Michael Hartge, Age 68, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Ohio Health Mansfield surrounded by his loving family.
Michael was born on October 21, 1957, in Shelby, Ohio, to Richard Eugene and Hazel Joyce (Ramey) Hartge. Michael was a lifelong Shelby resident, graduating from Shelby High School in 1975. He was a jack of all trades, but focused mainly on electrical engineering with his 20-year career at Bender Communications.
Michael was a family man through and through. He enjoyed the simple things in life, especially spending time with his family. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he cherished every moment with them. With an open and welcoming personality, Michael was someone people naturally felt comfortable confiding in and talking to. Blessed with a quick wit and a natural gift for humor, he was known as the family comedian-always ready with a joke to make others laugh and brighten their day.
Michael was also incredibly intelligent and loved to tinker. A genuine “MacGyver,” he had a remarkable ability to create something out of nothing and could fix just about anything. He had a deep passion for ham radio and was a self-taught meteorologist. Through his work with SKYWARN, he closely monitored weather patterns and was always ready to pass along information about incoming dangerous weather to help keep others safe.
He is survived by the mother of his children and lifelong friend, Donna Dorsey; his two children, Jessica (Travis Paynter) Hartge of North Fairfield, Ohio and Sonya (Brad Howell) Hartge of Shelby; four grandchildren, Dakota and Jerzee West both of North Fairfield, and Junior and Carter Chinn of Shelby; three siblings, Robert (Susan) Hartge of Shelby, Linda Hartge of Shelby, Judy Holmes of Mansfield; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and close friends who will miss him dearly.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved infant daughter, Valerie Hartge.
Friends may visit at the Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory in Shelby on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM.
A memorial service will immediately follow at 12:00 PM with Pastor Andy Rupert officiating.
In place of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society at PO Box 670 Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Condolences may be shared with the family online at barkdullfuneralhome.com.
Funeral Home: Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory
Website: www.barkdullfuneralhome.com