James William Waisner

James William Waisner was born July 27th, 1939 and died April 20th, 2024. Jim was born to Thomas and Mildred (Fruth) Waisner and was the older brother to Jerry (Joan) Waisner and Janet (Delmar) Tilse. Jim was a lifelong resident of Holgate and a lifelong member of St. John’s UCC where he served as deacon, elder, consistory chair, CE Board, Christian league and shared his love of music as the strong back row tenor in the choir. Jim was both farmer and carpenter and co-owner of Waisner Construction (Holgate Lumber Co.). His vocations kept him tethered to northwest Ohio but it couldn’t hinder his nomadic tendancy. He had a pilot’s license, a passport, a map, and a fisherman’s soul. His summers drew him north to Lake Agnew as its historian and fish whisperer. Jim’s biggest catch though was Susanne Waisner who he met in Defiance, married in Massachusetts (August 4th, 1962) and where they, together, spent the next 61 years on the farm raising four children; Kevin (Beth) Waisner, Scott (Vicki) Waisner, Mark (Tia) Waisner, and Diana (Jerry) Evers. His love of his family mattered to him deeply and the pride he felt for them was expressed in those moments when he tipped his hat and smiled. His wit, traveler’ s spirit and carpenter’s acumen will be forever missed but can be seen in the eleven grandchildren, Colin (Emily) Waisner, Denton (Wendy) Waisner, Adrienne Waisner, Reed (Renee) Waisner, Cody (Paige) Bronson, Michael (Alyssa) Waisner, Jennifer Waisner, Clay (Jessica) Waisner, Jason Waisner, Nicholas Evers, Neveah Evers, and six great grandchildren. Jim will be missed but his light travels on. Memorials can be made to St. John’s choir or a charity of your choice.

Friends will be received in St. John's United Church of Christ, Holgate on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from 2-8:00 pm and one hour prior to the service.  The celebration of Jim’s life is Thursday at 11:00 am with Reverend Jeffrey McCarn officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.