Thomas E. Menningen

Thomas E. Menningen, age 75, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 12:15pm in the Emergency Room of Wyandot Memorial Hospital in Upper Sandusky. 

 

He was born September 23, 1941 in Tiffin, Ohio to Vincent A. “Bud” Menningen and Helen (Ruehle) Menningen. On May 25, 1963, he married his high school girlfriend, Bonnie J. (Newell) Menningen in Upper Sandusky and she survives.

 

He is survived by two children: Todd (Rochelle) Menningen of Canal Winchester, Ohio and Beth Collins of Upper Sandusky.  Six grandchildren survive: Thomas Menningen, Tristan (Seth) Morgan, Randie Menningen, Courtney (Alex Thiel) Collins, Kelsey Collins, and Cody Collins. 

 

Tom is also survived by a brother Bernard (Stella) Menningen of Findlay, Ohio  and a sister Patricia (Tom) Dendinger, of Auburn, Indiana.

 

Tom was a 1959 graduate of Upper Sandusky High School.  He worked at his father’s sporting goods store and at his filling station, “Bud’s Sunoco” until he was 21.  Tom joined the United States Air Force in 1962 and served until 1966 during the Vietnam War and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant.

 

After returning home from the Air Force, Tom worked at United Aircraft in Forest, Ohio.  From 1958 until 1963, he worked as a relief radio operator for then Sheriff Dean McCallister, and from 1969 until 1974, he served as a Deputy Sheriff and then as Chief Deputy Sheriff for Sheriff Mark R. Kauble.

 

In 1974, Tom was hired by the Wyandot County Commissioners to complete the establishment of the Wyandot County EMS (Carey and Upper Sandusky squads).  During this time, Tom worked with the Ohio State Instructors Association to print a study book for students of Emergency Medical Services in the state of Ohio. Tom served as the first president of the Ohio State EMS Instructors Association.

 

Tom served the EMS until 1982 when he returned to the Sheriff’s office as

Chief Deputy. During this time, Tom was instrumental in establishing the original 911 service for the entirety of Wyandot County.  He retired from the Sheriff’s Office on March 1, 2001, but continued to serve on the Sheriff’s Auxiliary.

 

He was also a member of the Upper Sandusky Fire Department, retiring as

First Assistant Fire Chief. 

 

Tom was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Upper Sandusky and served there in many positions on the church council.  He also served for two terms on the Northwest Ohio Synod of the ELCA and remained active in the synod by volunteering as a member of staff at synod assemblies for many years.

 

Tom’s love for the Upper Sandusky community never ceased, even in retirement.  He was a member of the Wyandot County chapter of The American Cancer Society and served for 3 years as a member of the Relay for Life committee.

 

He volunteered with the American Red Cross, Upper Sandusky chapter and for the athletic department of the Upper Sandusky High School.  Tom ran the clock and the score board for most sporting events. He was a Boy Scout Master for Troup 125 for several years.

 

Tom was a member of the Wyandot Memorial Hospital Board of Governors for many years and served as the chairman for several years.  He also volunteered as a mail person at the hospital.

 

Tom was a member of the American Legion Post 225 in Upper Sandusky.  During this service, he was also a member of the Upper Sandusky Veterans’ Color Guard.

 

He volunteered for the Wyandot County Council on Aging as a driver and meal deliverer.  Tom also served on the Advisory Council of the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging.

 

Tom was an amateur radio operator and assisted with communications for bicycle rides and for emergency events in Wyandot County.

 

He served on the Wyandot County Board of Elections for several years both as a Board member and a precinct worker.

 

Tom volunteered at the Memorial Golf Tournament at Muirfield Golf Course in Dublin, Ohio for many years. 

 

On February 13, 2009 Bonnie and Tom were recognized by

Ohio’s First Lady, Frances Strictland at the Joined Hearts in Giving celebration for their dedication to marriage and volunteerism.

 

Tom loved spending time with his family, especially pizza and card nights, and he enjoyed watching golf and tennis on TV.

 

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 25th,  2017 at 2:00pm

at St. Paul Lutheran Church, with Pastor Joe Trester officiating. Burial will be in Old Mission Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by the

Upper Sandusky Veterans’ Color Guard.

 

Visitation will be Friday, March 24th from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and

6:00pm to 8:00pm at Lucas-Batton Funeral home in Upper Sandusky and

for one hour prior to the funeral service.

 

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, memorial contributions may be made to

St. Paul Lutheran Church, to Wyandot Memorial Hospital, or to a charity of the donor’s choice and may be sent to Lucas-Batton Funeral Home, 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, Ohio, 43351.

 

Online condolences may be sent to www.lucasbatton.com

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