Edward J. Schweinfurth - Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home

Welcome, Guest Log in or Register

Search Obituaries:

Advanced Search Show Popular Searches

1-Column 2-Column

Edward J. Schweinfurth

Edward J. Schweinfurth, 69, of LaRue, died Sunday evening March 17, 2019 at the Marion General Hospital. He was born in Marion on January 15, 1950, to Edward Harvey Schweinfurth and Kathleen Keller Schweinfurth. Ed grew up on his parents' farm near New Bloomington. Ed graduated from Elgin High School in 1968. He graduated from Ohio State University in 1974. He had a brief interruption in college to do basic training for the Army Reserves, and served in the Reserves from 1974 to 1980. Ed was a history and industrial arts teacher at Kenton City Schools from 1974 until 1987.

After teaching, Ed turned his talents to a full-time business as an artist/craftsman and designed and made beautiful furniture, Windsor chairs, historical reproductions, and various artistic pieces. He was a member of Ohio Designer Craftsmen Guild, and was an annual exhibitor and frequent jurist in their Art Shows.

Ed became interested in archaeology as a young teen, becoming a member of the Ohio Archaeology Society at 13. He later led many young people to this interest. Ed was involved in the dig of Ft. Morrow, in southern Marion County, in 1974, under the direction of Ohio State University. Recently, Ed was able to participate in the rededication of the historical site, held by the Marion County Historical Society.

Ed was a member of two living history educational groups, demonstrating the American colonial times, the Brigade of the American Revolution and the Northwest Territorial Alliance. As an artisan, Ed made many reproductions to use in demonstrations.

Ed also used his creative talents for cooking and had a large collection of all types of cookbooks. Many were historical, which connected to his interest in horticulture and gardening. He became a member of Seed Savers, which collects and perpetuates heritage seeds and plants. Ed enjoyed experimenting with vegetables, flowers and trees. He also worked to preserve local indigenous plants and prairie plants.

Ed's hobbies and interests were wide and varied. He enjoyed " hunting" for fossils and artifacts. He moved a log house built by his ancestors from Pleasant township to his LaRue farm, and researched the methods used in order to reconstruct it, with the help of family and friends. He enjoyed identifying plants and wildlife and retained a lifelong curiosity about almost everything. He was a voracious reader of history, biographies, the arts and non- fiction. He always supported the libraries and literacy.

Ed met his wife, Dianna L. Weller, at O.S.U. And they married on December 28, 1973, in Columbus. They have one daughter, Elizabeth Mae (Timothy) O' Jack of Saline, MI. And, two grandsons, Theodore and Connor.

Ed has one sister, Jeanna Kay (Joe) Walker of Richland, MI. Ed always enjoyed spending a week with Jeanna and having her homemade pies every day.

Ed has many cousins, nephews and nieces and an amazing number of friends far and wide.

Per Ed's wishes, there will be a private family funeral. Because Ed loved books and reading, memorial gifts may be made to the Elgin Schools Library, 1150 Keener Rd. Marion, Ohio 43302

The Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in LaRue is assisting the family

Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com

Florist Login

Feel free to post a remembrance on this person's birthday,
anniversary of passing, holidays, or whenever feels appropriate.

#1 from:

E. Felt
Mineral Wells, Tx

mwlz307@yahoo.com

Wed, Jul 17, 2019 at 12:11 PM

Pam and I just heard and are deeply saddened about Ed's passing. We have many memories of us in the BAR and NWTA and of us visiting him and Diana at their home in LaRue.

#2 from:

Tim Berglund
Indianapolis, In

swede1745@yahoo.com

Sun, Nov 24, 2019 at 11:13 AM

I am deadened and heartsick beyond words to consider a life without Ed and honored beyond my dreams to have shared a friendship with him for so many years...
Rest In Peace Ed...

View Older Condolences >>

#1 from:

Bill Reynolds
Waterford,Oh

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 12:56 PM

You leave our hearts with the gift of your fond friendship and companionship. May you and your family be at peace and be comforted by those many who have been guided by your sage advise, laughter, and knowledge.

#2 from:

Pat Burk
Wheelersburg Oh

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 3:48 PM

Sorry for your loss he was a real friend R.I.P.my friend

#3 from:

Mr and Mrs Richard Walker
Marion

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 4:04 PM

Jeanna,Joe and family so sorry to hear of your brothers passing. You are in our prayers.

#4 from:

Laura and Terry Widder
Walterboro, South Carolina

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 4:18 PM

Diana, Liza,Jeanna-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ed was one of a kind.
He will surely be missed by many

#5 from:

craig boblenz
MARION

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 4:19 PM

Expressing our deep felt loss of a dear 1968 classmate Eddie. Eddie was one of those I expected to live for ever. But life often has other plans or ways of making events happen.
Deepest condolences to all the families.
God bless you all.
Craig & PJ Boblenz

#6 from:

John R LaBella
Fort Pitt

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 4:35 PM

Ed was an inspirational artisan. May God rest his soul and give strength to his family

#7 from:

Johnna Arnott
Larue mini mart

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 4:47 PM

He was a very friendly customer of ours. We will miss him. My prayers to your family.

