Michael A. Byrne

OTTOVILLE – Michael A. Byrne, 70, of Ottoville, passed away at 1:51 p.m., Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Ohio State Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital, Columbus. He was born July 11, 1956, in Lima to the late Robert and Jean (Schnipke) Byrne. On November 5, 1977, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean Knippen, who survives in Ottoville. Their unwavering love built a relationship where they never had an argument or raised their voices at one another in their 48 years of marriage.

Other survivors include four children: Mandy (Michael) Recker of Glandorf, Amy (Doug) Wannemacher of Kalida, Amber (Andrew) Wilhelm of Leipsic and Carie (Todd) Miller of Delphos; eleven grandchildren: Alexander Recker, Nathan, Melanie, Adam and Natalie Wannemacher, Gage, Logan and Morgan Wilhelm, and Zaide, Blayke and Brianna Miller; three siblings: Rick (Jayne) Byrne, Carl (Nancy) Byrne and Shirley Byrne; and in-laws: Betty (Dan) Wannemacher, Steve Turnwald, Connie Knippen and Jane (John) Schlagbaum.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by in-laws: Jack and Regina Knippen, Don Knippen, Ann Turnwald and Ken Knippen.

Michael was a proud and selfless husband to his wife, Jean and father to his four daughters. He was the protector of his “women” and a peacemaker. He wouldn’t let a teachable moment pass and loved his family immensely. Everyone loved Michael’s quick wit and ornery side. The room was filled with smiles with Michael around.

Michael retired from Federal Mogul after 30 years. He had also worked for Toledo Molding and Dye and for 25 years was an Ottoville Volunteer Firefighter. Michael loved his community and was also a former ambulance driver for the Ottoville EMS and Turtle Race Emcee. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville and mowed the church cemetery. He was also on the church cemetery board, where he was instrumental in implementing the sidewalk foundation project. He loved to cruise Ottoville with a Pepsi in his hand. Michael also loved to spend summers at Jellystone Park and winters putting puzzles together at the kitchen table.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Very Reverend George Mahas officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. on Friday with a scripture service beginning at 2:45 p.m. and again on Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township.

Memorial donations may be made to Ottoville VFW, in honor of his dad, Robert “Bob” Byrne.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com