David L. Tober

December 16, 1963 - September 10, 2026

After a short battle with lung cancer, David L Tober passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, September 10, 2026 surrounded by his family with his favorite music playing in the background.

Dave was born on December 16, 1963 in Toledo, Ohio to Donald L. Tober and Gwen F. Tober.

He is survived by his three siblings, Joe Tober, Pat Tober, Kathy Tober (Pete), his four children, Rebecca Sharp (Steve), Jeffery Tober (Melissa), Michael Tober (Clare), and Thomas Tober, eight grandchildren, two nieces, and one nephew.

Dave resided in Gaylord, Michigan for the majority of his adult life before spending the last 10 years in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A lifelong automotive technician, Dave earned numerous awards and accolades throughout his extensive career. During the latter part of his life, he took great pride in mentoring and training technicians at Christian Brothers Automotive, passing along the vast knowledge and skills he had gained over a lifetime in the industry.

A friend to Bill W. he was deeply involved in his community, helping and supporting countless people in their times of need. Service to others was an extremely important part of Dave’s life.

In his spare time, Dave enjoyed spending time with his family, playing video games with his sons, attending his grandchildren’s various events, reading, learning and deepening his spirituality, and participating in service work within his groups. He loved music and was a die hard fan of the band Rush.

Dave was a strong, stubborn but good hearted man who was deeply spiritual and lived life on his own terms. He has left an undeniable mark on the people who knew and loved him.

“Suddenly, you were gone, from all the lives you left your mark upon.” -Rush, Afterimage

Two celebrations of Dave's life will be held for family and friends. Both informal gatherings will begin at 2:00pm to share words and memories of Dave. The family will receive guests until 4:00pm.

Saturday, September 19th, 2:00-4:00

Long Lake Park-Sparta, Michigan

13747 Krauskopf NE
Sparta, MI 49345

Sunday, September 20th, 2:00-4:00

Irontone Springs- Gaylord, Michigan

3549 N. Old US Highway 27
Gaylord, MI 49735

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to support future automotive technicians through The Piston Foundation by donating here. Please note 'In Memory of David L. Tober’ with your gift. For additional information on The Piston Foundation, please visit their website https://pistonfoundation.org