Leo "Doc" Taraschke

Leo “Doc” Taraschke, aged 79 passed away on the evening of Monday April 24th, 2023. Born on October 25, 1943 to Leo and Virginia Taraschke in Maumee, Ohio, Leo attended Libbey High School in Toledo, Ohio. After school Leo served on a MASH unit in Korea then would return home to work for the City of Toledo’s Solid Waste Division for twenty years. Leo was predeceased by parents; Leo and Virgina Taraschke, sister; Sue Neal, and stepdaughter, Sarah Beidleman. He is survived by wife Kathy Velker Taraschke, two children; Michael Taraschke of Toledo, and Shelly Taraschke-Meek and husband Kevin Meek of Angola, Indiana, brothers; Bobby, Johnny, and Paul Taraschke of Toledo, and sister; Jean O’Shea of Toledo, two grandchildren; Holleigh Reed and fiancé Nate Nelson of White Lake, Michigan, and Kiowa Taraschke of Toledo, as well as two great-grandchildren; Parker and Adley Nelson of White Lake, Michigan. Leo was given the nickname, “Doc” at a young age, and is what everyone –but his mother came to call him. Doc's love and devotion to his faith was parallel to that of his family, although, Ohio State football had to be a close third. He doted on his wife, Kathy, and cherished the thirty-five years they spent with one another. Together they created a blended family that arguably consumes the greater part of Toledo. It was an unofficial family tradition to see when the kids would be taller than him, which most achieved by junior high. Though short in stature, Doc was mighty in personality. With his practically trademarked phrase, “strong like bull,” he would puff up his chest like Mr. Olympia and strut around as if he was six feet tall. Doc's jubilant persona was infectious to everyone he encountered. Those from family, friends, to the employees at Rite Aid around the corner from his home were immediately smitten with his boisterous energy. However, some of his happiest moments were spent on the open water with a fishing pole in hand. This hobby taught Doc patience and how to maintain a positive mindset that he exuded towards everyone. His merry demeanor imprinted optimism and joy onto all, leaving this world a little brighter than before. Friends and family are invited to visit from 11:00am to 1:00pm Saturday May 6, 2023, at Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue, with services following at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Ohio Living Home and Health Care or Saint Pius X church. Condolences for Doc's family may be expressed online at

Leo "Doc" Taraschke

October 25, 1943 - April 24, 2023