Raisian Family Funeral Home

05/04/2026

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of JOHN I. COLE.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

John Irvin Cole, age 75, of Conneaut, passed early Saturday evening, May 2, 2026 at his beloved hunting camp in Crawford County.
John was born on March 19, 1951, in Louisville, Kentucky, the son of Irvin and Zula Hansford Cole. John served in the Unites States Marine Corp from 1972 to 1977 and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant until he was honorably discharged. John worked as a golf professional and manager at the former Conneaut Shores Golf Course, he was also a volunteer firefighter for Station Three, police dispatcher for the Conneaut Police Department, manager of Ryans Steak House in Concord, NC, and worked with Liberty National Insurance Company.
John was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Ashtabula and attended mass regularly. He was a member of the American Legion Cowle Post 151 and served on the Honor Squad and was a member of the Conneaut Elks Lodge. John enjoyed cooking for Meals on Wheels in North Carolina. He loved golf and the outdoors. He especially loved his hunting camp and would go deer hunting and turkey hunting. John was a big fan of NASCAR and #3 Dale Earnhardt.
John was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Tony Cole and Patrick Cole.
John is survived by his wife, JoAnn Bearce Cole, whom he married December 15, 1977 in Meridian, Mississippi, his son Shane Cole of Mississippi, step-son Ted (Angela) Grubke, of Denton, Texas, step-daughter Traci Canaday of Concord, NC, grandchildren Sarah Cole, Lauren Grubke, Ethan Grubke, Tyler (Morgan) Canaday, Joshua Canaday, Garrett Canaday, two great-grandchildren Henley Canaday and Sloane Canaday, brothers Mike (Fran) Cole of Chicago, IL, Kenny (Cheryl) Cole of Kentucky and Thomas Cole of North Carolina and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Robert and Patricia Bearce.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St, Conneaut, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. followed by funeral services at the funeral home at 1:00 p.m. with Father Philip Miller of Corpus Christi Parish officiating and concluding with the American Legion Honor Squadr presenting military honors.
Memorial donations in John’s memory can be made to the Wounded Warriors Program or Feed the Vets Program.
Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

05/01/2026

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our love and sympathy to the family and friends of ELSIE L. BURR.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

ELSIE L. BURR, age 90, passed away on April 28, 2026, at the Ashtabula County Nursing Home.
Elsie was born June 7, 1935, in Oil City, Pa., the daughter of Clifton Myers and Myra McKelvey. Elsie’s family moved to Erie, and she attended High School and later moved to the Conneaut area and married her husband Harry “Pat” Burr. Together they worked and raised their family. Elsie worked in production at the former Eighmy Corporation and Springfield Plastics.
Elsie was an avid reader and was known as a great cook and baker. She was a wonderful cake decorator, making cakes for all her family. She loved being Grammy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Harry Daniel (Pat) Burr, (2017) whom she married July 28, 1962, her daughter Rebecca Susan Burr and a sister Mae Joan Smith.
Elsie is survived by sons William (Dee) Burr, of Tampa, Fla., Terry (Megan) Burr, Conneaut, daughter Candy (Lee Schoeppler) Burr, Willoughby, Beth Burr, of Ashtabula, grandchildren Melanie Taylor, Emilie (Russell) Reday, Michael Burr, Rachel (Drew) Grinder, Kelly (Noelle) Schoeppler, Erin (Nick) Moses, and Ashley Burr, two great grandchildren, Jacie and Lainey, sister Ruth Cessna and longtime family friend Barb Burton.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor St, Conneaut from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Funeral services will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at the Raisian Funeral Home and burial will follow at Center Cemetery, Conneaut.
Memorial contributions in Elsie’s memory can be made to the Reserve Care of Hospice1166 Lake Ave, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004.
Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

04/29/2026

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt sympathy
to the family and friends of MARY ELLEN LAUER.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

MARY ELLEN LAUER age 94 passed away April 28, 2026, at the Ashtabula County Nursing Home.

Mary Ellen was born on April 18, 1932, in Altoona, PA., the daughter of Thomas and Leona Bettwy Moser. She was a 1950 graduate of Altoona High School. Mary Ellen married her late husband James H. Lauer on November 14, 1953. Mary Ellen went on to Nursing school and became a registered Nurse. She worked for many years until she retired from the former Brown Memorial Hospital. She was a member of Corpus Christi Parish and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She enjoyed crafting and crocheting, and cherished spending time with her family.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jim Lauer, son-in-law Eugene Bihlajama, great grandson Alex Kohlman, three brothers Thomas Moser, Jr. Andrew Moser and Richard Moser. Sisters Mary Leona Moser and Ellen Winifred Moser and two brothers-in-law.

