Graceful Living Winter 2025

LIVING WINTER/ SPRING 2025

TARGETING

TOMORROW

HOW ARCHERY HELPED A WIDOW FIND HER AIM

SACREDSOUNDS

CATHOLIC COMPOSER’S PATH TO PENNING SOUNDTRACKS

DIAMONDDREAMS

JIM LEYLAND’S JOURNEY TO BASEBALL’S HALL OF FAME A P U B L I CAT I O N O F T H E D I O C E S E O F T O L E D O

C FROM LIVING 1 9 3 3 S P I E L B U S C H AV E .

TO LE D O, O H 4 3 6 0 4 (419) 244-6711

P U B L I S H E R

MOST REV. DANIEL E. THOMAS B i s h o p , D i o c e s e o f To l e d o KELLY DONAGHY S e n i o r D i r e c t o r, C o m m u n i c a t i o n s KEITH TARJANYI M a n a g e r, C r e a t i v e S e r v i c e s ANNIE LUST Social Media & Communications Manager NATHAN VOLKER Sales & Production Specialist ELISHA VALLADARES-CORMIER Contributing Writer SCOTT W. GRAU Contributing Photographer Graceful Living is a special interest magazine of the Diocese of Toledo, in particular for our senior parishioners. Stories of the lives of Catholic seniors contributing their talents to our parish communities are highlighted. If you are interested in sponsorship, donations or advertising, please contact the Communications Department of the Diocese of Toledo: 419-214-4876

BISHOP DANIEL E. THOMAS Rev. Msgr. William J. Kubacki Vicar General & Moderator of the Curia Rev. Michael G. Dandurand Senior Director/Vicar for Clergy Clergy, Consecrated Life & Vocations Sr. Rose Marie Timmer, RSM Chancellor Ms. Kelly M. Donaghy Senior Director, Communications Mr. Bret V. Huntebrinker Senior Director, Discipleship & Family LIfe

T H E

B I S H O P

C

Dear Friends in Christ, Happy 2025! It is with great joy that I greet you in this New Year and pray for health and blessings for you and yours. We are so pleased to join the Universal Church in the 2025 Jubilee, the 2,025th anniversary of the Incarnation of our Lord entitled “Pilgrims of Hope.” A Jubilee year occurs every 25 years. As the Holy Father, Pope Francis, says, it is an "event of great spiritual, ecclesial, and social significance in the life of the Church." He further stated when he announced the Jubilee, “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision. The forthcoming Jubilee can contribute greatly to restoring a climate of hope and trust as a prelude to the renewal and rebirth that we so urgently desire...” Together, let's be pilgrims of hope!

Our cover story for this edition of Graceful Living highlights Ingrid Cooper, an extraordinary individual who was living life to the fullest when her husband’s illness and subsequent death changed her life trajectory. Instead of giving up she more deeply embraced her Catholic faith and chose to fulfill bucket list activities that enrich her life and give her a strong purpose.

Sean Beeson followed his calling to score major motion pictures with a specialization in Catholic-themed films and projects. Sean, and his wife Laura, followed their hearts and have been rewarded with the ability to do what they love and find fulfillment in their Catholic calling.

Many of you may know legendary baseball manager Jim Leyland, but I bet you may not know how much his Catholic upbringing and influence have played a part in his life and career. We do a questionand-answer session with Jim and he opens up about his Catholic faith and his amazing journey into the Hall of Fame.

Our last story is particularly poignant for me. Father Dennis Walsh, a native son and priest of our diocese, was recently named Bishop of Davenport, Iowa. He is an extraordinary man who is Christ-driven, humble and smart. While we will miss him dearly in our Diocese, we are excited now to call him Bishop, and that he will continue God’s work in Iowa as a successor of the Apostles.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Graceful Living as much as we have enjoyed putting it together. As always, we would love to hear your ideas for future articles! With every good wish and prayer, I am

Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,

Mr. Kyle Kubik Senior Director, Catholic Education Mr. Rodney O. Schuster Executive Director, Catholic Social Services

Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas, Bishop of Toledo

Mrs. Patricia Williams CFO, Diocese of Toledo COO, Management Corporation

GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | WINTER/SPRING 2025 3

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Crawford County native Sean Beeson is a composer from Sacred Heart, Bethlehem who works with Hallow and composes music for major Catholic movies.

16

Ingrid Cooper, who has already lived an extraordinary faith-filled life, shares how she began learning the sport of archery. After the loss of her husband, Ingrid learned to say yes to new adventures.

CONTENTS 22

Toledo native Jim Leyland, whose 50-year professional baseball career led to him recently being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, shares how his faith and family formed him and readied him for roles with the Detroit Tigers, Florida Marlins and Pittsburgh Pirates.

16 28

At the spot where the Auglaize and Maumee rivers meet, Defiance offers visitors an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. Two centuries since its founding, Defiance offers modern amenities for visitors while honoring its long history.

30

The newly installed Bishop of Davenport, Iowa, is a native son of the Diocese of Toledo. Bishop Dennis G. Walsh shares how the appointment came as a bit of a surprise as he never imagined himself shepherding the people as bishop of a diocese.

22

ON THE COVER: Ingrid Cooper displays her archery skills. Despite having lived on three different continents, raising two sons and having decades of experience in a career that sent her around the world, she had no idea that her adventure was just beginning. Photo by Scott W. Grau/Special to the Diocese of Toledo.

WIT H B I S H O P T H O M A S

Bishop Thomas' Tenth Anniversary On October 22, the celebration of the 10th Anniversary of Bishop Daniel E. Thomas' Installation as Bishop of Toledo began with a packed Cathedral Mass with 1,000 faithful, including 750 of our Catholic students. In an echo of his first day in the Diocese of Toledo, Bishop Thomas then enjoyed a luncheon with the Pastoral Center staff, a visit with students at Lourdes University, a visit with residents at Rosary Care, and a visit to the staff and families at La Posada Family Emergency Shelter. The day concluded with prayer, a visit and supper at home with the members of the College of Consultors and other priests.The anniversary was bookended by a gathering with all consecrated women religious serving in the diocese and a Catholic Charities Gala.

