Michael E. Schifer

Mike Schifer, 71, of Bucyrus, received his new eternal body following his peaceful passing on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at Summa Health System of Akron.

Mike was born on January 26, 1952 in Bucyrus to Marlin E. and Barbara J. (Charleston) Schifer and was a 1970 graduate of Bucyrus High School.  That summer, while attending an event at Good Hope Lutheran Church, he met Joyce Marie Rainey through a mutual friend. They dated for a number of years and on September 28, 1974, married and have shared some great times over their 49 years of marriage.

Mike was always a hands-on individual when it came to his work skills. During high school, he was employed at Fairfield Engineering. Following graduation, he spent a few years working as an auto body and engine repairman for Baehr’s & Seitter AMC Dealership before hiring in at Bucyrus Blades in April of 1976. He remained with them until retiring 39 years later.

Music played a very large part in Mike’s happiness over the years. He played rhythm guitar and sang vocals in Burnished Gold, a local band that played sounds from the 1920s into the ‘80s. He sang baritone for the Country Gentlemen and served as their Assistant Director for many years. No stranger to quartets, Mike sang in several, lastly with and most remembered for his time in the Four Decades. He also sang with the Marionaires Barbershop Chorus and the Mansfield Fun Center Chordsmen.

He was a lifelong and active member of Good Hope Lutheran Church, where he served on council as well as council president, as Stephen Minister, and sang in the praise choir. Mike and Joyce were also longtime Moose members, where they enjoyed several meals and good times spent with family and friends.

Mike believed that if you could do something yourself, why pay others? So, over the years, he completed a lot of “DIY” projects, and if things ever got too physically challenging, his boys were always there to complete the task at hand. Of course, Mike always offered his guidance and advice. Their family enjoyed years of camping at Auburn Lake and these were times when Mike felt as if he could completely unwind and relax with those he loved most. He will be remembered for his years of bringing smiles to the faces of little ones as he played Santa and though Mike only had one granddaughter, he cherished any time spent together. He loved reading books and when not reading, he enjoyed watching Fox News, as well as a few other favorites.

Mike is survived by his mother, Barbara; wife, Joyce; sons, Chad and Nicholas (Georgia); granddaughter, Madeline Marie (and was hoping to meet his soon to arrive second granddaughter, Noa Eden); brother, Larry (Shelly); nephew, Nathan; and a brother-in-law, Richard (Velma) Rainey. He was preceded in death by his father, Marlin and son, Jeremy.

Mike’s family is planning a celebration of life gathering and memorial service which will occur on Tuesday, October 24 at Good Hope Lutheran Church. Times will be announced in the weeks to come. Inurnment will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery Columbarium.

If desired, donations can be made payable to Good Hope Lutheran Church and will be accepted through Wise Funeral Service. Expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his Guestbook.