Obituaries: 12-01-22

Jean Couturier

Jean (Rehkopf) Couturier, age 90, died on Wednesday, November 23. 

Born in Toledo to Loretta and Peter (Edward) Couturier, she graduated in 1949 from Woodward High School. Jean was married for most of her life to John (Dutch) Rehkopf and had four children, Craig, Cherie (Cheryl), Rhonda and Dawn. She had many occupations during her long life. Starting as a seamstress, she then received her bachelor’s degree in home economics from Bowling Green State University in 1969, which began her carrier as a teacher. She built many long-lasting and cherished friendships while teaching at Perrysburg Middle School, including her relationship with her very best friend, Jeanne (Cox) Sampson. The two friends opened Deaux Jeanne Bridal Shop. Later she transitioned on to her last role as office manager at John’s business in Indiana. Upon retirement, she became an Ohio/SW Florida snowbird, once again building many close friendships including a special friend, Joe Tummillo, with whom she spent her final years as a Florida resident.

Other than family, Jean’s major loves were her Pomeranians, entertaining, decorating, sewing and shopping. She also had a deep love of music and dancing. Jean tap danced until she was 87 years old and one of the highlights of her life was dancing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City; hence the nickname of her first great-grandchild, Macy Parade.

Jean is survived by her children, Craig (Jan) Rehkopf, Cherie (John Ozga) Rehkopf, Rhonda (Courtney) Stoner and Dawn (Ted) Heckerd; nine grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and brother, Terry (Jan) Couturier.

Family and friends were received at the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home in Maumee on November 29. The funeral Mass was celebrated on November 30 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Maumee, followed by interment in St. Joseph Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared with the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com. 

Gary Evans

Gary Evans, age 70, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 23, surrounded by his loving family. 

Born on January 22, 1952, to Claude and June (Miller) Evans, Gary obtained a bachelor’s degree from The University of Toledo and worked for UPS for 20 years and Green Bay Packaging for 13 years. He was a member of the NRA and St. Joseph Church in Maumee. He enjoyed many things in life, including motorcycles, guitars and stereo equipment. Restoring cars was also a passion of his. He loved his swimming pool as well as being around his family. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Marie; children, Mike (Alicia) and Luke (Mandy Ferguson); granddaughter, Adrianna Evans; and sister, Dawn (Alan) Croal. Gary is preceded in death by his parents. 

Friends and family were received on November 28 at Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home in Maumee, where funeral services took place on November 29, followed by interment in St. Joseph Cemetery. Condolences may be shared with family at walkerfuneralhomes.com. 

Michael Pennington

Michael Pennington, 81, of Whitehouse passed away peacefully on November 22. 

Born in Toledo on April 17, 1941 to Harold and Julia (Pitzen) Pennington, Michael lived in Waterville since he was a child except for a 20-year stint in Knoxville, Tenn. On August 7, 1961, he married Dawne (Hadley) and they were married for over 61 years.

Michael played basketball for the Anthony Wayne High School Generals, and once played against the Harlem Globetrotters.  He worked for over 40 years for Dana Corporation both locally and in Tennessee.  Michael enjoyed tinkering with his Ford classic cars and he especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Stories of Michael’s life always revolve around him being there whenever and however he could for family and friends. Michael was a devoted member of Hope United Methodist Church in Whitehouse.

Michael is survived by his wife Dawne; his children Lynne (James) Stewart, William (Amanda) Pennington, and Lisa (Brett) Bullock; his grandchildren Ashley, Kristen, Patrick, Kathryn, Alyssa, Monica, Michelle and Aidan; his great-grandchildren Aidriana, Lydia, Ansley, Danny, Alec and Raelynn and his sister Judith Pennington Dey. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Jolene Pennington.

A Celebration of Michael’s life will be held in January at Hope United Methodist Church, 10610 Waterville St., Whitehouse. Food and fellowship will follow the service at the church. In addition to flowers, the family requests donations to the Northern Ohio chapter of the ALS Association (tinyurl.com/mu3huj9w), a cause near and dear to Michael.