Michael J. Grieselding

Michael J. Grieselding, a longtime Toledo-area pharmacist known for his handsome smile, great sense of humor, and ability to make instant friends, passed away early Friday, June 23, after a long battle with cardiac and vascular health issues. Mike, lovingly known as “The Griz” or “Our Superman,” suffered a massive heart attack in January of 2014, and spent several months in the University of Toledo Medical Center, where doctors implanted an LVAD (left ventricular assist device) to help his weakened heart pump blood. This new technology at the time was used in only about 2,000 patients worldwide, and it miraculously helped Mike survive, come back home, and spend more time with his family and close friends. He fought the good fight for more than three years, and endured several strokes and seizures, while hoping to be a recipient of a heart transplant from the University of Michigan. Mike was born June 29, 1961, in Tiffin, Ohio, the second son of John and Marilyn (Karle) Grieselding. He attended St. Mary’s Elementary School and graduated in 1979 from Tiffin Calvert High School. Mike was very active in 4-H, Boy Scouts, musicals and theater, and his Catholic church. He worked for his father in the San-Mar Pharmacy in Tiffin before attending the University of Toledo, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy (1985) and then his MBA (1989). Mike was a well-known pharmacist at The Pharmacy Counter on Central Avenue and several locations of Walgreens and Rite-Aid. He was a people person who knew all of his customers by name and had a passion for his profession. “Mike was my best friend. We had a beautiful marriage,” Celine said. “He was an amazing father, having only unconditional love for all. Those who knew Mike will never forget him. His laughter and uplifting spirit will forever be etched in our hearts. Mike’s unfaltering faith in our Lord held strong throughout his life, especially during his illness. He suffers no more now. We will grieve, but smile, as we know he is happy and free of pain in the kingdom of Heaven.” When he wasn’t working, Mike enjoyed spending time around the peaceful water setting with his family and “extended family” (The Bassetts) on Lake Erie in Port Clinton. Brother-in-law Tony Bassett states, “The best memories are of spring break vacations to Fort Myers Beach, Florida and the summer retreats to Bear Lake and Boyne City in northern Michigan.” Mike coached his children in CYO basketball and cross-country and was a participant in the men’s choir at St. Joan of Arc Church, where he was active in the CRHP (Christ Renews His Parish) retreat. He was a third-degree brother in the Knights of Columbus in Toledo, where he helped in local soup kitchens and volunteered yearly for the Exclaimed Christian Concert. Mike was also a member of the alumni board at the University of Toledo’s College of Pharmacy. Mike was an avid sports fan who rooted intensely for the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns. He loved to get out and golf with friends, as well as sit back on the patio or deck while enjoying a cold beer or a glass of fine bourbon. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, John and Marilyn Grieselding. Mike is survived by his wife of 29 years, Celine; sons, Cameron and Alec, and daughter, Karlee; brother, Mark, sisters, Teri and Diane (Coby) Krill, and many nieces and nephews and special friends. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 28, from 2 to 8 p.m. in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave., with a Scripture Service at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Rosary Cathedral, 2535 Collingwood Blvd., at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 29, which is Mike’s 56th birthday. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 2224 Dorr St. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Michael Grieselding Children’s College Fund in care of Celine Grieselding.