Mr. Richard E. Wasem

Richard E. "Woody" Wasem, 93, of Lancaster, passed away Friday, September 30, 2011 at Main Street Terrace. He was born March 28, 1918 in Fairfield County and was the son of the late Jennings and Mamie (Notestone) Wasem. Woody retired from Lancaster Lens. His first job was delivering 100 lb. blocks of ice for the Crystal Ice & Coal Company to be used as iceboxes. Woody always lived on a farm and raised various animals and was known for growing a large and plentiful garden each spring. Woody loved working with his hands and helped design and build a spring house including a water wheel made from zinc cans. He also built a covered bridge over the small stream that divided his farm. Woody also enjoyed restoring old buggies and sleighs. A Sunday afternoon treat for family and friends was to take a ride in the buggy or sleigh depending on the season. He especially enjoyed taking school children rides at the Fairfield County Fair. Woody was a member of the Lancaster United Brethern Church and a Past Master and 57 year member of Amanda #509 F & AM.
Woody is survived by his wife of 72 years, Dorothy Elizabeth (Waites) Wasem; daughters, Bonnie Bolsen and Shirley Wasem both of Lancaster; grandchildren, Noramah (Christopher Marshall) Burch, Chad (Stacy) Davis, Todd (Laura) Bolsen, Kevin (Rebecca) Davis, Carrie (Kason) Kimberley, Christie Bolsen; great grandchildren, Brandon Tipton, Parker and Alex Bolsen and Aiden Davis; sister, Mary Lehman of Lancaster and several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Gertrude Russell; daughter, Anita Davis; son-in-law, Bill Bolsen; sisters-in-law, Marie Bresler and Evalene Warner.
A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the TAYLOR FUNERAL HOME in Amanda. Friends may call from 1-3 & 6-8 Tuesday at the funeral home with a masonic service to be held at 8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions be made to United Brethern Church or Meals on Wheels of Fairfield County.