6 WINTER/SPRING 2025 | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE

Convent Blessing of Our New Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, St. Joseph Parish in Maumee

WANT TO HELP OUR CATHOLIC SCHOOL CHILDREN?

GIVE $750, GET $750* I F FI LI N G SI N G LE I N O H I O

Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Consolation in Carey

GIVE $1,500 GET $1,500* I F FI LI N G J O I NTLY I N O H I O

Donors to the Diocese of Toledo’s Scholarship Fund can receive a State of Ohio tax credit on their tax * A tax credit is different than a deduction. A tax credit is money back in your pocket on taxes you already owe. You can also designate which Catholic school you would like your donation to be directed! Consult your tax professional for questions regarding your eligibility.

I T ’ S E A S Y T O D O N AT E :

Visit: www.dotsgo.org Call: 419-244-6711 E-Mail: jjohnson@toledodiocese.org You can also send a check to: Diocese of Toledo Scholarship Fund: 1933 Spielbusch Ave., Toledo, Ohio, 43604

Sean and Laura attend the Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards. Sean was the composer and co-producer on "Tailor Made Cross" by Hidalgo Films. The film is about a Catholic man living and dying with Lou Gehrig's Disease. It went on to win a Telly Award.

8 WINTER/SPRING 2025 | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE

PHOTOS BY SCOTT W. GRAU/SPECIAL TO THE DIOCESE OF TOLEDO

T

he trajectory of Sean Beeson’s life can be traced back to a 100-yearold upright piano. Sean’s greatgrandmother was a Catholic organist for most of her life. After she died, her Brinkerhoff piano needed a new home. When no one else in the extended family claimed it, Sean’s parents offered it to him. Sean’s immediate family appreciated music, but no one played instruments. Still, he had already displayed musical promise with limited means—by the age of 9, Sean would return from Mass to play the hymns he’d heard on his Casio keyboard by ear.

When Sean received the upright piano at 11, his parents enrolled him in music lessons with Linda Burkett, the Music Director in their hometown parish, Most Pure Heart of Mary in Shelby. “She was very influential in my interest in music,” Sean remarked. Linda encouraged her students to play liturgical music, which became the foundation of Sean’s musical knowledge.

n every iNOTE

FAITH

BY ANNIE LUST

A CATHOLIC FILM COMPOSER DETAILS HIS ROAD FROM MUSIC LESSONS TO WRITING FILM SCORES FOR MAJOR MOTION PICTURES GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | WINTER/SPRING 2025 9

PHOTOS BY SCOTT W. GRAU/SPECIAL TO THE DIOCESE OF TOLEDO

After sixth grade, the Beesons moved to nearby New Washington and became parishioners of St. Bernard Parish. When his mother asked him to play music in church while she sang as cantor, he agreed.

“Like a good son, I couldn’t say no,” Sean said.

“Compared to piano lessons, playing in front of people is completely different,” he explained.

It inspired Sean to move beyond playing what was written. He began to improvise and write his own music.

SUBMITTED PHOTO When he was 15, Sean’s parents took Sean and Laura are the proud parents of 7 children: Titus (15), Eve (13), him to a small recording studio. “That Felix (11), Leo (9), Solanus (7), Bibiana (4) and Lorenza (1). experience made me fall in love with music and technology,” Sean said. their duties, and Laura became the voice to A shared love for music was part of what drew accompany Sean’s music.

Sean and Laura together. She was a cantor who When Sean graduated college with a degree sang while her mother played the piano. “We in music composition, he was certain that he did joke that I swapped my mom as my singer to my not want to be a traditional composer. “I had girlfriend, now wife, as my singer,” Sean laughed. an interest in video games and film. I wanted to Both of their mothers were happy to relinquish work in media, and I heard the same thing over 10 WINTER/SPRING 2025 | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE

See Sean's work

Heart of a Servant: The Father Flanagan Story (2024) Feature Film

Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist (2024) Feature Film

Mother Teresa: No Greater Love (2023) Feature Film

Wonder (2023) Word on Fire Series

The Veil Removed (2019) Short Film

Sean plays music at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Bethlehem most weekends. “It helps me to stay rooted in the core of who I am as a musician,” Sean said. While Laura would love to accompany him regularly, she is more often heard singing in the congregation, surrounded by her children.

and over,” Sean continued, “You have to move to Los Angeles.” It was 2006, and the music industry did not have the global range it does today. Working remotely was still in its infancy, so Sean took the advice and moved. It quickly became apparent that it was not the right fit for his future. He moved back to Ohio, discouraged but still determined to be successful.

Sean and Laura married, and Sean began working on anything and everything. “I created software for composers to use, I did sound effects…I dabbled in a little bit of everything from ringtones to a ballet for BalletMet Columbus,” Sean said. He was not an overnight success, but one job led to another and another.

It supported their growing family as Laura, who first worked as a cosmetologist, became a stay-athome mom, a dream of hers.

No matter what work they were doing or where they were living, music ministry was a constant in their lives. “It’s been a huge part of my life, my Catholicism, and our marriage, this love for music and for music ministry,” Sean explained.

At every parish they’ve been a part of, you could

find Sean at the piano with Laura at his side, singing soprano.

Over the years, Laura would nudge Sean to find work in Catholic media. Sean recalled saying, “I would love to work on Catholic media projects, if they existed.” Laura was undeterred: “Many times over the years, I would bring it up,” Laura said. Finally, Sean said he would do the Catholic media projects if Laura found them. She found Spirit Juice Studios, a new studio whose purpose was elevating Catholic evangelization through powerful visuals and masterful storytelling. It was the break into Catholic media that Laura knew was possible for Sean. He worked on projects with Spirit Juice Studios, and was introduced to other Catholic media professionals, like Word on Fire, Knights of Columbus, and Castletown Media. Slowly, Sean began building an impressive resume in Catholic media.

