Howard Tuel

Howard “Butch” Tuel , age 71, of Maple Ridge, passed away at his home, Tuesday, January 2, 2007, following a brief illness. He was born July 22, 1935, at home in Maple ridge to Leonard and Velma (Mangus) Tuel “Butch” retired from West Branch Local School District as a school bus driver in 2000. He had over 20 years of driving service. He was formerly employed at American Standard in Salem and he also had retired from Babcock and Wilcox Tubular Division in Alliance as a line supervisor with 25 years of service. He attended Maple Ridge Elementary School and Sebring high School.. “Butch” lived his entire life in the Maple Ridge area. He was a coach for the West Branch-Sebring Hot Stove league baseball teams, Maple Ridge Elementary School football and basketball teams, a member of the West Branch Band and Athletic Boosters, and a “grandfather” to the neighborhood kids. His favorite activities included fishing, reading the Bible, watching Duke University basketball games, gardening, riding his motorcycle and outdoor activities with his family and beloved cats He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church of North Georgetown, the church’s hand chime choir and a councilman. He is survived by his daughter Teresa Tuel and son Andrew “Sam” Tuel, both of Maple Ridge; sister, Marjorie (Tuel) Schaeffer of Beloit, brothers Thurman “Tim” Tuel of Beloit and William Tuel of Maple Ridge, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 48 years, Sally (Gates) Tuel and brother Ronald Tuel of Homeworth Memorial Services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, January 6 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in North Georgetown with officiants Carolyn Wagar-Hier and Pastor Walter Jordan.. Friends may call from 2-9 p.m. with family present from 7-9 p.m. Friday, January 5 at Gednetz-Ruzek Funeral Home in Sebring. Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church 27485 Main St. North Georgetown, Ohio 44665. Friends may view the obituary and sign the guest register at grfuneralhome.com.

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