Harold "Wendell" Pruner

Harold “Wendell” Pruner, 87, of Ontario, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 18, 2021, after experiencing complications from Covid-19. 

Harold was born on January 22, 1934, in Ashland County, to Harold F. and Ruth C. (McCormic) Pruner.  He graduated from Union High School in the class of ’52.  After high school he joined the United States Army and married Shirley Anne Snyder whom he met in grade school.  He earned various degrees in engineering by attending night classes while working at Peabody Barnes where he worked for the next 32 years, eventually becoming Vice-President of Engineering.  For the remaining 18 years of his career, Harold worked at Gorman-Rupp in Mansfield as Product Manager for Submersible Pumps.

Harold traveled to over 30 countries in his lifetime, mostly for business but also for mission trips.  He enjoyed bowling and playing golf with his colleagues, mowing his 3-acre yard, and planting flowers every spring.  Harold loved supporting his children and grandchildren, attending hundreds of concerts and games over the years.  There was seldom a social event that he would miss!  In his later years, Harold became an avid Ashland University basketball fan, attending every game he could for both boys and girls along with his sweet companion, Janet Jarvis.  He was a long-time member of the Mansfield Baptist Temple where he faithfully served as a door greeter.  He also often attended Calvary Baptist Church in Ashland, his second church home.  For the last fifteen years, Harold served on the board of trustees at Pleasant Valley Ranch, a Christian youth camp in Perrysville, Ohio, and served as chairman for the last three years.

Harold is survived by his children, Cathy Pruner of Ontario, Pam (Dave) Smith of Mansfield, Tim (Brenda) Pruner of Crestline, and Becky (John) Kurtz of Perrysville; twelve grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and siblings, Forrest (Sally) Pruner of Shiloh, Shirley (Bob) Wise of Mansfield, and Marshall (MaryEllen) Pruner of Shiloh; and his sweetheart, Janet Jarvis.

Harold was preceded in death on December 18, 2001, by his wife, Shirley (Snyder) Pruner; his parents; and his sister, Diane Pruner.

Calling hours will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 25, 2021 at Mansfield Baptist Temple, 752 N. Stewart Road, Mansfield.  Funeral services will follow at 6:00 p.m. at the church with Pastor Robert J. Kurtz officiating.  Social distancing will be observed and masks are highly encouraged.  A private graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 26, 2021, at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Olivesburg. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Valley Ranch, 4023 St. Rt. 603, Perrysville, OH 44864.

Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, ltd, 1106 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, is handling the arrangements.

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