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David GINTER Obituary

GINTER, David Mack David Mack Ginter, 80, passed away unexpectedly September 3, 2016, at his home in Glen Ellen, CA. David was born on October 22, 1935, in Wooster, OH, the son of John and Pauline Ginter. David graduated from Wooster High School in 1953 and attended Ohio State University and Arizona University. His love of learning and adventure led him to study in Mexico City, Paris, Germany and Russia as well. David earned his teaching credential from San Francisco State College, where he met the love of his life, Barbara. David and Barbara married in 1961 and moved to Glen Ellen in 1964 to raise their family. David started his teaching career at Woodside High School. He taught Spanish, French, German, Russian and Folk Dancing at Napa Valley schools for the majority of his career; at Silverado Middle School in the 60's and 70's; and at Napa High School in the 80's and 90's. He also spent the 1978-79 school year on sabbatical with his family teaching English as a second language in Athens, Greece. After retiring from Napa High School, he worked at the Basque Boulangerie. David was an active member in the Glen Ellen Community Church for 44 years where he sang in the choir, played conga drums, and frequently was the narrator for the annual live nativity scene. David was known for his quick wit, love of life, kind and friendly spirit. He was a loving and generous husband and father and the best grandfather in the world. David is survived by his children, Megan Benz and Tobin Ginter; his daughter-in-law, Maricela Ginter; his grandchildren, Katja and Sara Benz, and Keegan and Annika Ginter; as well as his great-grandchildren, Dion and Nadia Lee, A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on September 16 at Glen Ellen Community Church, 5311 O'Donnell Lane, Glen Ellen. A private family burial will be held in Columbia, CA. Memorial contributions may be made to Young Life Sonoma, P.O. Box 1011, Glen Ellen, CA 95442 or Friends of the Sonoma Valley Library, 755 West Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 95746.

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Published by Sonoma Index-Tribune from Sep. 9 to Sep. 10, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
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Ralph Curran

June 4, 2024

David was my best friend in jr high school. We moved away and lost contact. It is very interesting to read about the life he led which does not surprise me.

Deborah Morse

October 9, 2016

Mr. Ginter can't be easily described. He was my most magical teacher-- bringing cultures alive. He shared his passion about life. Personally, he somehow made my struggle with out of control excema a heroic act- turning a humiliating thing into a badge of courage. He was a gift. My condolences to his family. Debbie (Crane) Morse

Tracy Schneider (formerly Botterbusch)

October 8, 2016

Mr Ginter was a big influence in my life. He was a wonderful person and is greatly missed.

glen olson

October 8, 2016

Herr Ginter always brought a new and special spin to learning. I greatly enjoyed his class and I'm thankful I knew him. I will always remember Herr Ginters German class and I know he will be greatly missed.

Lindsay Aranha

October 7, 2016

Megan and Tobin, my thoughts and prayers are with you both. I have fond memories of both your parents and smile when I consider they are reunited. I'm grateful for the time each shared with me. Wishing you peace during this difficult time. With affection, Lindsay (Crumbliss) Aranha

Carter Medlin

October 7, 2016

So very sad to hear of his passing. Mr Ginter was one of my most memorable teachers. I was always proud to say I took Russian in high school; Mr Ginter made that possible. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to know him and learn from him.

Ned Chaney

October 7, 2016

This breaks my heart. There are teachers who make an impact on your life whom you remember forever, and Mr Ginter was one of those teachers for me. I loved this guy. He was one of my favorite teachers! I just found out about this today and I wish I'd known earlier because I most certainly would have driven down for his memorial service. He was always talking about Megan and Tobin in German class, and my condolences to both of you and your mom. RIP Herr Ginter you were one of a kind.

Kate Cunningham

October 7, 2016

Without the tutelage and encouragement of this man, I would never have had the opportunity to go to Russia as a teen--by far one of the greatest experiences of my life. Ginter, I'll sing a round (or twelve) of Kalinka for you tonight.

Marilyn Merkle-Wainwright

October 7, 2016

I have great memories of an awesome remarkable teacher who could motivate everyone. Three years of German flew by as we learned while we had fun. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Thank you for sharing such a great person with all of us!

October 6, 2016

Mr. Ginter-
You were my inspiration to become a teacher! You taught me so much and I am grateful. May you rest peacefully, my heartfelt condolences to your family.
Best,
Rian Hills-Lindley

Freda Gipson

September 16, 2016

I consider myself very lucky for knowing David...his uncanny ability to keep you laughing, and in awe of his skills as a teacher, Husband, Father and Grandfather. May he rest in peace....and the family find peace in knowing how many lives he has touched.

September 11, 2016

Mr. Ginter, danke shon. You taught me lessons in German and you gave me lessons in life; less than you wanted, but more than you know. Condolences to your family. Mahalo for your contributions to my life, Don Wilkerson, Attorney at Law, Silverado Class of 1970.

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