Stires, Michael

1944 - 2021

Michael Lee Stires, 77, of Westerville, Ohio, died on Sunday, October 3, 2021, after overcoming numerous health conditions for over three decades. Mike was born May 10, 1944, in Mcdonough, Georgia and was a 1963 graduate of North High School in Columbus, Ohio. Mike proudly served in the Army Reserves and dedicated 31 years to Mettler Toledo before he retired to a cottage on Indian lake. Mike was an gifted artist,

storyteller, fisherman,

skilled model builder, gun and train enthusiast, and

filled his life with history

books and documentaries of far off times and places. More than anything, Mike was a dedicated father and family man. Mike will be remembered by many for his detailed anecdotes of his time in the Army Reserve and working at Battel in the animal lab just to mention a few. Others will remember summers filled with amusement park trips, backyard pool parties and his inability to keep a secret when it came to gift-giving. Mike will be missed by many for the twinkle in his eyes and for brightening the days of those around him with his gifts of artwork. Mike is survived by his wife, Mary Kienle Stires; children, Michael Stires and Katharine (Nick) Nicholson; grandsons, Josh, Andrew and Alex; sister,

Nan (Chris) Irwin; and wonderful nieces, nephews and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents Wayne (Wanda) Stires and Mary Kay Wickens, brother Patrick Stires, and his in-laws John and Margaret Kienle. Many thanks to all of Mike’s healthcare providers, especially those at Continuing Healthcare of Gahanna, Monarch Nursing Home in Marysville, and Kindred Hospice of Columbus, Ohio. Visiting hours will be on Monday, October 11, 2021 at 11am followed immediately by the service at noon at the HILL FUNERAL HOME in Westerville. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.