In 2019, a short film about the unseen miracle of the Mass called "The Veil Removed" began trending on social media. “We’ll have people tell us about it sometimes,” Laura said with a smile.

GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | WINTER/SPRING 2025 11

“All music that I play and perform, whether for a secular project, a Catholic film or during the Holy Mass, is giving glory to God. He is the cultivator of my gifts, and I will endlessly pursue beauty, truth and growing His Kingdom through my craft the only way I know how to, music!”

SEAN BEESON

What they don’t realize when recommending the film is that Sean composed the film score. “It was the first project that people around here knew about,” Laura explained.

On projects like "The Veil Removed", Sean receives a “rough cut” of the film and then has a discussion with the director and producer about the points in the film where mood, tone and emotions should change. Sean explained, “They’ll say things like, ‘At this point in the film, the mood should be darker.’” Based on that conversation, “I sit down to watch the video with a midi controller [a piano that communicates with a computer] and just start to play what I hear in my head.” Modern music composition looks very different from what people usually imagine. A quick peek into Sean’s studio, bright colors dancing across computer screens and keyboards lining the walls, emphasizes that point. “People imagine me sitting in front of a piano scribbling on pieces of paper,” Sean said with a laugh. “Fifty percent of what I do is musical, and fifty percent of what I do is technical. I’m a composer, but I also have to be a programmer.”

While the mechanics of composing the music for a Catholic film are the same, it’s an entirely different internal process for Sean.

When working on secular projects, “the mindset is often: How can I make this as grand, spectacular and attention-grabbing as possible?” Sean noted. “What is most important in Catholic media is the mission. It’s not about me, it’s not about the music. It’s about the message. Catholic media requires a certain level of humility. I say, Lord, Your Will be done in

the music.”

This was never more evident for Sean than when he worked on the project he is most proud of — "Mother Teresa: No Greater Love", which was released in theaters across the United States in 2022 with resounding success. “Musically, it is not my most advanced score. It’s not even my most beautiful score. It’s very simple,” Sean said. In other words, the message of Mother Teresa’s remarkable work and the impact both she and her Missionaries of Charity have had on the people they have served throughout the world are at the forefront. The music is a humble background element, and it reflects her work and her life's mission, which is a success in Sean’s estimation.

In the years since, Sean has continued to work on Catholic projects with Hallow, Word on Fire, The Knights of Columbus and Spirit Juice. “I'd love for Catholic media to be the only thing I am doing in the future, if that’s possible,” Sean said.

Even if it’s not possible, the foundation of Sean’s music was first laid when he started playing liturgical music and has continued through involvement in Catholic music ministry during his life. “Playing music for Masses formed a lot of my musical experience. So when I’m asked to compose something, that’s what I’m pulling from,” he said. There are times when the sacred is subtly behind his music, and occasions when it might be obvious, like the Google ringtone that’s a recording of altar bells ringing from St. Bernard's Catholic Church in New Washington.

Sean summed it up, saying, “Not everything I do is Catholic at this point, but I’m Catholic in everything that I do.” 

12 WINTER/SPRING 2025 | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE

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THE MUSIC BEHIND THE MOVIES A well-crafted film score can heighten tension, evoke nostalgia or elicit joy, helping to convey the story's themes and characters' emotions. Iconic scores often become intertwined with a film's identity, leaving a lasting impact that resonates long after the credits roll. Here are some of the most iconic film scores of all time.

BY ANNIE LUST

The Catholic War Veterans & Auxiliary Department of Ohio We are seeking new members – veterans and their families who share our pride in our service and a love of our faith!

The Catholic War Veterans and Auxiliary advocate for and support all veterans, their families, and our communities through fellowship, charitable activities, and veterans’ services.

BEN-HUR

MGM, 1959 Composer: Miklós Rózsa

GONE WITH THE WIND

MGM, 1939 Composer: Max Steiner

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY Produzioni Europee Associati, 1966 Composer: Ennio Morricone

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING

New Line Cinema, 2001 Composer: Howard Shore

NORTH BY NORTHWEST

MGM, 1959 Composer: Bernard Herrmann

ROCKY

United Artists, 1976 Composer: Bill Conti

LAWRENCE OF ARABIA

SPIRITED AWAY

THE LION KING

STAR WARS

Columbia, 1962 Composer: Maurice Jarre Disney, 1994 Composer: Hans Zimmer

Studio Ghibli, 2001 Composer: Joe Hisaishi Twentieth Century Fox, 1977 Composer: John Williams

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GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | WINTER/SPRING 2025 15

PHOTO BY SCOTT W. GRAU/SPECIAL TO THE DIOCESE OF TOLEDO

16 WINTER/SPRING 2025 | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE

UNEXPECTED

archer

BY ANNIE LUST

By 1995, Ingrid Cooper had already lived an extraordinary life. She had lived on three different continents. She had raised two sons. She had decades of experience in a career that sent her around the world. She had no idea that her adventure was just beginning.

B

orn on the island of Trinidad, Ingrid moved to the United States to attend college at the Institute of Technology in New York in 1968. After college, she moved to Montreal, Canada, where she raised her two sons. Her 30-year career with Bailey Controls (now ABB) sent her around the world, which is how she found herself living in Australia for three years in the early 1990s. By happenstance, Paul Cooper arrived in Australia at the same time. “He changed my whole life,” Ingrid said with a radiant smile. “This wonderful man who asked me to marry him, and he happened to be an American. So here we are.”

Paul Cooper was a Detroit native, so Ingrid followed him to the Midwest, settling in Avon, Ohio. They were both busy with successful careers, but they also traveled, taking an Alaskan cruise, spending their 10th wedding anniversary in Quebec City and filling their home with mementos from every adventure together.

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Discovering Strength and Adventure in Life’s Unforeseen Challenges

After a decade, Paul and Ingrid agreed to retire. They sold their Avon home and planned to move to Michigan, near the Canadian border. But Paul convinced Ingrid to spend one year in Toledo so he could work part-time for Chrysler. “We had our plan, and God had His,” she said. Before the year was over, Chrysler went on strike. It was a blow to Paul, and “it accelerated something I had secretly suspected,” Ingrid said. “Paul had Alzheimer’s.”

