Our Citizen Leaders

Citizen Leaders of Miamisburg

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Citizens of the Year

The “Citizen of the Year” award started in the late 1950s by the young men of the Miamisburg Junior Chamber of Commerce—similar to the Jaycees, members had to drop out at age 35. The Junior Chamber wanted to recognize members of the public who displayed a record of community service. Residents submitted nominations and the members made the final decision.

 

The award was given at a banquet held at local restaurants such as Midway Lodge, the Peerless Mill, the Round Table, or Alex’s. It was a big deal, very well attended and featuring a top-notch speaker, for example, the legendary Woody Hayes. Local artist Les Spicer painted a portrait of the winner and gave it to the community. The Citizen of the Year portraits hung in the Market Square building (before the Historical Society met there) and in the Carnegie Library.

 

The club began admitting female members in the 1990s but sadly the organization folded in 2000.

1957 Jim Barlett   

1958 Richard Staley   

1959 Fred Manning   

1960 Wilbur Neff   

1961 Robert Heist   

1962 John Wantz   

1963 Henry T Fink   

1964 Kenneth Bailey   

1965 Richard Church Jr   

1966 Ray Wolfe   

1967 Dr Glen Snyder   

1968 Oscar Page   

1969 George Butler   

1970 Bob Bell   

1971 David Davis   

1972 Robert Mears Sr   

1973 Mady Ransdell   

1974 Bill Sorrell

1975 Mary Louise Cavender   

1976 Dr RC Doan   

1977 Dr Glen Brandon   

1978 Helen Reed   

1979 Rev Oliver Rajak   

1980 Ed Stukenberg   

1981 Nancy Moore   

1982 Esther Philhower   

1983 Alfred Kochler   

1984 Rose Mears   

1985 Phyliss Lucas   

1986 Dale Huffman   

1987 Larry Fogle   

1988 Bernie Donahue   

1989 George Donahue   

2000 Mary Goodwin

 In Memoriam

Remembering those who have served our Society and our community

Don Wuerstl (1936-2021)

Phil Johnson (1936-2020)

Jim Cogan (1940-2020)

Charlie Case (1940-2019)

Jim Church (1933-2019)

Russell Kidwell (1936-2016)


Don Wuerstl


Donald M. Wuerstl, age 84, passed away at his home in Miamisburg, on January 26, 2021. He was born on May 31, 1936 in Dayton, to August & Mary Sherlock Wuerstl and attended St. Mary's Elementary School and Chaminade High School. Don then proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps before attending University of Dayton, Xavier University and University of Cincinnati. 


Don was a school psychologist, retiring from Greene County Board of Education. He was an active runner, loved to listen to jazz, and enjoyed sports and car racing.


He is survived by his loving wife, Judy; his son, Matthew (Tina) and their son, Wyatt; daughter, Laura (David) Garcia; stepdaughter Robyn (Bruce) Mooney; stepson, Brett Butcher. Don was a devout Catholic attending Our Lady of Good Hope Church, Miamisburg. 


A Mass of Christian Burial was held on February 10, 2021, at Our Lady of Good Hope. Don Wuerstl was buried at Dayton National Cemetery.

Phil Johnson


Philip Lee Johnson was born in Lima, Ohio on July 20, 1936 to Elizabeth (Royer) and Horace Glenn Johnson. He graduated from Berea High School in 1954 and studied at Otterbein College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies with a minor in electrical engineering and physics. He married Nancy Louise Weber in 1958 while pursuing his college education, working at the Frigidaire Division of General Motors and later for Westinghouse as an electrical technician. 


In 1962, Phil began a 29-year career as an electrical engineer and program manager with Monsanto at the Mound Laboratory in Miamisburg. While working and raising his family, he completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Dayton, as well as a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management. Phil retired in 1991 and was a consultant to the Miamisburg Mound Community Improvement Corporation during the closure of Mound Lab and conversion of that site to a privately owned industrial park.


