David Robert Broehl died October 19, 2020, at the Wooster Community Hospital, where he was in his 4th week of treatment for Covid-19.
He was born September 4, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, to Wayne G. Broehl, Jr., and Jean Kirby Broehl. He grew up in Hanover, New Hampshire, where his father taught at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. The intellectual richness of an Ivy League community was sometimes overshadowed by unkind superiority toward those whose parents were not associated with Dartmouth, thus beginning a young boy s lifetime of standing up for others. He tolerated no bullies and befriended everyone else. His choice of the College of Wooster in 1965 was a conscious decision to move toward the heartland.
At the College, he made treasured life-long friends and met his wife, Margo, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage. Described as a professional good guy , he spent his entire career in social service advocating on behalf of marginalized communities abused and at-risk children, the developmentally disabled, the elderly, the homeless and for the overall betterment of the broader Wooster community.
His greatest joy was in community service in his beloved Wooster. He was a tireless volunteer, starting with the Jaycees, to coaching youth soccer and the inaugural girls Wooster High School soccer team, to serving on boards of directors – and his great love became the Wayne County Historical Society where he devoted much time, energy and enthusiasm. He loved to work in groups to achieve consensus and was currently championing projects including the Charles Follis Trail, work on behalf of the NAACP and the Medway Levy Committee. His goal was always to help others succeed and to make his corner of the world a better place. He was invariably kind, fair and honest, and a ferociously loyal friend.
As a star athlete, he was on state high school championship teams in soccer, hockey, and baseball. His golf game and slice were legendary. He loved sports and competing in games, notably Scrabble, bridge and cribbage, and only his cheerful modesty prevented opponents from being too annoyed to play him again although there was a fairly wide intra-family boycott of Scrabble due to his surgical use of the q on a triple word score. When his athlete s knees began to limit participation in team sports, he developed an interest in art and antiques, which he pursued with the same avidity he had applied to tennis, skiing and soccer, resulting in a home filled with beauty and an enthusiasm for sharing his latest collecting passion with anyone who would listen.
He was predeceased by his parents, younger brother Michael, and son Daniel Wayne. He is survived by his wife, Margo, son Nathan Broehl, daughter Julia Hesse (Randy), daughter-in-law Liz Broehl and grandchildren Jacob Hesse, Madeline Hesse, Logan Broehl, Lillian Broehl and Dylan Broehl, his brother James Broehl, nieces and nephews, beloved cousins and countless mentees and friends. He adored his sister-in-law Shelley Hancock (Dexter) and the extended Hancock family.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no services at this time although we are hoping for a memorial service when we can gather safely. David deemed the power of interpersonal communication to be the most important tool of empathetic understanding and problem solving and would have been appalled by a Zoom funeral.
The family thanks Dr. Dana Bonezzi and Elaine Russell and the staff at Wooster Community Hospital for their valiant struggles to save his life from Covid-19. This virus is horrible; so virulent and so deadly. The family requests that everyone remain vigilant to keep themselves and those around them safe. If you wish to make a memorial contribution, please direct it to the Broehl Family Fund at the Wayne County Community Foundation, 517 N. Market St., Wooster, Ohio 44691.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
.
Memorial Contributions
Service
Saturday, August 21, 2021 @ 2:00pm. RES Auction House, 375 Fry Rd. , Wooster, Ohio
Visitation
Saturday, August 21, 1-5pm at the RES Auction House, 375 Fry Rd., Wooster, Ohio
Margo, I was quite stunned and saddened to learn of David’s passing—no less due to the virus. Our paths crossed many times over decades. He was always truthful, generous, warm, enthusiastic and genuine. As I prayed this morning, I prayed for you. That God would comfort you through the Holy Spirit. Deb and I have been married under 50 years so we’re close to where you and David were in years together. I can only imagine the hole his absence makes in your life. I hope God gradually fills it with great memories and His love. As you grieve, may you sense and know God’s presence as He holds you tightly in His almighty hands.
My sincere condolences to the Broehl family! My parents, Glen and Marcia, had such great respect for your family and I am forever grateful for Dave’s willingness to help us during a difficult time! My thoughts and prayers are with your family!
Margo & family
So very sorry to hear about David . Deepest sympathy.
Condolences!
David has left a legacy of goodness in this community. May all who knew him follow his example of finding ways to make this world a better place.
I’m so sorry to hear of David’s passing. My prayers and love to Margo and family. I will miss his chats and guidance.
So sorry Margo and your family in the loss of David.
Sincere and heartfelt condolences from myself and Velda.
Kristy and I want to express our sincere condolences to Margo and the family. Dave was a great man who loved his family and community. He will be deeply missed.
What a huge loss to the community. It’s no understatement to say that Dave had a giant influence on my life — a sentiment undoubtedly echoed by hundreds touched by his kindness and generosity through the years. My heart goes out to Margo and the kids. Peace and rest well, my friend.
My absolute deepest sympathies to the entire family and friends of David. My heart breaks for you Margo and you Julia. Thinking of you all during this very difficult time. Prayers and love to you all.
Margo & Family:
My sincerest sympathies during this time of great sadness! David was indeed a gentle man, so kind & sincere! I wanted to share a lovely memory with you. Several years ago, the local charity Every Woman’s House held its benefit Garden Tour in the Wooster/Wayne Co. area of which your lovely home was one of the tour stops. My partner and I so enjoyed getting to know both you & David that particular day and were given our own tour by David who was so proud to show us the beautiful backyard gazebo that both your son & he had constructed together! I’ve never forgotten that and his gracious hospitality! May God bless & keep you. Tony
TO MARGO AND FAMILY I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
My most sincere sympathies to Margo and family. Dave was definitely one of the good guys. He touched more lives than he ever knew and truly made a difference in our community. The world would be a better place with more people like Dave. Rest In Peace.
