Donald D. Gintz Jr.

Donald D. "Tiny" Gintz Jr., 71, of Walnut Creek, Ohio, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family on Friday, November 15, 2024 at Walnut Hills Retirement Community, following a bravely fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Born October 3, 1953 in Dover, Ohio, he was a son of Marilyn Yvonne (Heter) Gintz-Otte of New Philadelphia and the late Donald D. Gintz Sr.
A lifelong area resident, Don was a 1971 graduate of Indian Valley South High School. He was a member of Church of the Brethren in Sugarcreek. A well-respected heavy equipment operator, he worked for Red Malcuit, Inc. for many years before eventually retiring from Belden Brick in Sugarcreek. He was known by many for his modified pulling tractor – the Johnny Green Giant John Deere Tractor – and will be missed by his furry sidekick, Asher.
On February 17, 1978, Don married the former Darlene K. Williams who survives him along with children, Stacie Hershberger (Tom), Jeremy (Lisa) Mathias, Joshua (Tiffany) Gintz, and Nathan Gintz (Carrie); grandchildren, Kearstyn, Allaynah, Audryana, Noah, Cheston, Clayton, Connor, Jordan, Makalah, Cooper, Nathan Jr., and Austyn; great-grandchildren, Natalee, Bryar, Auticus, Tobias, Lylah, Ellah, Esben; sisters, Lori Maxwell, Debbie Frizzel, and Katie Duckworth; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Tim (Phyllis) Williams, Sherry Miller, and Diane Aniol (Bill); numerous nieces and nephews; and close friends, Diane Altier and Mindy Gintz.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Peggy Barron and Kathy Gintz; brother, William Maxwell Jr.; and brothers-in-law, Charlie Miller, Rick Aniol, and Doug Atwood.
According to Don's wishes, cremation is planned without a public service, and his cremated remains will be laid to rest at Ridgecrest Memory Gardens in Dover. Those wishing to honor his memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to Crossroads Hospice, 3743 Boettler Oaks Dr., Suite E, Uniontown/Green, OH 44685.
Don's family extend their deep gratitude to Walnut Hills Nursing Home for their care and to Crossroads Hospice for the wonderful care they provided in his final days. They also send special thanks to everyone who helped and donated for the fundraiser event to help with his medical expenses – especially Ray Owens and his family at Mill Street Diner in Sugarcreek – for donating and for holding the event at their facility.