She is survived by her son James (Ramona) Lauer, Jr. of Conneaut, daughter Cindy Bihlajama of Conneaut, brother Gerald (Ginny) Moser of California, sisters Joan Miner of Altoona, PA, Anna Jackson of Altoona, PA, Catherine Morningred of Delaware, and Judy (Gary) Huff of Altoona, PA, grandchildren, Duane (Janie) Burdick, Joel (Sarah) Lauer, Tanya Burdick, Kristi (Jason) Tharp, Tiffany (Kevin) Kohlman, Carrissa (Lynda) Bihlajama, Edward (Mary) Bihlajama, Julie Bihlajama and Kyle (Julie) Bihlajama. Great Grandchildren Jennifer(Austin) Smith, Aden Schrock, Ella Burdick, Olivia Kohlman, Ryan Lauer, Ava Tharp, Jill Burdick, Aubrey Tharp, Kyle (Hailey) Nelson, Alexa Nelson, Liam Burke, Julie Bihlajama and great-great grandson Oliver Smith.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 noon, on Monday, May 4, 2026, at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 744 Mill Street, Conneaut, with Father Philip Miller of Corpus Christi Parish officiating.

Entombment will follow at Greenlawn Memory Gardens Mausoleum, Route 20, N. Kingsville, Ohio.

Mary Ellen was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by her family.

Memorial contributions in Mary Ellen’s memory can be made to Corpus Christi Parish Memorial Fund.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut, and condolences can be left at www.raisianfuneralhome.com.

04/24/2026

SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:

Visitation for ROBERT HUGH JOSLIN will be held on TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Raisian Funeral Home.
Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

04/22/2026

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt sympathy
to the family and friends of ROBERT HUGH JOSLIN.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

ROBERT HUGH JOSLIN

February 1, 1958 – April 16, 2026

Robert Hugh Joslin passed away at his Maui home on April 16, 2026 as his daughter prayed over him in his final moments.

Born in Rockledge, Florida, and raised in Clear Lake, Texas, Robert moved to Maui in 1985. Alongside his brother, he founded Joslin Service and later started Complete Mechanical, where he became widely known for his expertise in hotel remodels and restaurant design. In 2002, Robert pioneered a new path for consumer advocacy in the islands, becoming Hawaii’s first full-time resident public adjuster. A formidable force in his field, Robert served as a Certified Professional Public Adjuster and expert witness, taking great pride in mentoring others through the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA). He worked side-by-side with his wife, Lisa, crediting their success to their shared dedication

Robert was a builder in every sense of the word. He established businesses and constructed homes, but he also built the most important thing: community. He had a gift for bringing people together and welcoming them into what became known as "the tribe." Strangers became family around him. Holidays were bigger, louder, and warmer because he made sure everyone had a place to land, especially when they needed one most.

Robert is survived by his beloved Lisa; their children, Ryan, Cody, Jordan, and Nicole; and his grandchildren, who will forever remember their Papi: Leo, Axel, Mila, and Enzo.

Visitation on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Raisian Funeral Home followed by Funeral Service at 1:00 p.m. with Deacon Nicholas Iarocci.

In a final tribute to their unbreakable commitment, Robert will be laid to rest on April 28, 2026—his and Lisa’s 36th wedding anniversary. He will be interred at Hope Cemetery in Albion, Pennsylvania, returning to the family roots he cherished throughout his life.

Robert leaves behind more than a family—he leaves behind a standard, a legacy, and a tribe. He will be remembered for his firm strength, his abundant generosity, his unwavering resolve, his boisterous humor, and above all, the way he made people feel like they belonged.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Raisian Funeral Home.

Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

04/14/2026

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of TEDDY CARL SPURLIN.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

TEDDY CARL SPURLIN, age 80, passed away on April 6, 2026, in Conneaut. Ted was born on June 9, 1945 in Anderson, Tennessee, the son of Carl and Lorene Spurlin.

Ted’s family moved to Palm Beach, Florida in 1950. As a young adult Ted learned almost every trade he could; heating & cooling, plumbing but he was best as a welder and a mechanic.

