David "Edsel Dave" Pilger, 83, Known for His Ability to Fix or Repair Just about Anything
David “Edsel Dave” Pilger, age 83, of Sheffield Lake, passed away on the morning of Friday December 26th in the emergency room of Mercy Health Lorain Hospital following a brief illness.
He was born in Cleveland on August 14, 1942 and was a 1961 graduate of the Augusta Military Academy in Fort Defiance, Virginia.
Following his graduation he came back to Ohio and joined the staff at the Lorain Printing Company. In 1978 he transitioned to a similar role as a machine technician with the Roberts and Porter Company. In 1983, he followed a colleague and co-worker to M.B.O. America where he assumed duties as national service manager. David retired from the company in 2008 following a career that spanned almost a half century in the printing industry.
He possessed a high mechanical aptitude and was known for his ability to fix or repair just about anything. In addition, he was a skilled woodworker and was also highly regarded for his love and expertise of vegetable gardening with tomatoes being among his favorite crops to grow. He found additional relaxation by attending activities at the Lorain Senior Center.
David was a classic car enthusiast and was extremely proud of the 1959 Edsel Ranger that he meticulously restored and maintained. He was an active, longtime member of the Stylers Car Club and was serving as the organization’s Secretary-Treasurer at the time of his passing.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years June (nee Sturtevant), son James Zehel of Strongsville, daughters Donna Kuhn of Lorain, Keri Rieth (Gary) of Litchfield, Shannon Bass (Eric) of Wakeman, and Susan Kuhar. Additional survivors include thirteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, step-brother James Werley (Nancy) of Lorain and brother-in-law Ron Johnson residing in Phoenix, Arizona.
David was preceded in death by his father Frank J. Pilger, mother Winifred Werley (nee Zimmerman) step-father Franklyn Werley, son Russell Pilger, step-brother Leroy Werley, and sister JoAnn Johnson.
Visitation will be Sunday January 4th from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel – 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain. Funeral services will be Monday January 5th at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral chapel. Entombment will follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Avon.
To share your memories with the Pilger family, please visit Edsel Dave’s tribute page at www.gluvnashimohromada.com.