Gary Gleckler

Gary Gleckler, 77, of Worthington, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home in the early hours of February 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Gary was born to Raymond and Frieda (Volschow) Gleckler. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Martha, and their three sons: Brian (Lindsey), Eric (Lara), and Matthew (Stephanie). He is also survived by his brother, Robert Gleckler of Oak Harbor, Ohio, and nephew, Jack Gleckler; brother-in-law, Steven Curtis (Liz); sisters-in-law, Marilyn Ziegler (Mike), Donna Curtis and Sherry Schoonover; and many nieces and nephews. Gary was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren — Sabra, Kaylan, Elijah, Wil, Greyson, and Connor — and a great-grandfather to Cayden. Gary spent his early years growing up on the family homestead in Oak Harbor, Ohio, and attended Salem Oak Harbor High School. He excelled in multiple sports, earning recognition as an All-Conference Defensive End in football while also serving as class president his senior year. While attending “Buckeye Boys State” at Ohio University, Gary decided to enroll to earn his bachelor’s degree in education, with a minor in English. During his time at Ohio University, he also pursued a relationship with fellow classmate Martha Curtis, ultimately winning her heart during their junior year while enjoying a beautiful fall Sunday gathering with friends at Rainbow Lake near Athens, Ohio. Their story began there! Gary and Martha were married on August 23, 1969, in Marietta, Ohio. Gary began his career as a government teacher at Reynoldsburg High School while coaching football and track from 1969 to 1971. In June of 1971, Gary transitioned into the construction equipment sales industry with Columbus Equipment Company. Over the years, he served in various roles, including branch manager at several Ohio locations, company-wide sales manager, and ultimately president in 1988. He retired from the company in 1998. After retirement, Gary and Martha spent several months traveling across the United States in the fall of 1998. However, due to popular demand, Gary re-entered the workforce in 1999, taking on roles as branch manager for Holt Cat of Columbus (1999-2004), branch manager for All Crane (2004-2006), and president of Company Wrench in Lancaster, Ohio (2006-2012). He ultimately retired again in November of 2012. Gary found joy in spending time with family and friends and attending the sporting events, plays, and concerts of his children, grandchildren, and other family members. He also enjoyed golfing, coin collecting, and, in his later years, tracing the Gleckler family heritage back to Germany. He and Martha found great adventure and blessings in enjoying the sunshine and developing wonderful friendships during winters spent in Venice, Florida! Gary will be fondly remembered for his honesty, generosity, unwavering devotion to his family and friends, and his steadfast faith walk. A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025, at All Saints Lutheran Church, located at 6770 North High Street in Worthington, Ohio. Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM, followed by a service at 1:00 PM, and a fellowship luncheon at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PANCAN.ORG / 877-272-6226) or Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research (LUSTGARTEN.ORG) in support of research to transform pancreatic cancer into a curable disease. PANCAN donation envelopes will be available at the service, as well as a QR code for Lustgarten.

Gary Gleckler

July 29, 1947 - February 8, 2025