Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
Donald L. Gfell, 81, longtime resident of Milan, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Stein Hospice Care Center after a brief illness.
Don was born on January 9, 1942 in Monroeville, OH to the late Edward L. and Zelma M. (Haynes) Gfell.
Don graduated from Milan High School in 1960 and received his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Bowling Green State University. He continued his education and received his Masters in Education from the University of Minnesota. Throughout his career, he worked as both an educator and a school administrator, eventually retiring after fifteen years of service as the Superintendent of Schools for Edison Local Schools. Don was affectionately known as "Edison Man," and was an incredibly active member of his community. Along with his loving wife of 61 years, Bobbie, he was the owner and operator of Sights and Sounds of Edison antique store in Milan. He was generous beyond words, especially with his time, serving as a Past President of the Milan Rotary Club, an active member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Milan, and was a longtime board member of the Edison Birthplace Museum. His love of education helped him create the C&E Foundation which has grown to offering numerous scholarships to Edison High School graduating seniors. Don had a true passion for Thomas Edison memorabilia, and was one of the only individuals currently designing and hand-building reproductions of the wood horns for these phonographs. His interest in Thomas Edison and his community also led him to become instrumental in placing the statue of Thomas Edison to represent Ohio in Statuary Hall at the Capital Building in Washington D.C. By leading a committee which won the contest to update one of two statues in Statuary Hall, Don then commissioned a sculptor and the Edison statue was placed in 2016.
A teacher by nature, "Gramps," as he was known to family, embraced every opportunity to make learning fun and interesting in the classroom, at home, and on the road. In sharing his fascinating Edison collection and wealth of knowledge, Don's positive outlook and upbeat personality was truly infectious. He never gave up on anyone - always seeing the good side of others. On numerous travels across the country, Don would run into someone he knew everywhere he went. He had a big personality and effortlessly engaged with all who crossed his path. Most importantly though, was his family. Don grew up extremely family oriented, and treasured the time he spent with his children and grandchildren.
Don is survived by his wife, Bobbie (Rockwell) Gfell; children, Ann (Tim) Spurrier of Concord Township, OH and Greg (Cheril Walker) Gfell of Kent, OH; six grandchildren, Eli (Ally), Ben, Noah, Patrick, Mason and Christian; sisters, Mary Simon and Rose Reinbolt, both of Norwalk, OH; brothers, Tom (Nancy) Gfell of Milan, OH, Fred (Joyce) Gfell of Milan, OH, and John Gfell of Norwalk, OH; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and special friends.
Friends may call on Saturday, January 28, 2023 from 9:30 am until the time of a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am at St. Mary Mother of Redeemer Church, 38 W. League St., Norwalk with Francis Mariadas presiding. Burial in Milan Cemetery and a Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, Milan, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Those wishing to contribute to Donald's memory may do so to Don Gfell Scholarship c/o Edison Local Schools Citizenship & Education Foundation, 140 South Main Street, Milan, Ohio 44846.
