George “Dave” Vanderkooi II

George “Dave” Vanderkooi II, 75 of Mount Gilead, passed away on July 13, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Dave was born on July 25, 1948, in Galion to the late George and Norma (Miller) Vanderkooi.

Dave was a graduate of Mount Gilead High School, Class of 1968. After high school, he married Sharon Taylor on June 21, 1968, and they spent 56 years of loving marriage together.

Dave was deeply involved in his community. He participated in 4H, showing horses and was part of the Triple R Bar club. He dedicated his time to coaching his children in various sports, particularly baseball and football. In addition to his involvement with Mount Gilead Athletic Boosters, Dave was a familiar face at his grandchildren’s sporting events, always cheering them on from the sidelines.

Outside of sports, Dave had a love for the outdoors and could often be found tinkering with small engines, mowing his lawn with his beloved John Deere tractor, or simply enjoying the simple pleasures of life like swinging on his front porch. He also enjoyed watching motorcycle racing and partaking in friendly games of bowling in his younger years with his wife, Sharon.

Left to cherish Dave’s memories are his wife, Sharon Vanderkooi; his children; Matthew (Nikki) Vanderkooi, Amy Young and Bryan Vanderkooi, all of Mount Gilead; 6 grandchildren; Marcus Vanderkooi, Payton Vanderkooi, Riley Vanderkooi, Austin Vanderkooi, Seth Young and Luke Young; his brother, Chuck (Melanie) Vanderkooi of Galion; and his breakfast buddy, Dave Young.

Friends may call on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Mark A. Schneider-Gompf Funeral Home, 303 Portland Way N., Galion from 11:00am until 12:00pm. A celebration of life will immediately follow at 12:00pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Gilead Athletic Boosters or Ohio Health Hospice.

Those wishing to share a memory of Dave or send condolences to the Vanderkooi family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.

The Mark A. Schneider-Gompf Funeral Home, 303 Portland Way N., Galion is honored to serve the family of George David Vanderkooi II.