Chad Robert Seeholzer
June 4, 2026
Chad Robert Seeholzer, 35, of Ashland passed away peacefully due to complications from sepsis on June 4, 2026 surrounded by the love of family, friends and caretakers. Chad will be deeply missed by his “Mommy”, Nancy Ward-Patterson and “Daddy” Jeff Patterson, Marco Island Florida and Kelleys Island, Ohio. Chad was a sixth generation Seeholzer from Kelleys Island.
Chad touched the lives of many people in Ashland and on Kelleys Island. He attended Dale Roy School, Ashland County Board of Developmental Disabilities Day Program and the Link Day Program. He loved attending church services, community events, singing and dancing, playing basketball, watching Ohio State Football, local sports teams, and attending Cleveland Indians games. He loved being around people and accepted everyone the way they were. He enjoyed time swimming, boating, jet skiing and taking rides on Kelleys Island in addition to visiting Marco Island, Florida. Chad finished second in the State of Ohio Special Olympics swimming. Chad loved all animals especially his service dogs Parnell and Lamar and therapy cat Cruiser.
Following his graduation from high school Chad entered a group home in Ashland. His “second family” of caretakers and house “brothers” Chris Beechy, Randy Sharick and Nehemiah Barrett were very special to Chad. During his life’s journey Chad had a profound way of inspiring others to laugh, sing and dance with him. He personally turned others to a life of service and to be followers of his savior, Jesus Christ. Anyone that had contact with Chad knows he made a personal difference in their life.
Chad will be deeply missed by his parents, brother Todd Patterson (Jacquie), sister Libby Fichtelman (Steve), nieces and nephew Ardyn, Mayci, Quynn and Hayze Patterson & Ella Fichtelman, Uncle Rob and Aunt Mindy Ward,, Uncle Bill and Aunt Polly Chandler, Aunt Sally Ledbetter, Aunt Sue Coffman (Jack), Aunt Pam Pape, Uncle Bill Patterson (Pat) cousins Bill Chandler (Erin), Ryan Chandler (Kaitlin), Rob Ward (Katelyn), Maggie Moss (Eli) and Johnny Ward; Flynne, Ezra and Greer Chandler, Payton and Letti Chandler, Robby Ward and Adlee Moss.
Chad will also be missed by Aunt Deborah Phillips, Uncle Jim and Aunt Jude Seeholzer, Aunt Karen and Uncle Frank Baker; Biological father Christopher Seeholzer, cousins Patrick Phillips (Melissa), Devin Phillips, Kathleen Phillips, Ryan Baker (Danielle), Kyle Baker (Katie), Kelley Martin (Cody), Dana Meily (Berkley), Abbey Manion (Scott); Jackson, Brooklyn and Cayden Phillips, Trevor, Brody, Myles and Wyatt Baker, Finn and Sophie Baker, Henry and Auggie Martin, Ava and Oliver Meily, Max and Hugo Manion.
Chad was preceded in death by his grandparents Robert and Margaret Ward, William and Bernice Patterson, Don and Jan Rinehart, William and Shirley Chandler and James and Patricia Seeholzer, Uncles Rick Ledbetter, Gary Phillips and Michael Seeholzer.
A Celebration of Life was held on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church (Jack’s Place) in Ashland with Reverend Kevin McClain presiding. A private family interment will take place in the Ashland Cemetery and at Kelleys Island Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Chad’s memory by contributing to Ashland Special Needs Ministry, 19 West Main Street, Suite 1, Ashland, OH 44805. Please put in the check memo that the donation is in the memory of Chad.
Online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Paul Schnittker
July 19, 1956 – May 29, 2026
Paul D. Schnittker, 69, of Berlin Heights, Ohio, passed away on May 29, 2026, surrounded by his family, following a year-long battle with cancer.
Born on July 19, 1956, in Sandusky, Ohio, Paul graduated from Sandusky High School. He dedicated his life to law enforcement in Erie County, embarking on a career that spanned over 35 years. Throughout his decades of service, Paul worked across multiple teams, including the Sheriff’s Department, the Erie County Drug Task Force, and the Erie County Underwater Recovery Team. He concluded his career as an Investigator for the Erie County Prosecutor’s Office, leaving a lasting impact on the community he protected.
Beyond his professional life, Paul was known for his generous spirit, practical skills, and one hell of a powerful handshake. He was always building, fixing, or creating something. An avid outdoorsman, he found his greatest enjoyment spending time with family and friends at Kelleys Island. He was a kind, dependable man who was always willing to lend a helping hand to a friend in need.
