Robert "Jiggs" Tafel's Obituary
HIRAM RAPIDSRobert F. "Jiggs" Tafel, 85 years of age, passed away Saturday December 3, 2011 at Robinson Memorial Hospital in Ravenna, Ohio. Born on March 3, 1926 in Hiram Rapids, he was the son of the late Frank and Charlotte (Henderson) Tafel. A lifetime resident of the Rapids, Mr. Tafel was employed for over 30 years as Superintendent of Water and Waste for the Portage County Sanitary Engineer from where he retired. A. U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II, he served his country as a Machinist Mate 2nd. Class as a ship repairman, seeing heavy action in the South Pacific. A member of American Legion Post No. 193 in Mantua, he often served as a member of the Honor Guard Detail for local veterans funerals. An avid fisherman, he also enjoyed gardening and reading and was a longtime active member of the Hiram Historical Society. On September 11, 1949, he married Evelyn B. (Bosma) Tafel who survives at their home. Also surviving are his children Fred (Deborah) Tafel of Mentor, Ohio and Jane (Michael) Smilanich of Aurora, Ohio, and 2 grandchildren Kathryn (Matthew) Newton and Elena Tafel. He was preceded in death by his great-grandson David Frederick Newton, brothers Kenneth and Harvey Tafel and sisters Dorothy Billock and Janet Belknap Russell. No calling hours. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Cremation has been held. Mr. Tafel will be laid to rest at a private burial service with full military honors at Aurora City Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are by the Green Family Funeral Home & Crematory Service in Mantua.www.greenfamilyfuneralhome.com.
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