Michael Stemple

CUYAHOGA FALLS - Michael "Wildman" Stemple, a retired business owner, went through the great hall Valhalla into the loving arms of his personal savior Jesus Christ on April 16, 2016. The Wildman was born in Akron, OH to Betty Held Stemple and A. Jay Stemple on May 13, 1952. Mike grew up in the streets of Highland Square playing baseball. He graduated in 1970 from the last class of Howard Vocational High School's carpentry program. Shortly thereafter The Wildman joined the newly formed Akron Rugby Football Club where his life as a warrior Viking began on the pitch. Mike truly felt his team mates were his brothers and sisters. The pitch/field for which he diligently worked to bring into existence was his "home". Mike played rugby for over 35 years throughout the United States and Europe. Mike's lifetime passion was coaching his kids in multiple sports. The Wildman coached baseball, softball, basketball and soccer for 40 years. He served previously as President of the Ellet Baseball/Softball Association and as a Board Member of the Cuyahoga Falls Baseball Association, and was a state certified soccer coach. He was the owner and manager of the Cuyahoga Falls Rapids, a traveling baseball team. Mike's preferred place was the field in direct contact with the young players. Mike was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. He lived a life of joy and happiness; anyone who knew him said the party did not begin till the Wildman arrived.

Mike will be greeted in Heaven by his parents, his brother and sister, Jerry and Roxie Fleming, special players Zach Taylor and Jake Kochis, and niece Melissa Sovil. The Wildman will be missed everyday by his soulmate, one true love, best friend, and wife, Meri; and his children, Misty Stemple and Rich Simons, Michelle and Heath Homeister, Jen Stemple and Rindi Walters, Hillary and Adam Rios, Kyle and Ali Hughes, and Jay Michael Stemple. Missing their "Popsy" aka "Papaw" will be grandchildren, Ashley Senn, Logan Boatwright, and Hayden and Holden Rios. Mike will also be missed by his sister, Brenda and Bob Fenwick; brother, Frank Carson; brother-in-law, Charlie Gray, and bestie-in-law, Andrea Bigger; and a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins, Akron Rugby family, and his baseball and church families.

A celebration of Mike's life will begin with visitation from 5-8 PM on Thursday April 21, 2016 at the Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home 1930 Front St. Cuyahoga Falls, OH, 44221. A church celebration will be held at 11 AM on Friday April 22 at Redeemer Lutheran Church 2141 5th St. Cuyahoga Falls, OH, 44221. Pastor Ryan Honeycutt will be officiating. Per The Wildman's request all attendees at both functions are requested to wear Hawaiian shirts. In lieu of other remembrances memorials may be made to the Akron Rugby Football Club, 811 N Medina Line Rd. Akron, OH, 44333 or the Cuyahoga Falls Amateur Baseball Club C/O Bob Brown, 2940 13th St. Cuyahoga Falls, OH, 44223. Services entrusted to Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home and Crematory, 330-928-2147.