John Michael Bigler, age 82, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, May 28, 2026.

Born in Union Hospital at Dover on December 26, 1943, John was a son of the late Melvin and Helen Briggs Bigler.

He was a 1962 graduate New Philadelphia High School and entered the workforce right out of high school with Gradall at New Philadelphia. For many years he worked as a machinist and later transitioned roles to become an Electrical Maintenance Technician, retiring in 2004 at age 60.

John was an avid fisherman who also enjoyed camping. He spent many summers enjoying the beauty of Leesville Lake. He was also a distance runner who competed in dozens of distance races, completed two marathons and was a member of the Tuscarawas County Road Runners Association. Additionally, John was a lifelong Cleveland Sports and New Philadelphia Athletics fan.

On August 8, 1964, John married the love of his life, the former Sally Paddock, the couple raised three daughters and have shared in countless adventures in their nearly 62 years of marriage.

John was preceded in death by a daughter, Laurie Swinderman and is survived by his beloved wife, Sally; two daughters, Elaine (Dan) Booth of New Philadelphia, and Kathy (Todd) Korns of Dover; their grandchildren, Cory (Jill) Swinderman, Casey (fiancée, Courtney Kohler) Swinderman, Kyle (fiancée, Keliah Brown) Swinderman, Ciara (Cory) Parsons, Taylor Herron, Stella Korns, and Zoe Korns; five great-grandchildren, Noah, Sawyer, Ellie, Evie, and John; a brother, Buck Bigler, and a sister, Nancy Traubert as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and daughter, John was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Jeffrey Swinderman, a sister-in-law, Vivian Bigler and a brother-in-law, John Traubert.

The family will greet guests on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 4:30 – 6:30 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where Pastor Jim Borton will lead a service celebrating John’s life beginning at 6:30 PM.

Memorial contributions in John’s name may be directed to the New Philadelphia Quaker Club, PO Box 202, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.