Mike Pensinger

Mark Alan “Mike” Pensinger, 71, of Bucyrus, passed peacefully on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at OhioHealth Marion following a hard-fought battle with cancer, surrounded by his children and eldest granddaughter. His determination to continue providing love for his family and the opportunity to spend more time on the golf course allowed him to persevere much longer than expected.

In Bucyrus, Ohio, on August 13, 1953, he was born Mark Alan Pensinger to his mom, Patricia Ann (Benedict) Pensinger. Dad, Carl Lee Pensinger, referenced, I don’t care what name you give him; I’m calling him Mike, and from that young age, most folks always knew him as Mike.

Mike was a lifelong resident and graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1971. While in high school, he excelled at both football and track & field, earning him many awards and accomplishments. However, he was most proud of becoming the 1971 Class AA state pole vault champion. His height cleared was 14’ 5 ½”, a record that still stands at Bucyrus High School, and he was inducted into the Crawford County Sports Hall of Fame (2016). He continued his athletic success at the University of Toledo, where he was a member of both the football and track teams.

Mike returned to Bucyrus, got married, and began caring for his family by taking a job at General Electric, where he worked for 32 years before retiring in 2013.

Mike’s drive to help others was very evident. He was always present at events involving his children and grandchildren, and in addition to offering them advice and guidance, he would do the same for their fellow teammates. A way to give them more confidence and help strengthen their team. He also generously gave to others who were less fortunate than him.

Mike was never shy about striking up conversations with anyone nearby, especially when it came to regular gatherings with his high school classmates. He enjoyed a nice meal and fellowship with family and friends, either at one of his favorite restaurants or when trying something new.

Mike enjoyed many years of fishing with family, locally, at Lake Erie, as well as some trips to Canada. He spent many nights at his place at the lake, searching the sky through his advanced telescope, a device that he eventually donated to the school. But of all he did, golf was his favorite pastime. Whether golfing locally or on a planned trip, Mike shared many laughs and created many memories with Scott, Derek, and grandson Georgie (“Willie”), a few of whom were nearest and dearest to his heart.

Mike is survived by children, Ian Pensinger (Daniel Slone) and Nicki (George Floyd) Pensinger; grandchildren, Ni’Georia, Georgie, Ni’Cia and Gi’onni Floyd; grand-dog, Oskar; brother, Scott (Diane) Pensinger; nephews and nieces, Ryan (Kristine) Pensinger, Ami (Jimmy) Hay, Tia (Shawn) Myers and Nathan (Kimberly) Pensinger as well as many extended family members and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Patricia Pensinger; a brother, Jeff Pensinger; and a sister-in-law, Tina Pensinger.

Calling hours for Mike will be held from 2 – 5 pm Sunday, March 23, at Wise Funeral Service, where his funeral will be held at 11:00 am Monday with Certified Celebrant Lisa Snyder officiating. He will be privately laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery.

If desired, donations can be made payable to The Community Foundation for Crawford County (TCF4CC) and will be applied to the Class of 1971 Scholarship Fund. These gifts will be accepted through the funeral home, and expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on his guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com.