Kenneth William

Manz

Kenneth William Manz, 73, of Paulding, passed away at 10:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 20, 2025, in Vladimirescu, Romania.

Ken was born on September 23, 1951, in Paulding, Ohio, to Eli and Evelyn Manz. On December 1, 1974, he married Gwendolyn Steiner, who survives. Ken and Gwen were married for 50 years.

In addition to his wife, Gwen, he is survived by their children Marvin (Jennifer), Tony (Denise), Larry (Cheree), Cindy (Chad) Indermuhle, Will (Joanna), Janice (Chad) Kaeb, Beth (Kent) Steidinger, Jim (Elizabeth), Brenda (Wes) Kaeb, and April; 54 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. Ken's prayer is that his family and all people will put Jesus at the center of their life and share in the glories of Heaven.

Ken is also survived by his brothers, Dave, Don (Connie), Les (Karen), John (Diane), Russ (Vera), and Roger (Lisa); and his sisters Emily (John) Rufener, Sue (Roger) Gasser, Becky (Ken) Zollinger, Alice (Darrell) Widmer, Barb (Rob) Brink, Peggy Wiemken, and Millie (Jeff) Stoller.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ken was a 1969 graduate of Paulding High School and a 1973 graduate of Purdue University. He lived his life with determination and passion. He displayed these traits as a mechanical engineer and businessman as he designed products, provided local jobs, and pursued a lifetime of learning. The same determination and passion showed up as he served others, nurtured those who were younger, and cared for the disadvantaged. He was baptized on September 1, 1968, and was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church of Junction for nearly 57 years. He found great joy in singing. Ken loved his Savior and labored to live Colossians 3:23 – And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.

Visitation will be held at the Junction Apostolic Christian Church in Defiance, Ohio, on Monday, September 1, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will also be held at the Junction Apostolic Christian Church on Tuesday, September 2, beginning at 10:30 a.m. with calling one hour prior to services. Burial will be at the Dotterer Cemetery.

The family requests no flowers or memorabilia. Memorial donations can be made to Apostolic Christian HarvestCall or the charity of your choice.