Dr. David F. Hartzfeld, Ph.D., 82
Dr. David F. Hartzfeld, Ph.D., 82, of Ashland passed away on Saturday evening, March 23, 2024 in his home with his family by his side, after living with a Parkinson’s diagnosis for 10 years.
David was born on October 6, 1941 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Frederick L. and Ruth (nee Neff) Hartzfeld.
David graduated from Greensburg High School in 1959. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Nyack College in 1963 and a Master’s in Missiology from Jaffrey School of Missions in 1964.
On June 13, 1964 he married the love of his life, the former Linda E. Bowen.
David then earned a double Master’s from Bethel Seminary in 1967 and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1969. He spent four years as a missionary in Vietnam from 1969 to 1973. While employed at Canadian Bible College and Seminary from 1973 to 1989, he earned a Ph.D. in Old Testament Theology from the University of Sheffield in England.
After his tenure at Alliance Theological Seminary (NY) and Ashland Theological Seminary (OH) as Dean, he served as Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church and First Congregational Church, both in Mansfield. He spent more than 50 years in ministry as a humble servant of God.
In his life, David was an avid reader, enjoyed riding bikes with Linda, was a sports enthusiast, including golf, coaching basketball and soccer, and loved telling jokes.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mrs. Linda Hartzfeld of Ashland; three daughters, Stephanie (John) Gilmer of Ashland, Anita (Paul) Alvarez of Cleveland and Julie (Aaron) Richardson of Dallas, Texas; one foster son, Patrick John Flaman of Saskatchewan, Canada; five grandchildren, Sydney Gravitt of Arlington, Virginia, Luke Gravitt of Columbus, Lourdes Alvarez of Cleveland, Nelia Alvarez of Cleveland, and JJ Richardson of Dallas; and a sister-in-law, Connie Hartzfeld of Cuyahoga, Falls.
In addition to his parents, David is preceded in death by his brother Wes Hartzfeld; and a foster daughter, Summer Dawn Holly Hartzfeld.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Hylden presiding. Family and friends may visit from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the church prior to the service. A meal and time of fellowship follow the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com and the service will be available via livestream through Box Cast, https://boxcast.tv/view/funeral-of-the-rev-dr-david-f-hartzfeld-vjmxshgevlolfsh5hvl6 by copying the link into your web browser.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
Funeral Home: Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home
Website: denbowfh.com