Robert Howard Gwirtz
Robert Howard Gwirtz, age 92, died peacefully on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at the Kobacker House in Columbus following a brief illness.
Bob was born on June 27, 1929 in New Washington, Ohio the son of the late Joseph M. and Estella T. (Durnwald) Gwirtz. He was a 1947 graduate of Shelby High School. Bob began working at the Shelby Salesbook Co. during high school in the shipping department, then worked many years in the printing department and retired under the Miami Systems ownership in 1993 after 48 years.
Bob was a charter member of the 179th Airlift Wing at Mansfield Lahm Ohio Air National Guard Base in Mansfield, from which he retired from Security and Law Enforcement as Senior Master Sergeant after 37 years of service in 1985.
Bob was a lifetime member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, the Shelby Knights of Columbus Council 1968, and several military organizations including the Shelby American Legion O’ Brien Post #326.
Bob loved golfing throughout his life and was a member of the Shelby Country Club where he participated in numerous golf leagues. He enjoyed annual golf vacations for several years with 11 of his coworkers to Callaway Gardens Golf Resort and regularly golfed with friends at Woody Ridge Golf Course during his retirement. Bob also enjoyed playing cards and was interested in anything aviation- having his pilot’s license and loving to fly.
Bob married his wife, Georgia C. Hewitt on August 24, 1949 and together they raised their family in Shelby. She preceded him in death on December 7, 2018. Also preceding him in death were his parents; and brothers: Richard, Donald, and Norman. Survivors include his daughters: Sally (Larry) Steward of Columbus and Marlene (Pat) Wears of Groveport; granddaughters: Anne (Eli) Barrett and Amanda Steward (Kevin Dye); 5 great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Willow Brook Christian Home for their wonderful care of Bob as well as the staff of the Kobacker House who helped him and his family through his final days.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, June 9, 2022 from 12 noon – 1 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow visitation at 1:30 pm at the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby, with Fr. Chris Mileski celebrating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Military honors will be conducted at the cemetery by the United States Air Force with members of the 179th Airlift Wing assisting with the honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary School.
Appropriate ways to express sympathy may be done by leaving an online condolence on Bob’s obituary at www.PenwellTurner.com or by leaving a comment on his post on the funeral home’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.
my sincere sympathy to the family. I worked with Bob at the business forms and in the Air National Guard both and always admired him. He was the most patient individual I think I have ever known and I never knew him to say a bad work about anyone. God Bless you Bob.
Sally and Marlene – So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Thinking of you.
Susie’s cousin Bonny
I am sending condolences on behalf of myself and my dad Bill Hubbard. Bob Gwirtz, Warren Schneider, Ronnie Knight and Bill Hubbard was a fearsome foursome on the golf course at Woody Ridge every Saturday and Sunday and a couple times during the week. Bob was a kind and gentle man, my dad is not able to attend but sadly and truly misses his three golfing buddies. RIP Bob Gwirtz thank you for your service to our country ✌
Our sincere sympathies to Marlene and Sally and your family on the passing of your dear dad. It was an honor and pleasure to visit him most Thursday afternoons when covid restrictions didn’t prevent this. He always knew his prayers and participated well in receiving the sacraments. When I saw him on May 10th, before my vacation, I told him that I would be away for a few weeks. He told me that he may not be there as he may be going home to Shelby before I returned. I didn’t think much at about it. I returned and visited with him again on May 26th and he appeared normal and prayed and received Communion devoutly. I didn’t realize that he actually was going home but had just wanted one more reception of the Eucharist before his journey.
It was good to get to meet you several times over the years also, Our prayers are with you at this challenging time that Christ hold you close in His mercy, the hope of eternal life, and especially in His Love.
My very sincere condolences to the family of Bob Gwirtz. Bob was a long time friend and golfing buddy. I worked with him at the Salesbook also. He was a man of good character, helpful to many and was a gentleman, who showed his kindness in all situations. May he rest in peace.