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Michael Bowersock Obituary
MICHAEL BOWERSOCK
DUBLIN — Michael G. Bowersock, age 56, of Dublin, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 13, 2016 at Loyola Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Born in Lima, Ohio, Mike was a graduate of Lima Central Catholic High School, Class of 1977.
He received his B.A., Journalism degree from The Ohio State University and his M.B.A., Finance degree from Franklin University. Mike enjoyed a 32 year career in broadcasting with television stations in Lima, Toledo, Detroit, MI and Columbus. Most recently, he served as a Public Information Officer with the Ohio National Guard. Mike was a devoted family man who adored his wife, four children and countless close friends. He loved broadcasting, but reporting was much more than just a job. It was about connecting with people, listening to and telling their stories. He was compassionate and genuine with everyone he met and spent much of his free time volunteering to make a difference in others' lives. He won numerous awards for reporting, was a talented chef and musician and loved playing with the Gladden Strummers. He was a man of faith who grew up in the Catholic Church and was a member of the United Church of Christ for 30 years. His spirit will live on in all the lives he touched.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Ida Bowersock, his brother Bobby Bowersock and his sister-in-law Mary Lou Bowersock.
He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 30 years, Lisa Winegardner Bowersock, his children Clinton Michael Bowersock of Oakland, CA, Thomas Ray Bowersock, James Davis Bowersock and Grace Margaret Bowersock, all of Dublin; his brother Bill Bowersock of Tampa, FL; the extended Bowersock, Winegardner and Paxton Families; and his many colleagues and friends.
Mike and Lisa are faithful members of Dublin Community Church, United Church of Christ where Lisa serves as the Associate Minister.
Family will receive friends from 2:00-8:00p.m. FRIDAY at the RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME AT POWELL, 450 West Olentangy Street, Powell, OH 43065 (614)-792-1471. (The funeral home is located on W. Olentangy St./Powell Rd./SR 750 14 mile east of Sawmill Parkway.)
A Celebration of Life Service for Mike will be held at 2:00p.m. SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2016 at DUBLIN COMMUNITY CHURCH, UCC, 81 West Bridge Street, Dublin, OH 43017 with Reverend Robert Tussing, officiating. Graveside burial services will be held 11:30 a.m. Monday, March 21, 2016 at Memorial Park Cemetery, 3000 Harding Highway, Lima, OH 45804.
In lieu of flowers, Rev. Robert Tussing and Dublin Community Church requests that memorial contributions may be made to either: The Mike Bowersock Memorial Account at any Fifth/Third Bank in Central Ohio, Lima or Detroit or Dublin Community Church Abiding Memorials Fund www.DublinCommunityChurch.org. (Memorial donation envelopes will be available at the funeral home and the church.)
Please visit www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com to send condolences to Mike's family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Bowersock
Susan Dennis
March 9, 2025
Always enjoyed your reporting on NBC4i. RIP
Maryanne Moushey England
March 9, 2024
I'm remembering you today,You have made a huge impact on so many, You have the biggest heart, You are so missed may you RIP dear friend
Paula Monst
March 21, 2016
Thank you Mike for many years of service to our community. You left big foot prints to follow. Prayers to family and friends.
Leigh Moehl
March 21, 2016
Sorry for your. Loss
Mike Bowersock isn't in pain anymore
Bernita Ardrey
March 21, 2016
The Family has my sincere sympathy!
Bernita Winegardner Ardrey
Pickerington, Ohio
Alice
March 21, 2016
He was so genuine and kind. God comfort his family. He is with Jesus now!
March 21, 2016
Lisa & Family , So very sorry for your loss of you husband & father, He was a great reporter I watched him on NBC 4 for Years he will be missed , Prayers for all Sue Thomas viewer
Cheryl
March 20, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bowersock Family. I will miss his reporting on TV he was a great journalist.
John Smith
March 20, 2016
I hadn't seen Mike since 8th Grade graduation at St. Gerard's in 1973, and just recently reconnected with him on Facebook. Now he's gone. Wish I had been able to talk with him more. Rest well, old friend!
Pat
March 19, 2016
Heartfelt sympathy to Mike's family and friends. He certainly was a well respected and successful journalist but the many memories shared show he was an even "bigger" person to those who knew him on a personal level. Heaven certainly gained a good one.
Jim Liening
March 19, 2016
My condolences to the Bowersock family. An early end to a Great Life! Growing up as neighbors and friends we had many great times playing Army (sometimes with BB guns), Hot Wheels (we had mammoth city's), baseball, shooting Estes rockets, and list goes on. It saddens my heart that our lives went separate ways. May you rest in peace with Mom and Dad. Goodbye my friend until we meet again.
