Obituary for Michael Joseph Scharf

Michael Joseph Scharf, age 78, of Marion, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Marion General Hospital. He was born on September 15, 1947, in Kenton to the late Carl and Mary (Wolf) Scharf.

Michael owned and operated Mike’s Auto Center for many years and also worked for Tecumseh and the Marion Dresser. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marion and a founding member of Parents Without Partners. He also set up many singles dances in Marion. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and attending auctions in search of a great deal.

He was, without question, a man with one of the biggest hearts this world has ever known. With a thoughtful pause, he would give his last dollar to someone in need. He extended grace to people others had long given up on, offering them one more chance when they had nothing left to hold onto, somehow knowing that sometimes a single act of belief in a person is enough to keep them going. And that same grace extended beyond people — he believed he could fix or save anything, rescuing the forgotten and worn with the same quiet conviction he gave to the souls who needed it most.

His life was devoted to his self-described “projects and missions” — the quiet, purposeful work of making his corner of the world a little better, a little kinder, a little more whole. He never needed the world to notice, for the missions that truly mattered were completed quietly, known only to God, and in perfect alignment with His work. This was simply who he was, and who he always chose to be. It was his purpose, and he fulfilled it beautifully.

He is survived by his three daughters: Kimberly (Toby Kissling) Moritz of New Bloomington, Mandy (Aaron) Langhirt of Delaware, Ohio, and Laura Mitchell of Marion; a son, David (Monica) Scharf of Honolulu, Hawaii; five sisters: Mary Jo (David) Miller of Platteville, CO, Diane Robinson of Richwood, Carol (John) Thiel of Marion, Jane Scharf of Marion, and Paula Price of LaRue; and three brothers: Tom Scharf of Cape Coral, FL, Pat (Gail) Scharf of Marion, and Steve Scharf of Marion.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Matthew Moritz, Emma (Nate Schneider) Moritz, Olivia Kissling, Kimberly Langhirt, Andrew Langhirt, Abigail Langhirt, Joseph Langhirt, Austin Scharf, and Evan Scharf; a great-granddaughter, Tatum Schneider; a sister-in-law, Chris Scharf of Mansfield; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Richard “Rick” Scharf; stepfather, John Scharf, a sister-in-law, Shasta Scharf; and two brothers-in-law, Jesse Price and Frank Robinson.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Kenton, with Father Ryan Schmit officiating. Cremation will follow, and burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Kenton will take place at a later date.

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Price-McElroy Funeral Home in Kenton.

A rosary service will begin at 7:00 P.M. following the visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Michael’s honor may be made to St. Vincent de Paul. 

Online condolences may be expressed at pricefh.net.