MICHAEL “MIKE” BLAKEMAN age 65, beloved husband for 40 years of Kris (nee Bauer); loving father of David and Julie (Ed) Diroll; cherished son of Patsy Gardner (nee Cummings) and the late Michael Blakeman; dearest brother of Christopher, Tara (Earl) Rahm, Renee (Chris) Ayers, and the late Douglas; dear uncle of many.
Mike retired as an Ohio State Park manager after 28 years. He was an avid hunter, gardener, and outdoorsman. His passion for plants and service led him to start his own arborist design service called Woodhandle Landscape Design. He was a former Boy Scout Master and in 2012 a certified master gardener. He loved watching the Cleveland Browns and enjoyed learning about American history. An avid learner, Mike was a teacher to many, whether Seinfeld trivia or a garden consultant. Mike was a passionate and creative foodie and chef. His wife and children brought him true joy and he loved them dearly. Mike will be missed by many.
Contributions may be made in memory of Mike to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. https://www.cff.org/ Mass of Christian Burial Friday, December 30, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Parish 401 North Street, Chardon 44024 at 10 AM. Please click HERE for the You Tube link to the Mass.
Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Mike at THE DeJOHN Funeral Home & Crematory of Chardon 126 South St. (Rt. 44, south of Rt. 6/Chardon Square) on Thursday, December 29, 2022, from 2-4PM and 6-8PM.
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Bruce and Deb Traycoff
God Bless you Kris and Family. Very sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. Blessings of strength, courage and peace.
Kathy
I’m so so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Patsy informed me this evening. I know what a shock this must be for all of you. One thing I’ve learned is that it doesn’t matter how long someone is ill, when death comes, it’s always a shock. Patsy, Kris, Julie, David, Tara, Renee, and Christopher, you are in my heart and in my prayers.
With much love,
Kathy Robertson
Dave Stites
Kris and Family–I remember when Mike started at West Branch State Park. I enjoyed working with him over the years. I am saddened by his passing and I pray that God will provide your all strength and comfort dealing with his loss. So glad he was able to become a certified arborist, master gardener and open a landscape design company after his years with ODNR. Dave Stites, Ohio State Parks Retired
Margaret Medzie
Kris, Julie and Adam, I am so sorry to hear of Mike passing. Such great memories and the amazing leadership he taught, and modeled for Mario and Gino. I am so sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories, and may he Rest In Peace. Margaret Mascio-Medzie
Troop 552
Dan West
My sincere thoughts and prayers to Mike’s family. I had the honor and privilege to work alongside Mike in Ohio State Parks for many years. I knew him as extremely professional, dedicated and genuinely a very warm and caring manager. Without a doubt, he will be missed by everyone that crossed his path.
Dan West
Lois Rinehart
Kris, Julie and David, I am so very sorry to learn the sad news, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ted Poole
Dear Kris, Julie and David, We are deeply sorry for the loss of your Dad and husband. We send strength and love.
Jeanette & Ted Poole
Joe Reid
Our condolences, we will keep the family in our prayers.
Mary Nelson
Kris, Julie, and David,
So sorry hear this sad news. Blessings to your family and prayers.
John and Mary Nelson
GULIA RICKETTS MEEHAN
Dearest Pasty, What a shock to all. So sorry for your great loss. He is an Angel now, the newest one in Heaven. Praying for all of you.
Autumn Tomas
Patsy,
I’m so sorry. Sending love and prayers to you and your family.
Autumn
Sally
I am so deeply saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. I first learned of Mike when I was looking for a Japanese Maple at Bremec and a sales associate gave me his business card. In every interaction I’ve had with Mike since, he’s always been willing to go above and beyond to share tree and plant care tips. It was lovely to meet him and Kris this summer when they came out to provide a tree consult. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Kim Burrows
My Deepest Sympathy for you and your family. Prayers for comfort
The Burrows Family
Karen wolf
What a wonderful man we were blessed to have in this world. I know he will be missed but hope you will also be able to smile as you remember all the good times he was blessed with. (Patsy’s friend, Karen
Marty
Patsy, so sorry about your sons’ death. Offering prayers for you & your family.
