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Michael Etling Obituary - Hill Funeral Home

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A memorial service will be held at NOON on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at The Westerville First Presbyterian Church, 41. W. College Ave. Visitation with the family will precede the service from 10:45-Noon.

They talk about Angels walking amongst us and I have always thought of Mike in that way. Mike was always there for my Dad, Bob Arn, and I knew I could always count on Mike and Bev. Steve and I are so sorry for your family's loss. May God hold you close at this difficult time.

Deb Arn Segner

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Obituary for Michael Etling

Michael Etling 1949-2022

Michael Etling

01/21/1949 - 05/05/2022

Michael Earl Etling of Westerville, Ohio was born on January 21, 1949 in Mount Vernon, Ohio but grew up in Homer, Ohio. He is survived by his wife Beverly Sue (nee Brown) Etling; sons Robert Michael (Aimee) Etling of Seattle, WA and Peter Andrew (Kristy) Etling of Columbus, Ohio; grandson Everett Earl Etling; sisters Debra (Denny) Hess of Johnstown, Ohio, Cathy Rowe (Lynn) of Mt. Vernon, Ohio; brother Ken Williams (London, Ohio); sister-in-law, Charlotte Etling, Mountain View, Hawaii; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Laura (nee McMains) of Homer, Ohio and brother Gary Etling (Mountain View, Hawaii).

Mike was first a man who loved his family deeply. Married in 1972, he was a devoted husband. He and Beverly were true partners in marriage of almost 50 years and they shared so much joy in raising their sons. Last year, Mike was described by his six-year-old grandson as being his ‘best friend’ and the hours they spent together outside enjoying sports or various games filled him with much joy. Mike and Beverly loved traveling, playing cards or just being together with friends or family, especially his sisters. Mike loved to hunt, fish and golf along with his long-time friends. Mike was a high school baseball and football athlete and in recent years continued playing recreational softball. Mike also loved being around children and youth – coaching his sons’ soccer and baseball teams, teaching Sunday School, being a Big Brother in a relationship that lasted thirty years and enjoying his nephews and nieces and their children.

After graduating in 1967 from Northridge High School in Licking County, Mike attended Franklin University where he earned a business degree in 1971. Having learned the electric trade from his father, he went into that field and had a long career working many years for a couple electric companies, specializing in light commercial work. In 1993 he formed his own business, Etling Electric Inc. He was highly respected by all of those who worked with him. Those who knew him in a professional or volunteer capacity knew him as a man of principle, honor and integrity. His ‘word was his bond’ and he took pride always in a job well-done, no matter the circumstances.

Mike was a born leader and volunteered at church and in the community in various capacities. Mike served his country in the U.S. Army 1968-69 in Korea. Unfortunately, it was there that he was exposed to Agent Orange which caused the cancer that took his life. Mike took great pride in being a veteran and supporting our country. In 2003 he became a member of Westerville American Legion Post 171 and served as Commander from 2005-2010 and has been a Trustee of the post until the present time. Mike served as an Elder and a Deacon at various times at First Presbyterian Church of Westerville and W. Berlin Presbyterian Church. He was involved in the building of some of the very first Habitat for Humanity homes in Columbus and Delaware County. Serving and helping others was his passion.

Mike had many friends who loved and respected him. One friend described him as a ‘man of quiet strength’ that others could depend on. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Until the very last moment of his life, his faith in God and Jesus was strong and gave him peace.

A memorial service will be held at NOON on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at The Westerville First Presbyterian Church, 41. W. College Ave. Visitation with the family will precede the service from 10:45-Noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Mike Etling to: W. Berlin Presbyterian Church for mission and outreach (c/o 257 Pennsylvania Ave., Delaware, OH 43015) OR American Legion Post 171 (393 E. College Ave, Westerville, OH 43081)