Again, Ingrid’s entire life changed.

INGRID COOPER Paul’s family was spread across the United States, and Ingrid’s family was in Canada. They were still new to Toledo, with limited friends and connections.

“I made a promise that I would not put him in a [care facility],” she explained. So, Ingrid became

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Ingrid has had many new adventures in recent years. (Above) One recent trip included walking across the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver, which sways 230 feet above the river. (Below) Ingrid and Paul were both world travelers.

Some memorable trips included an Alaskan cruise and a trip to Quebec for their 10th anniversary. (Right) Ingrid joined a diocesan pilgrimage led by Bishop Daniel E. Thomas to Spain and Italy in 2022.

“I made a promise that I would not put him in a [care facility],” she explained. So, Ingrid became Paul’s full-time caretaker. “There were times I didn’t think I would make it. It was so lonely.”

18 WINTER/SPRING 2025 | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE

“It was stepping out of my comfort zone ... I think this spurred on my adventurous side, that I didn’t know I had, to do things like archery and mountain climbing and heaven knows what else.”

INGRID COOPER

Paul’s full-time caretaker. “There were times I didn’t think I would make it. It was so lonely,” Ingrid said. Her faith was what kept her going.

In Ingrid’s most desperate moments, she turned to her Heavenly Father: “Every time, He would send me what I needed,” she said. When Ingrid needed a house to accommodate Paul’s needs, she miraculously found a way to build one. Ingrid recalled, “One of my friends said, ‘You’re 75 years old. How could you be building a house?’ It was simple. I needed to build a house.

And [God] knew I wanted to keep my promise to Paul.” Often, God sent people who eased Ingrid’s burden, like Fr. Dave Tscherne, the Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick of Heatherdowns, who visited Paul regularly. During COVID, Ingrid’s

doctor suggested Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice of Greater Toledo. Their assistance was invaluable for Ingrid. “For the last two years, they were there to help, to feed him or stay with him so I could just take a walk and clear my head,” Ingrid explained. One of their volunteers made a particular impression on Ingrid: “They sent me Sr. Marguerite Lamberjack, OSF/T, who absolutely changed my life. She’s become my best friend.”

In November of 2021, Paul died at home in his own bed. “You would think I would be ready after 11 years, but I wasn’t,” Ingrid said. Once again, Ingrid’s life changed. And once again, God sent her the help she needed. This time, it was the Wednesday Breakfast Club.

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Shortly after losing Paul, Ingrid was at a Wednesday morning Mass when a woman approached her. “She came to me and said, ‘Would you like to have breakfast with us?

You look so sad,’ They have been incredible.

They have no idea how important they are to me,” Ingrid said.

A few months after losing Paul, Ingrid received an unexpected phone call. There was a part-time opening at the Diocese of Toledo’s Pastoral Center in the Chancery Office, which includes those offices and persons who directly assist the Bishop. Ingrid accepted the role and began working with the priests, consecrated religious, deacons and lay persons on the second floor of the downtown Toledo offices. “It has gotten me through some of the most difficult times,” Ingrid said.

“I think I’m the oldest person who works here, and that’s okay. They gave me a new chance at a joy-filled life.”

After working for a few months at the Pastoral Center, Bishop Daniel E. Thomas mentioned his upcoming diocesan pilgrimage to Spain and Italy. It was one of the trips that Ingrid and Paul had wanted to take but never had the chance.

Ingrid enthusiastically signed on. For thirteen days in October 2022, Ingrid and her fellow pilgrims delighted in the deep prayer, the incredible food, stunning vistas and breathtaking churches. “Every church was more extraordinarily beautiful than the next. It was phenomenal,” Ingrid said.

The pilgrimage was just the beginning.

“Now that I find myself alone, I don’t like to sit and do nothing. That makes me sad, so I try to set myself goals,” Ingrid said. In the summer of 2023, the goal was to learn archery. Ingrid spent hours at Westwinds Metropark, perfecting her stance, pulling her bowstring to the correct position and sending arrow after arrow into the target.

“I loved it,” Ingrid said, laughing at the memory of the mosquito bites she sustained while honing the craft. “Every year, I plan to do something different. This year, I took up weightlifting,” she said. It made her feel strong and accomplished.

She has also embarked on incredible trips, like four days of hiking in the Appalachian Mountains. “It was harder than anything I could possibly have

20 WINTER/SPRING 2025 | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Ingrid learned to step out of her comfort zone, saying yes to experiences she would otherwise never have had. One example is accepting an invitation to hike the Appalachian Trail for four days. “It was harder than anything I could possibly have imagined, but I did it! I got to the top of that mountain,” Ingrid said.

imagined, but I did it! I got to the top of that mountain,” Ingrid said. Her most recent expedition was braving the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver, a 450-foot-long bridge that sways 230 feet above the Capilano River. “If you had told me five years ago that I was going to do any of this, I wouldn’t have believed you,” Ingrid said with a laugh.

Looking back, Ingrid reflects on her first small step outside her comfort zone after Paul’s death. Fr. Mark Davis, Ingrid’s pastor at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns, encouraged her to attend a retreat. Ingrid declined. Fr. Mark encouraged her again.

She reluctantly accepted. “It was stepping out of my comfort zone ... I think this spurred on my adventurous side, that I didn’t know I had, to do things like archery and mountain climbing and heaven knows what else,” Ingrid concluded.

“It has been a good life. A surprising life, but a good life,” Ingrid said. And as long as she is able, in deep abiding faith, Ingrid plans to continue trusting in God and saying yes to the adventures that come her way.  GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | WINTER/SPRING 2025 21

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22 WINTER/SPRING 2025 | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE

The Leyland family has deep roots in the Catholic community of Northwest Ohio. Jim's older brother was a diocesan priest for more than 50 years, and two of his aunts were Ursuline Sisters.

