Werner F. Votava

Werner F. Votava, 87, of Atwood Lake, died Tuesday, January 12, 2016 in Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia following a period of declining health.

A son of the late Wilhelm and Bertha (Froedtert) Votava, Werner was born November 3, 1928 at Frankfurt (Main), Germany.

At the age of 17, Werner was drafted into the German Army and served during World War II.  In 1955, he came to the United States and started working for Ferro Corporation in 1956.  Werner enjoyed a long career as a Ceramic Engineer and held a managerial position with the company.  During his tenure with the company, he earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree as well as created many products that hold patents.  He ultimately retired in 1991 and continued as a Consultant for Ferro Corp for two more years.  Werner was a Fellow of the American Ceramics Society.

On December 19, 1959, Werner married the love of his life, the former Ingrid Stahl and together they raised two children, Christine and Ulrik.  The couple resided in Broadview Heights, Ohio for 30 years.  Following his retirement, they relocated to Atwood Lake where Werner could fulfill his passion of sailing and enjoy the outdoors.

He will be remembered by his family as a determined and strong willed individual who accomplished a great deal and lived life to the fullest.  He was proud of his accomplishment but not one to boast and his true accomplishment in life was caring for his family and being able to provide for them.

He is survived by his wife, Ingrid Votava; his daughter, Christine (Jim) Finley of Fairlawn, Ohio; a son, Ulrik (Brandy) Votava of Bolivar; his grandchildren, Kohl and Austin Finley and Devan and Trystan Votava; a nephew, Juergen Votava, a nieces, Karin Biehler and many extended family members in Germany.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Helmut Votava.

In keeping with Werner’s wishes cremation will take place through the care of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia.  A private family inurnment will be held on Zoar Cemetery and friends are invited to join the family for a celebration of Werner’s life on Saturday, January 16, 2015 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Georgio’s Grille at Bolivar.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Werner’s memory to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.