The purpose of Rotary Cares is to show our support for Akron Rotary members and their families when dealing with the loss of a loved one, the hardship of illness and also to celebrate the joy of a new baby, job, marriage or other events in their lives. Please <Click to Email us> to let us know of any news you would like placed here. Note that health related information is posted only with permission of the individual(s).
Deepest Sympathy to the Hausknecht/Koshel families
James “Jim” Koshel peacefully passed away September 13, 2025. He was the father of Carol and father-in-law of Akron Rotarian Doug Hausknecht.
A proud US Navy Veteran, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife and soulmate of 65 years; Loretta, sisters; Janet Goodworth and Lillian Feador. Jim is survived by his children, Carol (Doug) Hausknecht, Barb (Ted) Walter, Jim (Sue) Koshel, Rick (Sandy) Koshel, John (Amy) Koshel and Ann (Dan) Wutsch; 17 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be 3-6pm Sunday September 21st at the Hummel Funeral Home (3475 Copley Rd. Copley, Ohio 44321). Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00am Monday September 22nd at St. Vincent Catholic Church (164 W. Market St. Akron, Ohio 44303). Internment will follow, at 1:30pm at Holy Cross Cemetery, 14609 Brookpark Rd., Brookpark. OH.
Memorial donations may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association (www.abta.org) or St. Vincent de Paul Church (stvincentchurch.com).
Thoughts and Prayers for the family of Rachel Shepard
President Katy shared this from fellow Rotarian Rachel Shepard:
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers for my brother-in-law (Don Shepard) and our family!
Unfortunately, the MRI results a week after the motorcycle accident showed that Don had two strokes during coma that resulted in significant unrepairable damage to his brain.
The good news is that he may be able to save or extend the lives of others as he is an organ donor.
There are three organ donor recipient matches that have been made!!
While I am at peace with his passing, I'm concerned for the future of his four children! I've started a fundraiser on GoFundMe and would appreciate your support for the cost of funeral arrangements and the future cost of living for these young adults. Every single donation makes a difference!
The GoFundMe page can be found by clicking HERE
