Michael Aldrich

Michael Aldrich, 67, of Toledo, Ohio, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 25th. Where does one start? Mike, who was also known as dad, Budman, Uncle Mike, Coach Mike, Mr. A., and most importantly, Dzia Dzia, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher, coach, neighbor, mentor, and friend to all. Mike made everyone feel as if they were the most important person in the room. He never met a stranger and would start a conversation with anyone at any time. Mike was always a cheerleader and caretaker for the underdog in all situations, giving generously at all times without expectation. Mike's generosity extended over 40 years on the sidelines of basketball and volleyball courts for his girls and grandchildren, as well as athletes all over the city of Toledo in mainly CYO and TPS. Earning various awards throughout his coaching tenure, Mike would never be the one to tell you about it as he was truly a coach for the athlete. He never cared about wins and losses, he never strove for accolades or championships. He simply wanted his players to be better for having played for him. Anyone who knew him was truly better for having known him.

Although Mike was well-loved by so many, his one true love was his incredible wife of 48 years, Jeannie. Married at 18, Mike and Jeannie made an incredible life together, starting in Omaha, Nebraska where Mike honorably served in the Air Force. He then worked for 24 years at the US Postal Service and then taught in TPS as a special education teacher up until the day he went into the hospital. Mike and Jeannie adventured all over the country during their marriage. Later joined by their daughters, Missy and Kacie, Mike and Jeannie made sure the girls always had the best experiences possible that ensured their wanderlust, which continued as grandchildren came, with yearly trips to the ocean, and culminating with a full family trip out West. To be so lucky as to be the children and grandchildren of such an incredible love story - we know how blessed we are.

Mike is survived by his fiercest warrior and love of his life, Jeannie; his children, Missy & Nick Kukiela, and Kacie & Pete Traver. While we know how much he loved us, his true pride and joy were his grandchildren, Owen, Ella, Morgan, Carlie, Tatum, and Jordan. There will never be a doubt in their minds how much their Dzia Dzia loved them because he made sure they knew in so many ways. Mike is also survived by siblings, John (Bascha) Reneger, Dennis (Pam) Harris, Denise (Terry) Fisher, Phil (Karen) Harris, Kathy (Delbert) Jackson, Robert (Cheryl) Ulinski, James (Jackie) Ulinski, and Michael (Debbie) Ulinski; and many nieces and nephews, friends, former athletes, and students. Each one of these people held a special place in his heart.

Mike is preceded in death by his son, Joseph; his parents, Leona & William Harris and Conrad & Rose Ulinski; sister, Jan Gartee; and brothers-in-law, Gary Ulinski and Dave Gartee.

Mike lived his life with his greatest concern being for others, and not wanting anyone to be sad for him. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no visitation, but instead a celebration following services. Family and friends are all invited to a Memorial Mass on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5373 Main St., Sylvania, OH 43560 followed by a Celebration of Life with food and fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that any donations go a charity of your choice and we urge you to donate blood as frequently as you can. He always told us, "Give generously and without expectation and your rewards will be tenfold".

Mike gave generously in all aspects of his life, and the care he has received over the past five months was his Earthly reward. We know his greatest reward now comes in Heaven as a true and faithful servant of the Lord. Dzia Dzia had one thing that he repeatedly shared with his family throughout this journey, which was "Don't worry about me. GO LIVE YOUR LIFE." We hope that, in his honor, you all do the same.

To share a memory of Mike or to leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.