Wesley Richard Fahrbach II, 69, of Fremont, OH passed away due to complications of Covid-19 on April 10th, 2020. He was born on April 11, 1950 in Terra Haute, IN.
Wes proudly attended Fremont Ross High School until 1968. After graduation, he attended Heidelberg University where he was both class president and a student-athlete. He later went on to graduate from The Ohio State University with an Education degree. Locally, Wes was a businessman, and a duly elected City Councilman and a Sandusky County Commissioner. In his career, he was a trusted and accomplished District Representative for two Ohio Governors and two U.S Senators. Additionally, he served as Deputy Director of Economic Development for Northwest Ohio and was passionate in his pursuit to bring lasting economic betterment and employment opportunities to regional communities.
Wes was a loving husband to Linda Miller Fahrbach and dedicated father to Kurt Loudy of Dallas, TX, Micheline Fahrbach of Columbus, OH, and Lincoln (Brandy) Fahrbach of Columbus, OH. He welcomed his first grandchild Hennie Fahrbach in 2019.
He was the oldest of eight children born to Wesley Fahrbach I and Gloria Gibbins Fahrbach who predeceased him and is survived by his siblings, Rev. John (Sharon) Fahrbach of Northwood, OH, Ellen Bergman of Genoa, OH, Phyllis Fahrbach of Fremont, OH, Father Paul Fahrbach of Galion, OH, David (Rebecca) Fahrbach of Fremont, OH, Donna (James) Bergman of Perrysburg, OH, and Michael (Diane) Fahrbach of Louisville, KY.
To his children he was known as “Tatner” and he was fiercely dedicated to them. He was actively involved in all of their pursuits from swimming to academics to careers. He had a great sense of humor and vast knowledge, or as his family often joked, he “knew a lot of useless information.” Wes was a curious man; one of his favorite hobbies was genealogy. He was known in Fremont, and throughout Ohio for his knowledge of local history and his passion for the sport of swimming. He often volunteered at swim meets and fundraisers. Wes was a very proud member of the Fremont community, and took pride in celebrating and sharing the achievements of those around him.
A celebration of Wes’ life with family and friends will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in his honor to the Fremont Ross Athletic Boosters, PO Box 102, Fremont, OH 43420.
View Wes’s Celebration of Life Ceremony
Offer Condolences for the family of Wesley Richard Fahrbach II
Print Obituary & Condolences 
Margie Gfoeller
Many condolences to Wes’s family and all the Fahrbachs from the Gfoeller family. Our hearts go go out to you at this time.
Fred Patton
Prayers and Condolences to Wesley`s Family, Friends!
Margie Gfoeller
Many condolences to Wes’s family and all the Fahrbachs from the Gfoeller family. Our hearts go out to you at this time.
Vera Showalter
I always enjoyed being around Wes. His love of life was contagious. Enjoyed his sense of humor . He will be greatly missed. My condolences to the whole family.
Steve and Tammy Steinle
So very sorry for you loss. He was a good guy!
George A Christensen
I grew up with Wes in the 1950s . Our neighborhood had eighteen boys about the same age, we played baseball and football almost everyday down by the yacht club . Wes and John were pretty tuff and physically big competitors . I always remember Wes being sensitive to us smaller guys . A real friend in those days . I always had room for Gloria’s gang in my memories . Wes was the oldest of her eight children who always had the back of his siblings . A real gentile Giant. Rest In Peace my old childhood friend .
Cheryl Wendt
We are sooo very sorry to hear of Wes’ passing. He was always so much fun and loved life with a passion. He will be missed by all! Please know we are praying for all of you. God Bless You and Give You Strength. Craig & Cheryl Wendt
Jeff and Barb (Leid) Aldrich
Dear Fahrbach family, Please accept our sincerest sympathies. I remember Mr. Fahrbach as a County Commissioner and all he did for the county. Donna-I don’t know if you remember me, we worked together many, many years ago at the old Holiday Inn. I pray all the happy memories you created together will help you through this sorrowful time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Linda Bell
Please accept my sincere condolences. Wes was a wonderful man. I enjoyed visiting with him as he appeared in and out of my office at the State and Rawson location. He definitely loved his family so much! God bless you all and keep you close during this difficult time.
Charlie Horne
Wes was a great guy and I saw no mention of him being an Eagle Scout. God must have needed another angel. Wes always tried to make his community ity the best. God bless
Stephen P Shaffer
My deepest condolences for the Fahrbach family.
Deb Karr
No words will be enough but my prayers are with the family ….. I’m very sorry
Cindy Notestine
My sincere condolences to Wes’s family.Loved waiting on him at Whitey’s…a good man.
Becca Lewis
Sending prayers love and condolences to the Fahrbach family God be with you all
Susann Robitski Zimmerman
To Wes’s family, my sincere condolences. He was a smart, kind, passionate guy, an advocate for small towns and small business, and a real friend. I know he will be missed by many.
