OTTAWA, OH (WLIO) – A Holgate woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Putnam County just before noon Sunday.
Nancy Gerken, 74, was killed in the crash at SR 65 and Road M, just outside of Ottawa. Lima troopers say that Lisa Kleman, 43, from Ottawa, was driving north on SR 65, when her vehicle crossed the center line and drove head-on into a car driven by Gerken. Kleman and a teenage passenger in Gerken’s car were both injured and taken to the hospital for treatment. The crash remains under investigation.
Media Release from Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol
Patrol Investigating Fatal Crash on SR 65
Pleasant Township – On June 8, 2025, at approximately 11:59 A.M., the Lima Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol responded to a report of a fatal crash on SR 65 and Road M near Ottawa in Putnam County.
Lisa Kleman, age 43, from Ottawa, Ohio was driving a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse northbound on SR 65. Nancy Gerken, age 74, from Holgate, Ohio was driving a 2015 Chevrolet Traverse southbound on SR 65. The vehicle driven by Ms. Kelman crossed the centerline resulting in a head-on collision.
Nancy Gerken was pronounced deceased at the scene and was transported by Feldner Mortuary Services to the Lucas County Coroner’s Office. Lisa Kleman suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Mercy Health St. Rita’s in Lima. Rose Schwab, age 13, from Hamler, Ohio was a passenger in the vehicle driven by Mrs. Gerken. She suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Mercy Health St. Rita’s in Lima.
Both vehicles sustained server damage and were transported from the scene by Jim Schmidt Chevrolet.
All occupants were wearing their safety belts at the time of the crash.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted at the scene by Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Ottawa Fire and Rescue, Glandorf Fire, Putnam County EMS, Ottawa EMS, Columbus Grove EMS, Jim Schmidt Chevrolet, Feldner Mortuary, Mercy Health Life Fight and the Putnam County Coroner’s Office.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol encourages everyone to put their phones down while driving and wear their safety belts.
The crash remains under investigation.