Phil led a full and busy life outside of work, including many family camping trips, particularly to National Parks across the country. He was an active member of the Mound Flying Club, the MG Car Club, and a 43-year member of the Miamisburg Rotary Club. Phil served as President of the Miamisburg Historical Society in 2006 and 2007. He gave generously his time to the community, including to the former Burg Center (for Miamisburg’s under-privileged youth). As part of the Trinity Church congregation, he served on the Consistory and sang in the choir. With his beloved wife Nancy, Phil travelled to Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, and England, often on service projects with Rotary International.


He lost Nancy in 2006 to leukemia. Phil later reconnected with a classmate from Berea High School, Sandra Lunte, and they were married in 2008 with a festive, colorful Hawaiian-themed wedding ceremony at Trinity Church. The two of them enjoyed travel, particularly to the Big Island of Hawaii in the winter, and spending time with their two families and doting on their beloved cats.

 

Philip Lee Johnson passed away on March 17, 2020 from Alzheimer’s disease. 

Jim Cogan



James Daniel "Jim" Cogan Jr. was born June 10, 1940 to James Cogan Sr. and Jeannette (Stellar) Cogan in Miamisburg. He was a life-long resident of Miamisburg and spent countless hours volunteering in the city he loved and serving on numerous committees such as the Spring Fling Festival, the Miamisburg High School Alumni Association (Class of '58), the Baum Opera House renovation, the Zoning Committee, and the Beautification Committee. Jim retired from the Mound facility after a full career with Monsanto and EG&G. After retirement, he worked many years at Ace Hardware in Miamisburg.

 

Jim Cogan passed away on February 12, 2020 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease. Funeral services were held at Gebhart-Schmidt-Parramore Funeral Home.



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Charlie Case



Charles Clyde Case was born in Miamisburg on September 19, 1940, the son of Captain Clyde and Martha Case. He was a member of the Miamisburg City Council for 18 years, and was a faithful and loyal civil servant with a true concern for families, community, and friends. Charlie was a member of Parkview Methodist Church, the Ohio Great Corridor, Minerva Lodge #98 F&AM, Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #1645 Miamisburg, Sons of the American Legion Post #165, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He loved and supported the Children's Performing Arts of Miamisburg.

 

Charlie was married for 60 years to the love of his life, Murielene (Fortney), and they had two sons and four grandchildren. Charlie Case died at home on Friday, November 8, 2019. Funeral services were at the Gebhart-Schmidt-Parramore Funeral Home. Interment is at Hillgrove Cemetery. 

 

taken from Dayton Daily News, November 12, 2019


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Jim Church



James Lee Church was born on August 25, 1933 to Nellie and Richard Church, Sr. He graduated in 1951 from Miamisburg High School. After graduation Jim joined the United States Navy and was assigned to the Great Lakes Naval Center for boot camp, after which he entered Communications Technician School at Bainbridge Island, Washington for training as a Morse code operator. He was stationed at Kumasi, Japan for a two-year assignment during the Korean Conflict. Following Japan, Jim was assigned to Washington, DC for the remaining two years of his enlistment; he was discharged February 24, 1956 with the rank of 3rd class petty officer. Jim returned to Miamisburg where he joined his family's business, Church's Flower Shop. He married Deloris Miller on July 19, 1968.


Jim became interested in the Masonic Order and joined Minerva Lodge #98 F&AM in 1959. He followed that with membership in Trinity Chapter #44 RAM, Adoniram Council #131 RSM and Valley Commandery #89 KT, where, within each body, he became the Presiding Officer. Jim earned the Knight of the York Cross of Honour as a result. Jim joined the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton, participating in many of the degrees, for which he received the Meritorious Service Award. He was a member of Antioch Shrine and past president of the Past Masters Unit. He was a member of St. Jacob Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 165, and the Miamisburg Historical Society.


