Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
Dr. William "Coach T" Logan Taraschke, 79, residing in Norwalk and formerly of Berea, passed away early Wednesday afternoon, April 7, 2021 at the Metro Health Medical Center in Cleveland following a brief illness. Because Bill was on life support and his daughter Kristi's wedding had previously been rescheduled due to COVID, Kristi and family made the decision to have her wedding ceremony in her father's hospital room, so he could give her away.
Bill was born on February 22, 1942 in Toledo, OH to the late Wilbert and Mary (Quillin) Taraschke.
Bill graduated from Toledo Libby High School and received his bachelor's degree from Ohio University, where he played football and ran track and field. He continued his education, receiving his master's degree from the University of Southern Illinois, and then his PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Toledo. Bill began his teaching career at Milan School, and later taught at Chadron State College in Nebraska for 9 years. He retired 4 years ago from Baldwin Wallace University, where he taught physical education and health classes and became "Coach T". He coached football, cross country and track. Coach T had acquired 47 total OAC titles and was named 2 time Division III National Coach of the Year He also was inducted into the Baldwin Wallace Hall of Fame. Bill was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Berea and the Berea Kiwanis. He was a committee member for both the National Track Association and the Ohio Athletic Conference. Bill liked to hunt, fish, golf and anything else sports related. Family and coaching was his life.
Bill is survived by his wife, Dennie (Graham) Taraschke, whom he married on March 25, 1967. He is also survived by his daughters, Jodi Lynn Taraschke of Brewster, OH, Kristi Lynn (Ronald) Taraschke-Bell of Carlisle Township, OH and Katherine Mary Taraschke of Boston, MA; son, William Jeffrey "Jeff" (Linda) Taraschke of Medina, OH; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Madison and Faith and numerous former athletes that loved him.
In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his brother, Duke Taraschke.
Friends may call on Monday, April 12, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory Milan Chapel, 1 S. Main St., Milan. Friends may also visit on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 from 3:00 pm until time of funeral services at 4:00 pm at the church where Bill and Dennie were married, Edison Memorial United Methodist Church, 10 E. Church St., Milan. Burial will follow in Milan Cemetery, Milan.
In lieu of flowers those wishing to contribute to Bill's memory may do so to the Dr. William Taraschke Fund at Baldwin Wallace University, 275 Eastland Rd., Berea, OH 44017.
Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.