When Ted started his own family he moved to Ohio in the 70’s. He worked at General Aluminum and Emco Wheaton. Ted also raced at Raceway 7, running the hardtop and sportsman division. He loved to make cars go fast.

Whether it was Lake Erie, the Ocean or Lake Okeechobee, Ted love to fish with his family, friends and siblings. He also enjoyed NASCAR, his favorite was Dale Earnhardt Sr. Ted love to take trips back home to Florida for the winter. His favorite thing would be to take scenic “backroad” drives.

Ted is survived by his daughter Gina (Dan) Westcott, sons Kevin (Jennifer) Spurlin and Brian (Salina)Spurlin, grandchildren Matthew Lower, Mark (Sadie) Lower, Jill (Zack) Day, Darrell (Ashley) Westcott, Mitchell Lower, Kellie Hernandez, Anthony Nunes, Kathryne Ray, Marcus Braden, Bryce Spurlin and Kendyll Spurlin, great-grandchildren Lucas & Chase Lower, Hayden, Harper & Hadley Day, Charli & Reagan Westcott, Melody & Mateo Hernandez, Lily, Anthony & Matilda Braden.

He was preceded in death by his wife Catherine (Cathy) in 2015, sibling’s sister Wanda in 2002 and Fred in 2005.

Following Ted’s wishes there will be no service.

Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

04/12/2026

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt sympathy
to the family and friends of LeVern Pete Peterson.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

LeVern Pete Peterson, age 88, passed away on April 6, 2026, in Tampa, Florida.
Pete was born on December 29, 1937, in Conneaut, the son of LeVern Peterson and Elizabeth Watson. Pete was well known in the Conneaut area for establishing Peterson Oil Company where he worked alongside his daughters. He was often out in snowstorms and holidays making sure people had fuel to heat their homes. Pete retired in 2010 and relocated to Riverview, Florida. He loved the weather in Florida but still considered Conneaut his home visiting for months every year.
Pete loved his family, friends, Lake Erie, the ocean, boating and camping. He loved people and doing things for others. His sense of humor, his smile and eyes would light up the room. He was a very smart and a hardworking man.
Pete, while in business, was a member of the Conneaut Rotary Club, a 32nd degree Mason with membership in the Conneaut Chapter and belonged to the Zem Zem Shriners Club of Erie, PA., alongside his dad.
Pete is survived by his wife, Natalia Peterson, of Riverview, FL, daughters, Kelly Schwartfigure and Debra (Gary) Duris, both of Conneaut, grandchildren Sean Schwartfigure (Kelli Kimbrough) Crosby, TX, Justin (Angela) Schwartfigure, Humble, TX, Alica Duris (Ryan Harco), Conneaut, Mercedes (Mark) Lower of Conneaut, Kacie Schwartfigure, Willoughby, Brian Duris (Nikia Nugent) Conneaut, Spencer Schwartfigure (Lydia Mozzocco) Conneaut, great grandchildren, Makenzie Coe, Lucas Lower, Chase Lower, Daemon Duris all of Conneaut, Silas Schwartfigure, Humble, TX, bonus great grandchildren, Cali Dinger, Mila Harco, Cameron Harco all of Conneaut, and a brother John (Katherine) Martin of Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Christopher Anthony Duris and two sisters Norma Tyler and Sandra Loveall.
Following Pete’s wishes, a private service will be held for the family at East Conneaut Cemetery where burial will take place.
Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

04/05/2026

03/23/2026

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our sympathy to the family and friends of JOHN H. "TRAPPER JACK" BETTEYS.
Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

John H. Betteys (Trapper Jack) passed away March 15, 2026.

He was born on September 19, 1950 in Ashtabula the son of Jack and Virginia Butts Betteys.

Jack was a longtime resident of Conneaut, Ohio. He was nicknamed "Trapper Jack" for being an avid trapper, fisherman, and hunter due to his fondness of the outdoors.

He is survived by his loving son and daughter, Justin and Mallory, his best friends Patch, Jack, and Joe, along with irreplaceable friends and family members.

Jack Betteys served as a proud member of the United States military in the Navy from October 17th,1968 to October 16,1974 and served two tours in the Vietnam War.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST HE WAS A MAN WHO HAD GRIT!

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Raisian Funeral Home.

