09/10/2021

Obituary for Thomas Charles “Charlie” Brickner

Funeral Director, Co-Owner, Brother of James C. Brickner, Father to Sarah Brickner, all of Brickner Funeral Home

Thomas Charles “Charlie” Brickner, age 76 of Van Wert died Wednesday, September 8, 2021.  He was born June 22, 1945 in Van Wert, Ohio, the son of the late Carl F. and Madge (Angevine) Brickner.  

He is survived by his daughters, Aimee (Rich Rodriguez) Brickner of North Garden, VA, Major Virginia Brickner of Anchorage, AK and Sarah (Philip Maxon) Brickner of Galena, OH; Twin brother, Jim Brickner of Van Wert; Nephews, Carl Brickner of Tipp City, OH and Michael (Katie) Brickner of Wilmington, DE. Grandson, Robert “Bobby” Charles Brickner Rodriguez of North Garden, VA.

At age 16, Charlie and Jim assumed an active role in Brickner Funeral home and ambulance service when their father, Carl F. Brickner, died suddenly. They have continued the funeral business and grew the ambulance business into a major operation. 

Charlie graduated in the class of 1963 from Van Wert High School and then attended Ohio Northern University branch campus at Celina (now Wright State).  From there, he went on to attend the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (class of 1967/1968) and received his Ohio Funeral Directors and Ohio Embalmers licenses in 1968. Charlie was recognized by the Ohio Funeral Directors Association for his 50 years of service award in 2018.   

Throughout the years, Charlie has been very active in the Van Wert community. For over 40 years, Charlie held multiple roles on the board for Wee Care Learning Center. He was President when they built their current building on Van Wert Decatur Road. Charlie was active in the Van Wert Lions Club for more than 50 years receiving the Melvin Jones Fellowship award. He was also a Life member and Past Governor of Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 1320, Life member of Knights of Columbus Council 6034, Life member of Elks 1197, Life member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church and an usher for many years. He was also a member of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association. Charlie was able to continue his high school band experience by playing tuba in both the Van Wert Area Marching Band and the Van Wert Community Band for many years.

Charlie was quite the character and prankster.  If your paths have ever crossed, we hope the memory leaves you with a smile or even a laugh.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM Monday, September 13, 2021, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church with Rev. Keith Stripe & Rev. Chris Bohnsack officiating.  Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery. Friends may call at Brickner Funeral Home Sunday, September 12, from 2 - 8.

Preferred Memorials are to the Wee Care Learning Center and Van Wert Area Community Band.

Condolences may be left on our website: www.bricknerfuneralhome.com or emailed to: bricknerfuneralhome@bright.net