Bryan Gene Schatzinger, age 62, of Shelby, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at UH Cleveland Medical Center. His death follows complications from heart surgery.
Bryan was born March 21, 1962 in Tiffin, Ohio to the late Gene Edward and Lillian (Fought) Schatzinger. A 1980 graduate of Tiffin High School, Bryan then married Janice (McDaniel) Schatzinger on October 17, 1981. Bryan went on to attend Judson University in Elgin, Illinois where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in human relations with a special emphasis in Psychology. Returning to Ohio, Bryan took a position as the Assistant Director of Judson Hills camp and served as the Youth Pastor at Diamond Hills Baptist in Mansfield. In 1990, they moved to Angelus Oaks, CA where Bryan served as the Executive Director of Mile High Pines- a children’s church camp and retreat facility, and they raised their family. Bryan ultimately earned a master’s degree in theology from the Calvary Chapel School of Ministry in Costa Mesa, CA.
In 2000, Bryan started Calvary Chapel in Mansfield where he was still currently pastoring. He loved studying the Bible and cherished his “flock”- his church family who loved him dearly in return. He was faithful until the very end, teaching and pastoring the Sunday before his surgery and thanking God for giving him the breath he needed to preach His word.
An outdoorsman, Bryan thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. A talented woodworker, he made various projects which he gifted to family including, but not limited to cribs, dining room table, and nativity manger. He was truly a Mr. Fix-It. He was also an avid Ohio State University Buckeye’s football fan.
To Bryan, family was always first. Surviving is his wife of nearly 43 years, Janice; their children: Justin (Lindsey) Schatzinger of Bellville, Ashley (Nick) Kennedy of Shelby, and Jared (Becca) Schatzinger of Shelby; grandchildren, who affectionately referred to him as Poppy: Wesley and Colt Schatzinger, Lincoln, Beatrice, Jude, and Ophelia Kennedy, and Rosalie and Henry Schatzinger; sister: Lisa (Mike) Maldinger; his mother-in-law: Marilyn McDaniel; his church family and friends not only locally but all across the country; and numerous other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Bryan was preceded in death by his father-in-law: Robert McDaniel.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, July 28, 2024 from 1-3 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875, where funeral services will immediately follow at 3 pm. Pastor Tom Worthington, his friend, will officiate the services. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to Richland Pregnancy Services (https://richlandpregnancyservices-bloom.kindful.com/).
Condolences may be left on Bryan’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (penwellfuneralhome.com/) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral).
To view Bryan’s Tribute Video, click the provided link: Bryan’s Tribute Video.
Bryan was an awesome guy! I always loved hearing his preaching. His passion for God was very evident. He was a great example of a man of God. I’ll be praying for the family. Sorry I can’t be there in person.
Janice, you have been in my prayers and will continue to be. Bryan was an amazing man & pastor. I am so very sorry. I love you
Becca and Jared-we are so sorry for your loss. May God speak peace to your hearts through this difficult time.
Dear Janice and family, You have our deepest condolences! Praying for all of you!!
Lisa & Family…I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. HUGS
What a blessing to know this family. May the Lord give you comfort during this time. We are very sorry to learn of Bryan’s passing. Many have been impacted by his faithful journey in his life.
I can’t believe your family and friends have to say goodbye to your earthly presence. It’s too soon, in our minds anyway, to have you absent in this life. I’m so sorry for the family to have to go through this grief, but those of us with the same faith in Christ know that you are with our glorious Father and our Savior and you are receiving your reward for carrying your cross and selflessly doing His work here on earth. I’ll always remember the fun and laughs you and I and Janice had in high school and how you always knew how to be a great friend. I remember too, the spiritual counsel you both gave me in hard times of my life and that you both were such an important influence on me in growing my faith. You will be so missed by so many!
We are thinking of you all . We knew the first time we met Bryan he was a wonderful man . I pray for comfort and healing hearts
This man lit a fire inside of me.. forever grateful
My deepest condolences to the family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Brigette Harrison
Janice and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your husband, father, grandfather’s passing. He was such an inspiring man. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. My deepest condolences