Stephen Gussler

Stephen Danford Gussler, age 43, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at his residence after a six year fight w Stage IV Colon Cancer. Coach Gussler has had an outstanding career as both a health teacher and as a baseball coach. In the classroom, Stephen taught with passion and of course a sense of humor. His mission in the classroom is the same as on the field ... to inspire students to believe in themselves and to succeed in school. Stephen has been the head baseball coach at Thomas Worthington for 15 years. During his tenure, the Cardinal baseball program has been regarded as a highly competitive program that has produced hard working productive citizens for the Worthington community and championship teams. He has received numerous individual coaching honors. He was named the conference coach of the year on multiple occasions. He was selected as the 2012 All Metro Coach of the Year and, highlighting his coaching career, Coach Gussler was selected as the 2013 All-Ohio Division 1 Coach of the year. Coach Gussler's teams have been excellent ambassadors for Thomas Worthington. His players embody the lessons of their coach by demonstrating sportsmanship, ethics and integrity while generating championship seasons. The team's accomplishments under Coach Gussler include four league championships and back to back district championships. Stephen was a 1989 Graduate of Eastmoor High School, 1994 Graduate of The Ohio State University and later went on to earn his Masters Degree from Ashland University. While at Ohio State, he was a member of two Big Ten Championship Baseball teams, where he was a pitcher. Survived by: Wife: Angie. Children: Ayan, Michayla, Stephen "Trey" and Jaidyn. Mother: Judy Gussler. Father: Stephen (Melody Steely) Gussler. Sisters: Suzanna Gussler, Stephanie (Jim Crates) Gussler, Hannah Gussler and Amelia Gussler. Brother: Eric Gussler. Mother and Father in law: Pat and Dean Barr. Sister in law: Laurie (Michelle Umali) Barr. Niece: Amirah Kate. Nephews: Hunter and Colin Crates. Numerous other family and many many friends and colleagues. Special thanks to the Worthington community for their continued love and support. Friends may call at Thomas Worthington High School, 300 W. Dublin Granville Rd., Monday 4-8 PM. GussStrong/Casual attire was his request for this part of the service. Additional calling hours will begin at 12:30 PM Tuesday at the Grace Polaris Church, 8225 Worthington Galena Rd., with funeral service to follow at 1:30 PM. Pastor Kevin Pees officiating. Private family interment Reber Hill Cemetery, Ashville, OH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the GussStrong Foundation, 5557 Tayside Circle, Dublin, OH, 43016. Arrangements completed at JERRY SPEARS FUNERAL HOME, 2693 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH, 43204.

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