Obituary of Eugene Ginther

Eugene Charles Ginther was born in Erie, Michigan on December 9, 1933. He was one of six children born from the union of the late George and the late Mercedes (Cousino) Ginther Sr. In 1955, Eugene was drafted into the United States Army where he served his country honorably for four years. He married the love of his life the former Diane Costlow on September 3, 1960 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Erie, Michigan. From this union would come the birth of two beautiful children. For twenty-eight years, Eugene provided for his family as a Shipping and Receiving Clerk at General Motors power train on Alexis Road in Toledo; finally retiring in 1990. For eight years, he was an active volunteer with the Morin Point Volunteer Fire Department. Eugene loved to spend time up north at his Cottage in Portage Lake with his family. He enjoyed playing cards and would choose to ride his golf cart before riding in a car any time. He was a NASCAR fan, and a Jeff Gordan fan, later following Joey Logano. Although he had a stubborn streak and was hard headed, he was easy going and would do anything for his family. Spending quality time with his grandchildren, was his favorite pass time. Eugene Charles Ginther, age 81 of Erie, passed away at 10:35am on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at Point Place Care Facility in Toledo, Ohio. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by his wife, Diane; two siblings: George Ginther Jr. and Mary Rainey; and two brother-in-laws: Raymond Long and Paul Martin. To cherish his memory, Eugene leaves his children: Mike (Barbara) Ginther of Erie, and Lori Boroff of Toledo; three siblings: Virginia Long of Maumee, Carolyn Martin of Erie, and Jim (Ruth) Ginther of Erie; six grandchildren: Carrie Ginther, Megan Ginther, Jacob Hansen, Jeffrey (Sara) Hansen, Jared Hansen and Bethany Hansen; and one great grandchild on the way. Friends may gather on Monday, September 28, 2015 from 2:00pm until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service; 9156 Summit Street, Erie (734) 848-5185. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, September 29, 2015, also at Merkle's with Reverend Donna Ebanks of Northpoint Church of the Nazarene officiating. Procession will follow to St. Joe's Cemetery in Erie for burial where graveside services will be held under the auspices of Erie Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3925. The family would like to thank the Point Place Rehabilitation staff, especially the therapy department, for lovingly treating Eugene like family for seven years. Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.