Gary Edward Offerdahl

Gary Edward Offerdahl blew his wrestling referee's whistle for the last time on May 23, 2025 at the age of 74. He was a cherished husband, father, and friend who left us far too soon after a short battle with lung cancer. He was born on December 8, 1950, in Warren, Ohio to Eric and Doris Offerdahl. He was a graduate of Howland High School, attended Kent State University and was a U.S. Marine. With his family, he owned and operated Howland Springs Water Co. for 40 years. Gary married his soul mate, Karen Conklin in 1998 and they travelled the world and loved their many adventures which included Norway, Estonia, Mexico, China, and many trips to the Dominican Republic which he called his happy place. After retiring, Gary became a proud volunteer for The American Red Cross. He was part of the disaster action team being on call to respond to house fires in the Mahoning Valley to render aid and support. He was also the Red Cross Smoke Alarm Liaison for 5 counties. Gary and his team installed thousands of free smoke alarms that we know saved lives. Besides his family his true love was sports. He loved every minute of coaching his boys in baseball and soccer. He was a member of the Steel Valley Wrestling Officials Association and was a skilled referee, last officiating at the state team tournament. He and Karen housed Scrapper Baseball Players for decades and watched with pride as several made it to the MLB. Gary also played on an over fifty hardball team where he met many new friends and had a blast. He also enjoyed playing pickle ball with his wife and his friends at the downtown YMCA. He annually participated in Taps Across America, proudly playing TAPS on his trumpet in the backyard to honor our fallen military heroes. His greatest joy was watching their children and grandchildren enjoy life. Every day of his life Gary was a force of love, grace and kindness. Gary is survived by his wife, Karen Conklin, his sons, Eric Offerdahl (Rachelle Lee), Sean Offerdahl (Josie), Gary M. Offerdahl and Karen's children, Zachary Yankush (Cora Lamb), Adam Yankush (Nicole), Cory Yankush Wilharm (Dustin) and nine grandchildren, Lila & Violet Yankush, Owen & Adam Wilharm, Grayson Yankush, Idunn & Everlee Offerdahl and Sadie & Silas Offerdahl and his beloved dog, Luna. He is also survived by his sister, Lynne Offerdahl (Robert Riley) and a brother, Karl Lee Offerdahl. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eric and Doris Offerdahl and stepdaughter, Alexis Yankush. At his request, there are no funeral services. The family would like to thank Ohio Living at Lake Vista and their Hospice Care as well as Schiavone Funeral Home. Friends and family will be invited to a celebration of life in late July where his memory will be honored and his amazing life celebrated. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to The Downtown YMCA in his memory, 17 N Champion Street, Youngstown, Ohio 44503 or The American Red Cross, Greater Akron and Mahoning Valley, 501 West Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44303. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary Edward Offerdahl, please visit our floral store.