Eugene E. & Nancy L. Adler Memorial Fund

Farmer, auctioneer, real estate broker, community leader. These are the memories Valerie Wigton holds of her father, Eugene “Coop” Adler (1934-1998). She and her husband, Dan, have created a new fund with Marion Community Foundation to keep his memory, and that of her mother, Nancy (1935-2022), alive.

Valerie recalls her mother’s 33-year career as a school secretary in Bowling Green — while raising five children and honing her blue-ribbon winning pie making skills. Both of her parents were lifelong members of St. Louis Catholic Church in Custar, Ohio; which is why, according to Valerie, the fund will benefit the family’s home parish.

“I am so proud of my parents and all they accomplished in life,” Valerie said. “But most of all, was their underlying faith which was the foundation for life.”

Dan and Valerie have been long-time Marion residents. Valerie has a successful career in marketing and community involvements, currently serving as president of the Marion Women’s Club & Home. Dan is a financial advisor and branch manager at Stifel. He has made significant referrals of donors to the Foundation, including two of its largest, the Wopats and Joe Slanser.