Donald R. “Papa Don” Loehrig, 82, of Mansfield, died Friday, January 1, 2016 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. Born May 26, 1933 in Dayton, Ohio, he was the son of Ernest and Ruth (Stevens) Loehrig.
Don grew up in Bellbrook, Ohio and moved to Mansfield in 1957. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy serving during the Korean War. He retired from Mohican Motors where he was the owner/operator for many years. Previous to that, he had owned Electro Hygiene in Mansfield. People would also remember him from his time with Greenlight Motors in Galion, following his retirement. Don was a part-time resident of October Hills in Loudonville where he had many good friends and memories. Papa Don was a very well respected, social gentleman and always looked for the good in everyone. In his earlier years, he owned the Kelly Island Mansion on Kelly Island – and enjoyed all that the island afforded his family. He loved boating and fishing especially on Lake Erie. Don was a member of the Loudonville American Legion where he served as Commander, and a lifetime member of the Eagles, Owls and VFW.
He is survived by a son, Steve (Iraida) Loehrig of Boynton Beach, Florida; a daughter, Joni Loehrig of Wellington, Florida; two grandchildren, Steven Leo Loehrig and Jessie Donald Loehrig both of Florida; a sister, Charline (Normand) Barbano of Sunnyvale, California; three step children, Ila (Andy) Kershaw of Mansfield, Virginia (Bernie) Yoha of Ontario and Al (Jane) French of Mansfield; many step grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Charlotte French Loehrig; a son-in-law, Nicholas Cancel; a brother, Robert Stevens Loehrig; and a sister, Lyn Francis.
Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. Friday, January 8, 2016 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, Ontario. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the funeral home conducted by Pastor Steve Loehrig. Burial will be in South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, Florida at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Donald’s memory to Wounded Warrior Project.
Words of comfort may be expressed at www.wappner.com.
