Michael James Viets

Michael James Viets, 80, of Kent, Ohio passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026. He was born May 27, 1946 in Franklin, Indiana to the late Hollis and Vergene Viets

Michael proudly served in the United States Navy, where he traveled around the world and earned his Shellback, a time-honored naval distinction awarded to sailors who have crossed the Equator.

Michael was a true handyman with an inventor’s mind and a natural talent for problem solving. He could fix just about anything and always succeeded. Whether it was a household repair, a piece of equipment, or a project that seemed impossible, he approached every challenged with patience, skill and determination.

After graduation from Virginia Polytechnical Institute Michael built a successful career as a mechanical engineer working for the Department of Defense. Michael was a proud member of Rockton Lodge #316 F&AM, Kent, Ohio.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Dan and Imogene McKeen; daughter-in-law, Heather Elder.

Michael is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Martha “Marty”; children, Tiffanie, Benjamin James and step-son, Jonathan; grandchildren, Ethan, Edward, Aidan, Angelical and Taylor; brothers, Terry and Marilyn Viets, and Byron and Debbie Viets; brothers-in-law, Dand and Lucky McKeen and Jeff and Nancy McKeen; nieces and Nephews, Chaffee, Kieli, Daniel, Michale, David and Jeremy.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 11am at First Christian Church of Kent, 335 W. Main St. Kent, Ohio 44240 with Pastor Jodi Stillisano officiating. A Masonic Service will also be conducted by Rockton Lodge #316 F&AM.

Inurnment with military honors will be on Friday, October 16, 2026 at 1:15pm at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd. Seville Ohio 44273.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to First Christian Church, (2026 Crop Walk) or Portage Park District (Towner Woods) 705 Oakwood St. G-4 Ravenna, Ohio 44266.

Shorts Spicer Crislip Funeral Home Ravenna Chapel is entrusted with the arrangements.