Loren Rufener

Loren O. Rufener, 98, of Dover, passed away peacefully with family on March 27, 2024 in Park Village Healthcare Center at Dover following a period of declining health.

Born in Monroe County Ohio on May 18, 1925, he was the son of the late William and Edna (Kasserman) Rufener.

Loren was drafted into the United States Army in 1943. When forces landed in Anzio, Italy, he served as a mortar section gunner for the Big Red One. His job was to follow the riflemen on the front lines. The soldiers fought for four months, with bombing and artillery fire to maintain the Anzio beachhead. He was shot in the legs by a German sniper on his way to Rome which placed him in a hospital during the D-Day invasion before he returned to duty in France. He ultimately received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star Medal.

Loren married his childhood neighbor, the former Patricia D. “Pat” Wassem.  They worked together to construct their lifelong home having four children as they enjoyed nearly 70 years of marriage prior to her passing on February 23, 2018.

After returning from the war, he was a mechanic at the former Weinz Motors, Cummins Diesel and ultimately retired from the former Union Camp Chemical Corporation in Dover. Loren and Pat also worked alongside one another at their home business, Rufener Auto Sales.

Loren, affectionately nicknamed by his first grandchild, and known by many as 'Paaga', was a long-time member of the Dover First Christian Church.

He was a life-long learner, he enjoyed working on cars and lawnmowers, and maintained numerous rental properties. Along with Pat, Loren enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family. Additionally, he rarely turned down the opportunity to enjoy a hot fudge milkshake, strawberry shortcake, ice cream, or anything chocolate.

There are not enough words to describe our love and admiration for our patriarch. He was a humble man with great integrity who led with love and by example. His life was busy as his focus was to provide for his family but somehow, he always had time to help anybody that asked with his vast mechanical knowledge and understanding.

Loren is survived by his children, Michael (Barbara) Rufener, Susan (James) Blickensderfer, Kathleen (Colin) Eichel, and Mark (Mary) Rufener all of Dover; his grandchildren, Amy (Matt) McVicker, Jamie (Delia) Blickensderfer, Todd (Kelsey) Eichel, Kelsie Eichel, PhD, Lauren (Andrew) MacGregor, Kara Rufener, Dr. Thad (Julie Harris) Kandel, and Stefanie (Ryan) Porter; and his great-grandchildren, Zachary (Samantha), Andrew, and Ryan McVicker, and Brynn, Isaac, and Serenity Blickensderfer, three step great-grandchildren, and his sister, Shirley (Gene) Arnold.

In addition to his parents and Pat, Loren was preceded in passing by his brother Doyle Dean Rufener.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Geib Funeral Center at Dover from 4 to 7 p.m. Loren’s grandson, Jamie Blickensderfer, will lead a service celebrating his life on Thursday in the funeral home beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Dover Burial Park where the New Philadelphia VFW Post #1445 will render military honors.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Park Village for the loving care given to Loren during his 20 month stay and to Crossroads Hospice for their personal support while making his last few days comfortable and peaceful.

Memorial contributions in Loren’s memory may be directed to the First Christian Church, 3029 North Wooster Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622.