Orin W. "Spike" Beitzel

Orin R. "Spike" Beitzel, age 88, of Strasburg, died Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, in Union Hospital, Dover, following a brief illness.

Born Mar. 19, 1924, in Stone Creek, he was the son of the late Russell and Dorothy Neiger Beitzel. Spike attended school in Stone Creek, and served honorably with the United States Third Army during the Second World War. Spike participated in the Battle of the Bulge, and was awarded three Battle Stars as well as a Bronze Star. He had the distinction of being a driver for Gen. George S. Patton. Following his service time, Spike married the former Nila Dee Neumiller, and the couple settled in Strasburg. He was employed by the Truck Coal Co. for twenty-five years, and retired from Tuscarawas County's Franklin Township in 1986 as Road Supervisor after twenty-five years of service.

Spike was a member of St. John United Church of Christ and the Charles Hofer Post of the American Legion, both of Strasburg, as well as the Dover Veterans of Foreign Wars, 40 et 8, and the Eagles Lodge, all of Dover. He was a hard-worker, both in his vocation and at home keeping his home and automobile in top shape. In his younger days, Spike enjoyed going dancing with Dee, and still liked to watch re-runs of The Lawrence Welk Show on the local P.B.S. station. Spike was also a fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Survivors include a son, Greg "Spike" Beitzel of Dover; three grandchildren, Stefanie Johnson, Shanon and Brandi Beitzel; four great-grandchildren, Morgan and Bryan Beitzel, Samantha and Jaclynn Frye; sister, Mickey Gasser of New Philadelphia; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Spike was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dee, on Dec. 6, 2012; a son, Bryan Beitzel; and a sister, Betty Kugler.

Family and friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, 232 N. Wooster Ave., Strasburg, on Friday, Jan. 25, 5 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held Saturday, Jan. 26, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Brian Flood officiating. Burial will be in Grandview Union Cemetery, Strasburg, where military rites will be conducted. To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Spike, please vist the Obituaries and Flowers link on the funeral home's website.

The family suggests that contributions in Spike's memory be made to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, OH 44663.