Mitchell Brown
March 18, 2016
Michael was a terrific and responsible journalist but beyond all of that he was a special human being. He was always professional and kind to me. He will be missed.
Susan Bythewood Russell
March 18, 2016
Our condolences to the Bowersock Family. I had the privilege of working with Mike as an Intern at WCMH-4 in the News Dept. I enjoyed working with him and learning from him. More recently, I spoke with Mike at a local Tri-State AFTRA Meeting. He was a great guy and will be missed. Our prayers for comfort and peace are with you. With Sympathy, The Russell Family
March 18, 2016
To Lisa and family,
I never had the opportunity to work with Mike in the same newsrooms when we both worked in Columbus TV and for that I am truly sad. But we often saw each other out on stories and he was always keeping everyone loose and (often) laughing. But I want you to know that I thought of Mike as much more than just a reporter. He was a journalist and a storyteller in the best tradition and I admired his work greatly.
Thought I am sad for your loss and will miss running into Mike in my capacity working in public relations; know that he touched many lives in best of ways and that his displays of kindness and humor live on in those whose lives he touched. Ih this way, he will always be among us and you.
Stu Nicholson
formerly of 10TV, NBC4 and ABC 6
Columbus, OH
March 18, 2016
Lisa, Please accept my deepest sympathies to you and your family on Mike's sudden passing. I fondly remember you and Mike's brief years at WLIO-TV. Good memories and prayer can sustain us during this most difficult time. May God bless you and yours, Lisa.
Bruce Opperman
March 18, 2016
To Bill and his family, please know that I am sorry to hear of the loss of Michael. Praying for strength and peace for all of you for now, and in the coming days. Faith (Spring) Cummings LCC '71
Dave Bowers
March 18, 2016
You were a good friend, loved working with you at the toy drive every year. Major Dave Bowers Columbus Police Reserve.
Bruce Binkley
March 18, 2016
Mike was my 3rd cousin, although we haven't seen each other in years, I am so very sorry for the loss. Such a young person, I am only 2yrs younger than Mike. My condolences to all the Bowersock family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ayhan Kaklik
March 18, 2016
I am deeply saddened by the news of Pastor Lisa's husband Mike's loss.I pray that God will grant you the strength needed to get through this moment in your life.My most sincere condolences.
Ayhan Kaklk TASO
MARYANNE MOUSHEY/ENGLAND
March 17, 2016
RIP MIKE YOU ARE A GOOD MAN MAY THIS LIGHT NEVER GO OUT, YOUR IN GODS LOVING ARMS NOW, TO LISA AND THE KIDS AND FAMILY SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS NO WORD CAN EXPRESS HOW I REALLY FEEL THIS IS THE BEST I CAN DO MAY YOU ALL WALK IN PEACE KNOWING THAT MIKE IS IN GODS LOVING ARMS AND EVERYONE IN LIMA AND LCC CLASSMATES ARE WITH YOU
Ryan Lippe
March 17, 2016
My deepest condolences to all of Mike's family and friends. I always enjoyed Mike's passion and professionalism. I could always count on him to tell the story with his viewers in mind...answering their questions and exposing their concerns. A true gem of a reporter who will be missed by us all.
Leigh Anne Manter
March 17, 2016
To Lisa and their children my deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband and father. No words will ease the pain you are experiencing, but I want you to know I will be praying for you all in the days to come e. To his coworkers what a loss you must feel I am also sorry for your loss as well. God bless all of you in this sadoest of times.
March 17, 2016
I moved to Georgia Jan 8 and Mike was always one of my favorite reporters. My condolences to family and his friends and all the channel 4 Cols. Who have lost the best.
March 17, 2016
My son and I met Mike at Rocky Boots store in Nelsonville a few years ago. He was very nice and personable.. Always enjoyed his news reporting. Our deepest sympathy to his loved ones. RIP Mike.
Deborah Stout
March 17, 2016
For all family members, my husband David and I extend our sympathies for your loss. We will miss seeing and hearing Mike. We realize that he had recently left the NBC Channel 4 family, and we missed his reports and times when he anchored there. His warmth, wit, and intelligence came across through the TV into our living room. He was a very special person. Prayers for family and loved ones. God be with you all and grant you peace.
Deborah Hill
March 17, 2016
So sad to hear of your sudden passing Mike. I am honoured to have known you.
