Xander Fauser

Xander Wayne Fauser, 16, of Bucyrus is and will be deeply missed by many friends and loved ones following his death on Monday, June 5, 2023.

He was born on June 27, 2006 in Galion, the son of Steve Fauser and Nyoka S. “Nikki” (Kegley) Fauser. From an early age, Xander had quite a love for animals and, over the years, cared for creatures such as guinea pigs, chameleons, and even a bearded dragon. His love of animals quickly expanded to sports, with football and weightlifting being his favorites. In youth football at Col. Crawford, the center position seemed to fit him best and as he entered into his high school years, he moved into the guard and nose guard positions. He always aspired to be the running back and was given the nod on a couple occasions, but he better served the team’s needs at his other positions. Xander was a two-year letterman and also named Honorable Mention by the N.C. Ohio Football Coaches Assoc. In preparation for football, Xander was always hitting the weightroom and loved powerlifting. He could move impressive weight when bench pressing and performing squats but his deadlift weight of 515 pounds earned him Col. Crawford’s school record, previously owned by his dad. Xander had just completed his junior year at Pioneer where he was excelling in their welding program. Xander was gifted in the four different welds taught and was proud to be part of a team that took first place in the district skills competition; also placing fourth at the state level.

Xander loved tractors, especially the “red” ones. When not driving one, he was often found tinkering on one. He had the privilege of working for and learning from area farmers and currently worked as a mechanic at Flick’s Truck Service in Galion. Xander was always there to assist with a repair and he and friends spent hours in his garage welding, grinding, and wrenching on whatever as to make it better. He never feared tearing something apart, as he always had YouTube to fall back on, should he need assistance with a project.

Xander is survived by his mother, Nikki Fauser; father, Steve (Rhonda Byerly) Fauser; sister, Xara (who he thought the world of); maternal grandmother, Sherry (Larry) Winch; paternal grandmother, Nancy Fauser; three aunts, Dori (Kevin) Bishop and their son Blaine Bishop, Rhonda (Jay) Winks and their children, Kirsten Miner, Braxton and Bentley Winks, Tascha (Matt) Livengood and their children, Dylan and Cyrus Bell and Kash Livengood; great aunts, Sandy Young and Tammy (John) Hatfield as well as a number of close friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Ronald Kegley and his paternal grandfather, Lyle Fauser as well as great grandparents.

There are a lot of friends and family members hurting right now, so as everyone gathers, focus on and share with one another the good memories had with Xander. These memories can be shared with his family at calling hours from 1 – 4 pm Sunday, June 11 at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, June 12 at the Bucyrus Nazarene Church, 2165 OH-4, with Bishop Ted Thomas officiating. Please consider wearing your Col. Crawford spirit wear to any services attended.

His family specifically requests that, in lieu of flowers and only if desired, any donations be payable to Wise Funeral Service or the Col. Crawford Athletic Boosters. Photos and memories are encouraged to be shared on Xander’s tribute wall.