Upon his parents' retirement in 1972, Jim joined his brother, Dick, as co-owner of Church's Flower Shop, until they sold it in 1985. In "retirement" Jim worked for the Miamisburg City School District and, for thirteen years, volunteered at Sycamore Hospital.


Jim Church died on August 30, 2019. The brethren of Minerva Lodge #98 performed Masonic services at his visitation on September 4. The next morning at his funeral, the Scottish Rite ring ceremony was presented. Jim was buried with full military honors at Rose Hill Burial Park in Hamilton, Ohio.


Taken from Dayton Daily News September 3, 2019


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Roy Baver



Roy Lane Baver, son of Paul and Winnie (Henn) Baver, was born on September 20, 1942. During his service in the US Army, he earned the Good Conduct Medal and a sharpshooter title. He was in the first paramedic class in 1975 and was a firefighter/inspector for the Washington Township Fire Department from October 1967 to September 1996. Roy was a member of International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), BOCA, a Mason and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was a clown for the Shrine. He also sat on the American Festival Committee.

Roy loved music and was an accomplished trumpet player. He had a love for Elvis and that was his nickname on the Fire Department. Roy loved playing practical joke and sharing stories of his antics. He loved to travel and all the adventure that came with it, but Roy’s greatest joy was spending time with his wife of 51 years, Sandy, his three daughters, grandchildren, and extended family.



Roy Baver died on December 25, 2018.



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Russell E. Kidwell



Russell E. Kidwell was born in Richmond, Kentucky on November 19, 1936 to James and Minerva Kidell. After his service in the US Army, he was employed by Payne Fabrics for 39 years. For ten years, he owned and operated Star City Emporium in the Gwinner Block with his wife Pamela.



Russ was very spiritual and was known as a kind soul and a much loved and respected citizen of Miamisburg. He volunteered as one of the crafters at the Old Time Craft Day at Heritage Village, demonstrating whittling and carving for people who attended.



He died on February 28, 2016 and is buried at Hillgrove Cemetery. 



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Dr. Clifford E. Gebhart



Dr Clifford E “Cliff” Gebhart, born July 23, 1926 to Clifford A and Rose F (Rost) Gebhart, graduated from Miamisburg High School in 1944. He attended Otterbein College and completed his undergraduate degree in 1947. Cliff married his college sweetheart, Wanda Gayle Boyles, in 1948. He proceeded to Western Reserve School of Medicine and received his medical doctorate in 1951. During the Korean Conflict, Cliff served as a Captain in the United States Air Force Medical Corps. 


After his honorable discharge, Cliff joined Dr R.C. Doan in his family practice, a career he followed for 37 years. He maintained memberships with the Montgomery County Medical Society, the Ohio State Medical Society American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Family Practice. 

 

In the community, Cliff was a life-long member of St Jacob Lutheran Church. He was involved with the local Glee Club and the Miamisburg Rotary. Cliff joined Minerva Lodge #98 F&AM and became a Master Mason in September 1948, followed by membership in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Dayton, and Antioch Shrine. He established a memorial scholarship at Miamisburg High School and was an active member of the Miamisburg Historical Society. His hobbies included rose gardening, lawn care, and fishing. His love of travel took him to all 50 states and 82 countries.

 

Dr Cliff Gebhart died at Sycamore Hospital on November 12, 2014.

  

Lester "Turk" Wead, Jr.



Lester “Turk” Wead, Jr., son of Esther (Gebhart) and Lester Wead, Sr., was born in Miamisburg on March 10, 1929. He was a United States Air Force veteran from the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Miamisburg American Legion Post #165.



Les joined Minerva Lodge #98 F&AM in 1951 as well as the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Dayton. He was active with the Miamisburg Historical Society and worked on the committee that identified the old house on Ferry Street as the former home of Jacob Kercher, one of the founders of our community. The building has since been relocated to the Heritage Village.



