Michael R. Willson

Michael R. Willson, 88, of Findlay, passed away Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Bridge Hospice Care Center.

He was born November 8, 1937, in Hillsboro, Ohio, to the late Brad and Mary Katherine (Lynch) Willson. Mike married Helen Caldwell on August 24, 2015, and she survives.

Mike earned his master’s degree from The Ohio State University and dedicated much of his life to education and athletics. He served as a professor of anatomy and physiology and was also a renowned gymnastics coach at The Ohio State University. He also attended St. Michael the Archangel Downtown Church.

Those left behind to cherish Mike’s memory are his wife, Helen; his children, Michael Willson, Scott Willson, Tim (Mel) Willson, Teri (Mark) Williams; grandchildren, Dalton Williams, Dailyn Williams, Kelsey Dobrydnio, Tyler Dobrydnio, Kyla (Matt) McKenzie, Kassy (Alex) Franz, Brandon (Sarah) Willson, Allie (Logan) Jones; 10 great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Diane (Brendan) Risner, Linda Kingsley, Jody Fishbach; five step grandchildren; and 3 step great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Marcia Bohley.

Mike was an avid outdoorsman, traveler, and sports lover, especially golf, gymnastics, football, and tennis. He loved dogs, especially German Shepherds and Dalmatians. And of course, he was an enthusiastic Ohio State fan--O-H!

Friends and family may visit from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd., Findlay, (419-422-1500), where a funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with Fr. Jacob Livecchi presiding. Interment will follow at St. Michael Cemetery, Findlay.

The family kindly requests that those attending wear Ohio State attire in honor of Mike’s lifelong support of the Buckeyes.

Memorial contributions in Mike’s name may be made to Alzheimer’s Association of Northwest Ohio or Bridge Home Health and Hospice.