#8 from:

Mary Lou Lauer

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 5:23 PM

To Jeanna and all family members — please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of Eddie — my good friend from the class of 68 at Elgin High School. Eddie was one of the smartest people I ever knew, and he was one of the nicest, too. We always had so much fun doing stuff. I don’t think I ever saw anyone beat him at euchre. I sure never could. PLEASE let me know that someone out there was able to! I’ll miss you, dear friend...... 😥

#9 from:

Cathy Dunham
427 W. Lima St. Findlay, Oh

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 5:44 PM

DEAR Dianna and Liza, I am so sorry for what you are experiencing now. I wish I could just lift it off you, but as I learned, you just have to walk through it, supporting each other, for as long as it takes. I will be among the many standing alongside with prayer, good wishes and the certainty that you WILL get through it. So much love...Cathy

#10 from:

Melissa McKinniss

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 5:45 PM

Dianna and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Ed was such a wonderful person. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.

#11 from:

FAITH RICE
CLEVELAND

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 7:17 PM

Dear Dianna, Liza and all, I am so very sorry for your loss. I always think of Ed with a smile and warmth. I would take this pain from you if only I could. I send all my love, Faith

#12 from:

Jack Carr
Sheffield Lake, Ohio

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 8:00 PM

My sympathies to Eddie’s family. Ed was 4 years older than me but we lived close to each as his father farmed my parents property. Ed showed me how to start a fire by twisting a stick in a block of wood. He always had new arrowheads to show that he had found. I have a love of history and being shown many of these things by Ed when we were kids has left me with a lot of fond memories.

#13 from:

Becky Kibler
LaRue

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 8:31 PM

Dianna I am so sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. He was a wonderful and talented man. You and your family are in my prayers. Becky Kibler

#14 from:

Jessica (Pemberton )Kenney
Va

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 8:33 PM

Liza and Dianna,

Thank you so much for sharing Ed with us all over the years. His passionate curiosity has inspired me. Love to you both.

#15 from:

Jack and Evelyn Porter
Dawsonville, GA

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 8:46 PM

Jeanna and Dianna we are so sorry for your loss. Ed was one in a million and will be missed by all who loved him. I am so glad we got to visit at our class reunion. Know you’re in our thoughts and prayers. My God wrap his arms around you and give you comfort. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

#16 from:

Cheryl Mandrackie
Cincinnati, OH

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 9:30 PM

Prayers and blessings to Diana and all of Ed's family. I'll always remember and cherish his laughter and his kindness to all.

#17 from:

Lena Jefferies
1124 Southwest St., Findlay, OH 45840

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 9:36 PM

Dianna,
How I ache for you! I Know that Ed is still with you and will always be. Blessings, Lena

#18 from:

Robert Imbody
LaRue

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 9:40 PM

Eddie was a great guy. His parents and sister are good people. Known then a long time.

#19 from:

Jimmie Lightner
Harrod Ohio

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 11:50 PM

My prayers to the family, I am proud to have been able to call Ed not only my teacher but also my friend. He taught my friends and I so much that was not part of the regular curriculum, he challenged our minds and inspired us to achieve more and not settle. He paid my first year membership to the ASO and started me on a lifelong pursuit of artifacts. He had a way of teaching you without you knowing it. Godspeed my Friend, Keep your Powder dry and your tools sharp.

#20 from:

Adam and Rhonda Irey
LaRue

Mon, Mar 18, 2019 at 11:51 PM

Deepest Sympathies and prayers for comfort. Ed will truly be missed by many. Always had a smile and a story to share with everyone. His numerous talents will remain in shared memories.
Adam and Rhonda (James) Irey

#21 from:

Darlene Greenwood
Delaware

Tue, Mar 19, 2019 at 5:43 AM

I extend my deepest condolences to Diana, Liza & family members on the loss of one great man, Ed. I will always remember him for his dry sense of humor, infectious laugh, warm demeanor, and generous spirit to everyone, especially children, like my sons, who delighted in spending overnights in the hayloft of his barn. Of course, his hand-crafted furniture and other objects were marvels of his ingenuity and creative mind.
With love and prayers that you find peace in knowing that Ed made his community a much better place to be.
My love,
Darlene Greenwood

#22 from:

KATHY (Sheets) BLAIR
MORRAL

Tue, Mar 19, 2019 at 12:30 PM

So sorry to hear about Ed's passing. We were kind of neighbors as teenagers near DeCliff. However I didn't really know a lot about Ed, but after reading his obituary, I am really impressed by the man he had become. RIP Ed.

