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David L. Waterman July 28, 1931 - November 24, 2020

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DAVID LEE WATERMAN age 89,
of New Bremen, passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 2:01 A.M. at the Lima Memorial Hospital after a short illness.

David was born on July 28, 1931 at home in New Bremen, the son of the late Arnold W. “Pete” and Clara W. (Fischbach) Waterman. On January 8, 1955, he married Nancy Sue Looker also of New Bremen, whom he began dating after he returned home from serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. David and Nancy were married for 28 years before Nancy passed in 1983. A few years later, David started dating Jean Ahlers who was one of Nancy’s friends and a high school classmate of David’s. David and Jean were married on February 8, 2000 in Las Vegas. Jean preceded David in death just a few short weeks ago on October 24, 2020.

David is survived by his children: Guy (Becky) Waterman of New Bremen, Jerry (Natasha) Waterman of Milford, Ohio, Randy (Kim) Waterman of New Bremen, Linda (Joe) Barhorst of Minster, and Bonnie (Ron) Berelsman of Minster; his grandchildren: Tony (Angie) Waterman, Amanda (Ben) Wibbeler, Jacob (Jenna) Waterman, Garret (Stephanie) Waterman, Amber Waterman, Elizabeth (Jordan) Williams, Jill (Alex) Lampert, Katie Richardson, Nick Richardson, Jessica, Jordan, and Joel Berelsman, 15 great grandchildren, several step-children, and step-grandchildren.

David was the last surviving member of his family. His siblings were Betty (John) McGowan of Phoenix, AZ, Don (Alice) Waterman of New Bremen, Jim (Audrey) Waterman of Wapakoneta, Doris (Lester) Howe of New Bremen, and Tom (Charlene) Waterman of Wapakoneta. He is survived by brother-in-laws Jack Looker of California, Timothy Looker of Florida, and sister-in-law Judith Looker of Eaton, Ohio.

Dave was a 1950 graduate of New Bremen High School. He worked at the former STAMCO of New Bremen until 1975 and then went to New Bremen Schools where he was a custodian until he retired in 1994. Dave could be found tending to the yard or working in the garden which provided food for the family. Dave also loved to fish, and when he was not in the garden, he would be out fishing. Fish on Friday nights during lent was not a norm for the family, as the family ate fish most every Friday night. Dave and Nancy enjoyed camping, and spent many weekends putting up a tent and camping with their family and friends. Dave and Jean loved to travel and enjoyed concerts and shows throughout the area. Dave enjoyed riding his bicycle and spent many hours riding around town and out in the country. He found riding his bicycle a great way to get exercise and earn a little extra cash as he collected aluminum cans along the way.

A private family Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen with Rev. Becky Erb Strang officiating. Inurnment will follow with full military honors in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen. Memorial contributions in memory of Dave can be made to: Cerebral Palsy Foundation, 3 Columbus Circle, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019 or online at www.yourcpf.org.

A private family Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul United Church of Christ in New Bremen with Rev. Becky Erb Strang officiating. Inurnment will follow with full military honors in the German Protestant Cemetery of New Bremen. Memorial contributions in memory of Dave can be made to: Cerebral Palsy Foundation, 3 Columbus Circle, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019 or online at www.yourcpf.org.

Condolences(15)

  1. REPLY
    Janice Smith says
    November 25, 2020 at 8:46 am

    So sad to hear of David’s passing. He was such a nice person, I enjoyed seeing him come into First National Bank. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

  2. REPLY
    Marilyn Sommer says
    November 25, 2020 at 11:55 am

    So sorry to learn of Dave’s passing. He was always friendly and would stop to have a conversation when he was out and about. My sincere condolence to the family. May he rest in peace.

  3. REPLY
    Brad & Linda Holdren says
    November 25, 2020 at 3:40 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Dave was a wonderful man.

  4. REPLY
    Alice Hartwig says
    November 25, 2020 at 4:24 pm

    My sincere and deepest sympathy to all of you. In high school, Duane and I double-dated with Nancy and Dave. Even though Dave was a little older, I think he and Duane got to know each other because they both liked to fish. Unless he worked at Cox Greenhouse with Duane? Anyway we had good times. Talked to Dave often when I worked at the drug store and also when we would see other at Elmwood. Know he will be missed but the memories last a life time.

    • REPLY
      Beth Braden Schoffner says
      November 25, 2020 at 11:03 pm

      So Sorry for your loss. God bless the Waterman family. Father, I ask you to touch each and everyone as they go through this trying time.

    • REPLY
      Mike Friemering says
      November 26, 2020 at 9:19 am

      So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. It is like a part of my childhood has passed also. I can’t even begin to describe the wonderful times i had with his family! Dave and Nancy Treated me like one of their kids ( even getting scolded if Guy and I needed it ). To this day, some 40 years later, Dave always made a point of stopping and talking to me whenever we ran into each other around town. I will miss seeing him on his daily bike rides around town. He is one of the best!!

  5. REPLY
    Phyllis Topp Palmer says
    November 25, 2020 at 5:03 pm

    Our thoughts & prayers go out to the extended Waterman family. I remember when I lived in Lock Two I would babysit the 5 kids almost every week as Dave & Nancy went bowling or out on a special occasion. May the memories you have of Dave comfort you all during this difficult time. John & Phyllis Topp Palmer

  6. REPLY
    Emma Palmer says
    November 25, 2020 at 5:43 pm

    I love that I just saw him laughing with the great grand kids and thats how I will remember him! Thoughts and prayers to everyone in mourning his loss and cherishing those memories.

  7. REPLY
    Betty Wehrman says
    November 25, 2020 at 6:36 pm

    Sorry for your loss.

  8. REPLY
    Jim and Diane Greiwe says
    November 26, 2020 at 8:41 pm

    Our sympathies to the Waterman family. Dave was a good man and he will be missed.

  9. REPLY
    Mike Friemering says
    November 27, 2020 at 6:58 am

    An awful lot of good times were spent at the Waterman household growing up. I am so thankful that Dave and I remained friends throughout the the years. I never heard a harsh word from him ( unless Guy and I needed a good scolding ). My thoughts are with you guys at this time. We have lost one of the good ones!!

  10. REPLY
    John & Carol Turner says
    November 28, 2020 at 12:32 pm

    Extending our deepest sympathy. So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. We always enjoyed seeing him, even if it was just a wave as he passed on his bike. God bless you at this most difficult time. Carol & John Turner

  11. REPLY
    Susan McCullough Whitaker says
    November 28, 2020 at 1:18 pm

    My deepest sympathy on the loss of your dad and grandpa. Nancy was a very special patient of mine all those years ago when I was a young nurse. Your whole family was so wonderful to me. My dad Jim knew Dave from Stamco and through Roger Freeman. I will always remember Nancy and her loving family.

  12. REPLY
    David Berelsman says
    November 28, 2020 at 3:13 pm

    Our family offers our deepest sympathy to the Waterman Family on the loss of your father.

    May you be comforted by memories of great times spent together

    Lyn and Dave Berelsman / The Berelsman Family of Delphos

  13. REPLY
    Roger and Cheryl Barlage says
    November 28, 2020 at 8:12 pm

    Our sympathy to your family. Sending prayers during this difficult time. Will always remember Dave riding around on his bicycle.

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