Denver (Denny) Werstler passed from this life on July 20, 2023 at the age of 78.  He was born December 11, 1944 to Gerald and Hazel (Eshelman) Werstler.  Denny lived his entire life in Marlboro Township, graduating from Marlington High School in 1962 as president and co-valedictorian of his class.  During his junior year, Denny was a delegate to Buckeye Boys State.  Denny went to The University of Mount Union where he earned a Bachelor 's degree in Chemistry and was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity.  He later received his Master's degree in Polymer Science from The University of Akron.

Denny began his career at General Tire Research (eventually know as GenCorp) where he worked as a research scientist for 30 years.  He then worked at Goodyear Research for 10 years before fully retiring in 2007.  Denny specialized in NMR Analytic Chemistry.  His expertise in that field was well-recognized within the tire and rubber industry and he continued doing consulting work after retirement.

Denny loved sports and had a wealth of knowledge about sports facts, history, players and trivia.  He played football, basketball and baseball in high school and was named MVP of his football team his senior year.  As his nephews grew up, Denny loved following their sports, attending their games regularly.  He followed all sports closely, especially the Cleveland pro teams and he was a particularly devoted fan of the Cleveland Browns.  Denny took up golf after college and played the game very well, achieving three holes-in-one.  It was through golf that he met his wife, Joan (Clark), when both played in separate General Tire leagues at Mogadore Country Club.  They were married October 3, 1986.

Over their married life, Denny and Joan were always busy spending time with family and friends, playing golf, church activities, eating out, sharing their life with an assortment of dogs and cats and travelling often.  Their travels took them all over the US and Canada and included five trips to Europe.  Denny was happiest when he could spend time working in his yard, planting, mowing, mulching and surrounded by the many trees he planted over nearly fifty years.  His collection of daylilies, hostas and other perennials was a beautiful sight every summer.  Denny was a member of North Springfield Presbyterian Church in Akron where he served as elder and treasurer.

Denny was a special man, soft-spoken, humble, kind, caring, intelligent and he had a great sense of humor.  He was a terrific companion and best friend to his wife, Joan.  He was preceded in death by his parents, many aunts and uncles and his in-laws, Les and Carlene Clark.  He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Joan, brother Blaine Werstler, sister Karen (Tom) Robinson, sister-in-law Margaret (Steve) Dale, nephews Brian Werstler, Matt Robinson, Mitch (Rachel) Robinson, Marshall (Erica) Robinson and their families.  He is also survived by many cousins, especially the Hartville cousins who dined together every Thursday night.  He will be missed as well by his cats, Fudge and Abby.

A private burial will be held for the family at East Nimishillen Church Cemetery.  Calling hours will be Tuesday, August 1st, 4-7 PM at Arnold Funeral Home, 504 W. Maple St., Hartville.  A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 2nd, 12 noon at North Springfield Presbyterian Church, 671 Canton Rd., Akron, OH  44312 with Reverend Patricia Moats officiating.  Memorials may be sent to the North Springfield Church or to the Marlington Alumni Association, P. O. Box 6001, Alliance, OH  44601.

Arnold 330-877-9364