MICHAEL C. BUTSCH

Michael C. Butsch, 74, of Piqua, passed away peacefully at 10:35 a.m. Sunday, September 1, 2024 in the comfort of his home. He was born September 21, 1949 in Piqua to the late Richard C. and Phyllis E. (Sullenberger) Butsch. He married Janet L. Shobe July 28, 1979 in Piqua; and she survives.

Other survivors include two sons, Steve (Julie) Butsch of Liberty Heights, Bryan (Jennifer) Butsch of Piqua; eight grandchildren, Steven, James, Jacob, Savannah, John, Meredith, Mekedes, Ian; one great grandson, Luka; and a brother, Bill Butsch of Piqua. He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Scott Butsch.

Mike was a 1967 graduate of Piqua Central High School where he was involved in football, wrestling, and track & field. He earned his B.A. in education from McPherson College in Kansas where he was the kicker for their football team and competed at a high level in pole vault for their track & field teams. He placed 5th at the 1971 NAIA National Indoor Meet in Kansas for pole vault. Mike went on to become the physical education and health teacher for two years at Alton-Osborn Jr. High in Kansas before fulfilling the same role at Tipp City Schools for 30 years. While at Tipp City, he coached the Jr. High football, wresting, and track teams; as well as was the head coach the High School golf team. He coached many championship teams in wresting and track over the years and was named the 2003 Ohio Coach of the Year for Boys Golf. He was inducted in the Piqua Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009 and the McPherson College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002. He retired from Tipp City in 2004 and enjoyed working part time for Echo Hills, and for  20 years at the YMCA in their fitness center. He also volunteered with Echo Hills Youth Summer Golf program. He was the Echo Hill Senior Champion in 2008 and 2013 and was a two time Piqua City Senior Champion as well as the Miami County Super Senior Golf Champion in 2013. He was an All American in Masters Track & Field in 2009, 2013, 2014, and 2015 and was a Senior Games qualifier in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2022. He participated and excelled in the Senior Games for many years where he placed in the top 10 in many events, including as the Gold medalist in Hammer Throw, and Bronze in Discus in 2015; Silver medalist in Hammer Throw in 2019; and the Silver medalist in the 2016 USATF Masters Throw Championships.  Mike was a constant educator and enjoyed mentoring students, both youth and adults with their respective track & field events; and took great pride in coaching his sons and grandsons in pole vault. He also gave much of his time at numerous workshops for pole vault at the Ohio Track & Field Coaches Conferences in Columbus. He was deeply passionate about the event and enjoyed educating others about the complexities of the event and how to compete safely. Mike will be missed by students, coworkers, peers, friends and most of all his family. Mike was a warrior throughout his life, winning battles not only on the playing fields, tracks and courses but also the battles with numerous health issues which could have stopped him but his amazing determination led him to reinvent himself and explore as well as succeed in other areas. He was an avid sports fan but particularly enjoyed track & field, golf and skiing. He also enjoyed the arts as well as traveling to all 50 states as well as other countries. The final battle he fought was cancer; and he fought with great courage and determination.

A service to honor his life will begin at 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 9, 2024 at the Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home with Chaplain Ed Ellis officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Miami County, Inc. 3230 N. County Rd. 25A, Troy, OH 45373. Guestbook condolences and expressions of sympathy, to be provided to the family, may be expressed through jamiesonandyannucci.com.

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