Vern R. Steinbrunner

Vern R. Steinbrunner, age 76, of Fort Recovery, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Celina Manor.

He was born on April 1, 1950, in Celina, Ohio, to the late Albert and Teresa (Hemmelgarn) Steinbrunner.

In addition to his parents, Vern was preceded in death by his siblings, Tina Rose and Jim Steinbrunner; and his brother-in-law, Tom Galdeen.

Vern is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joann (Tobe) Steinbrunner, whom he married on June 21, 1975; his children, Denise (Jesse) Weitzel of Fort Recovery, Carol (Tyler) Frysinger of Delaware, Ohio, and Ben (Kelly) Steinbrunner of Cedar City, Utah; his 6 grandchildren; his siblings, Dan (Linda Evans) Steinbrunner of Hudson, Ohio, Steve (Linda) Steinbrunner of Coldwater, Kathy (Tom) Stammen of Burkettsville, Bob (Joyce) Steinbrunner of St. Henry, Dave (Cindy) Steinbrunner of Fort Recovery, Beth Galdeen of Troy, Joan (Albert) Albers of St. Henry, Mary (Steve) Watercutter of Cranberry Prairie, and Barb (Dwight) Cline of Russiaville, Indiana; his brother-in-law, Charlie Rose of St. Henry; his in-laws, Virgil (Lucy) Tobe of Fort Recovery, Betty (John) Rosenbeck of Fort Recovery, Lester (Anita) Tobe of Fort Recovery, Evelyn (Jack) Schmiesing of Anna, Mike (Marge) Tobe of Celina, and Dorothy (Mike Rosseau) Tobe of St. John, Kansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Vern was a 1968 graduate of Fort Recovery High School. After graduation, he worked at Fort Recovery Industries until he was drafted in 1969. He proudly served in Vietnam with Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade, serving as RTO for Lt. James Edwards. “LT” continued to call several times a year to check on Vern. Vern was a loyal member of the Always Alpha Group. He and Joann enjoyed many reunions with his fellow veterans across the country. He greatly appreciated the common bond which only his fellow soldiers understood.

After returning home, Vern attended Nashville Auto Diesel College and later worked at Spriggs Oldsmobile. In 1980, he and Joann moved to the family farm, where he remained a lifelong farmer until his health began to fail.

Vern had a natural talent for fixing and tinkering with just about anything, earning him the nickname “Mr. Fix It.” He wasn’t a hoarder, he was a “this might be useful later” specialist. He loved being outdoors from farming to pulling his children on a sled hooked to a tractor after a snowstorm and then the challenge of plowing the long lane. He had a love for classic cars, especially his 1971 Chevy Nova SS. Vern attended many car shows and enjoyed going to Muncie Dragway helping a friend with his car. He was an avid blood donor. He was a man who found comfort in routine, Mountain Dew, Snickers, listening to oldies music, watching Westerns and playing with his children and the many dogs they had over the years.

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, they are also filled with gratitude. We are grateful for every story he shared, every lesson he taught, every laugh we enjoyed together and every moment we were blessed to call him ours.

In honor of Vern, the family requests casual or patriotic attire and encourages guests to wear blue in his memory.

A Mass of Christian Burial will held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at St, Joseph Catholic Church, with Father Ethan Moore celebrating. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in the church cemetery.

Guests may visit with Vern’s family on Monday, October 12, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM, and again on Tuesday from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM, at Brockman Boeckman Funeral Home, Fort Recovery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Stockhands Horses for Healing, PO Box 279 Delaware, OH 43015 or The Center for Neurological Development; PO Box 117 Burkettsville, OH 45310

"So long for now." - Vern

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.brockmanboeckmanfh.com.