Thomas Martin Dautenhahn, age 87, of Lima, Ohio, died peacefully Sunday morning, October 30, 2022, at his residence. He was born July 10, 1935 in Jefferson Co, MO, the son of the late Walter and Anna Dautenhahn. On July 20, 1957 he married Rosemarie H. Olson, who preceded him in death.
He obtained a BS degree in 1956 from Missouri Valley College with majors in math and chemistry. He retired from Westinghouse, employed both in the aerospace and small motor divisions. He also owned and operated a Sanford Rose Associates franchise.
Survivors include a daughter, Dr. Eva (Robert) Gregory of Tully, NY; daughter-in-law, Denise Dautenhahn of Albuquerque, NM; 6 grandchildren; 2 step grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.; 3 brothers—John (Sue), Fred (Toni) and Jim (Charlene) Dautenhahn and 2 sisters—Johanna (Steve) Eichelberger and Helen (Gary) Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemarie, sons-Marty and Tad; daughter—Faith; 3 brothers—Walter, Tim and David and 3 sisters—Anna, Mary and Naomi.
He and his young family served as missionaries in Nigeria, Africa for 3 years with the Lutheran Church Mission Board. They left due to the Biafran civil war but Tom stayed for a year traveling with the American Red Cross. He later served in medical missions with his daughter for Total Health, an organization which provides health, emotional and spiritual care to the impoverished in Latin America. He helped out his family and friends whenever there was a need.
He was a staunch OSU Buckeye fan, only wearing OSU clothing 24/7. He enjoyed playing any sport and was a National Senior Games champion in tennis and medaled in table tennis. He was a silver master in bridge, loved to fish and canoe and spend time with family at Dautenhahn reunions twice yearly. He was active in his church, leading a Bible study for over 40 years.
Most of all, he loved God, his family, particularly his 11 “greats” who adored him, and his friends in Lima. He will be greatly missed.
Funeral services will begin 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 1, 2022 at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville. Pastors Michael Phillips and John Dautenhahn will officiate. Burial will follow in Shawnee Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30-2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Immanual Lutheran Church, Lima, Ohio or to www.TotalHealth.org.

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