Les Wead died at Sycamore Hospital on October 5, 2011.



taken from the Dayton Daily News on Oct. 7, 2011


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Madelyn C "Mady" Ransdell



Madelyn C “Mady” Ransdell was born on February 23, 1929 to Ruth and Algie Colvig. She graduated from Tridelphia High School in Wheeling, West Virginia in 1947. From there she attended Ohio University where she met fellow journalism student, Jim Ransdell. In 1951, Mady finished her degree, married Jim, and accompanied him to Panama where he was stationed during the Korean War.



They came to Miamisburg after Jim was discharged and spent a year before moving to Roanoke, Indiana, a small farming community. The Ransdells bought the local weekly newspaper and published it for sixteen years. In 1966, Mady and Jim returned to Miamisburg and became the editor and publisher of the Miamisburg News.



Mady and Jim retired in 1984, and Mady continued to serve the city of Miamisburg through her long-held seat on the Miamisburg City Council, and her work on the preservation of the historic Baum Opera House. She and her husband were instrumental in its restoration and worked countless hours to realize the vision of creating a beautiful community gathering place that honored the rich heritage of Miamisburg. Mady also served for many years on the Board of Directors at Kettering Medical Center.



Mady Ransdell died on March 30, 2010 at The Quarry Senior Living in Vancouver, Washington.



Published in Dayton Daily News from April 4 to April 5, 2010


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Dr. Carl Becker



Dr. Carl M. Becker was born in Miamisburg on May 5, 1924 to Naomi Ruth (Borger) and Carl M. Becker, Sr. He was a 1942 graduate of Miamisburg High School. Carl served in the U.S. Army for three years during WWII as Staff Sergeant with tours in the Pacific, Headquarters Battery, 866th AAA Aw Battalion, Leyte and Okinawan campaigns. 


After the war, Carl returned to the states and completed his undergraduate studies at Otterbein College, obtained his Master of Arts in History at University of Wisconsin and finished his Doctorate at the University of Cincinnati. He was the author, coauthor, and co-editor of over 100 book titles, book chapters, journal articles and biographical essays. Carl was a Professor Emeritus of History at Wright State University and served as department chair during his career. His fellow professors said that he was a leader who did not forgot about his colleagues. Likewise, his responsibilities never completely removed him from the classroom, and he taught at least one class every quarter. Becker was well-liked by his students and received the "Teaching Excellence" award at Wright State as well as numerous other honors for his writings and achievements. 


Carl married Marilou Carmen Daily on March 16, 1946. Carl and Marilou had three children and six grandchildren. During his life he was a devoted husband and father. Carl served on the Miamisburg School Board and was a member of the Miamisburg Historical Society, featured in several episodes of our Historical Miamisburg video series. He was also a life-long member of Parkview United Methodist Church. 

 

Carl Becker died on October 13, 2008 at Sycamore Glen Health Center in Miamisburg.

  

taken from Dayton Daily News 10/14/2008 - 10/15/2008

James B Ransdell



James B Ransdell was born on May 25, 1928 to Flossie (Young) and Frank C Ransdell. He graduated from Kenton High School where he set school scoring records in basketball. He majored in journalism at Ohio University and earned his degree in 1950. Jim was drafted into the Army in 1951 during the Korean War. He was sent to Ft. Amador in Panama where he edited the Army newspaper of the Caribbean.



Following his discharge, he worked for the Miamisburg News for a year before moving to the Roanoke (Indiana) Review. Twelve years later, Jim was back in Miamisburg as the publisher of the News, a position he held until retiring in 1984.



For many years, Jim was camp counselor at Camp Highlands in Wisconsin, a state he dearly loved. He was a longtime member of the Miamisburg Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow. Jim and his wife Mady were instrumental in renovating the Baum Opera House.



Jim Ransdell died on July 9, 2008 at Sycamore Glen Health Center. His funeral was held at the Baum Opera House.



Taken from Dayton Daily News from July 11 to July 12, 2008



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