Great soccer coach as a kid and partner at the historical society! He is sorely missed!
His goodness to all will live on. May he rest in eternal peace. Sincere sympathies to the family at this difficult time of loss.
Our deepest sympathies to Margo and family in the loss of David. Our prayers go out to you all.
Joe and Mary Ann Pallotto
Margo, My sincere condolences to you and your family for your loss of David. You are in my prayers.
My heart is heavy, having learned of Dave’s passing, but his lasting legacy on this community and the impact he made is all around us. My love goes out to the entire Broehl family during this very painful and difficult time. He was definitely one of the best.
Margo and family, please accept my deepest sympathy.
Neighbor, colleague, friend, leader, David will be remembered forever. We met at the first of many meeting we were to attend organizing and planning for the welfare of children. He said, “There’s a house three doors down that might interest you.” It became my home.
Margo, Nate, Julie, Randy, and Liz – I am so sorry. David was an incredible person, and his passing leaves a huge hole in the universe. I was so happy to be able to witness some of his most joyful days (Julie’s graduation and Julie and Randy’s wedding) and know how passionate he was about his family and his community. I know there will be tough times ahead, but I hope that you soon find moments of comfort remembering his bright optimism and generous, full life. Peace to you all.
David Broehl was passionate about many just causes and he will be missed on many levels. His fundraising efforts were amazing. Oh course, his greatest love was his family and I send my deepest sympathy to all of them. Julie Mennes and Family
David was passionate about many worthwhile endeavors and he will be missed. His ability to raise funds for worthy causes was legend. Of course, his greatest love was his family and we send our sincere sympathies to each of you. Julie Mennes and Family
I remember Dave quite well. He suffered, along with the other spouses, while Margo and I slogged through night classes at Akron U’s School of Law 40 years ago. He was a great guy. My heart goes out to Margo and his family.
The Wayne County Sunday Express was a very small chapter in David’s rich life, and yet a great example of how his creativity and dedication opened up opportunities for others. It was an adventure for me, and a chance to do some good work. May your hearts be at peace.
David was a wonderful person who cared far more about others than he did about himself. He prodded me to move out of my comfort zone and gave me the confidence to do so. Without him, my career would not have been anywhere near what it became. As Terri Gillespie noted above, “DB” was the driving force behind the Wayne County Sunday Express, an artist success that fell short financially mainly because the economy tanked precisely when we launched it, but an effort that showed everyone involved that their horizons were far broader than they thought. He and Margo were an incredible team, sincere and genuine, funny and bright, incredibly loyal, and always looking out for people who the rest of society largely ignored. My deepest sympathy to the entire Broehl clan. I’m going to miss you, Big Guy. Have fun up there.
All of us enjoyed working with Dave over many years and a variety of projects. Dave was always boyant and thus a joy to work with. We were lucky to be associated with him and his passions. May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort in seeing his impact on us and the whole community.
Dear Margo and Nate,
My sincere condolences for your loss. You and Wayne County lost a very good man.
Sincerely,
Kevin Hennis
May the care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace in the days ahead. David was always such a voice for the underdog. Have so many wonderful memories of the Broehl family during the time my family lived in Wooster. You will be in my prayers.
Dear Margo, Nate, and family, my deepest condolences to you all during this hardest of times. All of your friendships have meant the world and in all likelihood, changed the world. May God’s grace and strength guide you through these days; my prayers for you all.
Dear Margo, we are indeed very sorry to hear this tragic news. We were looking forward to good times together again. Dave was so instrumental in helping us achieve our goals with the Women’s Hospital project and now I am learning a little more about him, that made him so special. We are honored to have had the opportunity to meet and know him. Be comforted in your great memories together.
Sending condolences and prayers to the family. May the Lord hold you all in the palm of his hand.
Margo and family, I was so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I knew Dave in high school and I can say easily he was one of the nicest people I have known. His smile lit up the room and it was contagious. Please know I am thinking of you at this very sad time. Debbie Ward Beye
Godspeed to the entire community of Wooster. My personal sympathy to Margo and her family. I met David many years ago and never forgot him.
Margo, I am so sorry to hear about David’s passing. My prayers are with you and your family.
Margo,
I would have liked David and we’d have a lot to talk about. My deepest sympathy for so great a loss. Sandy
Dear Margo, my heart reaches out to you and the family. I too have lost a spouse and know the feelings that accompany such a loss. I know the Mayflower family also walks with you during this time.
Margo and Family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear about Dave’s passing. We have good memories of the time we spent together many years ago.Our deepest condolences to you. May the heavenly Father give you comfort and peace during this most difficult time
We are so sorry for your loss. Dave will be missed by all. I so enjoyed coaching with him. Our friendship will always be in our hearts. Prayers for you Margo and family. God has received a great one. Love Sue Steve Colleen and Katie
Dear Margo and family, David was my mother Helen Louise McClelland Briggs’ third cousin through the Kirby side of the family. I think I have met you a time or two. And I remember David from our childhood family reunions. His obituary speaks of his remarkable love for humankind and his selfless contributions to his community. I can’t imagine your sense of loss at losing such a fine man, husband, and father. I’m sending my love and condolences. From Cousin Bev
David is a distant cousin of ours, and I was sorry to hear of his death. His mom was my mom’s cousin (Helen Louise McClelland Briggs). I was moved when reading his obituary. What a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed by his family and the entire community. What a great loss to all. Thinking of you during this tough time.
So sorry to learn of David’s death. He was a unique individual who cared about others. May his memory be a blessing.