David Lee Gwirtz, 82, of Tiro, Ohio, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Ontario Estates in Mansfield, Ohio.
David was born on August 1, 1943, in Shelby, Ohio, to the late Howard and Martha (Durnwald) Gwirtz, Sr. He graduated in the first class of the current Buckeye Central High School in 1961. In his earlier years he worked installing radio towers in Shelby and the surrounding area. For the last 50 years of his working career he owned and operated Gwirtz’s Garage and managed a fleet of trucks.
A lifelong community member, David belonged to the Shelby Moose Lodge, the Eagles Lodge, and Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Known for his ornery sense of humor, he enjoyed riding motorcycles, traveling to Michigan, and flying remote-controlled airplanes.
Those who survive David include his wife, Sally (Sweet) Gwirtz of Tiro, Ohio, whom he married on October 12, 2002; his stepchildren Michael Biglin, Rhonda Roselle, Cheston Gilliam, and Janelle Schartiger; many step grandchildren; his siblings Jim (Eileen) Gwirtz and Jenny (Bob) Pelfrey; and nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Howard Gwirtz, Jr.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Shelby Moose Lodge #422, 102 N Gamble St, Shelby, OH 44875.
Memorial contributions in David’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 and/or Shriners Children’s Ohio, 1 Children’s Plaza 2 West, Dayton, OH 45404.
The Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be serving the Gwirtz family.
Funeral Home: Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory
Website: www.barkdullfuneralhome.com