Kolleen Elizabeth Crispen, of Custar, Ohio, age 68, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026. She was born on July 17, 1957, in Bowling Green to the late Marvin and Shirley (Duncan) Dewyer.
On February 5, 1977, Kolleen married the love of her life, John Crispen, who survives her in Custar. Together they built a loving home centered around hard work, dedication, and family.
Kolleen graduated from Bowling Green High School and later attended Penta Career Center, where she earned her cosmetology license and worked as a beautician. Throughout the years, she held various factory positions while caring for her husband and raising their three children. Determined to continue her education and pursue a new career path, Kolleen returned to school at Bowling Green State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Education. She later worked as a teacher for the Hancock County Board of Education and Allen County Board of Education, where she made a lasting impact on the students and coworkers she encountered throughout her career.
Kolleen was a member of the Lutheran Church in Weston. In her younger years, she enjoyed staying active through women’s softball leagues and carried that same determination and energy into everything she did. She loved gardening, crafting, stained glass, and macramé, and was truly a jack of all trades. Whatever she decided to learn or pursue, she approached with patience, creativity, and skill.
Above all else, Kolleen cherished her family and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. Her kindness, strength, creativity, and steady support will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Along with her beloved husband John, Kolleen is survived by her 3 boys Joshua (Aleece) Hutchinson of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Klinton “Satch” Crispen of Custar, Ohio, Nicholas “Jasper” (Lindsay) Crispen of German Town Hills, Illinois, her loving granddaughters Lorelei, Evie, Piper, her cherished grandsons Alex, Spencer and Major.
She was preceded in death by her siblings.
A celebration of life gathering will be held on Saturday June 27, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall 9155 Custar Rd. 43511. Memorial contributions may be given in Kolleen’s name to Donate Life America, 5516 Falmouth Street, Suite 302 Richmond, VA 23230. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dunn Funeral Home located in the Historical District of Bowling Green, Ohio at 408 W. Wooster St. To share a fond memory or an online condolence with the Crispen family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
