Michael Leonard Schurch

Michael Leonard Schurch was born to Mr. Glenn and Mrs. Dorothy (Ehret) on August 7, 1949. Raised on his family farm, Michael developed a love for nature and sought out adventure within the ordinary. His education includes a bachelor’s degree in Education and Bible; post-graduate work in Rehabilitation Counseling; and ordination as an Independent Ordained Minister. His professional life included a brief tenure teaching middle school followed by a 29-year employment history with the Marion County Board of DD. Michael’s caring spirit contributed to the development of case management/service-support systems for individuals served. He spent many years in the position of Director and Chief Information Officer, where his posture and personality were marked with an overriding focus on person-centered decision making. Michael’s sense of humor and authenticity made it easy for many individuals to seek his counsel and support in their meaningful decision-making journeys. Upon his retirement in 2008, Michael spent countless hours volunteering his time and skill sets assisting numerous non-profit groups and agencies including: St. Theodore House, the Ohio Poetry Association, Downtown Poets (off center), Marion Downtown, Inc., Center Street Community Clinic, Artists of the Guild, Mansfield Brush & Pallet, Voices of Liberty, Spirit of Virtue, Mansfield Art Center, Barlow Art Center, and the Mid-Ohio Fine Art Society. Michael attended the Rise Church in Marion, where he enjoyed fellowship and opportunities to grow the church ministries through technology and digital platforms. Michael was a proficient and passionate artist in many genres with recent initiatives focusing on painting customized home-design requests. His favorite mediums included acrylic, charcoal, chalk, and photography. Michael’s paintings are marked with a unique brush stroke and resemble elements of the Van Gogh style. As an artist, his trademark on many paintings was to hide the initials of those he loved in the corners or place his name in colors that would not compromise the full beauty of the portraits. Michael’s life legacy is one of hope and strength. His heart truly delighted when people succeeded and provided genuine understanding of knowing life’s struggles, offering out his time, care, undivided attention, and efforts generously to those around him to help whenever and in whatever way he could. A request for help was never a burden to Michael; it was welcomed with a smile of reassurance that yes, things would be indeed be okay. Just like the paintings, this was Michael placing his trademark on the world around him. Of greatest importance to Michael was his family and children. He often expressed full joy in their endeavors and supported them in unique and loving ways. Left to remember his legacy are: Children; Isaiah Michael Schurch, Hannah Grace Schurch, Danae (Schurch) Marquis, Danielle (Schurch) Hoff, Danara (Schurch) Moore, and Shannon Eugene Davis (stepson). Grandchildren; Moriah Marquis, Eden Marquis, Jadon Marquis, Achaia Marquis, Ella Hoff, Ivy Hoff, and Von Davis; and his ex-wife whom he considered as his lifelong support and best friend, Linda Schurch. Siblings include Cindy Louise Rasey. Preceding Michael in his death: Terry Lee Schurch (brother) and Parents, Glenn and Dorothy Schurch. In honor of Michael, any contributions and memorials in  his celebration of life can be directed to the James Cancer Hospital toward further research: https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/OnlineGivingDonation.aspx?Source_Code=DEV_AG-MED_CHRI-JamesWeb-ON-S&Fund=313545

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at Rise Church: 2434 Smeltzer Rd. Marion, Ohio 43302  2:00-3:00 PM for calling Hours with Family (All welcome). 3:30 PM: Private Memorial Service (Immediate Family).