Austin R. Fiechter, 44, of Lima, Ohio, and formally of Bluffton, passed away Monday afternoon, Oct. 12, 2026, at his residence in Lima, after a lifelong battle with mental health issues.
Austin was born in Bluffton on Aug. 9, 1982, to Steven R. and Fonda K. (Geisel) Fiechter. Both parents survive in Bluffton.
A 2002 graduate of Norwell High School, Austin would later acquire an Occupational Therapy Assistant degree from Brown Mackie College. He worked a variety of jobs including factory work, restaurants, and ultimately in occupational therapy.
In his younger days he enjoyed fishing and vacationing with his family. More recently he enjoyed kayaking, cooking, baking bread and grilling steaks.
In addition to his parents, Austin is survived by a brother Andrew “Andy” (Laura) Fiechter; a sister, Alysa Fiechter; a grandmother, Shirley Fiechter, all of Bluffton. Along with his aunts and uncles, Rick and Joyce Yergler, Carla Girod, Marlon Geisel, Tim and Vicki Fiechter, Tami Hulvey, Stan Fiechter, Chad and Tricia Coppess; and many cousins.
Austin was preceded in death by his grandparents, Everett and Alice Geisel; and John Doyle Fiechter, along with an uncle, Dave Hulvey.
Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, from 2 until 7 p.m., at Goodwin – Harnish Funeral Home in Bluffton. Services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at the funeral home, with one hour of visitation prior to the service. Kole Meyer and Todd Drayer will officiate. Burial will follow at the Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Adams County.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Apostolic Counseling Service
Goodwin – Harnish Funeral Home & Cremation Services has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.