Michael A. Altman, 60

Michael A. Altman, 60 of Ashland passed away Sunday, September 23, 2018 in Cleveland Clinic Hospital.

He was born on June 25, 1958 to Pete and Jo (nee Beighley) Altman in Sandusky, Ohio.

Mike graduated from Madison High School, Class of 1976. He married the former, Julie FitzPatrick on August 1, 1987.

He retired after more than 30 years from the General Motors Company in 2009.

In his youth, he sang in church choir and his mother taught him to play the piano which led to his love for music. He loved going to concerts with his wife and friends. Playing the guitar was one of his passions. He greatly influenced many youth, including his son and granddaughter to share his love of music by teaching his skills to them. He enjoyed playing guitar in the church band as well as for his own enjoyment at home.

Mike enjoyed playing church softball. However, his greatest love was coaching Ashland Youth League and Fall Ball for numerous years.

Mike was proud to be a master griller and enjoyed preparing food for his family and friends no matter what the weather was doing.

Mike was a devoted member of the First English Lutheran Church in Mansfield, Ohio.

Mike fought a courageous battle with cancer but he always put his family and friends first no matter what he was going through. Through the worst of his illness, he wanted to make sure that his family was taken care of. Even in his last moments he was giving family instructions on what needed taken care of. He was not only a big influence to his family, but also his friends and would have done anything for anyone who needed him.

Mike is survived by his wife of 31 years, Mrs. Julie Altman of Ashland; one daughter, Ashley Altman (Kevin Oehlhof) of Ashland; one son, Ian (fiance Courtney Eichelberger) Altman of Columbus; his father, Pete Altman of Ashland; one granddaughter, Lyla Altman; and one brother, Marty (Debbie) Altman of Butler.

He is proceeded in death by his mother, Jo Altman.

Family and friends may gather for a Celebration of Mike's life, Friday evening September 28, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home. A private family interment service will be on Saturday in the Ashland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215.

For those who may not be able to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home's website at denbowfh.com.

Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home and Crematory is handling the arrangements.