Paul will be dearly missed by his surviving family and friends. Paul is survived by his wife, Jan Schnittker, his children, Ryan Schnittker (Erin), Mike Schnittker (and partner Erin Notestine), Brandon Schnittker (Nikki), and Kelly Sims (Thomas); and a very special niece, Jessica George (Chuck). He was a proud grandfather to Kennedy, Paige, Gianni, John, Jimmy, Sam, Rylee, Jamison, and Emilia. He is also survived by his brothers, Dale (Lana) and Ron (Barb), along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, former colleagues, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert P. and Carol J. Schnittker.
A gathering to celebrate Paul’s life and honor his service took place on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Pfeil Funeral Home, 617 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870. As we say goodbye, we honor Paul’s kindness, service and dedication to others, which we know will be remembered by all who knew him.
Condolences may be shared with the family at pfeilfuneralhome.com.
Frederic Collin Walcott
January 3, 1939 — May 29, 2026
Frederic Collin Walcott, 87, of Huron, passed away May 29, 2026 at his home following a lengthy illness.
Born January 3, 1939, in New York City, Fred’s love of the water began early in life and remained the steady current that carried him through his 87 years. He made his home along the shores of Lake Erie for much of his adult life, living in Sandusky before settling in Huron 20 years ago.
A graduate of Wilmington College in 1962, Fred enjoyed a successful 35-year career as an engineer with Ford Motor Company in Sandusky, retiring in 1995.
While he was dedicated to his profession, it was on the water where he felt most at home. Sailing was not simply a hobby-it was his lifelong passion. Fred appreciated the competitive nature of the sport, but celebrated even more the community he built through racing and sharing his wisdom. His quick wit and charm made him a trusted sailor, friend, mentor, and neighbor.
He was a proud member and devoted Commodore of the Sandusky Sailing Club, where he was honored with Life Member status remaining deeply committed to fostering the next generation of sailors. He was also a member of the Sandusky Yacht Club and served as past president of the Sandusky Jaycees.
His summers were often spent sailing the waters of Lake Erie, fishing, and enjoying treasured time at the home he built on Kelleys Island-a place that perfectly reflected his love of lake life and family. Fred quickly became an islander and was proudly involved in many aspects of the community specifically with the school board and historical society. He especially loved his porch, where he and his dog Sally welcomed every passing bird and kept watch over the boats going by.
Above all, Fred cherished his family. He is survived by his children; Kimberly (Jeff) Hartnett, Patricia (Ron) Hopkins, and Christopher (Judy) Walcott; grandchildren, Collin (Emily) Scheid, Allison (Tyler) Caudill, Ann Walcott and Samantha Walcott; his great-grandchildren, Harper and Cooper Scheid and Beckley and Brooks Caudill: and his companion of 15 years, Ramona Roberts.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Betsy” (née Levy) Walcott in 2006, and by his parents, Alexander and Catherine (née Dominic) Walcott.
Private family services will be held with inurnment at Kelleys Island Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the Sandusky Sailing Club Junior Sailors program, continuing Fred’s enduring legacy of sharing his love of sailing with future generations.
Donations can be made online through www.sailsandusky.org scroll to bottom for donate button and leave an optional note. Additionally, by check SJSI (Sandusky Junior Sailors Incorporated) C/O : SSC/SYC High School/Junior Race team PO Box 254 Huron Ohio 44839.
Jennifer L. Koba
November 4, 1949 – October 26, 2025
Jennifer L. Koba, 76, of Elyria and Kelleys Island, passed away Sunday afternoon, October 26, 2025, at Autumn Aegis Nursing Home, Lorain, following a lengthy illness.
She was born November 4, 1949, in Elyria, and graduated from Elyria High School in 1967. Jennifer earned her bachelor’s degree from Lorain County Community College. She worked various jobs over her career, including Piano Teacher, Organist and Choir Director for Emanuel Lutheran Church, Elyria, over 20 years at Ohio Edison as a Marketing Specialist, and office administrator for her husband’s business, Electrofying EDM. Jennifer was a private pilot, and she also started the Kelleys Island Singers, on Kelleys Island. She was a member of the Lions club and Rotary.
She is survived by her husband, Timothy Koba; and several nieces and nephews.
Jennifer was preceded in death by her parents, Fredrick and Jean Meng; and two brothers, Fredrick and Darrel Meng.
A Celebration of Life will be at Zion United Methodist Church on August 29.
