Dorothy R. (Fernekes) Walterbach, 99, of Pemberville, OH, and formerly of Florida passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026 at Otterbein SeniorLiving. She was born as Dorothy Fernekes in Union City, NJ on April 17, 1926 to Eugene and Mabel (Spiller) Fernekes. She married Robert E. Walterbach in Hackensack, NJ on September 12, 1948. Dorothy and Robert raised 5 children and celebrated nearly 53 years of marriage together until Robert’s passing in 2001.
In addition to being a homemaker, taking care of her children and their home, Dorothy, worked as a merchandise buyer and department head for over 30 years at Lyon’s Department Store. Her memberships included St. John XXIII in Perrysburg, she was involved in many activities during her time in Florida, including: volunteering at Bethesda Memorial Hospital, and chairing her HOA’s activities committee at Palladium Lake Estates both in Boynton Beach, FL. She also enjoyed collecting purses and shopping at the former Lyons Department Store which is now Dillard’s, and the weekly “Noodle Nights” spent with her son Rick and his wife Gayle. However, her greatest joy remained spending time with her family especially, her grand and great-grandchildren.
Dorothy, is survived by her children: Laurie (Danny) Argenti of NJ, Thomas (Eileen) Walterbach of Elmore, OH, Sue Brehm of FL, Rick (Gayle) Walterbach of Bowling Green, OH, 10 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband Robert, Dorothy was preceded in death by her son, Jack Walterbach as well as her brothers; Gene, and Ray Fernekes.
The family will host a memorial service at Otterbein SeniorLife in the near future to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials take the form of contribution to: St. John XXIII, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. On-line condolences can be shared with the family at www.marshfuneralhomes.com.
