Romane J. Rickels Romane J. Rickels, 72, passed away this week in his apartment at Rosewood Manor in Defiance, Oh., of natural causes. He was born in Paulding, Ohio on Nov. 7, 1939 in Paulding, Ohio to Roy J. and Eva Rickels, both now deceased. Romane was a graduate of Paulding High School and received a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Indiana Institute of Technology. Romane served in the U.S. Air Force for four years, stationed mainly in Greece. Romane is survived by the most important persons in his life, his two sons: Alan C. (Amie) Rickels of Westfield, IN, a computer engineer, and Aaron M. Rickels of Mishawaka, IN, a musician. Romane took pride in his sons' accomplishments and made an effort to stay in their lives throughout his entire life. Romane is also survived by three nieces, Sandra (Joseph) Weaver of Angola, IN; Janet (Randall) Goyings of Paulding, and Debra (Kim) Poling of Convoy as well as a nephew Robert (Gina) Phlipot Jr. of Paulding. He had one grandchild, Alexandra Rickels and three great nephews Ryan (Amanda) Goyings, Robbie Phlipot, and Josh Poling. Besides his parents, Romane was preceded in death by his sister Dolores Phlipot, who died on Feb. 13 of this year. In the l970's and 1980's, Romane lived in Mishawaka, In. He was employed as an engineer by Dodge Mfg. Co., Wheelabrator-Frye, and the Cook Nuclear Plant in Bridgeman, MI. Services for the family are pending. There is no visitation. The Lawson Roessner Funeral Home is entrusted with his funeral arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.defiancefuneralhome.com.