Robert Gompf Obituary

CARDINGTON - Robert E. Gompf, age 99, Cardington, longtime local funeral director and respected member of his community, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Primrose Retirement Community of Marion.

He was born at home on the Gompf family farm in Harmony Township on February 22, 1926, to the late Selby and Mildred (Galleher) Gompf. Bob started his education in the Blue Jay, one-room schoolhouse, and graduated from Mt. Gilead High School in 1944. He went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Army during World War II, stationed at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds, where he served in the Chemical Warfare Division.

On June 6, 1948, he married the love of his life, Donna June Smith, at the home of his in-laws, Arthur and Kate (Loyer) Smith, in rural Edison. They shared 57 years of marriage before her passing in September 2005.

Bob's calling to funeral service came early in life. At the age of 8, following the death of his grandmother, he felt a deep sense of purpose and compassion for those experiencing loss. That moment planted the seed for a lifelong vocation in caring for others. He became a licensed funeral director in 1949 after graduating from the Cleveland College of Mortuary Science. Bob devoted 76 years to his calling, offering compassion and care across generations. He began his career with Shaw-Davis Funeral Home in Columbus and later spent 36 years serving families at Curl Funeral Home.

Two significant events in 1981 marked a turning point in his career: the passing of longtime funeral homeowner Marjorie Curl and the devastating tornado that destroyed the Curl Funeral Home on Main Street. In response, Bob and his wife, Donna June, opened Gompf Funeral Service in their own home on Center Street. They later undertook the project of building a new facility, which continues to operate today. For many years, they served families there with grace, dignity, and unwavering commitment.

Bob was known not just for his professionalism but for his deep well of kindness and generosity. He was deeply committed to his community and active in numerous organizations. He was a proud 32nd Degree Mason and member of Masonic Lodge #384 in Cardington and later #206 of Mt. Gilead, a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus, the Aladdin Shrine Temple of Columbus, and the Cardington Community Methodist Church. He was also a longtime member and Paul Harris Award recipient of the Cardington Rotary Club and was a devoted 76-year member of the Jenkins Vaughan Post 97 of the American Legion.

He served on the Farmers' Citizen Bank Board of Trustees and was a founding board member of the Morrow County MMRD. He also contributed to local progress as a member of the Cardington Community Improvement Corporation. Bob and June opened their home to the world by hosting several Rotary Exchange students over the years-an experience they both cherished.

In his leisure time, Bob enjoyed working on puzzles, tending to his beloved vegetable garden-always giving more away than he kept-refinishing furniture with great care, and staying involved in the life of the community he loved.

In addition to his wife, June, Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Barbara; his brothers, Richard and Howard Gompf; his sister, Eileen Gompf; and his companion, Beverly Foltz, who died in 2020.

He is survived by his son, Gene (LeAnne) Gompf of Cardington; his daughter, Julie (David) Flickinger of Cortland; one brother, Harold Gompf of Mt. Gilead; sister-in-law, Harriet Gompf, Cardington, eight grandchildren; Michalene Gompf, Brittany Levering, Gregory (Morgan) Gompf, Geoffrey (Whitney) Gompf of Cardington; Leslie (Tyler) Huber of Zanesville; Mindy (Dan) Vanes of Pensacola, Florida; Lisa (Tim) Glass of Medina; and Jennifer (Tyler) Ryan, Colorado Springs, Colorado; sixteen great-grandchildren; close friend, Betty Newcomer; and many extended family members and friends who will remember him with deep respect and affection.

Public viewing will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Gompf Funeral Service. A funeral service will take place on Saturday morning, June 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the funeral home, officiated by his daughter-in-law and celebrant, LeAnne Gompf. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery, with Military Honors observed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Aladdin Shrine Temple Children's Hospital Fund, 1801Gateway Circle, Grove City, Ohio 43123, or the Cardington Community Methodist Church, 300 S Marion St, Cardington, OH 43315 in honor of Bob's lifelong dedication to service and community.