Michael "Mick" E. Bartus

Michael “Mick” E. Bartus, age 74, passed away on May 5, 2025, at home after a brave and courageous fight against pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his loving children and his loyal dog, Red. In his final days, he was cared for with deep devotion by his three children, who were by his side as he took his last breath.

Michael was born and raised in East Toledo, and was a graduate of Waite High School and The University of Toledo, where he studied philosophy, Latin & Russian.

Mick lived a life rich with passion, curiosity, and love. He retired in 2018 after 31½ years of dedicated service as a postal clerk, but retirement only gave him more time to pursue the things he loved most—hiking in the woods, tending to his garden, attending concerts, appreciating art, reading about history, and enjoying the beauty of nature and animals.

A lifelong lover of learning and teaching, Mick found one of his greatest joys in the game of chess. He was not only a gifted player, but also an inspiring coach, mentoring students at Toledo Public Schools and most recently, Rossford Public Schools. Mick’s eyes would light up when a student grasped a new strategy or pulled off a tough win. Coaching chess wasn’t just a hobby—it was his passion. He continued to attend practices and play for as long as his health allowed, always proud of his students and their achievements.

In addition to chess and the arts, Mick was deeply engaged with current events and politics. He channeled his love for history into writing a political history book on President John F. Kennedy—a subject that fascinated him for decades.

One of his final acts of love, even while very ill, was to cook with his children, sharing the recipe to a special Hungarian meal the family often shared.

Michael will be remembered as a man who gave generously of his time, knowledge, and heart—a thinker, a teacher, a father, brother, uncle, son, and a friend. His legacy lives on in the many minds he inspired and the lives he touched.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Stephen Bartus Jr. and David L. Bartus; and sisters, Suzanne Ricci and Judith Bartus. He is survived by his children, Lisa M. (Kristopher) Morgan, Angela C. (Clark) Nofziger, and Michael S. Bartus; grandchildren, Connor Murray, Sylar Murray, Kyran Morgan, Steven, Gavin, and Jacob Lotozynski, and Abigail Bartus; great-granddaughter, Jasmine Zuber; and siblings, John Bartus and Cheryl Ann Bartus.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Northwest Ohio and the oncology infusion nurses at Bay Park Hospital for the dignified, compassionate care they provided during Mick’s final journey.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Walker Funeral Home - Oregon Chapel, 3500 Navarre Ave., from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Sharing of Memories from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m. A private celebration of Mick’s life will be held at a later date for close family and friends. Memorial donations in Mick's honor may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.