The Leyland family celebrates Fr. Tom Leyland's ordination in 1965 (above). Jim's passion for baseball led him to a brief career as a catcher before transitioning to coaching, where he thrived. As a manager, Leyland won it all with the 1997 Florida Marlins and came up just short twice with Detroit in 2006 and 2012. Before that, however, Leyland guided Pittsburgh to three consecutive division titles from 1990-'92.

GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | WINTER/SPRING 2025 23

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q Jim, you called Perrysburg “a jewel of a town” in your Hall of Fame induction speech.

What was it like growing up there?

A. Well, it’s certainly grown a lot since I grew up here — I think it was about one square mile back then. But it was one of those warm communities with a bunch of good, hardworking people; a very proud little community. Everybody knew everybody and you were friends with just about everybody.

Dad worked at the local glass factory and Mom took care of me and my six siblings.

Growing up in a big family meant learning how to interact with lots of different personalities, which was a great learning experience I’d draw on as a manager. I’d have ballplayers of all different personalities and temperaments, and having so many siblings taught me how to communicate with them as individuals and observe how they’d react to different situations.

Q. Your family must have been pretty involved at St. Rose Parish and School, then.

A. Certainly. Dad was an usher and a member of the Holy Name Society and Mom was very involved in the ladies groups. My brothers and I were altar servers, too. The Ursuline Sisters educated us at St. Rose, which included Sister Jean Marie teaching me to play trumpet.

My first baseball team was sponsored by the Knights of Columbus at St. Rose Parish, and we’d play teams from all the other local parishes, like Little Flower Parish in Toledo.

Around the time I was preparing for First Communion, I had a penchant for getting bumps and bruises all over so my parents were trying to make sure I got through it without having a Band-Aid somewhere. Of course, I decided to ride the handlebars of my brother Tom’s bike sometime before that important day. He hit a bump going across railroad tracks and I fell, cutting my head open. It’s funny now, but I had to wear a big patch over my eyes for the big day, so Mom was furious!

24 WINTER/SPRING 2025 | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE

PHOTOS BY ALAMY

Jim Leyland's managerial career took off in the 1980s as the manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, leading them to three consecutive NL East titles. In 1997, Leyland led the Florida Marlins (above) to a World Series Championship in a seven-game series over the Cleveland Indians. In the 2000s, he revitalized the Detroit Tigers (bottom left), guiding them to the World Series in 2006 and 2012 (top left). Celebrated for his strategic acumen and ability to develop talent, Leyland’s legacy is cemented by multiple Manager of the Year awards and his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame (top right).

Q. Tom later became a priest, serving the Diocese of Toledo for more than 55 years, and you also had two aunts who were Ursulines. How did their witness affect you?

A. Their dedication to the communities they served and their decision to give up their lives in service to others spoke volumes. Tom was a great priest for a long, long time, and my aunts were wonderful teachers.

But at the same time, we just saw them as members of our family — and it was a great family to be a part of.

Q. What has been the role of your Catholic faith in your life?

A. I was born, raised and remain Catholic. I PHOTO BY DREAMSTIME believe in God and my While leading the Pirates faith. I don’t discuss my for 11 seasons, he led the team to three straight faith publicly much — I first-place finishes in want to respect the faith 1990, ‘91 and ’92, winning traditions of others — but at least 95 games each of I’ve been able to share those years and finishing it with some people his tenure with 851 victories, third most in throughout my baseball franchise history. career, like Rich Donnelly, my good friend who spent 14 seasons with me as a big league coach. Like everyone else, I’m not a saint, but I’m a strong believer in what I believe and I try to do my best to act that out.

Q. Have you found any connections between your Catholic faith and your career in baseball?

A. Well, I’ve learned you can’t pray for wins

— after all, I know the other team might do the same thing, so who wins? There’s some superstition in baseball, obviously, that people have; I’m sure I have some too, like using the same pen to make out the lineup card and stuff like that. But, you know, I was smart enough to know that God helps the other team too.

One of the greatest witnesses of forgiveness and mercy I’ve seen was on a baseball field. I was managing the Tigers in 2010 when Armando Galarraga, one of our starting pitchers, came one out away from throwing a perfect game — 27 batters up, 27 down, probably the greatest individual performance a pitcher can have. But the 27th batter, who should have been the final out, was called safe by umpire Jim Joyce on a close play at first base, even though replay showed he was out. There was no way to change the call, and a special place in history was taken away from Armando.

The next day, Armando presented Jim with our lineup card, which isn’t something he would usually do. We talk a lot in faith about forgiveness. Jim knew he made a mistake, and Armando forgave him. That gesture warmed a lot of hearts and diffused what could have been a really tense situation.

Q. What’s life been like since you learned of your election to the Hall of Fame in December 2023?

A. It’s certainly been hectic: a lot of traveling, interviews, etc. But it’s a good hectic. Earlier this year, Perrysburg Schools invited me out for Homecoming Weekend, and the mayor gave me the key to the city. In our business, you travel to lots of places and meet lots of people, but being recognized in your hometown is quite a thrill. It’s not the city that makes Perrysburg good, it’s the people in the city. 

“Like everyone else, I’m not a saint, but I’m a strong believer in what I believe and I try to do my best to act that out.”

JIM LEYLAND

26 WINTER/SPRING 2025 | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE

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WEEKEND GETAWAY

BY ANNIE LUST

At the spot where the Auglaize and Maumee rivers meet, Defiance offers visitors an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. The location was originally Fort Defiance, founded in 1794 by General “Mad” Anthony Wayne. Nearly three decades later, long after the fort was abandoned, the city of Defiance was laid out on the same spot and named in honor of the former military stronghold.

Two centuries since its founding, Defiance offers modern amenities for visitors while honoring its long history.

DEFIANCE

C TRAVEL C

PHOTO: DEFIANCE MAIN STREET & VISITORS BUREAU

SHOP Whether you’re window shopping or buying specialty gifts, Defiance will not disappoint you. Browse Fort Defiance Antiques for furniture, books, toys and military memorabilia. You’ll also find vintage furniture at Abode Furnishings, particularly their monthly market. If you want something extra special, visit The Fifth Stitch for all the yarn you can imagine or Linda’s Glass Gallery for stained glass materials or custom orders. You can find a little bit of everything at Ruby Rose Market.