#23 from:

Jane Whiteside
Woodridge, IL

Tue, Mar 19, 2019 at 12:40 PM

On behalf of the North West Territory Alliance, I wish to express our sincere condolences. Records were found with Ed's signature as a founding member, adjutant, and commander of McCarty's Co'y of the Illinois Regiment. Ed's name will be added to our Last Post and his name will be read at the next three of our events.

David Phipps, Commander
Jane Whiteside, Assistant to the Adjutant

#24 from:

Joe & Sandy Prater
Kenton

Tue, Mar 19, 2019 at 3:50 PM

We were shocked and saddened by the news of Ed’s passing. Having spent many years working with him we know what a loss his kind, gentle and loving spirit will be to Dianna and the community. We were blessed to have accidentally run into him as he bought flowers last Spring. Listening to him hush about his family was pure Ed. Are prayers are with you all.

#25 from:

Joseph Derringer
California

Tue, Mar 19, 2019 at 7:49 PM

My condolences to all of you. Ed will be missed by all of us from La Rue. He was a great friend and a fun guy to talk with. Sincerely joe!

#26 from:

Brenda Hanson Culver
Prospect

Wed, Mar 20, 2019 at 12:12 AM

Diana, I'm so sorry for your loss. We're remembering you in prayer. You may not remember me . I am the younger sister of Carol, Linda and Mel Hanson. I have fond memories of you as a very sweet person.

#27 from:

Ruth Thomas
Stafford Springs, CT

Wed, Mar 20, 2019 at 5:42 AM

Peter and I are so sorry for your loss. Ed and Dianna were great friends to my husband Rick Thomas. I remember them all getting together and laughing into the night. And all those wonderful stories abou their adventures.

#28 from:

Matt Appelfeller

Wed, Mar 20, 2019 at 9:44 AM

Ed was a unique individual, which is very unfortunate as we need a whole lot more people like him in this world. I wish he had been my teacher in high school but at least I had the opportunity to attend a few "classes" in the shop. I have to wonder how much of a better person I could be had I attended more. Diana and Liza, I hope you can take comfort knowing that I think you are two of the luckiest people in this screwy world.

#29 from:

Deb Pitts
LaRue Ohio

Wed, Mar 20, 2019 at 10:16 AM

So sorry for your loss. Ed was truly one of the kindest people I had ever met.

#30 from:

Craig Alexis Schermer
Cleveland Heights, Ohio

Wed, Mar 20, 2019 at 12:19 PM

I knew Ed for many years and never knew a kinder, gentler man than Ed; he was funny, insightful, talented and a really good friend. Though most of the time, I was on the "other " side (British ), we were good friends. He always gave me good advice and a good insight into both my own personal life and about historical characters. I last saw him at Alan and Lisa's 18th wedding which the Rev. Wiggins officated and Ed with a gleam in his eye, gave me a cup to toast the couple...it was my first ( and last !!!! ) taste of whiskey. I will miss him and I pray for him always. My love to Diana and her family. Craig

#31 from:

Joan thomas
Washington court house ohio

Wed, Mar 20, 2019 at 12:46 PM

I was so sorry to read of Eds passing. He and Rick spent a lot of fun times together. Heaven will never be the same with both of them there. Will keep all of you in my prayers and thoughtsr

#32 from:

Roy Najecki
Chepachet, Rhode Island

Wed, Mar 20, 2019 at 1:44 PM

My deepest condolences for you Dianna and all your family. In my minds eye I still see Ed walking about in his bright yellow frock coat at events and I hear his laugh. I know the pain you are going through, as my wife Debra died two years ago this month. Ed was one of the grooms at our wedding. You may see Ed in your dreams nearly every night, as I see Debra in mine. The pain will subside in time and be replaced by memories of all the good times you shared. Please take comfort in knowing that we all will be together again in heaven.

#33 from:

Kay and John Coder
Marion Ohio

Wed, Mar 20, 2019 at 2:57 PM

Diane and family we are so sorry about Ed. Have not seen him for a long time but was one of our favorites.We used to own the apple orchard in Richwood and I had a antique shop .there Been to your home many times in the past.Ed made us 6 Windsor chairs that we have loved since the late 80s.How blessed John and I were to have known him.Rip our dear old friend .

#34 from:

Lacy Blankenship
Prospect, Ohio

Fri, Mar 22, 2019 at 12:41 PM

RIP dear old friend.

#35 from:

Barb Holcomb Daily
LA RUE

Sat, Mar 23, 2019 at 5:26 PM

Ed was one of a kind he will definitely be missed.

View Index | Notify Me | Print Condolences