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Gary Vernon Gottschalk
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Gary Gottschalk Obituary
Gary was a 1962 graduate of Bedford High School. He graduated From Case Western Reserve University with a degree in Engineering. Gary lived in Saudi Arabia from mid-1977 thru Mid-1984 when one had to be invited by a Saudi National to be there. He has been Mayor of Oakwood village from 1992 to the time of his death. Gary was the architect of the growth and beautification of Oakwood. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Oakwood Community Services 5O1(c)(3).
The family will receive friends Friday, September 19, 2025, from 9:30-10:30 am at Mount Zion Church, One Mount Zion Circle, Oakwood Village, Ohio with services to follow at 10:30 AM. Burial at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Arrangements by Busch-Romito Funeral Home, Bedford, Ohio (440) 232-1441. www.buschcares.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Gary Gottschalk
Funeral services provided by:
Busch-Romito Funeral and Crematory Services - Bedford521 Broadway Ave. (Ohio Route 14), Bedford, OH 44146
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Gottschalk
Sponsored by The Family.
14 Entries
Mattie D. Towns-Scott & family
5 hours ago
As a resident of Oakwood Village, like many others I would like to express my heartfelt condolences for the family and close friends of our dear Mayor. Gary was not only professional, enterprising, innovative, and dedicated, he was personable, engaging, caring, and kept his fingers on the pulse of the community and its needs. He is a legend among politicians who did not offer empty promises but got into the trenches to bring his visions life. His focus was panoramic, all encompassing. Building upon the infrastructures of the community, lifting the youth up in structured programs offering a combination of fun social activities, skill development opportunities, and employment, providing events for neighbors to interact and to keep safe and healthy, and addressing the needs of senior residents for transportation, snow removal, yard maintenance and so much more. I don´t know of any other mayor who would visit the residence of his/her constituents and spend quality time to get to know them. Gary was one-of-a-kind and has set the bar high for the next person who takes office as mayor of our city. Rest in heavenly peace, Gary. You are loved and will be missed by many.
Chuck O'Malley
5 hours ago
Gary, so sorry for the loss of your father.
Chuck O´Malley
Deb Hladky
Yesterday
Not only was Gary Gottschalk my Mayor, he was my dear friend. He loved Oakwood. Those who knew him could often find him working in the early morning hours, late nights, and weekends. He made sure he attended church on Sunday mornings and Friday nights. He is sorely missed by many residents, my husband and I included. Rest in Peace Mayor Gary. Well done!
Lois Bevel
Yesterday
So so sorry to hear of the passing of our dear mayor. He did so much toward making this village the safe secure and beautiful place that oakwood has become. A great loss of someone who cared!! Condolences to All!
Monica Anderson
Yesterday
Condolences to the family Gary Gottaxhalk was a great friend in leadership to me and my family God Bless you all !
Mayor Don Kolograf
Yesterday
Our condolences to Mayor Gottschalk's family and friends. Mayor Gary served his community with professionalism and pride. He truly loved the community he served and they loved him. He would say to the surrounding Mayors the only place to live is Oakwood Village. His leadership made Oakwood Village , neighboring communities , Cuyahoga County and the State of Ohio a better place to live. His vision and leadership will truly be missed. Mayor Don Kolograf of the Village of Walton Hills.
Gerry Trafis, Former Mayor of Seven Hills
Yesterday
Deepest sympathies to the family. I had the privilege of serving with Gary on the RITA Board of Directors for a decade. He was an astute thinker and an outstanding contributor. He truly cared about the community. He will be missed.
Diann Avery
Yesterday
We moved to Oakwood in 1989. I can remember when Gary would come and vist us. He would bring us baked goods from Sam's club and visit us and of course others as well.
He did a lot for Oakwood Village and got businesses to help the community to come in.
Jackie Steward
Yesterday
Please accept our condolences. We thank you for sharing Mayor Gary with us for all these years. There are so many accomplishments and achievements as a civil servant to the community of Oakwood and surrounding communities. One , my family often remembers is the impact made on children by offering such a wonderful summer camp program.
Joseph Migliorini
Yesterday
To Mayor Gary Gottschalk´s family & friends, please accept my deepest heartfelt condolence.
As Mayor of Macedonia, Gary and I worked collectively together on various projects that benefited our communities over the years.
He certainly made a positive mark in making the Village of Oakwood a better place to live.
God Bless
Johnson-Romito Funeral Homes
September 15, 2025
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Dale Kocarek
September 15, 2025
I am Gary´s first cousin and have known him my entire life. I am proud of the work he did in Oakwood Village to improve his part of the world for economic development and beautification. I had hoped that he could have continued his work longer. As it stands, he created a legacy of excellence for the people in his community that will endure for many years to come.
Julie Zidar
September 15, 2025
So sorry to hear about Mayor. Gary´s passing condolences to his family and friends. I know him from the Oakwood Thursday night concerts. He was a great man from what I´ve known of him just from those concerts doing that for all the people to come and see concerts for free. Sure hope they continue with those concerts because a lot of people look forward to them every summer specially, us senior citizens. thoughts and prayers are sent to his family.
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