Donald Tornow

Donald G. Tornow of rural Fremont, passed away on April 29, 2025, at the age of 86 following a battle with cancer. He was a loving, funny, and reliable man who touched many lives with his kindness and dedication. Don was born on March 7, 1939, in Elmore, OH, the son of the late Harvey and Della Tornow.

Don was a hardworking man, having spent many years as a forklift driver for Whirlpool in Clyde, OH before retiring in 2000. His reliability and dedication were not only evident at work but also in his personal life. Don was a 50-year member and Past Master of the Gibsonburg Masonic Temple, a member of the Clyde Eagles, and a founding member of the Maumee Valley Winnies. In his retirement, he continued to be active in his community and enjoyed attending car shows, a hobby that brought him great joy and many friendships.

More importantly, Don loved God and his family above all else. His beautiful wife, Marlene, was the love of his life. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love, unwavering commitment, and deep faith. He attended St Paul's Lutheran Church in Clyde and St James Lutheran Church in Bradner most of his life. His family, only second to God, was his greatest pride and joy. He expressed his love not just in words and always making time for his family, but in playful affection—cracking jokes, tapping the wrong shoulder to get a laugh, or giving a gentle poke to the side. He was everything a loving and loyal patriarch should be. Don never met a stranger; he had a natural gift for conversation and made everyone feel welcome. As his family grew over the years, he adored every new addition whether they were children, grandchildren, or even great grandchildren. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, doing everything in his power to support his loved ones whenever they needed him.

Don is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Marlene (Keegan) Tornow, and their children Valerie M. (Barry) Boss of Clyde, Matthew J. (Deanna) Tornow of Statesville, VA, Donna J. (David) Hisey of Willard, and Steven G. (Christie) Tornow of Clyde. He also leaves behind a host of loving grandchildren and family members including Elizabeth (Daniel) Rogers, Erica (Jared) Shetzer, Kevin Langenfelder, Emily (Ben) Krull, Christopher (Krystel) Tornow, David (Jennifer) Tornow, Kevin (Hannah) Tornow, Adam Tornow, Tyler J. (Timothy) Covey, Tanner Hisey, Siera (Logan) Nicely, Samantha K. (Zachary) Kilgore, and Zachary (Alyssa) Tornow and 18 great grandchildren with one on the way. Don is also survived by his siblings John(Mary) Tornow of Port Clinton and Fay Martin of Sandusky. Don was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Paul Tornow, and sisters, Francine Halfhill, and Betty Tornow.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 4:00pm at the Auxter-Recker Funeral Home, 218 South Main Street, Clyde, Ohio, 43410. The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 10:30am in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memory Gardens, Clyde. Memorial Contributions may be made to St James Lutheran Church, 451 Caldwell St. Bradner, OH 43406.

In memory of Donald, we encourage you to share your personal experiences and preservations of his life. Memories and photos can be shared on his memorial page. These personal tributes have the power to bring great comfort to the Tornow family during this difficult time.