Donald Schlea

Donald Paul Schlea, 88, of Gibsonburg, Ohio, passed away April 24,2025 under the care of Bridge Hospice in Findlay, Ohio, surrounded by family. Don was born on Dec. 20,1936 in Fremont, Ohio to Edwin and Viola (Van Ness) Schlea. After his graduation from Gibsonburg High School, he served in the United States Army. He retired in 1997 as a boilermaker from Sun Oil Refinery in Oregon, Ohio.

He married Patricia (Pat) Ann Welty on November 30, 1957. He and Pat were members of several fraternal organizations/auxiliaries among which were the VFW, the Eagles, the Moose and AMVETS. They also enjoyed camping and the travelling related to his many interests. An avid Largemouth Bass fisherman, Don was a member of the NW Ohio Bassmasters Club and competed in many Bass Pro tournaments. He was on several bowling teams, played in several pool leagues, rooted for the Gibsonburg Golden Bears (especially the softball team) and enjoyed playing Texas Hold'em. Don & Pat shared 57 years together until her passing in 2015.

They are survived by their children, Dawn K. (Paul) Brown, Donald E. (Colleen) Schlea, John P. (Penny) Schlea and Ronald P. (Patty) Schlea. They have 12 grandchildren, Jennifer Brown, Jonathan (Nikki) Brown, Lauran Schlea, Travis (Rachael) Schlea, Brian Johnson, Libby Jackson, Garrett (Dana) Johnson, Jessica (Christopher) Phillips, Brian Holbrook, Amy Holbrook, Stephen (Tara) Schlea, and Devin Schlea. They have 17 great-grandchildren, Kellyanne Bunkley, Hannah Bunkley, Braedon Marley, Ian Brown, Allison Brown, Calvin Henry Jackson, Ophelia Acala de Johnson, Joel Phillips, Caleb Phillips, Kyle Phillips, Mason Phillips, Noah Holbrook, Adyson Schlea, Bryson Schlea, Zayden Schlea, Melody Schlea and "Baby" Schlea.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Thelma (Robert) Taulker, and his brothers, Robert (Rita) Schlea and Marvin (Carolyn) Schlea.

A private graveside service with military honors is planned. 

The family asks that, in lieu of floral arrangements, memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice Foundation of America Inc.

To express condolences to Don's family or to share a memory please visit www.hermanfh.com Herman- Veh Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.