Westerville Obituaries - August 31, 2025. And, Happening This Week In Westerville.
Keegan Thomas Hale, 34, of Westerville, passed away surrounded by family on August 24, 2025. Born in Columbus, he grew up in Westerville and graduated from Westerville North High School in 2009 before earning a degree in civil engineering from The Ohio State University. He began his career with the City of Powell, but in 2016 joined the staff at Dwell Community Church, where he dedicated his life to ministry.
In 2019, he married Michaelyn (“Mikie”) Mahoney, and together they welcomed their daughter, Blake, in 2021. Diagnosed with ALS in 2020, Keegan faced the illness with faith, courage, and gratitude, leaving a legacy of love and joy for his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Mikie, daughter Blake, parents Tad and Jenny, brother Peter (Kate), sister Alison (Kelson) Mathias, and six nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, September 6, at Dwell Community Church, 1390 Community Park Drive, with Keegan’s favorite snacks and drinks served in his honor.
Thomas Joseph Kolda, 85, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, at Mount Carmel East Hospital in Columbus. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gail; parents, Amos and Cecilia; and brother, Dennis.
Born in Chicago, Tom graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he met his future wife, Gail. They married in 1962 and shared a lifetime until her passing. His career in fundraising spanned several universities, including The Ohio State University, Marquette University, Coe College, the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, and Case Western Reserve University.
Tom and Gail settled in Westerville in 2006 to be near their sons and grandchildren. Known for his humor, stories, and music, Tom enjoyed playing the accordion, following Drum Corps, cheering for the Buckeyes, Packers, and Guardians, and celebrating his Czech heritage.
He was a member of the Church of the Resurrection in New Albany, where he was active in parish life, the Knights of Columbus, and the choir. His lifelong dedication to the Catholic Church included work with Saint Peter Parish in Worthington, the Pontifical College Josephinum, and the Diocese of Tucson.
Mary Jo Koenig, 74, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away on August 27, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Cleveland to George and Sally Harvan, she graduated from Mohawk High School in 1969 and earned her nursing degree from St. John College. She served as a U.S. Army operating room nurse, earning the National Defense Service Medal, before continuing her career in public health and retiring from the Miami County Health Department.
In 1980, Mary Jo married Gary Koenig at Fort Knox, and the couple shared 45 years of marriage. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Westerville, living her life rooted in faith and family.
She is survived by her husband, Gary; sons, Gary Jr. (Christine) and Adam (Dana); grandchildren, Corinne, Gary “Tripp” III, Andrew “Drew,” Connor, and Madelyn; and sister, Gayle (Robert) Fiorenza.
Visitation will be held Monday, September 8, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Interment with military honors will take place at 2:45 p.m. at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville.
Michael Joseph Schneider, 84, of Westerville, Ohio, and formerly of Toledo, passed away on August 18, 2025, at Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital. Born in Toledo to Daniel and Grace (Westfall) Schneider, he attended Libbey High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army.
A proud veteran, Michael served for over 20 years, including distinguished service in Vietnam, where he earned the Bronze Star and other distinguished honors. He retired as a Sergeant First Class, Senior Engineering Supervisor. In retirement, he dedicated himself to family, helping with countless construction projects, and enjoyed casino trips with his wife, Peggy.
Michael was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Westerville and a former parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas in Toledo. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he will be dearly missed.
Barbara J. Girard, 83, of Westerville, passed away at home on August 27, 2025. Born in Queens, New York, to William and Catherine (Scofield) Kelch, Barbara held numerous jobs throughout her life, but found her greatest joy in volunteering at St. Ann’s Hospital for over 20 years and spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, George; sons Tom and Dan (Jana); grandchildren Joey, Allie, Maddie, Lilly, and Jake; her brother, Jeff (Corrine) Kelch; and an extended family across the country. She was preceded in death by her parents and infant daughter, Jeanne.
Friends may call at Moreland Funeral Home, 55 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, on Monday, September 1, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, September 2, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a service to follow at 12:00 p.m.
Margaret Summer McConnell, 13, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on August 26, 2025. A student at Genoa Middle School, she excelled in mathematics and Spanish, earned straight A’s, and participated in the Evening of Excellence.
Margaret was active in her church, having recently been confirmed at the Church of the Messiah United Methodist, and volunteered at Vacation Bible School. She swam with the Westerville Poolcats, performed in school drama, and took ballet. She loved animals—especially her cat, Mindy—along with horseback riding, reading, drawing, and time outdoors.
She is deeply missed by her parents, Lynn and Mark; her sisters, Madelyn and Meghan; her grandparents, Barb and Karl McConnell; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Those who knew Margaret will remember her humor, intelligence, compassion, and vibrant spirit.
