Michael E. "Mike" Brunthaver

Michael “Mike” E. Brunthaver, 72, of Tallahassee, FL and formerly of Tiffin, passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, in Tallahassee.

Mike was born on April 20, 1952, the son of Donna Corthell Mackling and the late Robert E. Brunthaver.

Mike joined the United States Army in November 1969, spending much of his time overseas in Germany. Then, in September 1981, after 12 years of devoted service to his country, he was honorably discharged. Following his military service, he utilized his skills to help build an elementary school in Apollo Beach, FL, which his nieces later attended. Mike earned his associate degree in Welding from Owens Community College. He was an avid NASCAR fan, particularly following Jeff Gordon's career. Nonetheless, his true passion was for dirt track racing, where he cheered on Rick Ferkel and assisted his friends with their sprint cars. He was a true motor head.

Mike also enjoyed fishing with family and friends and loved Western shows. Mike's love for his family was profound. He spent years delving into the family's lineage and shared this love with his granddaughter, Chrystal, teaching her about their German heritage. They even held a yearly German feast in October to commemorate it. He adored making schnitzel and passed on this affection to his niece. Mike was a soft-spoken man who would go to great lengths for anyone, even checking in with his brother-in-law daily to provide him with weather updates.

Left to cherish his memory is his mother, Donna J. Mackling, children, Michael (Cheryl) Brunthaver, Misty (Keith) Hunter, and Robert “RJ” (Ashley) Brunthaver, siblings, Robert D. Brunthaver and Jayne (Danny) Grine, grandchildren, Chrystal (Jesse) Kubitz, Jacob Brunthaver, Desiree Miller, Jenah (Jaden) Swain, Deonna (Austin) Smith, Gage (Haley) Matthews, Ryder, and Kendall, great-grandchildren, Antonieo, Karter, Airreona, and Karmyn, Easton, Grayson, Owen, Dallas, Jude, Klaus, Finn and Nox, nieces, Heather (Tim) Kastor, Heidi (Shawn) Kissell, great-nephews, Dakota (Brittany) Kastor, Luckey (Sky Johnson) Mata, great-great-niece, Eloise, ex-wife & friend, Karen Brunthaver, her children Amanda, Zach Clagaugh, and his friends at the campground, especially dear friend William Young.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Robert E. Brunthaver, and step-father, George Mackling, grandparents, Carroll & Hazel Brunthaver, Gilbert & Dora Corthell, aunts & uncles, Bill Corthell, Shirley & Jim Scheerer, a brother-in-law, Stanley Kizer and a niece, Ann Kizer.

Graveside services for immediate family will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, at noon at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in Fremont with Christopher Cullen, where he will be buried next to his father. The United Veterans Council of Seneca County will provide military burial rites. A celebration of life will follow at 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., in the fellowship hall at Green Springs United Methodist Church. The family kindly requests that you dress casually, as Mike would have preferred. The Engle-Shook Funeral Home & Crematory in Tiffin is assisting the family with their arrangements.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Untied Veterans Council.

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