Daniel T. Spitler, 83, a prominent Bowling Green attorney, passed away June 11, 2023. Dan was born September 20, 1939, in Perrysburg, Ohio, to Emmett V. (“Tim”) Spitler and Grace McMahon Spitler. He married Linda Burger on April 19, 1964, and she preceded him in death June 3, 2021.
Dan was a 1957 graduate of Bowling Green High School, attended the University of Arizona, and obtained his Bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University. Upon graduation, Dan entered the Ohio Northern University College of Law, earning his Juris Doctor degree in 1965. He was admitted to the Ohio State Bar in 1965 and the U.S. Supreme Court in 1970.
Dan joined his father in the practice of law for the firm that became known as Spitler and Spitler Law and subsequently Spitler Huffman, LLP. Dan practiced law in Bowling Green for more than 50 years from 1965 until his retirement in 2019. He served as the Bowling Green City Prosecutor before being elected Wood County Prosecuting Attorney where he served from 1969 through 1976. He not only practiced in all courts of the State of Ohio and in Federal Courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States, but following his years as Wood County Prosecutor, he enjoyed appointments as an Acting Judge in various jurisdictions handling all variety of matters, his favorite being performing wedding ceremonies. Dan was instrumental in the formation and growth of the Northwestern Water and Sewer District serving as its general counsel. His extensive courtroom and private law practice, along with his generous nature, resulted in his being a lifetime mentor to both younger and senior attorneys, staff, and clients of any nature or circumstance. He would help anyone who knocked on his door.
Dan was responsible for growing and managing a quiet two-man law firm into various legal entities with multiple locations in Ohio and Michigan, reaching 10 men and women attorneys who practice in several State and Federal courts.
Dan was a longtime member of the Ohio State Bar Association and Wood County Bar Association. He was also a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, an exclusive organization whose members are invited based on trial experience and peer recommendations, and exhibit the virtues of civility, integrity and professionalism. Dan’s legal career was centered on representing clients of all walks of life, and he never turned down the chance to help someone. Dan was very proud of his work as a board member of Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE), helping to provide legal services and fair treatment to those living in poverty.
Dan was a member of the Bowling Green Country Club, Stone Ridge Golf Club and Toledo Country Club. He enjoyed golfing and spending time at the family cottage on Catawba Island where he spent his childhood Summers. Dan and Linda enjoyed over 30 years of traveling to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for the Winter with many of their cherished friends.
Dan is survived by his children Dr. Betsy (Bob) Foxen of Garden City, New York, Steven (Mimi) Spitler of Bowling Green, Ohio, and Tim Spitler of Carbondale, Colorado; grandchildren Annie Foxen, Timothy Foxen, Julia Foxen, Mary Foxen, Sophie Spitler and Sydney Spitler; brothers Jim (Mary Helen) Spitler of Port Clinton, Ohio, John (Sue) Spitler of Punta Gorda, Florida, and Bob (Linda) Spitler of Bowling Green, as well as numerous nieces and nephews whom he adored.
Dan’s funeral mass will be held on Wednesday July 12, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Aloysius Church with a celebration of Dan’s life following at Stone Ridge Golf Club. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dunn Funeral Home in Bowling Green. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in his memory to the American Heart Association or to Advocates for Basic Legal Equality of Toledo (ABLE). To share an online condolence or fond memory with the family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