03/16/2026

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our sympathy to the family and friends of
ROBERT "BOB" BURCKHARTTE

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

ROBERT BURCKHARTTE, age 82, of Ashtabula Ohio went home with the Lord on March 14, 2026, surrounded by his family at the Western Reserve Hospice House in Cleveland, Ohio. He was born, was born on May 28, 1943, in Conneaut, Ohio to the late Edward and Rose Burckhartte (Beno).

Bob was a graduate of Conneaut High School. He served in the United States Navy and was a semi-truck driver thereafter. He married his first wife, Janice Hassler-Burckhartte, whom he shared three children. He married the love of his life, Cindy Burckhartte, in 1984. They share seven children: Brian (Maggie) Burckhartte, Beth Ann (Randall) Hedrick-Jackson, Robert Burckhartte, Justin Burckhartte, Jennifer Christine, Brandi Burckhartte and Jamie Burckhartte. Bob enjoyed boating, fishing, spending time tending his yard and most of all his dog, Cash.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Janice Hassler, his sister Judy Reffner, grandson Billy Martin III, nieces Lynette and Rhonda Reffner.

He is survived in death by all of his children, his sister, Rosemary (John) Carlucci and grandchildren: Amber (Tony) Langdon, Alyssa (Matthew) Noé, Chalise (Daniel) Bayletts, Hope (Justin) Drews, Hunter Cox, Kylee Burckhartte, Madison Burckhartte, Lewis Pierce IV, Exzavior Martin, Heaven Martin, Riley Farmer, Anthony Burckhartte and Avery Wooding, and many great grandchildren.

At Bob’s request, there will be no formal services. His family would like to express sincere gratitude to Western Reserve Hospice—Lake County Team and David Simpson Hospice House, for their exceptional care and comfort during this time.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut.
Condolences at www.raisianfuneralhome.com

03/05/2026

The Raisian Family and Staff extend our heartfelt sympathy
to the family and friends of JEANNE VERNESS KING MALECKAR.

Please visit www.raisianfuneralhome.com for condolences.

Jeanne Verness King Maleckar, age 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake, OH. Jeanne was born on May 4, 1939. in Erie, PA. Her parents were Roderick V. and Martha Abbey King. Jeanne grew up in Girard, PA. She enjoyed dance and piano lessons and was an outstanding student.
On March 29, 1957 Jeanne met the love of her life, Eugene (Gene) Maleckar, on a blind date in Conneaut, OH. Jeanne attended Villa Maria College in Erie where she spent her freshman and sophomore years. Gene and Jeanne married on August 29, 1959 at St. Francis Xavier Cabrini Church and began married life on the shore of Lake Erie in Conneaut. Jeanne commuted to Villa Maria to complete her junior year. Jeanne enjoyed a hiatus in her education while she and Gene raised their three children. Jeanne obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences in May of 1969. She began her teaching career at St. Francis Xavier Cabrini School. She then taught Family and Consumer Science in the Ashtabula Area City Schools for 30 years.
Jeanne was a founding member of the Ashtabula County chapter of The National Organization for Women. Its members became her sisters and brothers, always. She was a member of the Ashtabula Area Teachers Association, the Ohio Teachers Association and many other professional Teachers’ organizations. Jeanne was a member of the Friends of the Conneaut Public Library, the library’s Second Friday Readers group, and the writers’ group. She also was a member of the Kingsville Public Library’s Village Readers. She belonged to the Ashtabula County Lake Shore Artists, as well as the artist’s group at Conneaut Arts Center. Jeanne enjoyed travel throughout the United States and Canada and also enjoyed Viking river cruises abroad.
A devoted wife, mother and grandmother (Bubbi), Jeanne is survived by her three children, Lisa (Michael) Thacker of Strongsville, OH, John Maleckar of Alexandria, VA. and Ann (John) Yurco of University Heights, OH; and grandchildren, James Thacker, Julia (Nicholas) Kunzen, Katie Maleckar, Christopher Yurco and Matthew Yurco. Also surviving Jeanne are her sister, Miriam King, and her brother, David (Donna) King; nieces Stacey Maleckar, Amy (David) Smith, Jodi Slayton; nephews Todd (Sarah) Watts and Joshua King, as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene, brother-in-law, Leroy, and Leroy’s wife, Sharon.
Per Jeanne’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. The family will plan a private celebration of Jeanne’s life to be held in the summer. Memorial contributions may be made in Jeanne’s honor to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44110-2602. All arrangements have been made by Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut. Obituary and condolences may be found at www.raisianfunerahome.com.