David J. Burtze, 69, of Grafton passed away Wednesday at the Center Ridge Health Campus in North Ridgeville following a brief illness. He was born October 15, 1942 in Lorain and was a Grafton resident for the past 13 years, coming from Lorain. David worked as a maintenance welder at the General Motors plant in Parma for 27 years, retiring in 2005. Prior to that he worked at Thew Shovel, the American Ship Building Co. and Ford. He was a member of the ALMA fraternity, and enjoyed sports, gardening and going to casinos. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Diane (nee-Levendosky); daughters, Wendy (Pat) Mack of Grafton and Laurie Burtze of Elyria; granddaughters, Amanda, Stephanie and Olivia; mother, Mary Burtze of Lorain; sisters, Carolyn Cantrell and Dianne Green both of Lorain, and several nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Debbie Burtze, son, Steven Burtze and his father, Joseph Burtze. The family will receive friends Friday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of services at 6:00 p.m. at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home 38475 C hestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57), Elyria. 440-322-4626. Burial will be private. In liue of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society 43099 North Ridge Rd. Elyria, OH. 44035. Online condolences may be expressed at laubenthalmercado.com Service: 6:00 PM Friday January 13, 2012 Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, OH. Visitation: 4:00-6:00 PM Friday January 13, 2012 Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, OH.