Michael Bell

Michael D. Bell was born on November 25, 1972, in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. He transitioned from this life on January 11th, 2026, at 10:06 a.m. in Sylvania, Ohio, in the presence of loved ones.

Mike was raised in a large and loving family in Bedford, Ohio, where he was fortunate to also gain an extended family of cherished, lifelong friends. He felt truly blessed to have been born into such a warm and close-knit family, and to have made so many close friends that became family to him. It didn't take him long to realize that life is much easier (and more fun) when surrounded by loving and loyal people.

Mike graduated from St. Peter Chanel High School in 1991. Undetermined as to a career and curious in many different areas of study, Mike attended the University of Toledo (UT), Borromeo Seminary, and John Carroll University, before ultimately receiving his undergrad degree in psychology from Cleveland State University in 1996.

Upon graduation from college, he was still uncertain as to a career path. He received letters of acceptance from truck driving school and law school on the same day. He reasoned that law school would be a better fit, and graduated from UT Law in 1999. After passing the Ohio bar, he practiced law in Toledo for over 20 years.

In February of 1998, Mike was set up on a blind date with his future wife. In October of the same year, he married his love and best friend, Kristin. In 1999 and 2002, he was blessed with the gift of baby girls, Lillian and Rachel. He cherished the many great times the four of them shared together, traveling, dining, playing together and just hanging out. He was so very proud of all their accomplishments and privileged to have their relentless love and support.

As an associate and, later, partner of the law firm of Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault, Mike assisted hundreds of personal injury clients. He was professionally fulfilled by this very rewarding experience. He enjoyed being able to assist those that could not help themselves.

Mike believes that the presence of Jesus exists in every human, and he strove for the ability to see the presence in his interactions with others daily.

Mike was active in the Toledo non-profit community and particularly relished his volunteer service on the boards of The Collingwood Arts Center and Northwest Ohio Community Shares.

In late 2021, Mike was diagnosed with widespread metastatic colon cancer. He became focused on surviving every day, while sharing his love for family and friends, and attempting to be sincerely grateful for the gifts that had been provided to him throughout his life. One of his final wishes was that people (even those younger than the age of recommended guidelines) get screening colonoscopies for early detection of this curable disease. Do it in his memory, if you wish, but just do it.

Mike was preceded in death by his loving mother, Catherine Bell (Smith), sister, Jaqueline (Tim) Franks, and grandparents, Ralph and Isabel Smith, and Edwin and Deane Bell. He is survived by his father and great friend, Edwin D. Bell, Jr., his beloved wife, Kristin (Jeska), and their wonderful daughters, Lillian and Rachel.

He is also survived by his father-in-law, Charles Jeska, and his dear siblings, Tom (Colleen), Debbie (Ray) Tittl, Diana (Jim) Guiselo, Janet (Tim) Buckley, Bobby (Colleen), Danny (Anita), Lori (Bill) Custer, Lisa (J.D.), Eddie (Heather), and Katie (Greg) Duber, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and their many children.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 17th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Sylvania, Ohio. Burial will follow at Fort Meigs Cemetery. A visitation for friends and relatives will be held on Friday, January 16th, 2026, from noon - 8:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, on Sylvania Avenue, in Toledo, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, Mike wished for donations to be made to the Victory Center in Toledo, the American Cancer Society or the Collingwood Arts Center.