Barb Wildermuth
So sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences for the Fahrbach family.
Bill and Trish Smith
Bill and I send sincere condolences and sympathies to you and your family. May God be with you and may the peace of our Risen Lord help you all through the incredibly difficult time.
Teresa Kolbe Flock
To the family of Wes,
Although I did not personally know Wes, I know his son Lincoln and his wife Brandy as wonderful friends of my son Brant. Also, I have always heard wonderful things about the accomplishments of Wes for the people in the Fremont community. His truly rich spirited life will be greatly missed but will live on in all those who he blessed.
May God bless your family with great Faith and strength to carry on your journey in this life.
Teresa (Kolbe) Flock
Marvin & Vickie Wright
God bless and rest in peace
John Stilliana
Wes was a colleague of mine when I worked at Senator Voinovich’s office. He was so professional, and just a nice guy. Your family should be so proud. With deepest sympathies.
John Stilliana
Suzanne morley
Worked with Wes when I was the chamber director to create the motel,hotel tax for Sandusky county…he was a great supporter…and worked with our chamber board on many, many economic develop issues to retain manufacturers here to retain residents jobs. Prayers to family.
Anita Hahn
My heart is with the entire family. So sorry for this great loss.
Jim, Lorraine, and Stephen Sakaris
We are so shocked and saddened to hear about Wes’s passing. We have many fond memories of sitting and chatting and joking around at OSU swim meets with him. He as always so kind. Always.
We send our love to help give you strength to get through these dark times.
Peggy Skees
Our sincere sympathy to the Fahrbach family at this time. May your memories of his life well lived lift you up and offer comfort. Sincerely, The Skees Family and Verna Konesky
Connie (Knudsen) Zittnan
Grew up around the Fahrbach family, especially Phyllis and Ellen, enjoying the great crazy good times as treasured memories. From all Wes accomplished I am sure God receives him saying, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
Wes, Rest In Peace and God, be with the Fahrbach family as they go through this difficult time.
Beverly and Charles Fassnacht
Our sincere condolences to Wes’s wife and entire family. He was a wonderful person and we have fond memories of him. One special memory we have is how he would put a jug of Gallo Red Rose in the cooler every week at MidCity for my Mom, Vi White. Mom liked to serve it with Sunday dinner when she would cook for my sisters, myself and our families. I’m sure that he was warmly greeted by my Mom in Heaven.
Brian Davis
I am so sorry to hear that Wes has passed. Wes and I worked on my issues together over the years. He was a great, gentle friend. I pray for his family during their time of loss. God speed my friend.
Jon Brough
Our felt heart sorrow to the Fahrbach family. So sad but we have many great memories to remember Wes.
Robert & Betty Patterson
Words cannot express our deepest sympathy
Debi Davin(Lehan)
My condolences!! Wes was my landlord when I owned Mid-City Pizza Perfect. He was a very nice person!
John and Kimberly Yuhas
So shocked to hear of your loss. Wes was a great leader and a truly dedicated swim parent. Lots of swim meet memories. We are praying for your family through this difficult time.
Craig Hilty
So sorry to the Fahrbach family – Wes was well liked and respected and always a joy to chat with – May he RIP. Cherish the memories…
Deborah Cook
Linda, I am so sorry for your family loss. Jeff and I are shocked. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Anna Crotty
So saddened with this news. My prayers are with Phyllis and the entire Farbach family.
Matt and Denise Manly
We are so very sorry for your loss. We have many fond memories of Wes during our swim team days. He was such a genuinely nice guy. Prayers for strength in the days ahead.
Matt and Denise Manly
Dr. David George
Louie,Jon ,Ellen,Phyllis and family. So sorry to hear of Wes passing. Our neighborhood, as George Christiansen has stated, was pretty special to all of us. It seemed like every day we were playing some sport, fishing, or getting our feet wet in the river. I know Wes was a great dad and did a lot for the high school swim program and of course all of his community service. He will be sorely missed in the Fremont community. My sympathy To the whole family. This virus is a tragedy for a lot of people. Dr. David George, Port Clinton
Dick and Carol Hoffman
To the Family of Wes Fahrbach: We offer our heart felt symphony for your loss. He was a one of a kind man and was always a friendly person to those he met. May our Lord bring comfort and peace to family and friends. In Jesus name. Amen
Todd and Holly Shelton
I had the pleasure of working with Wes in both Sen. Voinovich and Sen. Portman offices. I have many great memories working with Wes, including a road trip we took for a staff retreat to Washington D.C. Holly and I send our deepest sympathies.
Sandy Walker-Wolf
To Michael (Diane) Fahrbach of Louisville, KY. –
Our hearts are saddened to hear of yours and your family’s great loss. Please know we will keep you and your family close in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. From reading all the wonderful accolades, Wes’ greatest accomplishment appears to be the love of his family and friends. He has left a legacy of love that will last forever.
May the Lord give you great peace during this time. Please know you are in the hearts of many and there are green lights burning across America for such a great loss.