Your Westerville Week: A Guide to Events from September 1-7, 2025
This week offers opportunities to question candidates for the Westerville School Board and City Council, to make public comments at the City Council meeting, and to attend discussions at the Uptown Review Board. Plus three football games, Doggie Paddle, and Ballet Folclórico Xochihua.
Monday, Sept 1 (Labor Day)
COPC “Run 4 The Health of It” — 8:00–10:30 a.m., Westerville Sports Complex, 325 N. Cleveland Ave. Family 5K/1-mile event.
Library closed for Labor Day — Westerville Public Library.
Tuesday, Sept 2
City Council — Regular Meeting — 7:00 p.m., Westerville Justice Center, 229 Huber Village Blvd.
Agenda highlights:Ordinance 2025-17: Fast-food restaurant with drive-thru on Polaris Parkway.
Ordinance 2025-18: Financial institution with drive-thru on Polaris Parkway.
Ordinance 2025-19: Citizen-initiated charter amendment requiring analog meters.
Ordinance 2025-20: Regulations on solicitation, canvassing, and temporary street vendors.
Motion 11a: Contract award for 2025 street tree planting.
English Conversation Café — 10:00–11:00 a.m., Westerville Public Library.
Creative Night with Elle: Gelli Printing — 6:30–9:30 p.m., Daylight Artist Collective, 9 E. College Ave.
Make Your Own Papel Picado (drop-in, all ages) — runs Sept 1–30, Westerville Public Library.
Wednesday, Sept 3
Senior Center Pancake Breakfast — 7:30–10:00 a.m., Westerville Senior Center. $5.
JC Lunchbox Concert Series — 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Java Central Brick Walk, Uptown.
Board of Education Candidate Forum — 7:00 p.m., Westerville Public Library (hosted by Westerville Area Chamber).
Thursday, Sept 4
Uptown Review Board — Regular Meeting — 6:30 p.m., Westerville Justice Center, 229 Huber Village Blvd.
Agenda items:URB 2025-18: Sandwich board sign at 25 N. State St. (Talip Kucuker).
URB 2025-19: Amendments to the board’s rules and regulations.
URB 2025-17: Exterior work at 30 E. College Ave. (paint, masonry, gutter repair, door replacement).
City Council Candidate Forum — 7:00 p.m., Renaissance Columbus Westerville–Polaris (Chamber event; FB Live available).
Friday, Sept 5
Uptown Friday Nights — 6:30–8:30 p.m., Uptown Westerville. Live music and artists along Main St.
Wheelchair Basketball Open Gym — 6:00–8:00 p.m., Westerville Community Center. Drop-in.
High School Football — 7:00 p.m. kickoffs
Bishop Watterson at Westerville North (home).
Westerville Central vs Bellefontaine (home).
Westerville South at St. Charles (away).
Otterbein Music: Richard Masters & Arianna Wyatt — 7:30 p.m., Riley Auditorium.
Saturday, Sept 6
Westerville Saturday Farmers Market — 9:00 a.m.–noon, COhatch/North High Brewing lot, 240 S. State St.
Doggie Paddle — 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Highlands Park Aquatic Center, 245 S. Spring Rd. Bring proof of license and immunizations. Small dogs under 25 lbs: 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; all dogs: 12:30–2:00 p.m. $5 per dog.
WARM Shopping Cart Shuffle 5K — 9:00 a.m., Westerville Sports Complex. Benefits W.A.R.M.
Otterbein Women’s Volleyball — vs Allegheny 10:00 a.m.; vs Stevenson 7:00 p.m., Rike Center.
Otterbein Football — vs Ohio Wesleyan, noon, Memorial Stadium.
Sunday, Sept 7
Ballet Folclórico Xochihua (Hispanic Heritage Month) — 2:00–2:30 p.m., Westerville Public Library.
Steps of Faith 5K & Kids Run — 4:00 p.m., Westerville Sports Complex.
Public Meetings at a Glance
City Council — Regular Meeting
Tuesday, Sept 2 – 7:00 p.m., Justice CenterDrive-thru restaurant and bank proposals on Polaris Parkway.
Charter amendment on analog meters.
Solicitation/canvassing/street vendor rules.
Street tree planting contract award.
Uptown Review Board — Regular Meeting
Thursday, Sept 4 – 6:30 p.m., Justice CenterSandwich board sign at 25 N. State St.
Updates to board rules.
Exterior work at 30 E. College Ave.
The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.
Explore more hyper-local reporting by subscribing to The Hilliard Beacon, Civic Capacity, Marysville Matters, The Ohio Roundtable, Shelby News Reporter, and This Week in Toledo.