EXPLORE

EAT The toughest decision to make on a morning in Defiance is which place to select for a delicious breakfast. Step into the cozy atmosphere of Cabin Fever Coffee in the quaint downtown area for a signature latte. Another sweet place to begin your day is Meek’s Pastry Shop, which has a mouthwatering display of donuts and pastries. Visit Kissner’s Restaurant for a hearty breakfast or a delicious lunch. For dinner, try Sweetwater Chophouse for surf ‘n’ turf or Fired Stone Tavern for wood-fired pizza.

History lovers have plenty to explore in the area. Defiance County has several public sites on the National Register of Historic Places.

The City of Defiance Public Library was built in 1904 with funds from a Carnegie Grant. This beautiful building is located on the site of Fort Defiance along the Maumee and Auglaize riverbanks and allows visitors to reflect on the county’s history. The rich history is evident as you cruise through Defiance in the architecture of beautiful historic homes and buildings that span Greek Revival, Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Prairie, Craftsmen and Bungalow styles. A visit to Auglaize Village is a truly immersive historical experience. The historic village preserves the history of the men and women who carved a community out of the Great Black Swamp.

Stroll through the 22 buildings, four farm museums, military museum, natural history museum and model railroad museum. They also offer plenty of special events, like the upcoming World War II reenactment. For a truly modern fun experience, visit the Putt-Putt Fun Center for go-karts, batting cages, laser tag, an indoor multi-game simulator, and putt-putt golf.

PRAY

The history of Catholicism in Defiance stretches back to 1841, when there were two Catholic families, and the first Mass was said in a home. By 1844, a small log building was erected as the first church in Defiance, dedicated to St. John the Evangelist. Within 30 years, the Catholic population had expanded enough to divide into two parishes: St. John the Evangelist, where German was the primary language spoken, and the newly founded St. Mary, where English was spoken. St. Mary Catholic Church opened its doors for the first Mass in 1876. The brick exterior was completed, but the interior would take another two decades to complete. The current St. John the Evangelist was constructed in 1896. In 2022, the parishes were twinned, with one pastor and one parochial vicar.

GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | WINTER/SPRING 2025 29

Bishop Dennis Walsh, a native son and priest of the Diocese of Toledo, is the newly installed Bishop of Davenport, Iowa

DIOCESE OF DAVENPORT

BY ANNIE LUST

the f o g n i k a m A Bishop

30 WINTER/SPRING 2025 | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE

SUBMITTED PHOTO

The deep faith of his parents had a profound impact on Bishop Dennis Walsh. He vividly recalls his father waking at 4:30 each morning, sitting in his corner chair surrounded by prayer books. His father was a daily Mass goer until his death in 2019, and his mother still attends daily Mass.

A

s he prayed the Eucharistic prayer during his Ordination and Installation Mass, Bishop Dennis Walsh’s voice was strong and steady, echoing through Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport, Iowa. The words were familiar, “Together with your servant, Francis our Pope…” Suddenly, he faltered. The next line, of course, names the Bishop of the Diocese. At his elbow, Bishop Daniel E. Thomas whispered, prompting Bishop Walsh with the next words. “And me, your unworthy servant,” he said before continuing without a hitch. “It’s pretty embarrassing to forget the name of the Bishop of the Diocese, and then Bishop Thomas had to remind me that the Bishop is me,” Bishop Walsh later said with a laugh.

That moment of wonderment that he was the bishop was characteristic of Bishop Dennis Walsh. He is a humble, gentle introvert with a dry sense of humor. He never imagined himself wearing a mitre. He never imagined shepherding the people of an entire diocese. He never imagined that he would be named Bishop of the Diocese of Davenport.

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FAITHFUL FAMILY

Bishop Walsh’s childhood in northwest Ohio was simple. The five member Walsh family lived in a cozy home on the north end of Lima. Brenda Walsh, Bishop Walsh’s older sister, fondly recalls the neighborhood children playing in the woods behind their house.

Even then, there were hints of Bishop Walsh’s future.

While the children played like it was the “olden days,” young Dennis was always designated to be in charge of their imaginary church. “He has always wanted to be a priest from the time he was little,” Brenda said.

Undoubtedly, his parents’ steadfast faith made an impression on Dennis. Daniel and Marilyn chose the middle name Gerard for their son, after the patron of their neighborhood parish, to whom Daniel was greatly devoted. They were dedicated to their parish, as well. “We never missed Mass,” Bishop Walsh explained. Even the infamous blizzard of 1978, when the obligation to attend Mass was dispensed, did not keep the Walsh family from Mass. They pulled into the parking lot at St. Gerard, and their trunk was weighed down with firewood to prevent sliding.

“I think we were just about the only ones there,” he recalled with a broad smile.

REDEMPTORIST INFLUENCE The Walsh’s parish, St. Gerard in Lima, was established in 1916 by the Redemptorists who continue to run the parish even today. As a young teenager, Dennis told his pastor that he was considering the priesthood. “He put me in contact with the Redemptorist Vocations Director, naturally,” Bishop Walsh explained. With a laugh, he admitted, “To be honest, I’m not sure I even knew what a diocesan priest was because every priest I knew was a Redemptorist!”

After a visit to the Redemptorist High School Seminary in Pennsylvania, Dennis was convinced he wanted to attend. His parents had other plans. “They said ‘Absolutely not. You’re only in ninth grade. You’re not leaving home,’” he recalled. They fully supported his call to the priesthood but insisted he wait until graduating high school to leave home for seminary.

So, in 1983, eighteen year old Dennis moved to Connecticut to attend the Redemptorist College to

32 WINTER/SPRING 2025 | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE

begin his nine year formation.

