Donald Tornow Obituary

Donald G. Tornow

Mar 7, 1939 - Apr 29, 2025

Fremont

Donald G. Tornow, 86, of Fremont, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025, following a battle with cancer. He was a loving, funny, and reliable man who touched many lives with his kindness and dedication. Don was born March 7, 1939, in Elmore, the son of the late Harvey and Della Tornow.

Don was a hardworking man, having spent many years as a forklift driver for Whirlpool in Clyde, retiring in 2000. His reliability and dedication were not only evident at work but also in his personal life. He was a 50-year member and Past Master of Gibsonburg Masonic Temple, a member of Clyde Eagles, and a founding member of Maumee Valley Winnies. In retirement, he enjoyed attending car shows, a hobby that brought him great joy and many friendships.

More importantly, Don loved God and his family above all else. His beautiful wife, Marlene, was the love of his life. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love, unwavering commitment, and deep faith. He attended St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clyde, and St. James Lutheran Church in Bradner most of his life. His family, only second to God, was his greatest pride and joy. He expressed his love not just in words and always making time for his family but in playful affection, cracking jokes, tapping the wrong shoulder to get a laugh, or giving a gentle poke to the side. He was everything a loving and loyal patriarch should be. Don never met a stranger; he had a natural gift for conversation and made everyone feel welcome. As his family grew through the years, he adored every new addition, whether they were children, grandchildren, or even great-grandchildren. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, doing everything in his power to support his loved ones whenever they needed him.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marlene (Keegan) Tornow; children, Valerie M. (Barry) Boss, Matthew J. (Deanna) Tornow, Donna J. (David) Hisey, and Steven G. (Christie) Tornow; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Daniel) Rogers, Erica (Jared) Shetzer, Kevin Langenfelder, Emily (Ben) Krull, Christopher (Krystel) Tornow, David (Jennifer) Tornow, Kevin (Hannah) Tornow, Adam Tornow, Tyler J. (Timothy) Covey, Tanner Hisey, Siera (Logan) Nicely, Samantha K. (Zachary) Kilgore, and Zachary (Alyssa) Tornow; 18 great-grandchildren with one on the way; siblings, John(Mary) Tornow and Fay Martin.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Paul Tornow,

Francine Halfhill and Betty Tornow.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2025, at Auxter-Recker Funeral Home, 218 S Main St, Clyde, OH. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m.Tuesday, May 6, 2025,at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memory Gardens, Clyde.

Memorial contribu-tions may be made to St James Lutheran Church, 451 Caldwell St. Bradner, OH 43406.

Memories and photos can be shared at auxter-recker.com