Robert Happiness Moyers
My wife Peggy and I are sorry for your loss. I lived in Fremont during the 90’s and knew Wes as a good man and a friend. I was an inspirational speaker and the owner of the Center Of Positive Encouragement, a member of the Presbyterian Church who went around offering to produce true happiness, good health, and well being in the lives of everyone. With that being said, our gift to you is a copy of our TRUE HAPPINESS PLAN which can be viewed at http://www.unconditionallovelive.com. Do you have any wishes, requests, or prayer requests? Care-encourage-love-listen-forgive one another.
Sherry Nicholas
To The Fahrbach Family
I am so very sorry for your loss. Wes was a truly nice gentleman. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you and hold on to the lovely memories you have.
Sherry Nicholas
Jerry Ameling
Lori and I want to pass along our condolences to Micheline and family as well as to Dave, Mike, Donna and all your siblings and families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. God Bless.
Jerry and Lori Ameling
Marc and Patti Schulz
Our condolences to family and friends. We have been friends since high school. Wes was our best man, business partner, mentor and friend. As President of Fremont City Council he gave encouragement and mentored me to the 1st Ward councilman. He was always ready with information, good conversation and counsel. He was witty and had great stories. He was a credit to his family and to our community. He will be missed.
Jeffrey Crosby
As the Safety Service Director for Bellevue I had the priviledge of knowing Wes and worked on a number of projects with Wes. His knowledge and his ability to share that knowledge was always appreciated. Wes worked tiresly for the people of Northwest Ohio. He was always a gentleman and will be missed .
Aggie Halbisen
To the Fahrbach family . My condolences to you. It has been many years ago that I attended school with Wes. He was truly a nice guy. I hope the great memories you have will help you through this most difficult time . Aggie Halbisen
Jim Sherman
From the Sherman’s… our condolences to all the family. Loosing anyone during this time when we can’t all gather and celebrate a special person is difficult.
Jim and Debbie
Janet K. Dorr
Dear Linda and family,
I was so saddened to hear of Wes’s passing. He was always so supportive when we were County
Commissioners together. It was a different time and between Wes, Ed Good, and myself, we were able to do many good things for the County. Wes was always looking for ways to improve the working conditions for the county employees and improve services for the citizens of the county. He continued to do that after he left the Commission and worked for the State of Ohio. We would run across each other over the years at swim meets or what ever and it was always like meeting an old friend. Bob and I extend our deepest condolences to you and the family.
Bud and Karel
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to each of you….He was an amazing man and it was such a joy when our paths crossed. We all met as ‘almost teenagers’ way back in the 7th grade …but Wes is the kind of man that never forgets anyone and always makes you feel very special. May your broken hearts know that you are joined by many others that share in your sorrow and keep you each tucked deeply in our hearts and prayers.
Bud and Karel Oxley
Janet K. Dorr
Dear Linda and family,
I was so saddened to hear of Wes’s passing. I have many fond memories of our time when Wes,
Ed Good, and myself served together as County Commissioners. Wes usually led the charge, always trying to improve the working conditions for our employees and how we provided services in the County. When ever I woud run into Wes in later years, at a swim meet or wherever, it was like meeting an old friend. Our prayers are with you all as you begin the process of moving on without your dearest friend and father. Bob and Janet Dorr
Preston Atkins,
Wes, was a great family man. I remember years ago, when I was on the swim team, he was very encouraging devoted person, with a very kind heart. He will be truly miss. I offer my condolences to the family, remember this is not the end, hold onto the memories. Your family is within my families prayers.
Preston K. Atkins
Selina N. Walker
Lori J. Walker
Joan Kiser
To Linda & Kids and the Fahrbach Family – I offer my deepest sympathy on your great personal loss. I only knew Wes during the past ten years or so. He was respectful, trusting, and supportive to various people who are often on the outer fringes. I saw his many acts of charity hidden from the rest of the world. May God reward him for this special virtue. Joan Kiser (former Fremont-er)
Denise Lynne Carter
To the Fahrbach Family-my deepest sympathy and prayers to your family. Wes was a wonderful person and a friend to my brother John while he was alive. He always had a smile and word of encouragement to everyone he met. He did live in vain. Denise Carter (formerly of Fremont)
Deb Snavley
I am so sorry Linda. I just found out from dad today that your husband died. You and your family are in my prayers. Deb Snavley. I am Tony and Ruth’s daughter btw . Hopefully you will see this
Michael and Brenda Tooman
May the memories that you made help you through this difficult time.
Ken Dumminger
Simply stated….I am a better man for knowing Wes Fahrbach. He was an outstanding gentleman and a great person.
Terry and Donna Thatcher
Our heartfelt sympathy to all the Fahrbach family. Wes was such an example of service to others and he will be truly missed. His example on City Council and as a County Commissioner was such an inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing his memorial service online so we too, could celebrate his life. Our prayers are with you all.