Michael David Whitlatch

WHITLATCH, Michael D., Ph.D., age 72 of Springboro formerly of Columbus, died on February 26, 2023. Michael was born on July 27, 1950 to the late Harry and Ruth Franz Whitlatch. He attended Bishop Hartley High School in Columbus, Ohio and was an active member of the community swim team. He completed his undergraduate career at Miami of Ohio where he met the love of his life, Jean Louise Whitlatch, of 44 years. He completed his doctorate in Theatre at Bowling Green University before moving to Storm Lake, Iowa to accept a position teaching and directing Theatre at Buena Vista University, building the program from the ground up and impacting the lives of thousands of students. When he retired, Mike and Jean moved to Ohio to spend more time with their son, Andrew, and his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved attending plays and musicals, taking long walks, reading, and attending his son’s music and athletic events, and his grandchildren’s events at the end of his life. He is preceded in death by his wife, Jean (Elsasser) Whitlatch, his father, Harry Whitlatch, his mother Ruth (Franz) Whitlatch, and his brother, David Whitlatch. Michael is survived by his son Andrew (Amel) Whitlatch, and grandchildren Mina and Owen of Centerville, Ohio, brother Dr. Stephen (Amy) Whitlatch of Cincinnati, Ohio, sister Patti (Doug) Williams of Pickerington, Ohio, and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 5, 2023 at Tobias Funeral Home-Far Hills Chapel, 5471 Far Hills Ave. at Rahn Rd., Dayton, Ohio, 45429, with a Celebration of Michael’s Life at 2:00 p.m. Father James Manning officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Franklin-Springboro Public Library, 44 E. 4th Street, Franklin, Ohio 45005. Online condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.