NEW WORLDS By the mid-90s, Dennis’ horizons had broadened exponentially. Throughout seminary, he served in inner-city areas on the East Coast, a Caribbean island and the Dominican Republic. “It was a great experience for me,” he said, noting the diversity in race, culture and socioeconomic background that his Midwest upbringing lacked. After ordination, his first assignments were no less diverse.

Father Walsh served on Saint Croix Island, in Puerto Rico, in Baltimore, and finally, in the South Bronx of New York City. While he was grateful for the experiences, they took a toll on him. By 1998, he yearned to return to his roots. “I wrote a letter to Bishop Hoffman expressing my interest in coming to the Diocese of Toledo, so the Redemportists sent me there on loan,” Bishop Walsh explained.

HOMECOMING Being back in the Midwest was a balm for Father Walsh’s soul. After two years, Bishop Hoffman and Father Walsh agreed to make the change permanent. Father Dennis Walsh was incardinated into the Diocese of Toledo as

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Bishop Walsh studied and was ordained as a Redemptorist priest, serving in a wide variety of places, before being incardinated into the Diocese of Toledo in 2000.

a Diocesan priest in 2000. Over the next two decades, Father Walsh served across Northwest Ohio, first at St. Mary in Sandusky, followed

by St. John the Evangelist in Defiance and St. Patrick of Heatherdowns in Toledo before his most recent assignment brought him closer to home than he had been in more than 30 years. Being sent to St. John the Evangelist in Delphos, St. John the Baptist in Landeck, and, one year later, also to St. Patrick in Spencerville was as close to home as Bishop Walsh could have dreamed. “I [was] 20 minutes from home,” Bishop Walsh said. “I have family in Delphos, family in Landeck.” He even had family in the parish office when his sister, Brenda, joined the

GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | WINTER/SPRING 2025 33

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF DAVENPORT

Before being named Bishop of Davenport, Bishop Dennis Walsh was pastor of the tri-parish grouping of St. John the Evangelist, Delphos, St. Patrick Church, Spencerville and St. John the Baptist, Landeck. Pictured above, Bishop Dennis Walsh is celebrating his ordination and installation events with several priests of the Diocese of Toledo along with Srs. Immacolata Scarogni, SCC, and Mary Edward Spohrer, SCC, and Father Thom Hennen, Vicar General of the Diocese of Davenport.

staff. When his father died in 2019, Father Walsh was nearby. In the years since, the short distance allowed Father Walsh to spend precious time with his mother: “On my day off, I would shoot home to see mom or pick her up for a nearby parish festival,” Bishop Walsh said.” Overall, his time at these parishes was a dream come true.

SURPRISE OF A LIFETIME On the second Sunday of June, Father Walsh was waiting for a long-distance phone call.

He’d had a busy morning — First Communion, celebrating a Mass in Spanish — and was perhaps distracted when his phone finally rang. Hearing an accent, Bishop Walsh mistook this unexpected call for the one he was anticipating. “I said, ‘Oh yes, I’ve been waiting for your call!’ and [the caller] responded, ‘No, no. This is the Nuncio,’ Bishop Walsh recounted. Those words were enough.

“There’s only one reason the Nuncio would be calling me,” he said. Of course, the Nuncio — the Holy Father’s representative to the United States — shares life-changing information, such as being appointed the Bishop of Davenport. “It was the shock of a lifetime,” Bishop Walsh explained.

Despite his surprise, he did not hesitate. “I made the decision early in my priesthood that I would

COAT OF ARMS DESCRIPTION:

The Bishop’s personal coat of arms (right side) employs the colors of the arms of his home Diocese of Toledo: blue (azure), silver (argent) and red (gules). On the center silver stripe (called a pale) appears a slightly narrower red stripe drawn with points at the bottom (indented). This stripe represents the Oriflamme, the battle standard borne by the King of France from the twelfth to the fifteenth centuries. In peacetime, the Oriflamme was kept in the Abbey of Saint Denis in Paris, and according to legend its red color came from its being soaked in the blood of the bishop Saint Denis – Bishop Walsh’s baptismal patron saint – when the saint was martyred in Paris around the year 250.

do whatever the Church asked me to do.” Bishop Walsh solemnly promised to keep the news secret until the official announcement weeks later with one exception: “I asked if I could tell my mom,” he said.

GOOD SHEPHERD Before the sun rose in Davenport on June 25, 2024, reporters and cameras were poised and ready for the press conference to announce to the 10th Bishop of Davenport. Bishop Dennis Walsh was also there,

34 WINTER/SPRING 2025 | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE

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4 SUMMER/FALL 2024 | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE

At the ordination of a new bishop, three bishops ordain and consecrate the new bishop.

Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, one of the co-consecrators, lays his hands on Bishop Dennis Walsh at the ordination and installation in Davenport, Iowa.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DIOCESE OF DAVENPORT

“I promise to be a shepherd who listens and leads with humility.

I consider myself fortunate to have been entrusted with the pastoral care of the people of this diocese. I’m deeply humbled by the confidence and the great responsibility that the Holy Father has placed upon me.”

having surreptitiously arrived the night prior.

Four minutes into the press conference, Bishop Walsh took his place before the microphones: “I promise to be a shepherd who listens and leads with humility. I consider myself fortunate to have been entrusted with the pastoral care of the people of this diocese. I’m deeply humbled by the confidence and the great responsibility that the Holy Father has placed upon me.” Four hundred miles away, Bishop Walsh’s family, friends and parishioners were waking to the news. Many took to social media to praise Bishop Walsh’s kindness, gentleness, wisdom and humility. Many others congratulated Bishop Walsh directly. For Bishop Walsh’s sister, Brenda, it was a momentary surprise that quickly made sense. “He is a very obedient priest and also the smartest man I know,” she said simply. On September 27, 2024, Brenda was in the first row beside her mother to watch as the newly ordained Bishop Dennis Walsh adjusted his mitre, gripped his crozier and smiled at them. “Being a priest has been the greatest joy of my life. I have cherished every moment. I thank God for the gift and the privilege of this vocation. As I embrace this new ministry to which I have been called, I anticipate experiencing that same profound joy [as a bishop],” he said. 

