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By Missy Moore, APRN-CNM, APRN-CNP
Midwifery, Blanchard Valley Obstetrics & Gynecology

Although midwives have been around for hundreds of years, the term midwife is one that not many are able to clearly define. There is often confusion surrounding the many types of midwives and the span of roles a midwife might play. 

Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM) are highly trained providers who first are educated and trained as registered nurses, then choose to attend accredited universities, followed by passing a midwifery board-certified examination. CNMs also must maintain their licensures every five years by completing a number of continuing education requirements. In Ohio, CNMs work in collaboration with physicians and deliver babies in hospitals and birth centers. In contrast, lay midwives learn their skills through apprenticeship and are not legally recognized by the state they practice in and deliver babies in homes.

Ernest E. Porzelius, 94, passed away October 13, 2023, at 2:15 p.m., at Willow Ridge - Betty House.

Ernest was born February 1, 1929 in Secor, IL, to Walter and Catherine (Boeringa) Porzelius who preceded him in death. He married Violet Schwartz in 1957. They had 51 loving years together. Vi preceded him in death in 2008. 

Also preceding him in death is his son, Jim Porzelius (August of 2023), his brother, Fred, and his sisters Mary and Dorothy. 

Survivors include three daughters, Kathy Sawatzky of Little River, KS, Joan LoBianco of Bluffton, and Kris (Matt) DeVoe of Schoolcraft, MI; nine grandchildren, Melissa Sawatzky Hodgson, Tracy Sawatzky White, Nicole LoBianco Agner, Lauren LoBianco Brenneman, Tessa Porzelius, Kyler Porzelius, Leah DeVoe Westra, Sadie DeVoe, & Davis DeVoe; and twelve great-grandchildren. 

Ernie went to seminary in Chicago, IL, and met Vi when he was attending a conference near her home. That began a courtship through letter writing, which led to their marriage on August 10, 1957.