Michael J. Stineman

Michael J. Stineman, 64, most recently of Atlanta, GA and formerly of Bucyrus and Marion, died Sunday, May 11, 2025 at Grady Memorial Hospital following a decline in health. Though sadden by his passing, Mike’s family is grateful he was able to share the gift of life as an organ and tissue donor, helping others to live on.

Mike was born February 18, 1961 in Zanesville, Ohio to James and Carol (Etzinger) Stineman. A short time later, their family moved to Bucyrus, where Mike excelled athletically at both baseball and football. He was a three-year letterman in both sports for the Bucyrus Redmen, graduating in 1979. He caught the eye of the Findlay Oiler football program, who offered Mike a scholarship to play, but Mike opted to serve his country in the Army. He was stationed in Germany for a period, served several years in the Army National Guard and was even called back to service for a period during the Gulf War.

Mike went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from The Ohio State University and also completed his Masters of Education from Ashland University. He put his degrees to use, through his many years of both teaching and coaching. He began his career in the Elgin district, however most of his career was spent in the Marion Taft School District. He mostly taught students at the junior high level and coached sports including football, cross country, track and wrestling. Mike had a positive impact on many students during his 25 plus years as an educator.

Mike enjoyed many years of being married to Christie (Tyler) Stineman and though not currently married, they remained close, and he was appreciative of her love and support.

Mike lived an active lifestyle and dabbled in a variety of sports over the years. In addition to his high school athletic success, he enjoyed men’s slow-pitch softball, bowling, and loved running. His goal was to complete a marathon, and he checked that off the list as well as several half marathons. He was often found exercising at the Marion YMCA, and he also liked fishing as well as spending many years hunting deer during bow season. In addition to playing sports, he loved following them and was a big fan of both the OSU Buckeye football team and the Cleveland Browns.

Mike is survived by his dad, James F. Stineman; siblings, Rick (Rebecca) Stineman and Vikki Schifer and nephew, Austin Schifer. He was preceded in death by his mom, Carol A. Stineman; brother, Douglas A. Stineman; brother-in-law, Brady K. Schifer and a sister-in-law, Chris Stineman.

All services for Mike will take place on Saturday morning, May 17, 2025 and will be held at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio. Memorial visitation from 9:30 – 10:55 am; Military Rites at 11:00 am, provided by the Army Honor Guard and his memorial service to follow with Certified Celebrant Lisa Snyder officiating.

If desired, donations can be made payable to Wise Funeral Service to help with celebrating his life and expressions of sympathy and online memories are encouraged to be shared on his guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com.