakoneta, and Tayler Thomas of Findlay; and five beautiful great-grandchildren, Hendrix, Charletta, Barrett, Ray, and Hunter.
He was also preceded in death by his son Vincent Placke; granddaughter, Macie Preston; and brother, Steve Placke.
At nine years old, Gene went to work at a Locker Plant in Delphos. In 1956, Gene graduated from Delphos St. John High School and enlisted in U.S. Navy. He earned the rank of Chief Warrant Officer and retired from the Navy in 1978. He then went to work for Perry Corporation. While working for Perry, Gene headed up the Junior Achievement Program for high school students. He officiated little league sports and was an active member of the video and sound team at StoneBridge Church for 15 years. Gene loved to travel, make quilts, and spend time with his family.
The family of Gene would like to give a special thanks to his Hospice nurse, Ginny, and the whole Hospice team for the exceptional care they showed Gene.
Visitation will be 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, until the time of Gene's celebration of life service at 4 p.m. at Hanneman Funeral Home, 201 Osborn Ave., Findlay, where military honors will be rendered by Hancock County Memorial Squad.
Memorial contributions may be made in Gene's honor to Bridge Hospice, 15100 Birchaven Ln., Findlay, Ohio, 45840, or The Wilds, 14000 International Dr., Cumberland, Ohio, 43732.
Online condolences, as well as a fond memory, can be shared with Gene's family by visiting www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Chester Placke
2 Entries
Frank Wilhelmi
May 3, 2023
Back in 1998 five navy guys met in Norman OK: Geno Placke, Lee Peterson, Bill Morrison, Frank Wilhelmi and Chuck (Charles) Pierman; we went to Memphis TN together swearing that if one got Galley duty we would all do galley duty, and so we did and the party was on. Someone gifted us all with fake IDs and permanent liberty cards and a wild time was had by all!! About 5 years ago Chuck set out to find the others and only found Frank and Geno. I was held over for Guided Missile School, sent to China Lake CA, which started me in a 45 year career in Missile guidance design for Hughes, Rantec and ATK. That wouldn't have happened without the great start toward adulthood that we shared; and Gino was the adult in the group - Thanks be to God!
John& Debbie Seng
February 9, 2023
Our office would like to express our condolences to Ruth and the family
On the passing of Gene. He was the most upbeat person that we had the pleasure to know!! His quilting stories
Were greatly enjoyed! He will be missed! We are sure that he had been welcomed with "Well done thou Good and Faithful Servant!"
The Office Of John D Seng
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Chester Placke's name
Memorial Events
for Chester Placke
Feb
16
How to support Chester's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Chester Placke's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
