Jason “Carter” Saneholtz, 39, of Montpelier died Thursday morning in a traffic accident outside of Montpelier. He was born June 1, 1973 in Euclid Ohio to James and Kay (Kiester) Saneholtz. Jason graduated from Montpelier High School in 1991.
Jason attended the Ohio State University and the University of Toledo before returning to his home town and marrying Alysha J. Gearhart. They were married on June 24, 2000 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Montpelier.
Jason helped his father Jim and brother A.J. run the family business and was the current Vice President of Saneholtz-McKarns, Inc. in Montpelier. Jason began working for Saneholtz-McKarns in 1999 driving a fuel truck to local farms in the area.
Jason was very active in his community. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Montpelier where he had been a deacon and also helped mentor catechism kids for the church for many years. Jason enjoyed singing in the church choir and with The Hillsdale Town & Country Barbershop Chorus. He was instrumental in forming the Father’s Interested in Restoring Sports Traditions (FIRST) Club and was also an active member of the Montpelier Athletic Boosters. Jason was also a member of Montpelier Rotary. He was an avid golfer and had memberships at several of the local golf courses in the area.
Jason made a positive impact on every kid he came in contact with; he truly loved spending his time with the kids that meant so much to him. He coached the MHS Varsity Golf team for the past 6 years, prior to that he coached the Junior High Golf team. Jason not only made a commitment to other children, he was also a huge part of his own children’s lives by coaching Minor League baseball team Owen’s Electric, Major League baseball team Bullseye Machine, Tot baseball, and Little Locos Basketball.
He is survived by his wife Alysha, two sons Braden D. and Joel C., a daughter Grace K., father James and wife Ann Saneholtz of Hamilton IN, mother Kay N. Saneholtz of Montpelier, brother A. J. and wife Yoli Saneholtz of Montpelier, sister-in-law Dawn and husband Travis Smith of Montpelier, his in-laws Dale and Susan Gearhart of Montpelier, as well as aunts, uncles, and many cousins.
Visitation hours for Jason were Sunday October 14 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Montpelier. Services were held Monday at the Superior Athletic Complex in Montpelier with Pastor Paul Gruetter officiating. Interment followed at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier. Donations may be made to the Montpelier Golf Team for a Golf Simulator or to St. John’s Lutheran Church.
