Michael “Mike” Conrad House grew up in Westerville, Ohio. He was the middle child of three between two sisters. He found his love of being outdoors at a young age while at his grandparents’ farm near Eaton, Ohio, during various Boy Scout activities, and while playing baseball. He particularly enjoyed hiking, camping, and fishing and had a great love of reading.
In high school, he played trombone for the Westerville High School band where he would meet his future wife, Jacquelyn “Jackie” Hiland. The two would later attend The Ohio State University (OSU) together. Mike earned his bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources while Jackie graduated with a degree in Music Education. Mike then returned to OSU to complete a master’s degree in Biometry.
After graduating, Mike joined the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. While stationed in Minnesota the couple would see the birth of their daughter Kelly. Later stationed in West Virginia, they would welcome their son Aaron before moving to Washington DC for his final post with this service.
Later moving to New Jersey and working in New York City, then to Northwest Ohio, Mike would work for several companies doing a variety of statistical work before taking a position with Maritz Research in Maumee, Ohio for 19 years, advancing at one time to the position of Vice President.
Following his retirement from Maritz Research, he continued to do work for various clients on an independent basis. He also joined the Board of Directors for the Luther Home of Mercy and later became the Board Chair of Lutheran Ministries of Mercy after assisting with the merger of these organizations.
Mike’s wife passed away in 2015 after nearly 40 years of marriage, and most of a lifetime, together. In the wake of this loss, Mike continued to volunteer as much as possible. He began volunteering for the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in NW Ohio, and later the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Eastern West Virginia. He would split his time between the two and greatly enjoyed his time with both as he continued to build new and strong relationships with the teams working at each.
Throughout his life he taught respect and responsibility, to care for people, and to treasure the natural world. He loved the outdoors at all times, but especially the fall. A family meal was his favorite time, especially Thanksgiving. One of his favorite activities was golfing with his grandchildren and watching them become amazing and talented young men.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents Lowell and Jean (Conrad) House, and his wife Jacquelyn “Jackie” (Hiland) House. He is survived by his two children, Kelly (James) Schuck and Aaron House, as well as his three beloved grandchildren John, Evan, and Nate Schuck. He is also survived by his two sisters, Susan (Hank) Klaiber and Diana (Jeffery) Knoll as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews and their families.
The family has arranged an open house gathering in his honor at the Robinson Walker Funeral Home to be held on the 18th of May 2024 in Genoa, OH from 1:00 – 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be made in his honor to the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Friends Group, The Friends of the 500 (The Canaan National Wildlife Refuge Friends Group), or Luther Home of Mercy.
