Gerald "Jerry" R. Stechschulte's Obituary
Gerald "Jerry/Coach" R. Stechschulte, 82, of Columbus Grove, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at his home. He was born on August 4, 1943, to the late Frank and Marguerite (Kiene) Stechschulte. On August 20, 1966, he married Paula Lynn Pingle who preceded him in death.
Jerry was a graduate of Columbus Grove High School, Class of 1961 and Ohio Northern University, Class of 1966 where he received his bachelor's degree in education. While attending Northern, he was a men's basketball four-year letterman and in 1999 was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame. He spent 34 years as a school teacher, most of them at Columbus Grove. He also spent a number of years coaching sports at the school including cross country, girls' basketball and boys' basketball. He especially enjoyed mentoring all the young students and athletes he had the opportunity to interact with. It was during these years where he touched the lives of so many. He had a deep love for sports, one which he was always sure to get his fill of each and evert day. Another love... each moment he had a chance to see his four boys, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by 4 sons, Matthew Stechschulte of Hilliard, Nathan (Lisa) Stechschulte, Aaron (Cindy) Stechschulte and Adam (Kayla) Stechschulte all of Columbus Grove; 9 grandchildren, Alexis (Chad) Kuntzman, Gabriel (Michelle Bernet) Stechschulte, Harrison Stechschulte, Daisy Stechschulte, Autumn Stechschulte, Ariel Stechschulte, Viviana Stechschulte, Vonn Stechschulte and Vallie Stechschulte; 2 great-grandchildren, Finley and Graham Kuntzman, soon-to-be baby Bernet-Stechschulte; brother, Joe Stechschulte; sister, Mary (Wayne) Sutter; sisters-in-law, Margaret Stechschulte, Betty Stechschulte and Mary Lou Stechschulte; and brother-in-law, William (Kathy) Eversole. He was also preceded in death by siblings, Robert (Agnes), Francis (Dora Jean), Maurice "Moe", John, Karl (Blanche), David, Harry (Ruth Ann), Patrick (Sharon), Marguerite Eversole and Jean (Ed) Schulte and sister-in-law, Judy Stechschulte.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 512 West Sycamore Street, Columbus Grove, with visitation one hour prior (9:00 am - 10:00 am) at Hartman-Rousculp Community Funeral Home, 10879 SR OH-12 Columbus Grove. Father David Ritchie officiating. Burial to follow at St. Anthony's Cemetery, Columbus Grove. Visitation is 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Hartman-Rousculp Community Funeral Home. Preferred memorials may be made to the Columbus Grove Athletic Boosters and/or Ohio Northern University Athletic Alumni Association. To share online condolences please visit www.hartmanfunerals.com.
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