Louis ‘Mike’ Kolich 1954-2026

He was born in Canton on April 21, 1954. Mike was a 1972 graduate of Boardman High School and went on to pursue a career in health care. His dedication to helping others led him to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Youngstown State University, followed by a master’s degree in anesthesia from St. Elizabeth Hospital. Mike served his community as a compassionate and skilled nurse anesthetist at St. Elizabeth Hospital and Mercy in Canton, where he worked for 38 years, taking pride in his work and the trust his patients placed in him. Mike and Margie had a passion for education. He worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for his children, helping shape four successful lives: three doctors and one airline pilot.

Mike’s life was a tapestry of service and adventure. He proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Air Force and Army, bringing the same sense of duty and excellence to his military career as he did to his medical profession. His adventurous spirit soared beyond his service, as he was an avid golfer who enjoyed playing in the “Ellsworth Cup” every year, an enthusiastic pilot and a lover of the great outdoors. Whether he was fishing on Lake Erie, snowboarding, or riding his ATV or Harley, Mike embraced life with an infectious energy. Mike was an avid football fan and loved cheering on Ohio State.

Family was the cornerstone of Mike’s world. He married the love of his life, Margaret Schuler Kolich, on April 26, 1975, and together they built a family grounded in support and laughter. Their children, Michael (Tanya) Kolich of Copley, Melody (Steven) Smith of Fairlawn, Mark (Chelsea) Kolich of New Albany and Mallory (Marcus) Dangelo of Salem, knew their father as a constant presence, always ready with a joke or a helping hand. Mike’s grandchildren — Grace (Carl), Ethan, Avery, Lilly, Abby, Mason, Noah, Koa, Kaia, Kade, Maxwell, Marco, Maddox, Reese, Reid and Rosalie — will remember him as a playful and loving grandfather who could always make them smile.

He is also survived by his siblings, Kathy (Bruce) Ragon, Carol Baker and Greg (Valerie) Kolich, whom he loved dearly.

A member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Mike’s faith was an integral part of his life. He lived his beliefs through his kindness, generosity and the love he extended to everyone he met.

Mike’s meticulous nature was evident to those who witnessed the care he took in maintaining his lawn and the way he presented himself — always with a sense of pride and precision.

To know Mike was to love him. His loving and kind nature was matched by his humor, making him a joy to be around. Mike’s legacy is one of mirth and affection; his absence will be deeply felt by all who were fortunate enough to have shared in his journey.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Kolich and Margaret Linder; his stepmother, Violet Kolich; and stepfather, Lee Linder; father and mother-in-law, William and Anne Schuler; sisters-in-law, Janie Kabetso and Francy Clark; brothers-in-law, Craig Dolphin and Bob “Zip” Clark; and great-nephew, Jake Soubeyrand.

Friends and family will be received 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at Stark Memorial.

A memorial Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at St. Paul Catholic Church.

His life was a testament to the power of laughter, the strength of family and the importance of service to others. Mike Kolich will be dearly missed, but the light he brought into this world will continue to shine through the countless lives he touched.

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