Michael Thomas Ridinger

Michael “Mike” Ridinger, 64, died Wednesday, August 3, at his current and childhood home in Kent. 

Born September 29, 1957, in Dayton, Ohio, Mike was the second child of Gerald “Jug” and Miriam Ridinger. A love for watching and playing sports was encouraged by Jug, who coached Mike and his brother, Rick, in baseball when they were children. Mike later played baseball and football for Theodore Roosevelt High School, where he graduated in 1975. He then attended Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in urban forestry and developed a passion for horticulture. 

Mike married his former wife, Ann, in 1984. They briefly lived in Utah and Massachusetts, then Cleveland, Ohio, where their daughter, Lindsay, was born. Before the birth of their son, Matt, they moved to Medina, where their swimming pool became an annual summertime gathering place for family. This tradition continued for several years after Mike married his second wife, Jane, on June 28, 2003. Together they enjoyed traveling, visiting public gardens, and continuing to host family at Mike’s parents’ previous home in Kent, where they moved in 2016. 

Being surrounded by family and making time to gather loved ones were very meaningful to Mike, in addition to spending time in the garden. He will be remembered by all family and friends for his “dad” jokes, work ethic, care of and concern for others and his kind, gentle heart. 

Mike is survived by his wife, Jane; children, Lindsay (Ian) of Cleveland Heights and Matthew “Matt” (Lindsi) of Westlake; stepchildren, Valerie (Don) of Norton, Ken “KC” (Amber) of Tiffin and Christopher of Columbus; grandchildren William and Toby of Tiffin; mother, Miriam; brother, Rick; sister, Lynn (Tim); sister-in-law, Connie (Carl); several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald, and sister, Susan. 

A private memorial service for family will be held at Mike’s home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Mike’s memory to Portage Animal Protective League (https://portageapl.org/) or Holden Forests and Gardens (https://holdenfg.org/). 

Services of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St., Kent, Ohio 44240.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.