36 WINTER/SPRING 2025 | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE

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Historic theatres are more than simply architectural treasures; they represent the artistic spirit and social history of their local communities. Over the past century, many of these historic gems have been lost, but Northwest Ohio still has these stunning theatres in operation today.

HICKSVILLE

HUBER OPERA HOUSE

The Huber Opera House began as a hotel, built in 1882, before transforming into an opulent theater with rich colors, dazzling lights and a spectacular stage curtain.

Despite the impressive debut, the theatre fell into disrepair over the next several decades. In 1999, the Historical Society and the community banded together to restore the building to its former glory.

MANSFIELD

RENAISSANCE

BY ANNIE LUST

Check out these beautiful historic theaters that still remain in NW Ohio.

​​ 1928, the Ohio Theatre was built as a In grand movie house in Mansfield, Ohio. For 20 years, it successfully hosted popular films, live performers, and premieres, becoming a cultural hub for the city.

However, with the rise of television, theatre's popularity declined, and it faced a period of neglect. In 1980, a restoration began with a massive clean-up and chandelier relighting.

The theatre was renamed the Renaissance Theatre to reflect the revived interest in theatre arts. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks in 1983.

SANDUSKY

THE SANDUSKY STATE THEATRE

The Sandusky State Theatre was designed in a stunning Art Deco style. From 1928, it hosted concerts, musicals and community gatherings. The theater underwent significant renovations in the early 2000s, restoring

its architectural beauty and enhancing its facilities. In 2020, a massive storm ripped through Sandusky, tearing off the theatre’s roof and destroying much of the interior. The catastrophe brought Erie County residents together to imagine a brighter future for the theatre. Plans to preserve, restore and expand the theatre were set into motion.

TIFFIN

THE RITZ

At the end of the “Roaring Twenties,” Tiffin builders Dan Kerwin and Adam Ritzler dreamed of a more grand and beautiful movie palace than anything the area had ever seen.

When it opened on December 20, 1928, its ornate architecture, featuring a stunning marquee and elegant interior, reflected the grandeur of the era. Renovated in 1998 to its almost original condition, The Ritz Theatre allows us to look back to a time when the theaters themselves often stole the show.

TOLEDO

HISTORIC OHIO THEATRE

The Historic Ohio Theatre in Toledo, designed in the elaborate Beaux-Arts style, debuted in 1921 as a grand movie palace. The theater was initially a venue for silent films and live performances, showcasing the glamour of early 20th-century entertainment. In the late 20th century, a preservation effort revitalized the theater, restoring its stunning architecture. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

38 WINTER/SPRING 2025 | DIOCESE OF TOLEDO | GRACEFUL LIVING MAGAZINE

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S I N C E R A PA L L I AT I V E CARE AND HOSPICE O F N O RT H W E S T O H I O

When selecting a palliative care or hospice provider, it is important to ask questions to assure you are receiving the best care possible.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PROVIDING CARE? Hospice of Northwest Ohio was the area’s first hospice. Founded in 1981, we are the only local, independent, non-profit agency that dedicates all of its resources exclusively to hospice and palliative care. Sincera palliative care was started in 2008 to meet the pain and symptom management needs of patients with serious illness who are not on a hospice program.

WHERE DO YOU PROVIDE PALLIATIVE CARE SERVICES? To best meet the needs of seriously ill patients across the community, Sincera’s care is typically provided in one of our clinic spaces located inside Hospice of Northwest Ohio’s Virginia Clifford Hospice Center in Toledo, our Michigan Office in Lambertville, the Fulton County Health Center in Wauseon and The Toledo Clinic Cancer Centers in Maumee and Oregon. If medically necessary, consideration will be made for a home visit.

HOW WELL DO YOU MANAGE PAIN AND OTHER SYMPTOMS? Our pain and symptom management expertise is unmatched in this region. We strive to manage pain within 48 hours of admission to our program.

DO YOU HAVE A FREESTANDING INPATIENT CENTER? Yes, we have three! Designed to meet the unique needs of patients and their families at the end of life, our Ebeid, Edward and Marion Knight and Virginia Clifford Hospice Centers provide beautiful, home-like environments for patients who require close medical monitoring, or whose conditions can no longer be managed at home.

DO YOU PROVIDE BEREAVEMENT SERVICES? Yes. Hospice of Northwest Ohio provides the area’s most comprehensive range of grief support services. These include counseling, support groups and special workshops, which are free and open to anyone in the community.

WHAT ABOUT PATIENTS WHO ARE UNABLE TO PAY FOR SERVICES? Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans will cover the cost of Hospice or Sincera. As a not-for-profit agency, we receive substantial support from a variety of community sources. We care for everyone who requests our services, regardless of their ability to pay or complexity of care.

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hospicenwo.org 419-661-4001

ABOUT MY PRACTICE I focus my practice in the areas of estate and wealth preservation planning, taxation, estate and trust administration, and residential and commercial real estate transactions. I work with individuals and families to address both simple and complex estate planning, business succession planning, and tax planning objectives. I also have significant experience in the preparation of personal income tax, personal gift tax, fiduciary income tax, and Federal estate tax returns.

ABOUT MY MISSION I believe that estate planning is more than just wills or trusts; it is an act of love taken by those who care deeply about their families and desire to leave a lasting legacy in the world. My mission is to help families regain their peace of mind by providing protection in times of prosperity, security in times of uncertainty, and comfort in times of crisis. Understanding that no two families are alike, I take the time to get to know my clients so that I can provide customized advice to accomplish their specific goals and objectives. Also, seeing my role with my clients as both advisor and educator, I empower my clients to leave my office understanding all of the options so they can forge their path with confidence.

I got into the practice of law because helping people is my passion. And I strongly believe that I can help you.

The Law Offices of LaValley, LaValley, Todak and Schaefer 5800 Monroe Street, Building F

Charles D. Rittenhouse, Attorney

(419) 882-0081 cdr@lavalley-law.com charlesrittenhouse.com