David Wykoff

David Wykoff

June 18, 1931 - January 12, 2025

With profound sadness, we share the peaceful passing of David Wykoff, our beloved father and grandfather. David left us on January 12, at the age of 93, surrounded by love and his family at his home. He is now in his Heavenly Home, resting in the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

David was born on June 18, 1931. He grew up in Firestone Park and was a lifelong resident of Akron, OH. He went to Garfield High School where he served as president of his class and captain of his basketball team. After graduating with a degree in architecture from Kent State he proudly served in the United States Army.

In 1955, David married Lou Mae Anderson at Concordia Lutheran Church in Akron. He was the most devoted and loving husband, and together they shared 60 remarkable years of marriage and three daughters. When people think of David Wykoff, they will always remember a man of character, strong faith, and his love for his family. His daughters will remember him as their biggest role model. While he was often quiet, he led by example and embodied 'actions always speak louder than words'.

In addition to his dedication to family, David was a talented and respected architect. He owned his own architecture firm, where he took great pride in designing meaningful projects throughout Akron. The highlights of his career include designing the Akron Ronald McDonald House and Firestone Country Club Media Center. He was creative, meticulous, and poured his heart into each project.

David also had an adventurous side and planned yearly camping and road trips for the family. He instilled the importance and joy of travel for his family and made life long memories for the girls. Into retirement, Dave and Lou enjoyed their many cross country trips in their Chevy camper van. His love for his family never wavered.

Some of the most memorable trips were to Sarasota, Florida, where much of David's family resides. David was happiest playing golf with his partner in crime, his cousin Dick Hysell. They were inseparable and always certain to enjoy each other's jokes and a screwdriver or two after a round of golf. Throughout his entire adult life and into much of his retirement, David loved nothing more than spending time with family, especially his beloved relatives in Sarasota. He was the brother, cousin, and uncle to many many loving relatives down south and expressed immense gratitude from God for the blessing of memories with family in Florida.

If he wasn't in Sarasota, he was happiest playing golf anywhere! An avid and accomplished golfer, David loved playing with friends at Good Park in Akron and shot a hole in one in 1991!! A rare once in a lifetime accomplishment that made Dave smile.

When he was not out on the golf course, David was likely demonstrating extreme patience, as he was in a house filled with women his entire life! To keep things even more exciting, God decided to bless him with one more girl, a granddaughter, Catherine. As the only grandchild, David and Catherine shared a bond like no other. They enjoyed long drives together in Akron, memories on the beach in Siesta Key and Hilton Head, watching golf or old movies together, and countless card games of Gin Rummy! Playing hours of gin rummy with his girls was his favorite ... probably because talking was kept to a minimum! And he always won! He was a fierce player.

In his later years, David was blessed to find companionship again with Patricia Norval. Their time together brought a new light and joy to his life. David is survived by his beloved sister, Elaine Staudt of Sarasota, FL, daughters, Beth Harwood of Hilton Head, SC, Jane Wykoff Jones (Nick Jones) of Tucson, AZ, Julie Rudwall (Jim Rudwall) of Chicago, IL, his only grandchild, Catherine Rudwall, of Chicago, IL, and many other loving relatives and friends.

We will miss you dearly, Dad and Grandpa. You have left this world better than you found it, and we are forever grateful for the privilege of being part of your remarkable and vibrant journey. Your gentle wisdom and steadfast faith left an undeniable mark on all who knew you. Rest in peace, Dad - you will live on in us forever.

David was a faithful member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cuyahoga Falls,OH. A memorial service to celebrate David's life will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Thursday, January 16th at 11AM with Pastor Paul Frerichs officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. Please visit www.hummelcares.com to share memories or condolences.