David Kierzek passed away on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 surrounded by his loving family at the Hospice of Hope in Seaman, Ohio. After a brave and difficult battle with brain cancer, he left this world peacefully.
A mass for Dave is scheduled for Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hillsboro, OH, with a visitation in the Parish Hall immediately following the ceremony. The burial will be at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery in Erie, PA at the convenience of the family.
Dave was born on December 21st, 1948 in Erie, Pennsylvania. He first met his future wife when he was only four and she was five years old. After studying Engineering at Gannon University, he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in 1970. On June 27th, 1970 he married his wife of 46 years, Patricia (Rancka) Kierzek.
Following his service in the U.S. Army, which took Dave and Patti to Albuquerque, NM and Colorado Springs, CO, he worked as an Engineer for General Electric for 29 years, beginning his career in Erie, PA and retiring in Peebles, OH in 2009.
He is survived by his wife Patti; his son Daniel (Niki Fox) Kierzek of Peebles, OH; his daughter Dr. Amy (Daniel) Ash of Terre Haute, Indiana; and two young granddaughters, Sierra Kierzek and Ryan Ash. He is also survived by Niki’s children, Joshua and Kaylin Narayana, as well as his brother Kenneth (Theresa) Kierzek; his sister, Renée (John) Otteni; his sister-in-law Maryann (Robert) Sirak; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother Virginia (Stankiewicz) Kierzek, father Teofil Kierzek, and his younger brother Darrell Kierzek.
Dave enjoyed spending time outside or working in his barn. Generous with both is time and talents, he knew how to do almost everything and was always there to help whoever needed him. Dave volunteered at Kamp Dovetail, camp for children with special needs, and was involved with Odyssey of the Mind, youth soccer and basketball. He is loved by anyone he ever met, and an entire generation of kids will remember him fondly as a supporter and coach.
Dave was a wonderful husband father, and grandfather. Most of all, he loved sharing adventures with his granddaughters, who adore him. We all do.
Memorial Donations can be made to Hospice of Hope.
Arrangements made by Thompson Funeral Home, Hillsboro Ohio.