These are Happy Returns daylilies, which I'm certain was Mike's welcome as he returned to Heaven!
Julie Kay Smithson
March 17, 2016
Thank God for people like Mike Bowersock and for the families that he loved unconditionally, from his own dearly cherished family circle, to his circle of family & work friends, and the biggest circle of all, those of us that knew him through his reporting with compassion and total kindness. Like many others posting entries here, I never met Mike "in person," but certainly felt he was a friend that I could invite into my home via television, one that knew how to report facts in a way that gave more than just a cut-and-dried story. His heart showed in his work, and it was clear that he was dedicated to doing it well. God loaned us one of His very best, in Mike, and I pray this comforts his family & friends at this time. He will truly be always remembered by many, with love!
Paula Halasz
March 17, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed watching Mike's news stories. Prayers for your families.
Georgia Ward
March 17, 2016
To the entire Bowersock Family - I too am someone who did not know Mike personally, but watched him at his craft here in Columbus for many years. His passing is a shock and a great loss to all of his viewing audience. Our prayers are with all of you and I hope you feel God's love wrap around you and comfort you now and always.
Yvonne Hines
March 17, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to the family. I will miss Mike on NBC. Always loved his stories and smiling face.
Brenda Goodwin
March 17, 2016
My heart goes out to Mike's family and friends. Mike was a class act on 4 news. RIP Mike.
Kevin Miles
March 17, 2016
Nothing ment more to Mike than his family. And he allowed me to meet most of them. Which was a privilege. You will be in my prayers for strength and courage. I will miss the phone calls from Mike which always brought joy as I was battling cancer. His love will go on forever
Jo Kobel
March 17, 2016
My deepest sympathy
March 17, 2016
May the God of all comfort be with you at this difficult time.
Grief is hard may you find comfort and peace in God and in the memories that were once shared.
T
Jim Gilkerson
March 17, 2016
You was always kind to me even though I'm just silly superhero. You always came and talk to me on my job while shopping. Thanks for the great interview on channel 4 Thanks for your kindness. I even got to meet your son since he works with me he is just as nice and kind as you. See u on the other side your superhero friend squirtman
Novecia Custis
March 17, 2016
May the Lord keep you in Grace.
Deborah Mitchell
March 17, 2016
My deepest sympathy to family, friends, and colleagues. He will be missed.
Tammy Chaney
March 17, 2016
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have enjoyed Mike on channel 4 for years. I love his stories, he put alot of care,love and respect into those stories
Prayers and thoughts to the family
Patti German
March 17, 2016
My condolences to Mike's family. I always enjoyed watching him on Channel 4, and will miss his stories.
Brenda Stepp
March 17, 2016
Mike will be deeply missed. His stories, especially the rather erie ones around Halloween or the history filled ones we came to love were always anticipated and will be missed. But his biggest legacy is his family. It was always very apparent how much he loved you. May God Bless you and keep you in His care during the days ahead.
Sally Popa
March 16, 2016
I didn't know Mike personally but I enjoyed his great reporting on NBC and his passion for his profession showed in front of the camera. I feel like I've lost a great friend. My sincere sympathy to his family. I'm still in shock and so sad over his untimely passing.
Susan Dennis
March 16, 2016
Deepest sympathy to the Bowersock family. I am one of many who watched and really enjoyed Mikes reporting. He will be truly missed by many. Prayers
Dorothy Gettle
March 16, 2016
The family of Mike
My deepest sympathy to all. Enjoyed watching Mike on Channel 4. He always had the beautiful smile that showed his love for family and co-workers
Doug Smith
March 16, 2016
Sorry for your loss!!
R.I.P. Mike Bowersock
O H I O
Kathie Spears
March 16, 2016
R.I.P. Mike. You will be deeply missed.
fran billingsley
March 16, 2016
Prayers to everyone so sorry may god be with your familys
Sharon & Chad Cooper
March 16, 2016
So sorry for your loss. Even though we never met Mike, we felt like we knew him just from watching him on TV. Our thoughts and prayers to his family, and his Cha. 4 family.R I P Mike.
Tom Walker
March 16, 2016
My prayers for the family. Love to listening to Mike when he was reporting. Great guy.
Great role model.
Dianne Heskett
March 16, 2016
My heart goes out to family and friends of this wonderful man, have enjoyed him for many years on Channel 4, much love and prayers
Allison Wenger
March 16, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I had the pleasure of working with Mike for 6 years at channel 4, what a joy he was to work with. I will miss his stories the most. May God continue to watch over his family in this immense time of grief.
