Wayland Middle School social studies teacher and assistant varsity wrestling coach Jody Tyner died Saturday at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was 52.
Tyner joined the Wayland Union Schools faculty in 2007. He graduated from Middleville Thornapple Kellogg High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. When he first came to Wayland, he was teacher in the Career Connections Academy (CCA).
Tyner also was a captain on the Delton Fire Department.
He suffered a stroke Saturday evening, Dec. 17, and was rushed to Butterworth, where he remained for two weeks. His family, noting he was a registered organ donor, decided Friday to honor his wishes after it was determined there was no hope for his survival.
Head Wayland varsity wrestling coach Roy Harter said, “Our hearts are heavy and broken with the loss of Jody. He was an amazing friend, coach, educator and all-around terrific person.
“Even after life he is still giving to others. What a guardian angel he will be to so many. We have been blessed to have spent so much time with him throughout the past 16 years. The amount of support for the Tyner family, our wrestling program, and our family has been incredible and that just shows how much that he was loved by so many…”
His wrestling coach at TK, Tom Lehman, posted, “Jody loved wrestling and loved working with the kids. Honored to know you as a student, wrestler and coach.”
“Mr. Tyner was much more than a teacher at Wayland, he taught so many of us life lessons that we will take with us forever,” said Dylan Wolowicz. “Tyner was single handed the most impactful teacher I had in school.”
The Middleville Veterans Memorial flag was flown at half staff in his honor today. The fund-raising dinner for his family still is planned for Jan. 5 in Delton.
Jody proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He was also dedicated to serving his community as a firefighter and first responder for the Delton Fire Department and Thornapple Township Fire Department. Jody was an eighth grade history teacher for Wayland Union Middle School for 16 years.
Over the years, he has supported his son’s cause, Joseph’s Genetic Journey with his woodworking. Jody will be remembered for his love of history, delicious lasagna, joke telling and playful nature. He had a servant’s heart and touched the lives of anyone he met.
He is survived by his parents; wife, Heidi (Holmes) Tyner; children: Nicole Merda, Joseph Tyner, Andrew Tyner; grandson, Ryder King; parents in law: Richard and Wainetta Holmes; grandfather, Wayne VanAuken; siblings: Brian (Pam) Tyner, Katie (Steve) Green, Scott (Aaron) Holmes; nieces and nephews: Karley (Chase) Williams, Hunter Tyner, Colvin Tyner, Stephanie (Jake) Green, Paige Green; several aunts, uncles, and cousins, many exchange student brothers and sisters.
Jody was preceded in death by his grandparents: Dorabell and Joseph Reil, Gladys and Loren Tyner, Marian VanAuken; Elizabeth Holmes.
A celebration of life open house will be conducted on Friday, Jan. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Barry Expo Center. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating your time to a local organization in need, just as Jody would have.
