Michael Dean Kobelak

MICHAEL DEAN KOBELAK, 59, of Sagamore Hills, Ohio passed away of natural causes December 2, 2025. Mike was born on July 14, 1966, in Springfield, Ohio to the late Steve and Ethel (nee Retherford) Kobelak.

He was a loving father to his children, Hayden and Kyla Kobelak, who were the greatest joy of his life. He is survived by the mother of his children, Sharon Kobelak (nee Simmers). He is also survived by his siblings, Natalie Donahue (Randy), Steve Kobelak (Kelly), and Sandy Nartker (Patrick), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mike grew up in Tipp City, Ohio, where he graduated from Bethel High School, and enjoyed much success in playing basketball and baseball. He was proud of his baseball team’s state semi-final appearance and induction into the Bethel Athletic Hall of Fame. He continued his education at Tri-State University (now known as Trine University) in Angola, Indiana, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Mike worked at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, in the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Turbine Research Facility for 24 years where he assisted in evaluating advanced hot section turbine components required for next generation aircraft engines. He designed hardware unique to the facility to adapt and integrate existing research hardware into the Turbine Research Facility. He served as the facility controls test operator where he was in control of "releasing the hounds" to execute blowdowns. Mike was a great member of the TRF and his contributions were paramount in the TRF's success, where he always brought comedic relief and helped establish great camaraderie.

Mike will be remembered by his family and friends for his sense of humor and love of sports. He was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns. He especially enjoyed time spent on the golf course, playing rounds with friends and family where he once scored a hole-in-one.

Mike’s life will be celebrated at a later date. In honor of Mike, memorial contributions may be made to The Air Force Assistance Fund online at https://www.afassistancefund.org/index.php/donate/ or Ohio Veterans Outdoors online at https://www.ohvetsoutdoors.org/donate/.

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