John E. Beltz, age 81 years, of Archbold, passed away Monday morning, July 25, 2016, in his home.  He was born June 5, 1935, at Mark Center, the son of Leroy and Lillian (Buehrer) Beltz and married Rilla Allen on January 13, 1957.  A resident of the Archbold area most of his lifetime, he worked at the former Dinner Bell Foods in Archbold about 28 years before retiring in 1989, and then owned and operated the Beltz Bait Shop.  He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking and spending time with his family.  He was a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Burlington and the American Legion Ward L. Adams Post 454 in Ridgeville Corners.

He is survived by his wife, Rilla; three children, Dawn Parsons of Archbold, Dwight (Kristine) Beltz and Mark (Jodi) Beltz, both of Wauseon; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one brother Robert Beltz; four sisters, Betty Williams, Louetta Sullivan, Leona Honeck and Thelma Greutman, and a "son" John Blake of WV.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Matthew J. Beltz in 2015, a granddaughter Brandi Beltz in 2014; a great-grandson Brennen Beltz in 2014; two brothers, James and David Beltz; two sisters, Jean Schnitkey and Dorothy Maxton.

Services will be held on Friday at 11 AM at St. James Lutheran Church with Pastor James C. Strawn officiating.  Interment will follow in St. James Lutheran Cemetery with military rites.  Friends may call at Short Funeral Home in Archbold from 2 – 8 PM on Thursday.  The family suggests that memorials be given to St. James Church or the donor's favorite charity.