Michele A. Ganslein

ELYRIA - Michele Ada Ganslein, 53, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024, at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center after a courageous 10-month battle with cancer. Born on July 12, 1971, in Salem, Ohio, Michele was a 1990 graduate of Salem High School, where she excelled as a standout athlete in basketball, cross country, and track. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Ashland University, where she competed on an athletic scholarship as a track athlete, specializing in the long jump and triple jump.

After graduating, Michele enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving from 1994 to 1998.  She was assigned to Holloman, AFB with the 49th Supply Squadron in support of the F-117 “Stealth” Fighter.  Her service included time with the 8th Fighter “The Black Sheep” Squadron for Operation Desert Thunder, a response to Saddam Hussein’s advance of Iraq’s military forces on the border with Kuwait.  During her military career, Michele earned several honors, including the Air Force Training Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Expeditionary Medal, Outstanding Unit Award with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Aside from a brief stay in California in 2002-2003, where she coached soccer and appeared as an extra in various tv shows and movies, Michele made Elyria, Ohio, her home for the past 26 years. She was employed as an Insurance Agent with the Somers Agency.

Michele had a deep passion for sports, especially her beloved Pittsburgh Steelers, and enjoyed traveling, the outdoors, jeeps, her dogs, and spending time with her family and friends.

Michele is survived by her mother, Karen Shiina Ganslein (Noritaka); her brother, Ronald Ganslein Jr.; her best friend of 32 years, Melissa Somers; her adopted nephew and niece, Lukas and Meaghan Fichtner; her faithful dog, Hondo as well as aunts, Tracy (Ganslein) Taylor and Shirley (Hoobler) Radford (David); uncles, Gene Hoobler and Ken Hoobler, and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ronald Ganslein Sr.; maternal grandmother Ada (Hutton) Catlin; paternal grandmother, Edith (May) Hoobler; paternal grandmother, June Ganslein; paternal grandfathers, William Ganslein; and Don Hoobler, and aunt, Jill Ganslein Roosa.

Friends and family will be received Wednesday, August 28, from 5 to 8 p.m., with the funeral service held on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 11 a.m.  Both will be at Stark Memorial Funeral Home, located at 1014 East State Street in Salem, Ohio.  Burial for SrA Michele A. Ganslein will follow at Grandview Cemetery with military honors, a tribute to her dedicated service and unwavering commitment to our country.

Memorial contributions may be made to the James Fund for Life at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, https://cancer.osu.edu/for-donors-and-volunteers/how-to-donate/donate-to-a-special-fund/james-fund-for-life

If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary "Hugs from Home" program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

To view Michele’s obituary, send condolences or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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