Jim Gilbert - Past President FOP 9 Chief Deputy- Franklin County SO
March 16, 2016
Mike was a great journalist to work with over the years! I first met him when I was the Franternal Order of Police President here in Columbus in 2006. He always worked hard to give the public "our side of the story" as cops.. He will be missed and was a class act! Bowersock family your in my thoughts and prayers!
Jody Kelly & Family
March 16, 2016
So sorry! Prayers to the family!
Denise (Moran)Zimmerman
March 16, 2016
My sincere sympathy to Lisa and the Bowersock family on Mike's sudden passing. I went to school with Mike for 12 years and remember him as a genuinely wonderful person. My prayers are with all of you.
Debbie Aldridge
March 16, 2016
To Mike,s Family,
I,m so sorry for your loss.
May he rest in peace.
J. Bell
March 16, 2016
Dear Bowersock Family, I'm so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. We watched him on the news for years and always enjoyed his stories. May God Bless.
Stephanie Hemmer
March 16, 2016
Sincerest sympathy to Lisa and children and all of mike's family and extended family. Thoughts and prayers for you at this time of sadness.
Evelyn Bridger
March 16, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Mike family, wife & children. So sadden to hear the news of his passing, he was like family visiting in our home from channel 4 news. May he RIP!
Kathy Tropek Fazio
March 16, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Mike's family for this tragic loss. I graduated with Mike from Lima Central Catholic and enjoyed running into him in Columbus through the years. He was always such a funny and good guy. May he rest in peace.
Sharon Prater
March 16, 2016
Deepest sympathy and Condolences from the Prater, Carey, and Drew families. We are devastated. Mike cared about people and their stories. He was genuine and nice. He will be greatly missed.
Wayne Stevens
March 16, 2016
I was at CKLW and I used to tip Mike off to Canadian news in his Detroit days. He was always so appreciative and was a total gentleman---and a VERY fine reporter. Sincere condolences to his family on this sudden and tragic loss.
Riddle Family
March 16, 2016
Condolences to The Family
May he RIP
Nancy Carle
March 16, 2016
may he rest in peace,so sorry for the entire family for your loss. I'm just a past viewer.
Judy Eastman
March 16, 2016
My deepest sympathy to The Bowersock Family. I loved Mike's reporting. He will certainly be missed. May he RIP
Larry & Pat Swaney
March 16, 2016
Our deepest sympathy in your loss, Lisa and children.
We were at West Elm UCC with your folks, Lisa.
Blessings cover you all during this hard time.
March 16, 2016
Lisa and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Roy Higgins and Sue Wines
Siesta Keys, Florida
Ruth Manos
March 16, 2016
With deepest sympathy to the entire Bowersock Families ! Mike was welcomed into our homes because of how well he did his job! He found a way to make us care and showed his caring heart!
Lisa Tracy
March 16, 2016
Mike's passing was a shock - he was such a good reporter and story teller -I am a viewer of NBC4 and will miss his presence on the news. May the Lord comfort his family and friends during this time.
March 16, 2016
You were in my home a many of days thru the years on my t.v..may you rest in peace and your family find comfort in their memories of you...Kerry Keels, Columbus, Ohio
Barb Thompson
March 15, 2016
Our prayers are with you all. God has gained a wonderful storyteller and a man of integrity! My you gain strength and peace and love from those around you during this time . God be with you all
Sharyl Todd
March 15, 2016
my deepest sympathy for your family,Mike will be terribly missed
M Baisden
March 15, 2016
So sadden to hear the news about Mike. As a viewer, I really enjoyed his reporting. My God comfort the family at this sad time.
Susan Rabold
March 15, 2016
Our prayers are with and for all of you, Lisa, Clint, Tommy, James and Grace. Mike was blessed and a blessing to many. We PTL that he and all of you are members of our "family." Love "in Christ," Ron and Susie
David Lewis
March 15, 2016
My name is David P. Lewis and I am no one special. I just wanted to say I encountered Mike at some public event many years ago. We talked briefly and I recalled he told me he had four children. I have no family(children), so whenever I saw Mike on tv, I always remembered my pleasant encounter with him that one single time and I knew he was pleased to have his nice wife and family. He is someone to remember with nice thoughts.
March 15, 2016
Thinking of you Bowersock Family and holding you close in my heart. May God bless and keep you.
Lori Prorok
March 15, 2016
My deepest sympathies to the Bowersock family. May God's strength and peace be with you during the coming times.
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