PAUL R. YODER

Paul Richard Yoder of Rossford, Ohio, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Kingston Rehabilitation of Perrysburg. Paul was born August 2, 1935, in Archbold, Ohio, to the late Christian and Stella Yoder. Paul was preceded in death by his brother, Don, and sister, Anna Mae (Marty) Sorensen. Paul was a graduate of Archbold High School and Defiance College, where he earned a bachelor in education degree.

Paul was an exceptional athlete at both Archbold High School, followed by an amazing career at Defiance College. While playing sports at Archbold, Paul earned 10 varsity letters in football, basketball, track and baseball, culminating with his induction into the Archbold Hall of Fame in 2008. While attending Defiance College, he continued to excel in football, basketball and baseball, earning 10 varsity letters, culminating in his induction into the Defiance College Hall of Fame in 1990. After college, he continued his baseball career, excelling for many years with the Dunbar Drillers of the Toledo Federation League.

He had a very long and successful career as a junior high math teacher and coach at Fayette, Lake and the vast majority of his teaching and coaching careers were spent at Northwood Junior High, retiring in 1984. After retiring, Paul worked at Perrysburg Auto Auction, was president and owner of Maumee Valley Refreshments, umpired for many years through Toledo Umpire Association and refereed junior high school football.

While teaching many years at Northwood Middle School, he coached many sports, but loved his time as a junior high basketball coach and assistant varsity football coach at Northwood High School. His family knows of the untold number of times any of them were asked if Paul Yoder, the teacher/coach at Northwood was their father. When responding yes, they were told over and over the relationship he had with his students and athletes in which he was tough but a big teddy bear, who helped in any way he could with the development of both students and athletes even after his retirement.

His greatest joys were centered around his children, grandchildren and his love of sports. He attended as many of their sporting events as he could and was always proud no matter the results. He also had a huge love for the Detroit Tigers, Toledo Mud Hens and Ohio State Buckeyes. He also was very devoted to his Catholic faith and was a longtime parishioner of All Saints Catholic Church in Rossford.

Paul is survived by his five children, Jana (Jeff) Leeper, Gary (Sue), Ann (Pat) Kuhlenback, Alan and Dan (Jen); 13 grandchildren, Erin, Rachel, Emily, Kristina, Patrick (Alison), Benjamin, Adam, Craig, Abby, Lexi (Justin), Sam, Lily and Lauren, and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held from 2 to 7 p.m., Sunday, October 10, at the Sujkowski-Walker Funeral Home, 830 Lime City Road, Rossford. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m., Monday, at All Saints Catholic Church, 628 Lime City Road, Rossford, preceded by visitation from 9 to 10 a.m.. Interment took place at St. Peter Catholic Cemetery, Archbold, at 2 p.m., Monday afternoon.

Memorial contributions may be made to the church or Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 East River Road, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551. Online condolences may be shared with the family at walker funeralhomes.com.