Galen Deetz, 96, of Sugarcreek, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Walnut Hills Retirement Home in Walnut Creek following a period of declining health.
He was born on March 10, 1929 in Auburn Twp. to the late Ferdinand L. and Clara (Shutt) Deetz and married Thelma Lucille Maurer on September 10, 1953 and she died on August 16, 1996. On June 21, 2004 he married Janet Deetz and she died on November 21, 2024.
Galen owned and operated Four Pines Farm in Sugarcreek and is retired from actively farming. His son, Bill, now operates the farm. In addition to farming, he was a teacher and principal at the former Sugarcreek-Shanesville School,Wooster Twp. School in Wooster and also at New Philadelphia. He was an Army Veteran of the Korean War and was a member of Union Hill Church.
He is survived by his son William (Tina) Deetz of Sugarcreek and daughter Marcia (Thomas) Lahmers of Ashland; 6 grandchildren Christy (Joel) Hulse, Michele Lahmers, Matthew (Heather) Lahmers, Mackenzie (fiance Daniel Sixiengmay) Deetz, Spencer Wade (Samantha) Deetz, and Dawson L. Deetz; 6 great grandchildren; sister Ruth Gerber of Walnut Creek; and sister-in-law Jean Deetz of Arizona.
In addition to his parents, first wife Thelma and second wife Janet, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ralph, Floyd, Ivan, Henry, and Clayton, and his sisters, Geneva and Kitty.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 12:00 PM (Noon) at Union Hill Church in Sugarcreek with Pastor Jeff Calkins officiating. Inurnment will be in Union Hill Cemetery beside his wife Thelma and Military Honors will be held. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 10-12 at the church prior to services.
Memorials in Galen’s memory may be made to Union Hill Church 7877 Union Hill Road NW, Sugarcreek, Ohio 44681
Smith-Varns Funeral Home
330-852-2141
www.smithfuneralhomesugarcreek.com
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