Merryle C. Lieske

Merryle "Mike" C. Lieske, 87, of Green Springs, Ohio, passed away on March 31, 2026 at his residence. He was born on February 15, 1939 in Oak Harbor, OH to Julius and Harriett (Havener) Lieske. He married Carol Brummett on May 21, 1971, and she survives. Merryle, often known by his nickname "Mike," was a smart, adventurous, and creative individual, known for his talent and his love for life.

Mike was a proud 1957 graduate of Oak Harbor High School, where he displayed his athleticism in football and track for four years. He also showcased his creative side as a member of the drama and glee club. His talent in football earned him a full scholarship to the University of Toledo as a linebacker. Mike was a master machinist by profession. When working at Brush Wellman he, along with his team, were instrumental in building the nose cone for the Apollo 11 capsule in 1969, an achievement that now sits in the Smithsonian with his name etched in the back. He spent his career in manufacturing, teaching CAD through Terra Tech, and ultimately retiring from Crescent Manufacturing in 2009.

A cowboy at heart, Mike had a deep love for the West. He enjoyed hunting, farming, and riding horses. He was a talented farmer who cared deeply about his family and his land. Albert Einstein once said, "The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination." Mike was a testament to this, living a life filled with both knowledge and creativity.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Carol Lieske of Green Springs,OH; their children, Kimberly (Jack) Smith of Lindsey, OH, Brian (Carol) Lieske of Fostoria, OH, Diana (Timothy) Bayne of Strawberry Plains, TN, Cheryl Darr of Perry, FL, Brad Lieske of Oak Harbor, OH, and Roger (Sandy) Brummett of Emporia, KS, Deborah (Randy) Grossenbacher of Neosha Springs, KS; grandchildren, Stephanie (Dr. Joseph) Darr, Jack "JD" (Christina) Smith, Tori (Devan) Bath, Alisen Lieske, Morgan (Robert) Suber, Amanda (Ballard) Hall, Ryan (Katie) Louallen, Eric (Crystal) Schultz, Ann Marie Schultz, Lukas Lieske, Justin (Cassie) Brummett, Nicole (Derek) Riley, Travis (Elisha) Brummett, Joshua Grossenbacher, Amber (Quy) Wesley and Ashley (Eric) Green; 34 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Jeffery (Lisa) Lieske of Helena, OH, and Mary (Robert) Blausey of Fremont, OH; and his sister Deborah Zimmerman of Pittsburgh, PA. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Patricia England, Judith Ferguson, Melinda Martin, and Robin Lieske.

Visitation will be held from 11:30am-1:30pm on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Auxter-Recker Funeral Home, 218 South Main Street, Clyde, Ohio, 43410. A funeral service will follow at 1:30pm at the funeral home. Pastor Tim Bayne will officiate the service. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memory Gardens. In honor of Mike, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of donors choice.

As we remember Mike, we encourage you to leave memories and upload photos to the memorial page. His adventurous spirit, his love for his family, his talent, and his creativity left a lasting impact on those who knew him. Let's celebrate his life and remember the smart, adventurous, creative, and talented man that he was.