Daniel Dale "Dan" Sturbaum, 72, of Sandusky, went peacefully to join Our Lord early Friday afternoon, October 9, 2020, surrounded by his family in the Stein Hospice Care Center, Sandusky, after a brief illness.
Born on June 26, 1948, in Sandusky, OH the son of Earl Joseph and Rosella Regina (Leidorf) Sturbaum. Dan was a 1966 graduate of St. Mary's High School. He was a proud member of the U.S. Army, having served honorably with the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, NC, during the Vietnam War. Dan worked at the Sandusky FORD Motor Company for 37 years, before retiring in 2003.
He had many hobbies. For nine years, he studied Martial Arts, which helped build his "Foundation of Life." Dan loved his motorcycle, fishing, waterskiing and boating around the Sandusky Bay on his boat, the "Little Devil." He enjoyed playing pool with his family and friends and was a lively card game player, who especially enjoyed winning! Going to Garage Sales and fixing up what he bought or got a good deal on, made for an interesting conversation with him. He often worked in his yard and the yards of many of his neighbors, whom would later join him for beers in his "Man Cave" (the garage) for discussions and shared memories of the day's activities. Oftentimes, common subjects were the Cleveland Browns, the Indians and The Ohio State Buckeyes. Dan was also a parliamentarian and helped many people prepare and give speeches through the Toastmasters Organization over the years.
He was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, a very proud member of the UAW Local #1216, and a member of the Sandusky Veterans Association.
Dan is survived by his wife of 48 years, Helen R. (Klingshirn) Sturbaum, whom he married on May 27, 1972; together they raised three beautiful daughters, Marcia (Doug) Johnston, Patty (Doug) Rust and Jacqueline (John Kolesar) Sturbaum; his nine grandchildren, Toni Rust, Alexis Sturbaum, Sydney Alexander, Bailey Rust, Madison Rust, Cody Johnston, Conner Rust, Abby Johnston and Ernest Kolesar; a great grandchild, Calloway Gordon; his two sisters, Mary Dickman and Margie Bleile; a brother, Earl "Mike" (Reni) Sturbaum; three sisters-in-laws Rosalinda Sturbaum, Mary (Klingshirn) Medina and Anne (Klingshirn) Schoewe; and four brother-in-Laws Mike, Otto, and John Klingshirn, and Andy Medina and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Roger Sturbaum; a niece, Karen Kowalski; and three brothers-in-law, Jack Bleile, Bill Dickman and Ed Schoewe.
It was Dan's wish to be cremated. Private family services to be held at Calvary Cemetery, Sandusky.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to Stein Hospice Service, Inc., 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870 or to the Ohio Veterans Home, c/o the Activity Fund, 3416 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870.
Arrangements are entrusted to the David F. Koch Funeral and Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870.
While his body could no longer work, his life is carried on through his loving family. Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Dan's family at davidfkoch.com.
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