Jeffrey B. Wilbarger

Jeffrey B. Wilbarger, 62, of Bowling Green, Ohio, died November 13, 2025 at home surrounded by his beloved family, seven months after being diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer. His end was shockingly swift, but thanks to God’s mercy and Hospice care it was peaceful.

Jeff was born in Curtice, Ohio to David and Arlene Wilbarger. He was the youngest of three children and was known for his silliness and affection. At Clay High School he participated in plays and musicals where his big smile and gregarious personality could be seen on and off stage. His signature role was as Scrooge in his performance of A Christmas Carol. But unlike Scrooge, it didn’t take a dramatic premonition to soften his heart. He was just born that way.

After high school, he studied math education at the University of Toledo and became the first in his family to earn a college degree. He also met the love of his life, Diana Rist, during this time at Grace Church in Oregon, Ohio. They married in 1985 after a swift engagement. This November would have marked their 40th wedding anniversary.

Jeff began his teaching career at Clay High School, and shortly after secured a job at Toledo Christian School where he would work for the next decade. He always said that God gave him a “teacher’s heart,” and his passion was evident in all the ways he cared for his students. His love of the stage came out in his dynamic lessons, silly antics, and theatrical displays to capture the attention of his students. Handstands across the classroom were a crowd favorite. After TCS he taught at several other local schools, including Emmanuel Christian, Owens, Lourdes and the University of Toledo, which all combined into a rich, 39-year career. His most recent position was at Monclova Christian Academy where he taught with just as much love and curiosity as he ever did up until the week before his death.

He was the father to Lindsey and Branden, and his love for them was deep and steady. Family was incredibly important to him, and everyone around him felt his unconditional love—especially his kids. Even with his work demands (sometimes teaching night classes after a long day at school) he always made time to play, watch movies (especially musicals), help with homework, make pancakes, or just to talk. He was generous with his hugs and committed to always saying, “I love you.” He said it with words, and he showed it.

In the last fifteen years, he welcomed three grandchildren into his life: Norah, Aliyah, and Joanna. Each had a unique and irreplaceable spot in his heart. If he was a wonderful father, then he was an exceptional grandpa.

Jeff exhibited gentle and quiet leadership, both at home and at school. He was humble, patient, and above all, kind. He was content—he never needed anything other than his family to be completely happy (although he did love a good Gino’s pizza, and any day could be made better with dessert). Daily jogs through Wildwood helped offset his love of root beer floats, cheesecake and pie.

One of his greatest qualities was his ability to be present. If you were with him, you knew you had his full attention and care—whether you were a struggling student, a neighbor, or the grocery store clerk. He was at ease, and you felt the same when you were with him.

Jeff’s faith was of fundamental importance to him. His love for Jesus and desire to emulate Him not only moved him to be a caring teacher, but it also inspired care for his community. He volunteered at the Cherry St. Mission and led a Bible study there. He also founded an organization called The Daughter Project to help victims of sex trafficking. The incredible work of The Daughter Project eventually took Jeff to Washington D.C. in 2016, where he was recognized with the national Jefferson Award for public service by a private citizen, the highest honor given each year.

Life was profoundly precious to him. He found the good in situations and rarely complained. He loved the simple things—hot cocoa on the porch swing, planting pumpkins in his garden, writing a lesson plan about the physics of water towers, baking a raspberry pie, playing a game with his grandkids, or just washing dishes with his wife at the end of a long day. All these ordinary moments were the cherished parts of his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dave and Arlene. He is survived by his wife, Diana; his daughter and son-in-law, Lindsey and Sam Melden, along with his grandchildren: Norah, Aliyah, and Joanna Melden; his son, Branden Wilbarger; his brother and sister-in-law, David and Toni Wilbarger; his sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and Scott Chambers, along with his nephews, Sean and Ryan (Hollis) Chambers.

Visitation will be Friday, November 21 from 2-7 pm at Sujkowski-Walker Funeral Home in Rossford, Ohio. A funeral service will be Saturday, November 22 at 10:30 am at Bowling Green Alliance Church, 1161 Napoleon Rd. Bowling Green, OH. The family will have a private burial.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, contributions may be made to Hospice of NW Ohio and Metroparks Toledo. A memorial plaque will be placed in Jeff’s honor at his second favorite spot in Toledo (after his granddaughters’ house), Wildwood Preserve Metropark.