Former representative honored by Ohio House

COLUMBUS — The Ohio House on Wednesday honored the memory of the late Dwight Wise, Jr., who served the district representing Sandusky and Seneca counties for a dozen years.

He was recognized by the current occupant of the 85th District seat, Rep. Gary Click (R., Vickery), as “the only Democrat to have served in our district since the Civil War, and he did that very effectively.”

Mr. Wise died on Dec. 22 at the age of 90. A long-time dairy and grain farmer, he first won election in the Republican-friendly district in 1982.

“Dad was very, very proud and honored to be elected into this House and to serve his district,” his daughter, Sandra Wise, told the chamber. “He just felt so privileged.” She was accompanied by her sister, Gail Marshall, and brother, Geary Wise.

During his tenure in office, Mr. Wise fought back challenges from the Republican who formerly held his seat, the late Gene Damschroder, and then his son, Rex. The junior Damschroder eventually defeated him in 1994.

Rep. Daniel Troy (R., Willowick), who had served with Wise and recently returned to the chamber, recalled that his former colleague would host the members of the House agriculture committee, which he chaired, on his farm where he would demonstrate milking a cow.

“It was an example of a hands-on representative just doing his job,” Mr. Troy said.

Mr. Wise also served on the Lakota Board of Education for 18 years, advocated for the founding and served on the board of Vanguard Vocational School, and served as a charter trustee for what is now Terra Community College.