Helen T. Grummel

Helen T. Grummel, 89, of Perrysburg, Ohio, and formerly of Oak Harbor, Ohio and Catawba Island, died Monday, March 18, 2013 at St. Luke's Hospital, Maumee, Ohio. She was born in Sycamore, Ohio on September 18, 1923, a daughter of the late George and Mary (Armstrong) Kappauf. Helen taught English and Spanish for 10 years at Oak Harbor High School and 15 years at Mohawk High School in Sycamore. She also directed numerous plays at both schools. She never lost her love for teaching and directing even after retiring in 1977, and after moving to Waterford at Levis Commons in 2010. Residents there enjoyed the benefit of her passion. She directed two Christmas programs, conducted Sunday morning worship services, was an active member of a Bible Study group, and also the Book Club at Waterford. Residents say that she was a good teacher and friend whom they will miss very much. Helen also played the piano for weekly church services conducted by various denominations at Waterford and enjoyed playing cards each week and all social activities as well. An active member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Oak Harbor, she wrote and directed numerous programs as well as the play which was a history of the first one hundred years of St. Paul United Church of Christ. She was also a member of the Abend Guild of the Church, and the Retired Teachers' Association. Helen authored a book "What If" and many short stories including one for each of her great-grandchildren. On July 29, 1945, she married Paul H. Grummel. Helen and Paul operated a Stewart's Root Beer stand in North Canton, Ohio for 10 years. In 1960 they opened Gem Trailer Court on Catawba Island and in 1977 they purchased Gem Beach Marina, which they operated with their son Jack and his wife Ginger until their retirement. Paul preceded her in death on August 22, 2007. Helen's greatest joy has been her three children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren all of whom survive her: son, Jack (Ginger) Grummel, Catawba Island; daughters Paula Norwine (Myron Welch), Perrysburg, and Ann (Dennis) Kersten, Oak Harbor; grandchildren, Michael (Lisa) Mesnard, Stephanie Mesnard, Mary Ellen Norwine, Brian (Jodi) Kersten, Brad (Sara) Kersten, Kevin (Molly) Kersten, Ann Marie Kersten, Megan (Steve) Lovitt, and Erin Grummel (Morgan Haley). Also surviving are 16 great-grandchildren. Friends are invited to call from 2-6 P.M. Friday, March 29, 2013 at Crosser Funeral Home, Oak Harbor. Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, March 30, 2013 at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Oak Harbor, with the Rev. David A. Voll, officiating. A luncheon will be held in the social room of the church following the service. Private interment will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, Sycamore. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul United Church of Christ Capital Improvement Fund. Funeral Home: Crosser Funeral Home - Oak Harbor Chapel 301 N. Locust Street Oak Harbor, OH