Francis J. Pax

Francis J. Pax, age 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Elmwood Assisted Living of New Bremen. Francis, the second of nine sons, was born on December 16, 1933 in Celina, Ohio, to the late Oscar & Cordula (Post) Pax. On November 12, 1955 in St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sharpsburg, he married Joan A. (Stammen), his wife of 67 years. Joan died April 5, 2023. He is survived by his children, Diane (John) Link of Troy, Michael (Kay) Pax of Coldwater, Steve (Marlene) Pax of Coldwater and Bryan (Alice) Pax of Columbia Maryland; 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren with 1 on the way; siblings and in-laws, David (Marilyn) Pax, Marvin (Jo Ann) Pax, Verena (Donald) Evers, and Kathy Stammen. He was preceded in death by siblings and spouses: Fr. Ulric ‘Walter’ Pax O.F.M., Thomas (Thelma) Pax, Fr. Raymond Pax, John (Joann) Pax, Fr. Bart ‘Luke’ Pax O.F.M., Mark (Patricia) Pax, Lester (Viola) Stammen, Bertha ‘Berdie’ Stammen, Mildred Stammen, and David Stammen.

After graduating high school from Immaculate Conception in Celina in 1953, he went on to become a toolmaker, serving his apprenticeship at East Dayton Tool & Die. He worked several years in Dayton before returning to Celina to work with his father Oscar in the family business, Pax Machine Works. Francis devoted his working career to growing Pax Machine Works and Pax Products, serving as president of both companies. He also served on the Board of Governors for Community Hospital and on the Board of Directors for St. Henry Tile Co.

He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Coldwater, Holy Name of the Church, Coldwater K of C Council 1991 and the Mercer County Elks Lodge. Francis & Joan were generous supporters of the Coldwater community. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In his free time, Francis enjoyed woodworking and in his later years his passion became bowl turning.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on 10:30 am Tuesday April 25, 2023, at Holy Trinity Church. Burial will follow in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater. Friends may call from 3 until 7 pm Monday and 9 to 10 am Tuesday at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Coldwater. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mercer Health MED Foundation. Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.