Mr. Wiebold was one of a handful of people in the world with the expertise to restore ivory miniatures - portraits painted on a thin piece of ivory, covered with glass and placed into a locket. The delicate restoration of such pieces requires a microscope and a hand as steady as a surgeon's.

His studio in Terrace Park is known for its restoration and repair of silver, porcelain, oil paintings, and a wide range of other decorative arts objects.

Mr. Wiebold helped train others in the craft, including his children, Andrew, 16, and Lindsay, 14.

"Dad took Andrew and me to the studio and taught us how to make pewter pots for Mom's Christmas presents last year," Lindsay said.

Andrew recalled that "He understood me and explained things well. Although he tried to teach us to keep track of tools and put them away carefully, he somehow forgot where he put things and that's why we gave him 29 pairs of pliers for Christmas last year."

Mr. Wiebold's father, Charles W., opened Wiebold Studio after World War II in response to the growing interest in the restoration of antiques. It became renowned for skill and attention to detail.

Mr. Wiebold joined his father at the studio after he graduated from Mariemont High School and the Cincinnati Commercial Art School. He soon developed his own reputation for excellence.

He enjoyed bench rest precision rifle shooting and fishing.

In addition to his children, survivors include his wife, Catherine J. Wiebold; and two sisters, Carol W. Singletary of Alto, N.M., and Claire W. Strong of Higley, Ariz.

A celebration of Mr. Wiebold's life will be held 3:30 p.m. today at Indian Hill Episcopal-Presbyterian Church, 6000 Drake Road.

Memorials: Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202 or the American Cancer Society, 2808 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45206.

E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com