David Girod

David C. Girod, 89, of Van Wert, entered into glory at 8:49 PM on Thursday, March 22 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on February 6, 1929, in Van Wert, the son of the late H. Edgar and Ruth (Mohr) Girod. On July 23, 1949, at Grand Victory E.U.B., Dave married Ruth (Snyder) Girod who survives. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in 2017.

In addition to his wife, David is survived by his children, Ellen (Larry) Dove and Dean, both of Van Wert. A son, David Lynn, is deceased.

David is also survived by his grandchildren: Kari Casto, Kristin Girod-Helmick (who was his primary caregiver the last few months of his life), and Megan Pardon, (Aaron Knittle) all of Van Wert; Felecia Girod (Harold Spangler) of Grover Hill; and Stephanie (Eric) Bulington, Grayslake, IL; Kimberly (Scott) Campbell, Luke Girod, and Laura (Ryan) Clementz of Van Wert; Caleb Girod (Jodi Childers), Findlay, OH; Derek Sneed, Van Wert, OH; Alyssa Sneed, Naples, FL.

David’s great-grandchildren are: Noah Girod; Jacob, Kiersten, and Ethan Druckemiller; Leigha Casto; Nicholas Fitzsimmons; Eliza Helmick; Nadia and Brogan Pardon; Gaberial and Ayrabella Spangler; Oliver and Willow Bulington; Lana Carey, Olivia Moonshower, and Aiden Campbell; Skyler Girod; Samuel, Scarlett, and Solomon Clementz; Breyden Childers; Xavier, and Zayn Girod.

David is also survived by his sister, Wileta Collins, sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many close friends and family members including recent caregivers.

David was preceded in death by his parents, his son, and his siblings: Virginia Baker, Helen Mongold, Darwin (Doc) Girod, Wayne Girod, and Lowell Don Girod.

David was a 1947 graduate of Hoaglin Jackson School. He began his career at Hillcrest Builders where he learned all aspects of building including carpentry, wiring, and plumbing. David then transitioned to his lifelong passion of farming. Even when he could no longer climb into the cab of the tractor or combine, he would sit in the back yard or in his truck and watch Dean during planting and harvest season. David got great joy out of sharing the bounty of the garden by having sweet corn and strawberries delivered to family and friends as well as to his pastoral families over the years. David was a member of Grand Victory E.U.B. until 1972. While there he was the teacher for the youth class. In 1972, David moved his family to Trinity United Methodist Church where he served in numerous capacities such as Sunday School teacher and trustee. He enjoyed helping in the construction of the new sanctuary and was especially proud to be included in that endeavor.

David served in the Army as a Personnel Clerk from 1952 – 1954 during the Korean War.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, March 31, 2018 at Trinity United Methodist Church, Van Wert, Ohio, with Rev. Kurt Tomlinson officiating.  Burial will follow in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point, Ohio, with military graveside services by combined units of the Van Wert American Legion and V.F. W. posts.

Visitation will be from 2-8 PM Friday, March 30, 2018 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, Ohio, and one hour prior to services Saturday, March 31, 2018 at the church.

Preferred memorials may be directed to Trinity United Methodist Church or Lincolnview F.F.A.

Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at:  www.alspachgearhart.com.