Eugene Durnwald Obituary
Eugene Anthony Durnwald, age 93, of New Washington, Ohio passed away on October 21, 2025 at Avita Galion Hospital.
Eugene was born on February 29, 1932 in Cranberry Township to Clem and Barbara (Gwirtz) Durnwald. He graduated from New Washington High School in 1950 and went on to serve as an Army Veteran in the Korean War from 1952-1954. He came home and married the love of his life, Gertrude Marie (Ball) Durnwald on June 25, 1955 at St. Stephens Church.
Eugene worked at the Shelby Depot for seven years until it's closure and then retired in 1994 from Timken after 35 years. He was an active member of St. Bernard Catholic Church and the American Legion.
Eugene had a lifelong love for sports and cherished watching ball games when his family was on the field. He spent many years coaching Little League and enjoyed playing softball. A devoted fan of the Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns, and The Ohio State Buckeyes he rarely missed watching a game. Eugene could often be found tinkering in his garage, working on his mower, splitting wood, or tending to his garden on his golf cart. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family and took great joy in watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Eugene was a humble man who never sought recognition, yet his actions spoke volumes about the kind of person he was. His unwavering determination carried him through life, and his hard work was evident in everything he did - from providing for his family to lending a helping hand to others without hesitation. He faced each day with quiet strength, integrity and a deep sense of purpose, leaving behind a legacy built on perseverance, kindness, and love.
Eugene is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Gertrude and their four children Joyce (Michael) Cramer, Karen Atkins, Darlene (John) Sutter, and Roger Durnwald; grandchildren David, Robert, and Matthew Cramer, Von Restelli, and Brooke (Curtis) Roddy, Brittany (Dustin) Schaaf, and Brianna (Chase) Finney; seven great grandchildren; and brothers, Charlie Durnwald and James (Mary) Durnwald.
Eugene is proceeded in death by his parents, father and mother in laws, John and Rose (Danenmiller) Ball, brother Urban Durnwald, sisters Eileen Kempf and Mary Ann Dentinger; daughter-in-law Sally Durnwald and son-in-law, Victor Restelli.
Visitation will take place at Secor Funeral Home in New Washington, on Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass led by Rev. Eric Mueller will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernard Catholic Church in New Washington with a burial to follow at St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery with military rites. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Bernard Catholic Church or St. Bernard Catholic cemetery or Autism Society of Ohio. Online condolences can be made to Eugene's family by visiting www.secorfuneralhomes.com
Published by Crawford County Now on Oct. 22, 2025.