Vic Gessner

Vic Gessner, 70, of Dundee and a longtime Strasburg resident died early Sunday morning, August 23, 2015 in the Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia.

Vic started his lifelong career at the age of 12 having worked for his family business, Newton Asphalt Company in Strasburg. He later founded and operated Gessner Sealrite & Paving in Dundee for the past 28 years. He also owned and operated the former Garver Store Flea Market in Strasburg for 31 years.

Born Nov. 11, 1944 in Massillon, he was the son of the late Eleanor (Muelheim) Newton and Clarence Newton and George Gessner. In addition to his parents, Vic was preceded in death by two brothers, David and Tom Newton; his mother in law, Mary Kay Mizer and sister in law, Carol Gessner.

Vic will be remembered as a great civic and community leader. He served on the Strasburg Village Council for many years and was President for 15 years and Mayor of the village for 5 years. He was a member of the Republican Party and twice ran for Tuscarawas County Commissioner. He was also previously a member of the Strasburg Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Strasburg. He was a 1964 graduate of Strasburg Franklin High School and was an outstanding athlete for the Tigers known as the "Tiger Terror." He lettered all 4 years in all 4 sports. He never forgot his roots having been a major supporter of Strasburg sports programs and formerly coached the "Tiger Mites" youth basketball program. In addition to his Strasburg activities, Vic was also a member of the New Philadelphia Elks lodge and former member of the Dover Moose.

Following high school, Vic attended Wooster Business College. He loved high school tournament basketball and attended the state tournaments for 53 straight years. He will also be remembered for his generosity and was always helping and donating his time and money to better his community. He was also an avid Massillon Tiger fan.

In seventh grade, Vic would meet the love of his life, Winnie Mizer and the two would spend the rest of their lives together. They would have celebrated 50 years of marriage this Oct. 17. He will also be sadly missed by his son Johnny (Kim) Gessner of Dundee and his granddaughters, Caitlin and Ashleigh. In addition, he is survived by two brothers, George Gessner of Strasburg and Jim (Rita) Gessner of Canton; two sisters, Gay Newton and Jo Newton both of Strasburg; an aunt, Dolly Muelheim; sisters in law, Sue Newton of Strasburg, Sally Dorn of Dover and a brother in law, Bill Mizer of Strasburg; 11 nieces and nephews, Jeff, Greg, Denise, Jamie, Tommy, Rachel, Molly, Emily, Libby, Andy and Rich; along with numerous great nieces and nephews whom adored him.

A celebration of Vic's life will be held Friday, Aug. 28, 2015 beginning at 11am in the First Lutheran Church in Strasburg with Pastor Karen Biggerstaff officiating. Interment will be in the Grandview Union Cemetery at Strasburg. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 4-8pm and Friday from 10-11 am. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Vic may sign the online register book by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

Memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church, 211 8th St. S.W., Strasburg, Ohio 44680 or the Community Hospice House, 716 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44680