Steven and Hope Boring
We are surprised and sadden to hear that Mike had passed. He was kind, funny and a gentle man. We always enjoyed Mike at family gatherings. He would talk about deer hunting, gardening and The Cleveland Browns. Many hugs and prayers to both families on this difficult loss.
steve korpita
What a shock to hear of your loss: Kris, Julie, and David. I hate it when good, honest, and adoring people have to leave us. He used his knowledge and enthusiasm to help 12 Boy Scouts to reach the highest rank of Eagle in the scout troop from Ravenna. I was privileged (as an assistant scout leader) to enjoy his leadership and concern for everyone. He loved to help the younger generation learn to help others and them self to better the world. Mike follows 2 other assistant leaders from that troop (Dave Durst and Alan Krysiak) making it a total of 3. Why so early???? He had more to contribute. Peace be with you. Steve
Kevin and Sue Ganger
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Hope you are comforted by all the wonderful memories that you all have made. May the Lord keep you all in the palm of His hand.
Fondly. Kevin and Sue Ganger
Barbara Keller
Dear Kris, Julie and David,
If I should go tomorrow,
It would never be goodbye,
For I have left my heart with you,
So don’t you ever cry.
The love that’s deep within me,
Shall reach you from the stars,
You’ll feel it from the heavens,
And it will heal the scars.
Sending deepest condolences.
Deborah Chrisman
Dear Patsy
I just recently met you through the garden club. Please know I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I know your heart is broken
And I pray God will bring you & your family comfort & peace.
Ross & Jen
The Blakeman Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
We really enjoyed our conversations and time spent with Mike and are blessed to have known him.
Ross & Jen
Annie L Given
Kris, Julie, and David holy f#$&! I am so sorry to hear of this shocking and devastating news. I’m sorry I didn’t get to know your husband and dad well. He really was so cool from the times I hung with you guys at family reunions and knowing of his accomplishments. But what I do know is how much love you all have and had. Mike had such a gentle and warm aura. He was super cool to me when I was a kid. He just had a positive vibe and you all do. Despite the obstacles life gives you guys you show nothing but positivity, hope, and humor and I hope you use that to help you heal and deal. I’m sorry for your pain and loss. I’m thinking of you all and sending you much love.
Bill and alice hamilton
Sincerly sorrry for your loss donation will be made in mikes name
Gail Spencer
Dear Kris,
Our deepest sympathies for you and your family. Prayers for comfort.
The Spencer Family
Brian Jung
Kris, Julie, & David,
Mike was such a great guy, I hope you find peace in his celebration of life. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to you all.
Brian Jung
Kris, Julie, & David,
Mike was such a great guy, I hope you find peace in his celebration of life. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to you all.
The Jung Family
Linda and Bob McIntyre
So sorry for your loss! Mike was a very special person. Mike was always kind and understanding! I remember all the good times we all had at West Branch State Park! He was the one that got Bob and I as camper hosts 25 years! God Bless all the family! Heart Felt Prayers!
Craig Morton
I am very sorry to hear of Mikes passing. I knew Mike throughout his long career with Ohio State Parks but did not get to know him well until the last few years with Parks. We cooperated with each other for several big projects and I gained a real appreciation for Mike and his sense of humor and his enthusiasm. We met several times after his retirement and I could tell he was very happy with his arborist business. He will be greatly missed.
Craig Morton
Craig & Bonnie Morton
I am very sorry to hear of Mikes passing. I knew Mike through the many years of his time with Ohio State Parks. I did not know him well until his last years when we worked on a few large projects together. I appreciated his wit, knowledge and enthusiasm. He will be greatly missed.
Tootie
I will never forget you Mike, you were so special. My deepest condolences to my family and loved ones. We all loved you.
Donna & Ray Sadd
We were so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He will be missed by all he knew. He was such an amazing man. He did pruning and trimming for us. He was a wealth of knowledge in regards to plants and a true master gardener. He was willing to share all he knew about the trees and plants in our yard.
One day he called after doing work for us. He had misplaced his billing book. I thought back through the day and looked all over the yard to no avail. I was thrilled to have remembered an electrician had been here right after he left. I called him and he had found the book out in the street. I was thrilled to call Mike and let him know we had found it. I will never forget his relieve that it had been found. In true Mike style, he dropped off a gift card to us. It was a privilege to know him.