Mr. Michael Kracium, 81, of Bluffton, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at his home.
Mike was born on May 22, 1945, in Fort Wayne, to Cornelius and Elnore (Luttman) Kracium. He graduated from Concordia High School in 1963 and continued his education at Indiana University Bloomington, where he received his bachelor’s degree in education. He furthered his studies at Saint Francis in Fort Wayne to earn his master’s degree.
Mr. Kracium worked for one year at Marlotte Community Schools in Michigan, before moving to Bluffton. He dedicated his teaching to the Bluffton-Harrison Schools for 43 years, retiring in 2011. While at Bluffton, he was able to “Jump in his Jeep and drive up History mountain” with many students. Mike was a past president of the Bluffton-Harrison Teachers Association. He was active in the community, serving as a member of the County Council, Wells County Board of Directors, Gideons and was a Past President of the Bargain Hut. He enjoyed family get togethers, especially July 4th at his son’s house, and Thanksgiving and Christmas at different homes each year. Mike collected coins on a small scale and enjoyed reading and doing puzzles. He was an active member of First Church of Christ and truly benefitted from being in his community group and attending services at the church.
On July 1, 1967, Mike and Sheila Dickman were married in Fort Wayne. They were blessed with 59 years of marriage together.
Survivors include his wife, Sheila Kracium of Bluffton, his son Jeff (Carrie) Kracium, and a grandson, Mason Kracium, all of Ossian.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, a son David Kracium and his brothers, Steven and Philip Kracium.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Jefferson officiating. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery in Bluffton.
Visitation will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, and for one hour prior to the service on Saturday, at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to First Church of Christ and may be directed through the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends may share online condolences with the family at www.thomarich.com.