Gary Lee Amstutz

Gary Lee Amstutz, age 77, passed away peacefully at Brookdale Senior Living in Wooster on Thursday, June 11, 2026, after a period of declining health. He was born in Wooster on October 11, 1948, to Clair Eugene Amstutz and Mildred Josephine Shook.

Gary served in the Army, 7th 61st. Battalion from 1969 to 1971. Most of his military time was spent in Germany where his unit provided security at several US bases. Gary was very patriotic and always a strong supporter of US military veterans.

After his time in the military, Gary came back to Wooster and worked at Wooster Egg Company where he met his future wife, Gail. They were married on January 14, 1972, and were together for 53 years until Gail passed away last December 2025. Gary went on to work for Akron Brass for 37 years before retiring. Gary and Gail adopted three children and even through some challenging times they never wavered in their faith and determination to create a loving family for their children.

Gary was passionate about Harley-Davidson motorcycles and fishing. He introduced Gail to the world of motorcycles, and they had many wonderful times driving the country roads on their Harleys. Gary also spent many good times fishing at Shreve Lake and at a pond on property they owned in Waynesboro, TN. Gary was also a musician. He was a member of the Darkside Band, a local group that played together for several years.

Gary and Gail started a business called Justcrakers where they bred and showed miniature horses for many years. They won numerous awards and ribbons showing the horses at national horse shows and the Wayne County Fair. Gary placed Grand Champion at his very first big show with their best miniature, Popcorn.

When Gary and Gail retired, they moved to Waynesboro, Tennessee and lived there for ten years before moving back to Ohio to be closer to family and friends.

Gary is survived by his children Holly Amstutz of Orrville, Steven Amstutz (Barbara) of Wooster, brother Ed Amstutz of Wooster, and several nieces and nephews. His faithful dog, Lady, was always by his side.

Gary’s parents, daughter Emily Amstutz, grandson Donnell Chappell, brothers Delbert Amstutz of Arizona, Bill Amstutz of Creston, Gene Amstutz of Wooster, and a sister Lucille Amstutz (Raper) of Wooster all preceded him in death.

Visitation hours for Gary will be on Friday, June 19 from 10 – 11 a.m. at Roberts Funeral Home-Sherwood Chapel, 7067 Cleveland Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691.

A memorial service for Gary will be held immediately after the visitation hours, at 11 a.m. at Roberts Funeral Home-Sherwood Chapel. He will be interred at Sherwood Memorial Gardens after the service.

Online tributes may be made at www.robertsfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Center or Wounded Warrior Project for Veterans.

Friends and family are all invited to a lunch reception immediately after the cemetery services at the Best Western Plus Hotel, 243 E. Liberty Street, Wooster, Ohio.

The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you to all the staff at Brookdale Senior Living Center and to Ohio's Hospice LifeCare for all the love, care, and support that was given to Gary and his family.