David John Prahl Will

David John Prahl Will, age 57 of Upper Arlington, Ohio passed away January 24, 2020. David was born and raised in Cincinnati, son of the late John and Ruth Will, and preceded in death by his sister, Marcia Will-VandenBerghe.

David earned his undergraduate degree from Washington University, St. Louis, and graduate degree at the University of Cincinnati. His career started as Systems Administrator in the Physics Department at the University of Cincinnati and continued at The Ohio State University as Director of Computing Services for the Astronomy Department. David was awarded the 2017 Distinguished Staff Award for his superior support of faculty, staff and students. He was appreciated for his creative solutions and eagerness to resolve challenges. He supported students and staff with patience and kindness and was described as not only supporting the computer, but the students using them. He was very proud of his contributions towards others successes and his work with the OSU Astronomy's All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae (ASAS-SN) project.

David loved his family. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 30 years, Anne Holzschuh-Will. He was a loving and supportive husband who accompanied his wife backpacking and car-camping and supported her many Girl Scout adventures over the years. He offered valuable advice from camping stoves to group dynamics; he was a great proofreader and sounding board. David was deeply proud of his children, Everett and Nora. David had a reverence for math and was a valued homework helper. He enjoyed the routine of carpooling kids to school each morning, and encouraged a love of learning. David was amazed by the power of music and was glad his children learned to play instruments and enjoyed listening to Daily Mixes on Spotify with his family, and introducing his children to the Beatles, ELO, Cat Stevens, and the Grateful Dead. David was unconventional. He made people smile with his casual outfits of shorts, camp shirts, and a variety of colorful fleece socks that he wore year-round with his sandals. He looked forward to tie-dye Fridays in the Astronomy Department. David would always lend a hand for a friend.

David was well-prepared for his experimental physics research through a childhood of curiosity, discovery and tinkering. He rescued and repaired discarded lawnmowers and forged things in the family hibachi. He enjoyed sharing his understanding of the world and appeared to be able to fix anything. David had a passion for nature, and supported his family's adventures and interests. Hiking and biking with his family will be treasured memories. He would discuss politics, history, science, current events, or your latest computer or car-buying quandaries on walks with family and friends. One memory was David explaining how everything is connected and despite how seemingly inconsequential you might feel, these countless connections make you realize how consequential you are and can be. David was a kind soul with an occasionally gruff exterior, insightful, honest, and had a curmudgeonly sense of humor. In addition to his wife Anne and children, Everett and Nora, David is remembered by his sisters, Anne (Craig) Lindsay and Debby (Mark) Hutchinson; mother in law, Helen Holzschuh, sister in law Lynne (Bill) Graziadei, brother in law Carl (Christine) Holzschuh, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A Celebration of David's life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of tears, David would want you to live life to the fullest by helping others along their way. Donations of "happy" socks can be made to the Dream Center, Columbus, Ohio serving homeless children and families. A collection box will be available at the Celebration of Life.

Memorial contributions may be made to Doctors Without Borders

https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/tribute.cfm

Oh very young, what will you leave us this time

There'll never be a better chance to change your mind

And if you want this world to see a better day

Will you carry the words of love with you

Will you ride the great white bird into heaven

And though you want to last forever, you know you never will

And the goodbye makes the journey harder still

Oh very young, what will you leave us this time

You're only dancing on this earth for a short while

"Oh Very Young"

Cat Stevens