Leo E. Wildenthaler, age 88, of Troy, OH passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025 at Upper Valley Medical Center. He was born on July 21, 1937 in Galion, OH to the late Carl W. and Joyce M. (Baldinger) Wildenthaler. He married his high school sweetheart Ruth Anne (Bersinger) Wildenthaler on June 18, 1960 in Galion, OH and they celebrated 62 years of marriage together.

Leo is survived by his son: Gregory (Jane) Wildenthaler of Signal Hill, CA; daughters: Deborah L. (David) Depinet of Sugarland, TX and Linda K. (Kevin Sigman) Schaefer of Troy, OH; grandchildren: Michael Depinet, Jennifer Depinet and Andrew Schaefer; siblings: Joseph (Kathy) Wildenthaler of Canal Winchester, OH and Margaret (James) Goldsberry of Grasonville, MD. In addition to his parents, Leo was preceded in death by his wife: Ruth Anne Wildenthaler and brother: Carl W. (Sharon) Wildenthaler.

Leo was a 1955 graduate of Galion High School and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University in 1960.  Upon completion of the ROTC program, Leo served his country in the US Army, 101st Airborne Division, from 1960 – 1963, US Army Reserve from 1963 – 1978.

Leo and Ruth Anne moved their young family to Troy in 1963 and have never regretted that decision.  Leo accepted a job at the Hobart Brothers Company where he was promoted through the ranks from Project Engineer to the Director of Marketing for the Welding Equipment Division.  He held 5 patents for inventions related to smoke and fume control systems.  During his 45-year career in the welding industry he spent much time on the road but always found time for his Church and Family.

Although he worked hard, Leo's top priority in life was his Catholic faith.  He was an active member of St Patrick's Parish in Troy for more than 60 years.  He studied the teachings of the Catholic Church and actively participated in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program.  In addition to being a member of the Knights of Columbus, he was a Eucharistic Minister distributing Holy Communion to the sick and homebound for many years.

In his spare time, Leo enjoyed fishing and camping.  Most family vacations were centered around this passion.  Many memories were made, and stories will continue to be told.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 on Friday, November 14 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Troy, OH with interment to be held at a later date in the Dayton National VA Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at the Baird Funeral Home, Troy, OH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Patrick's Church (409 East Main Street Troy, OH 45373 Phone: 937-335-2833) or a local charity of your choosing.

Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.

St. Patrick Catholic Church
409 E. Main Street, Troy OH 45373

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