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Dennis Yingling Obituary
Dennis Leo Yingling
Dennis Leo Yingling (Papa), 84, of Findlay, passed away peacefully August 2, 2025, after a brief illness, in the wonderful care of Bridge Hospice at Blanchard Valley Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Born March 22, 1941, in Tiffin, Dennis was a proud graduate of Carey High School, Class of 1959. He kept in close touch with his classmates over the years and played an active role in planning multiple class reunions and maintaining lifelong friendships.
Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably from 1959 to 1963 and attaining the rank of Corporal.
Dennis married the love of his life, Karen R. Yingling (Sommerschield), September 28, 1963, at Grace United Methodist Church in Carey. Together, they built a beautiful life and family, rooted in love, service, and faith.
Dennis dedicated much of his life to public service and law enforcement. He served with Ohio State Highway Patrol from 1964 to 1972, followed by a 20-year career with Bennett Brothers Furniture. In 1992, Dennis was appointed Chief of Police for the Village of Carey, a position he held with pride and integrity until his retirement in 2006. He was the longest-serving Chief of Police for the Village of Carey. During his tenure, Dennis was a mentor to many young police officers who went on to hold positions of service in their own communities.
Dennis was a member of Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) Advisory Committee for 23 years, serving as chairman for the last seven. As an OACP Assessor, Dennis conducted assessments that appointed future police chiefs. In recognition of his outstanding dedication, Dennis was named the first-ever recipient of what is now known as the Dennis L. Yingling Award for Distinguished and Exemplary Service as an Assessor, a lasting tribute to his fairness, professionalism, and commitment to the future of law enforcement leadership in Ohio.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dennis was deeply involved in his community. He was a 15-year member and club secretary of Carey Kiwanis Club and served as a deacon at Bright Road Church of Christ in Findlay, where he was a devoted and active member. He also served for many years as both a board member and athletic director for Northwest Ohio Christian Youth Camp, playing a key role in supporting and mentoring youth in their spiritual and personal development.
Dennis was known for his deep knowledge and love of sports, especially when it came to his beloved Ohio teams. Whether cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, or Cleveland Indians (Guardians), Dennis's passion was infectious. He enjoyed countless hours watching games, sharing stats, and celebrating victories with family and friends.
He also enjoyed genealogy, spending time researching and preserving his family's history, a testament to his love of family and legacy.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 62 years, Karen; his daughters, Jennifer Motter (Todd) and Julia Yingling; grandchildren, Katelyn Fitzgerald (Shane), Kristine Henkener (Brian), Allison Twining, and Adam Twining (Amber); and great-grandchildren, Duke Henkener, Drake Henkener, Zachary Fitzgerald, Sonny Twining, and Slater Twining.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Raymond, Richard, Lana, and Leah.
He will be remembered for his unwavering integrity, humility, faith, sense of humor, sarcasm, quick wit and deep devotion to family and community. His legacy of service and love lives on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Time to Gather and Celebrate Dennis' Life will be 3-7 p.m. Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Stombaugh-Batton & Snyder Funeral Home, Carey. Dennis' Celebration of Life Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, August 8, 2025, at Bright Rd Church of Christ, 535 Bright Rd., Findlay, Ohio 45840. Military honors will be rendered at the conclusion of the service by United States Marine Corps and Hancock County Memorial Squad.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northwest Ohio Christian Youth Camp or Bridge Hospice at Blanchard Valley Hospital.
Online condolences, as well as a fond memory, may be shared with Dennis' family by visiting www.stombaughbatton.com
Dennis Leo Yingling (Papa), 84, of Findlay, passed away peacefully August 2, 2025, after a brief illness, in the wonderful care of Bridge Hospice at Blanchard Valley Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Born March 22, 1941, in Tiffin, Dennis was a proud graduate of Carey High School, Class of 1959. He kept in close touch with his classmates over the years and played an active role in planning multiple class reunions and maintaining lifelong friendships.
Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably from 1959 to 1963 and attaining the rank of Corporal.
Dennis married the love of his life, Karen R. Yingling (Sommerschield), September 28, 1963, at Grace United Methodist Church in Carey. Together, they built a beautiful life and family, rooted in love, service, and faith.
Dennis dedicated much of his life to public service and law enforcement. He served with Ohio State Highway Patrol from 1964 to 1972, followed by a 20-year career with Bennett Brothers Furniture. In 1992, Dennis was appointed Chief of Police for the Village of Carey, a position he held with pride and integrity until his retirement in 2006. He was the longest-serving Chief of Police for the Village of Carey. During his tenure, Dennis was a mentor to many young police officers who went on to hold positions of service in their own communities.
Dennis was a member of Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) Advisory Committee for 23 years, serving as chairman for the last seven. As an OACP Assessor, Dennis conducted assessments that appointed future police chiefs. In recognition of his outstanding dedication, Dennis was named the first-ever recipient of what is now known as the Dennis L. Yingling Award for Distinguished and Exemplary Service as an Assessor, a lasting tribute to his fairness, professionalism, and commitment to the future of law enforcement leadership in Ohio.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dennis was deeply involved in his community. He was a 15-year member and club secretary of Carey Kiwanis Club and served as a deacon at Bright Road Church of Christ in Findlay, where he was a devoted and active member. He also served for many years as both a board member and athletic director for Northwest Ohio Christian Youth Camp, playing a key role in supporting and mentoring youth in their spiritual and personal development.
Dennis was known for his deep knowledge and love of sports, especially when it came to his beloved Ohio teams. Whether cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, or Cleveland Indians (Guardians), Dennis's passion was infectious. He enjoyed countless hours watching games, sharing stats, and celebrating victories with family and friends.
He also enjoyed genealogy, spending time researching and preserving his family's history, a testament to his love of family and legacy.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 62 years, Karen; his daughters, Jennifer Motter (Todd) and Julia Yingling; grandchildren, Katelyn Fitzgerald (Shane), Kristine Henkener (Brian), Allison Twining, and Adam Twining (Amber); and great-grandchildren, Duke Henkener, Drake Henkener, Zachary Fitzgerald, Sonny Twining, and Slater Twining.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Raymond, Richard, Lana, and Leah.
He will be remembered for his unwavering integrity, humility, faith, sense of humor, sarcasm, quick wit and deep devotion to family and community. His legacy of service and love lives on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Time to Gather and Celebrate Dennis' Life will be 3-7 p.m. Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Stombaugh-Batton & Snyder Funeral Home, Carey. Dennis' Celebration of Life Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, August 8, 2025, at Bright Rd Church of Christ, 535 Bright Rd., Findlay, Ohio 45840. Military honors will be rendered at the conclusion of the service by United States Marine Corps and Hancock County Memorial Squad.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northwest Ohio Christian Youth Camp or Bridge Hospice at Blanchard Valley Hospital.
Online condolences, as well as a fond memory, may be shared with Dennis' family by visiting www.stombaughbatton.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by The Courier on Aug. 4, 2025.
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