David Michael Zwayer

David (also known as Dave or “Z”) was born August 16, 1961 and grew up in Toledo where he attended Zion Lutheran Elementary and Rogers High School, class of 1979.  Dave’s athleticism was undeniable and he found his second family playing ultimate frisbee with the Toledo LandSharks. In 1992 he was selected to play for Team USA in the UPA Masters World Ultimate & GUTS Championship in Japan where they took home the gold. 

In 1996 he graduated from the University of Toledo with a degree in Nursing and high honors. He went on to work in many departments at The Toledo Hospital, though his heart was always in the ICU. 

He also worked as a Stagehand with Toledo Stagehands Local 24 IATSE and at the University of Michigan Football stadium as an Usher. He worked his way from the student section to suite seats and boy did he love his fellow Michigan fans. Leave it to Dave to turn his love of music and football into a lucrative venture.

In his later years, he formed his “game show,” the famous Dave Z’s Name That Tune where he hosted music trivia at local bars and restaurants, entertaining many with his knowledge of music and quick wit. 

Dave will be remembered for his love of all things Seinfeld, Michigan football, James Taylor, and ultimate frisbee. His eccentric behavior, loving smile, and ability to grab attention from anyone in the room, will forever be cherished by those he leaves behind. 

Surviving are his mother, Patricia Gstalder; Children, Allyson (Robert) Zink, Kari (Andrew Jamieson) Zwayer, Michael Zwayer and Amber Moses; Former spouse and mother of three of his children, Sandra (Gasser) Zwayer; Siblings, Deborah Zwayer, Dorothy Sleight, Daniel Zwayer, Dawn (Elliot) Hershik and Amanda McLemore; four grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, step siblings, and in laws; a cat and his beloved German Shepard, Seven. 

He is preceded in death by his birth father, Gail Zwayer, and step father, Robert Gstalder. 

Please, no flowers. We are honored to accept donations in Dave’s name to Team Recovery and The Zepf Center. These centers help those like Dave to come out on the better side of addiction and mental illness. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday March 31st at Nick & Jimmy's Bar & Grill 4956 Monroe St.  after 5:30 PM. 

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