Robert David "Dave" Wortman

Robert David “Dave” Wortman, of Piqua, Ohio, passed away on August 12, 2026, at Hospice of Miami County. He died unexpectedly following a successful open-heart surgery. Dave was born on December 9, 1953, in Findlay, Ohio, to Robert and Mary Lou Wortman. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Debra; his twin sons, Chad (Lauren) of Fort Mill, South Carolina, and Nathan of Powell, Ohio; his daughter, Alexa Mendleson (Brian) of Piqua, Ohio; and five grandchildren: Bridgette McDaniel, Owen Wortman, Landen Wortman, Katie Wortman, and Brooks Wortman. He is also survived by his siblings, Amy Opp (Glen) of Colorado, John Wortman (Brenda) of Wapakoneta, Ohio, Jim Wortman (Joan) of Findlay, Ohio, Sarah House (Bryan) of Boaz, Kentucky, and Paul Wortman (Maureen) of Findlay, Ohio; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bill Wortman. Dave attended Divine Heart Seminary for his first three years of high school and graduated from Findlay High School in 1972. He went on to play soccer at The Ohio State University, graduating in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Dave began his career as Assistant Superintendent at Sylvania Country Club in Toledo and later served as Superintendent of Troy Country Club before starting his own business. For more than 40 years, he owned and operated Wortman’s Professional Lawn and Landscape. He also officiated high school basketball and worked as a substitute teacher for 33 years. Dave often said he liked his life and had the best of all worlds. When he grew tired of working outside, it was time to head into the classroom or onto the basketball court. And when he grew tired of kids, coaches, and fans, it was time to get back outside—where the grass and plants didn’t talk back or yell at him. Dave loved to travel and took great pleasure in planning wonderful weekends, short trips, and vacations with family and friends. After retiring in 2020, he embraced retirement to the fullest. He enjoyed playing golf, reading and watching Buckeyes football in his Ohio State man cave, caring for his lawn, landscaping, and perennial garden, and taking part in a variety of social activities while wintering in Florida. Dave built a life around the things he loved—family, work, the outdoors, sports, travel, and time spent with others. He took genuine pleasure in that life, and those who knew and loved him will remember his sense of humor, love for Ohio State, and his ability to enjoy the world around him.  A private service will be held for the immediate family on August 22, 2026.  A celebration of life (casual) for all family and friends will follow at 1 p.m. at the Crooked Handle Event Room, 123 N. Main St., Piqua Ohio. Wear your OSU attire to honor Dave and his love for OSU football. If desired, contributions may be made to: Ohio Hospice of Miami County, Troy Ohio, With God’s Grace Food Pantry, Dayton Ohio, Piqua Public Library, 116 W. High Street, Piqua Ohio 45356.  Condolences may be shared with family at www.stockerfraley.com.

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