Michael J. “Mike” Brocwell
Michael J. “Mike” Brocwell, age 81, of Shelby, died Saturday afternoon, November 8, 2025 at Mill Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation in Galion.
Born on May 16, 1944, in Shelby, Mike was the son of the late Walter Stanley and Ruthe M. (Schrantz) Brocwell. A 1962 graduate of Shelby High School, Mike spent 43 dedicated years working at Shafer Valve in Ontario, retiring under the Emerson ownership.
Outside of work, Mike lived for the simple joys that made him happiest. He was an avid fisherman and arrowhead hunter, always ready for the next great find or peaceful day by the water. Alaska held a special place in his heart, and he made countless trips north to experience its rugged beauty. Back home, few things made him smile more than time behind the wheel of his Corvette—his pride and joy.
Mike is survived by his sons: Mark Brocwell and Grant (Angie) Brocwell both of Galion; grandchildren: Mason (Logan) Brocwell, Samantha (Wes) New, Natalie (Bo) Mayes, Dale Brocwell, Colleen Brocwell, Jessica (Zach) Hammons, and Abigail Brocwell; great grandchildren: Maxton, Lennox, and Ezra; his special friend: Patty Strickler; brothers: Kip Brocwell of California and Jeff (Carol) Brocwell of Reynoldsburg; and other relatives and friends.
Family and friends are welcome on Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 11 am-1 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to the Archaeological Society of Ohio, 1166 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Road, Suite 269, Fairborn, OH 45324.
Condolences may be left on Mike’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
To view Mike’s tribute video, click here: Mike’s tribute video.
My condolences to Mike’s family on the loss of Mike. I was a classmate of Mikes. You have my prayers for your loss.
Mark and Dave Jan and I are so sorry to read of your dad’s passing. He was a great neighbor for years and he will be missed by all who’s lives he touched. The Kaples
Our deepest condolences to Mike’s family and to Patty. Mike was a longtime friend at Shafer and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Becky & Chris Earhart
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. We had homeroom together and he was a great pal. Condolences to all his family. Prayers and love.
Sad to hear of Mikes passing. Lots of memories Our parents were friends. My condolences to his family and to Patty.
Mike was a great friend in high school. The first beer I ever drank, I shared with Mike!
So sorry to hear of Mike’s passing, I worked with Mike at Therm-O-Disc, for a number of years. Miss his peanut butter fudge. was a great guy !!
Brocwell Family — I was so sorry to read of Mike’s death. My late husband Len and Mike were first cousins. We always enjoyed talking with Mike about his Alaska trips and his latest car! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
What a great friend and neighbor! My condolences to the family and Patty. May he rest in peace and have no pain. I will miss him and all the help he gave me. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
I am very sad to hear of Mike’s passing. He was always a good guy and classmate to be around. I will miss him and his enthusiastic personality. My condolances to all the family.
Dont know how I missed this but very sad to see this. Mike was a great neighbor for many years!!! We used to have an unwritten rule that when going by eachnother’s house we would rip on our cars. He in his Corvette and me in my loud Hellcat that he would complain to me that he could hear every single time I started which kind of started the games. Hahahaha. Great guy. He even went fishing in Quebec with us one time. Very sorry I missed this!