Anthony "Tony" A. Gwirtz

Anthony "Tony" A. Gwirtz, age 84, died Saturday, April 14, 2018 in Galion Pointe Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family. 

Born August, 8, 1933 in Shelby to Steven Jacob and Grace Eva (Smith) Gwirtz, he has lived in the Shelby area all his life.  A 1951 graduate of Shelby High School, Tony was employed with the United States Postal Service as a rural carrier for 33 years as well as being a lifelong farmer. 

He was a member of the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, a 4-H advisor, where he was a tractor maintenance instructor for 30 years and a member of the Cloverleaf Square Dance Club.

Tony was enthusiastic about farming and Allis Chalmers Tractors as well as being a conservationist. He had enjoyed his time spent outdoors, especially when he was in the woods.  He was dedicated in his work with St. Mary's parish, and was passionate in his involvement with the church council. Above all, Tony loved his family, and adored spending time with his children and grandchildren.  

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth "Betty" (Rieman- Eidt), whom he married September 18, 1992;  one son, Cass (Lisa) Gwirtz; three daughters, Myra (Martin) Snider of Sunbury, Kate (Ed) Miller of Shelby and Alita (significant other Bob Lucia) Cramer of Wapakoneta; three step children, Kathleen (Dave) Paynter of Crestline, Stephen (Lynda) Eidt of Galion and Kevin (Arlene) Eidt of Shelby; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild and two on the way; fourteen step grandchildren; nine step great grand children; two sisters, Mabel Hawk of Shelby and Mary Rose Gwirtz of Boise, ID and foster sister Rita Robinson of Orville, OH; numerous nieces nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 1st wife Eilla (Rinehart) Gwirtz in 1990 and step son, Doug Eidt.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Galion Pointe Nursing Home for all of their special care.

Friends may call at Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory in Shelby from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM Tuesday, April 17, 2018. A prayer service will be held immediately following at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday at the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.   Father Chris Mileski will officiate with interment held in Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Cemetery in Shelby. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter at 2508 N. Reynolds Rd. Toledo, Ohio 43615 or the Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and School at 29 West St. Shelby, OH 44875.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Anthony "Tony" A. Gwirtz, please visit our floral store.