Steven Bruskotter

OTTAWA -- Steven C. Bruskotter, 73, of Ottawa, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2024 at his residence. He was born August 9, 1950, to Charles and Marilyn (Gulker) Bruskotter. On July 28, 1979, he married Mary Van Pelt who survives in Ottawa.

Steve is survived by four children: Matthew Bruskotter of Lima, Emily (James) Keaney of Xenia, Kathryn Bruskotter and Christopher Bruskotter, both of Ottawa; and four grandchildren: Lydia and Sylvia Bruskotter, and Jack and Evelyn Keaney. He is also survived by six siblings: Vicki Steffan, Nancy (Charles) Nestor, Amy Bruskotter, Ted Bruskotter, Dave (Lonna) Bruskotter, and Dana (John) Imm; and two half-siblings: Zach (Morgan) Bruskotter and Emma (Alex) Westrick.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Marilyn Bruskotter, and a son, Mark Bruskotter.

Steve was a graduate of Ottawa-Glandorf High School, Bowling Green State University and the University of Dayton. He was member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa. He was a teacher and coach at Bluffton High School for 35 years leading the track and field team to many state victories during his career. After retiring, he continued coaching track and field for Pandora-Gilboa High School and Ottawa-Glandorf High School, and the pole vault team for the University of Findlay. Steve received the 1997 Fred Dafler Coach of the Year Award from the Ohio Association of Track and Cross-Country Coaches (OATCC). He was later inducted into the OATCC Coaches Hall of Fame in 2015.

Steve was a proud Eagle Scout and continued this as an assistant scoutmaster for several years with the Ottawa troop. He was an avid outdoorsman and fisherman, often traveling to Trout Lake in Canada to fish with family and friends. Steve enjoyed spending time at his cabin on the Auglaize River, boating and bird-watching.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa with Fr. Scott Kramer officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday and 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday at Love Funeral Home, Ottawa. A scripture service will begin at 7:50 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to be made to the Sts. Peter and Paul Educational Foundation, Putnam County Homecare and Hospice, or the Putnam County Cancer Assistance Program. Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.