Thad Grapengeter, age 39, of Stryker passed away unexpectedly Monday November 3, 2014.
Thad was born in Davenport, Iowa on April 29, 1975 the son of Valerie (Guthmiller) and Calvin Grapengeter. On August 13, 2011 he married Buffi Chiow in Defiance, Ohio. He loved sports, drawing, fishing with his wife and friends, playing cards, camping and sitting around campfires with family and friends. Thad and Buffi enjoyed watching all events for all seven of their kids. They were seen at sports events, school functions, any activity involving their children. Thad has always enjoyed being around family and friends. He always had a special place in his heart for his children and grandson.
He is survived by his wife Buffi and parents; Valerie (Jim) Coday of Davenport, Iowa, Calvin Grapentgeter of Springfield, IL, sons; Justin, Chance and Kristian Grapengeter of West Unity, Joey Chiow of Stryker, Jacob Couts of Wauseon, daughters, Jessica Chiow of Stryker, Jackie Couts of Wauseon, brother; Adam (Stephanie) Grapengeter of Bluffton, IN, step-brothers; Jimmy (Mindy) Pecoraro, Travis (Tenaya) Guinn and Sean Pecoraro all of Davenport, Iowa, sister; Christy (Josh) Monroe of Davenport, Iowa and Susan Holly of Rhode Island. Also surviving is grandson; Oakley Grapengeter of Bryan, OH, paternal grandparents; Ruth (Charlie) Brown and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Special friends Paul and Kim Swalley and Thomas Adams of Stryker and many others who called him Uncle Thad also survive. Preceding him in death were his maternal grandparents; Gus and Alicia Guthmiller, Paternal grandfather Harry Grapentgeter, Sr. and nephew Sebastian McConnell.
Funeral services will be held 7:00pm on Tuesday November 11, at the First Baptist Church in Stryker with Pastor Matt Dodd officiating. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 2:00-4:00 and 5:00 until service time. The family asks that memorial contributions be given to help with expenses. The Grisier Funeral Home in Stryker has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.GrisierFH.com.