John E. Stiefel Jr.

John Elwood Stiefel Jr., 78, died Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at Altercare of Bucyrus after becoming ill in recent weeks.

He was born in Bucyrus on March 22, 1944 to the late John Sr. and Martha (Yost) Stiefel. He grew up in Sulphur Springs, attending school there and graduated from Col. Crawford High School in 1962. His long career at PPG in Crestline concluded with him working in purchasing. He was introduced to the love of his life, Penny Wenninger, on a blind date. They were married February 7, 1965 and he displayed his devotion, care, and true love for 57 years.

John was an avid outdoorsman and craftsman. He was a gunsmith who took up the lost art of checkering at age 12 and honed his craft for the rest of his life. Many will remember seeing him in his DeLorean. John enjoyed cruising with and joining fellow owners throughout North America for their DeLorean Club gatherings. He and Penny, with their family, also did a lot of camping. John often hunted and shot trap at local game farms, was active in the former Crestline Kiwanis Club, supported the efforts of conservation groups, and hunted with many prized hunting dogs. He helped plan class reunions and emceed them with his well-spoken wit. His wealth of knowledge and sound advice will be missed by many.

John is survived by his bride, Penny Stiefel; children, Christine Stiefel, Jodi (Eric) Honaker, and John D. (Lorraine) Stiefel; grandchildren, Samantha and Jesse Honaker; and sister, Judy Slater. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sister, Bonnie Carpenter, and brothers-in-law, Zoney Carpenter and Bob Slater.

The Stiefel family will celebrate John’s life on Friday, October 28 at Elkhorn Lake Hunt Club, 4146 Klopfenstein Rd, Bucyrus where they will receive friends from 6-8 pm.

Memorial contributions are encouraged to be made payable to Duck’s Unlimited or Alzheimer’s Association and given through Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Memories and photos can be shared on John’s Tribute Wall.