Michael Ray Casarez

Michael Ray Casarez, 52, of Columbus, formerly of Van Wert, passed away peacefully, surrounded with lots of love,on Tuesday, April 10, 2023 at The OSU Wexner Medical Center. He was born on November 26, 1970, in Van Wert, to his late father, Raymond Casarez and his mother, Maria (Martinez) Casarez, who survives.

Michael was a 1989 graduate of Van Wert High School and went on to attend The Ohio State University. He worked in administration at Blue Line Food Service Distribution in Columbus. Michael had a deep love for the Buckeyes, especially for OSU Football. He also cared for animals and wildlife. In his spare time, Michael enjoyed roller blading, Frisbee golf and gaming.

Those left to cherish his memory are the love of his life, Tina Edwards of Columbus; mother, Maria Casarez of Findlay; brother, Elton (Stephanie Windsler) Casarez of Columbus; sister, Laurie (Lonnie) Duncan of Findlay; nieces and nephew: Ashley (Tim) of Dayton; Angel, Dustin and Dan Duncan, all of Findlay; special sister, Kim (John Bays) Pine of Marion, and her children: Mykenzi and Hayden Bays; good friends: Rob O'Boyle, Tony Norman, Kenny Tribie and Ethan and Vito the dog.

Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home 722 S. Washington St. Van Wert, OH 45891. Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery, 10968 Woodland Ave. Van Wert, OH 45891.

Family and friends will be received two hours prior to the funeral, from 11 AM to 1 PM, on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Michael`s memory may be sent to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org); Van Wert County Humane Society (www.vwchs.org); or to Feed the People (www.feedthepeople.org/donate).

To share in Michael's online memorial, please visit www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory.