Thomas F. Sanker “Tom”

Thomas F. (Tom) Sanker, age 78 of Chesterland, Ohio passed away December 4, 2024. Born March 25, 1946, he grew up in a lively household in Lyndhurst, Ohio. He attended Charles F. Brush High School and then served in the Army where he was stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War. Back home Tom worked for the family business, Vacuum Finishing, for a while before heading out West and spending time as a truck driver. He eventually made his way back to Northeast Ohio and settled there for good. Tom ran his own company, AMS Transport, for 8 years until this past May when he first became ill.

Tom was always on the move, often helping friends and family with various projects or repairs. He enjoyed spending time puttering around the house, fixing things in his garage workspace while listening to music, working in the yard, birdwatching, befriending and feeding the outside critters and giving them names. Tom will be remembered for his warm and generous spirit, huge smile, infectious laugh, and being the life of every party. He will be missed by many.

Tom is survived by his wife, best friend and soulmate Sharon Sanker (née Johnson); son Jonathan Adams-Sanker (Danielle) of Beaverton, OR; step-son Shane Coley of Solon, OH, and step-daughter Kristina Coley of St. Louis, MO (Michael Koehler); siblings Mary Jayne Sanker of Duvall, WA, John (Mary) Sanker of Chardon, OH, Peggy Sanker of Sanford, FL, Susan Wittler of Akron, OH, Steven (Jeannette) Sanker of Chardon, OH, and Michael Sanker of Chesterland, OH; mother-in-law Jean Johnson of Chardon, OH; longtime childhood friend Bob Anderson (Chris) of Colorado; many beloved nieces and nephews, cousins and so many wonderful friends. He is preceded in death by his father Jack, mother Virgina (née Spencer), and sister-in-law Nancy.

There will be no funeral services as per Tom’s wishes, though a celebration of life gathering will be forthcoming in 2025. In the meantime, raise a glass to Tom!

George Raymond Henderson

George Raymond Henderson, (92) passed away peacefully at home on December 3, 2024.  Born on November 19, 1932.  Beloved husband to Eleanor (nee Matthews).  Father of Kathleen (Jim) Veri, Timothy (Sandy), Christopher (Maria), Margaret (Kevin) Hermann, Scott (Jamie).

Grandfather of Brandon, Briana (Richard) Rousch, Cody (Kelly), Justine (Elise), Zachary, Jacob, Sarah, Cali, Cecelia, Ella and Jack.  Great Grandfather to Archer, Bryson, Landon, Riley, Bailey and Alexis.

Survived by Sister Janice Defrench, Sister-in-law Barbara (Bob) Henderson, Sister-in-law Jeanne (Don) Henderson.

Predeceased  by parents Frances (nee Devlin) and John Henderson; siblings Dolores (Edward) Kiernan, Don (Louise), John David (Bernice)(Pauline), Joyce (Don) Josephik, Robert, Patricia (David) Findlay. 

Uncle and great uncle to many. 

George and Elly worked hard and provided well for their five children and were blessed in their later years to winter in Hudson, Florida.  They resided in Concord Twp., Ohio for 60 years and were members of the Catholic Community of St. Gabriel before downsizing and moving to a cottage at Jennings Notre Dame Village in 2022.

George was a welder by trade at Farasey Steel Fabricator, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 4130, and lifetime member of the American Welding Society, Cleveland, Ohio.  He had a passion for anything mechanical: cars, motorcycles, boats and tractors.  He always made sure his children had a reliable car (that he worked on tirelessly) and was eager to help with any projects that his family needed assistance with.  He enjoyed taking car trips, and loved taking his children sailing. 

George was a consummate Good Samaritan.  If you broke down on Route 90 between 1961 and 2009, George would have stopped to help you on his way to or from work.

A funeral mass will held 10:30 A.M. Friday, December 13, 2024 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Concord Twp., Ohio 44060.

Our family was blessed and is very grateful to Abby, Tonja, and his Hospice team for the care they provided for the past two and a half years.  Family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve.

David Paul Johnson

David P. Johnson age 73, passed away on December 4, 2024. Devoted father to Emily Johnson, and Andy (Brittany) Johnson,

Cherished grandfather to Aubrey, Daniel, Christopher and Espen. Loving brother of Sue (David) VanStone, and Beth Morrison.
Dear uncle of Jennifer (Ryan) Tighe, Justin (Bridget) Morrison, Elizabeth Van Stone (Michael), Matthew (Jasmine Lee) Van Stone. David was preceded in death by: Eloise (nee Bender) (mother) and Richard Wendell Johnson (father), Jack Morrison (brother in law)David was a graduate of Chagrin Falls High School Class of 1969. He proudly served our country, as a Vietnam veteran (Navy). 

David had endless wins with friends and his father racing in the Sandusky Sailing Club on his fathers boat. He was the Owner of Johnson’s Natural Foods in Shaker Heights. He worked at Ground Air Transfer in Willoughby, and then retired after 17 years from the Cleveland Food Bank. He was a passionate fan of the Tribe "Cleveland Indians," and would take a risk with playing the lottery. Many people knew of his  incredible knowledge of all things music, and was known as a human jukebox. He will be missed by all, and remain in everyone's hearts.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, please check back on our website.

Diane Yeager

Sheviejean Diane (Campbell) Yeager  age 76, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on November 17, 2024. Diane was preceded in death by her husbands Earl Yeager, Tim Nolan, her mother Virginia Elizabeth Shortt (Chino), father Benjamin Charles Campbell, and brother Charles Gary Campbell.

Loving mother of Jerry (Holly), Robert, Elizabeth (Mark).  She is also survived by Gerald Hillier, her former husband and Father of her children. Beloved grandmother of nine, and great-grandmother of 9. Cherished sister of Penelope and aunty of John.

Her life was characterized by her selfless giving. Her home was a resting place for many in need.  She also loved art, movies (thrillers), and cooking.  Desserts were her specialty. She will be dearly missed, and will forever be in everyone’s hearts.

Bruce Gedeon

In Loving Memory of Bruce Gedeon who passed away surrounded by his family on November 18, 2024, and is now in heaven with his son Jeremy Gedeon. Beloved son of Helen. Loving & devoted husband of Pamela Gedeon. Devoted father of Donnie Moore, and Jennifer Gedeon. Cherished grandfather of Jackson Moore and Bo Vision Jr. Bruce loved fishing and being on his boat, and spending time with his family.

Thomas Weybrecht

Thomas Robert Weybrecht age 81, passed away on November 17, 2024. Devoted father of Kim Gillis (husband Michael Gillis), and Dawn Bizjak (husband DJ Bizjak), and the late Doug Weybrecht. Cherished grandfather of Taylor Smith, Summer Evans and Caiden Mumford. Loving brother of Kathy Hyland (Patrick), and Alan Weber (Sally). He was a huge lover of sports especially the NY Yankee's, Dallas Cowboys and The Ohio State Buckeye's. He also enjoyed vacationing to Las Vegas, NV. Over his lifetime he had 50 pairs of khaki shorts . Thomas enjoyed walking for miles and beautiful women's smiles, inappropriate mischievous jokes, loved gossiping on the phone for hours about everything under the sun with those he loved, and most of all his dog Charlie.

Dennis T. Boncha

Dennis T. Boncha age 76, formerly of Gates Mills, now residing in Painesville, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024. Beloved husband of 43 years to Brandy (nee Pocza). Loving father of Julie, Karyne, and Lisa. Cherished grandfather of Kiah, Kane, Caylee, and Cruz. Great-grandfather of Milo, Nyko, and Otto. His love of reading brought him to Perry Library each week, always with a book in his hand. His love of nature took him, and his granddaughter Kiah on many hikes, looking for salamanders. Dennis also enjoyed taking Caylee and his dog Tucker to the dog park. Caylee will be forever grateful for her Papa, giving her his BMW, and his son-in-law Dylan his Honda motorcycle. Our family has many cherished memories of years of vacationing on Lake Champlain in Vermont. As a special thanks to Dennis’s best friend, Gary “Ratz” we would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his time and compassion of taking care of Brandy, and assisting her with taking Dennis to the VA, and being there for them. Dennis was a kind, loving, honest, and a great man, who was devoted to his family. He will be dearly missed, but will forever remain in everyone’s heart. If you would like to send a condolence card please forward to Blessing Cremation Center for Brandy.

A Celebration of life will be held at a later date.

 Darwin Lee Pochodzay   

“A faithful man”

Darwin was born in Leona Mines Virginia to Peter and Anna (Gerula) Pochodzay. He was the youngest of the family. He married Barbara Barnett on July 28, 1954 and moved to Lake County Ohio in 1955. They were married 64years before her passing in 2019. Darwin worked at Hillwood manufacturing for over 40 years retiring in the year 2000.  He was a member of The International Association of Machinist and Aerospace workers. 

Darwin passed at the age of 90, peacefully at home three weeks after suffering a stroke on November 17, 2024.

He is survived by his children. Linda (Randy) Edwards, Sandra (John) Rein Dale (Genny) Pochodzay, Dennis Pochodzay and fiancé Shallyn Leland, Tim (Tammy) Pochodzay, 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and numerous extended family.members

Darwin was a faithful member of Central Assembly Church for over 60 years.

A Memorial Service, Officiated by Pastor Charles Pahlman, will take place on Saturday, November 30 at 11 AM at Central Assembly Church, 6958 Hopkins Rd. Mentor, OH 44060

Donations can be made to Central Assembly Church or Hospice of the Western Reserve.

Russell L. Miller

Russell L. Miller

November 14, 2024 

In Loving Memory

There is going to be a meeting in the air
In the sweet, sweet bye and bye
I am going to meet you, meet you over there
In that home beyond the sky
Such singing you will hear never heard by mortal ear'
Twill be glorious, I do declare
And God's own son will be the leading one
At the meeting in the air.

Janice Pettine

Janice Pettine (nee Ramaciatti), 89 of Mayfield Hts, passed away on November 09, 2024.  She retired from the Federal government after 30 years.

sister of  Dolores Lanese (deceased) (John deceased) Marilyn Martines (Jim deceased) Lynette Perconti (Sam deceased)

Loving Aunt, great aunt and great great aunt to many.  

Janice was an avid walker and enjoyed shopping. Janice enjoyed "doing lunches" with her sisters, spending time with her nieces and nephews, visiting and having coffee with her family.  She loved celebrating all the holidays, and always made the best Easter Baskets for her nieces. Janice loved the Cleveland sports teams.

A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday November 30, 2024 10:00A.M. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 6850 Mayfield Road, Gates Mills, OH 44040.

James W. Sackett Jr.

James W Sackett Jr., born March 26th 1960, in Mentor, OH died peacefully at home surrounded by family at the age of 64 on November 8th, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. Jim lived a life rich in accomplishments, adventures, and love, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Jim was a gifted and driven individual. He earned his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio University before furthering his education with a Master's Degree in Finance from the University of Houston. His academic and professional journey led him to a distinguished career which began at NASA in Houston, TX designing refrigeration systems for the space shuttle program. He then moved to Fort Myers, FL to join the family boat building business as chief financial officer. Following that, he and his wife, Becky, moved to Moscow, Russia with NASA, where he worked to deliver a space module to the MIR space station. While there, he also worked for Lockheed Martin and was instrumental in establishing the USA's program to acquire rocket boost technology for the Atlas III space program. He took immense pride in his contributions to space exploration. Jim and Becky's time overseas provided them multiple opportunities to travel the world and enjoy many adventures together.

An entrepreneur at heart, Jim was always seeking new challenges and opportunities. After 10 years living abroad, Jim and his family settled back to his home town of Mentor, OH where he started his own materials import business. Jim was a skilled handyman always ready to lend a hand and fix anything that needed fixing.

Jim grew up sailing at Mentor Harbor Yachting Club and was an avid racer, known for his competitive spirit and unwavering determination on the water. Jim's love of sailing took him across the Atlantic Ocean and cemented him as a fixture in the local racing community.

Above all, Jim was a devoted family man. He was a loving husband to Becky Sackett, an inspiring father to Taylor Jane Sackett, and a dedicated brother to Karen Sackett Rampe (Richard Spine) and Steve Sackett (Cynda), Step Brother to Cindy Hamilton (Paul Stanard), Connie Sackett (Tod) and John Sackett. Uncle to Corinne Sackett, Brad Sackett, John Sackett Rampe and Stepson to Carole Sackett. Jim was preceded in death by his mother Barbara Major and father James Walter Sackett Sr.

Jim will be remembered for his brilliant mind, competitive spirit, and the warmth and generosity he showed to those he loved. Celebration of Life will be held at Mentor Harbor Yachting Club on November 23rd, 2024 from the hours of 2:00pm to 6:00pm. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Mentor Harbor Youth Sailing association (mhysaweb.org).

Stanley Kodrin

Stanley Kodrin age 69, of Euclid passed away on October 31, 2024 surrounded by his brother Sylvester “Sly.”  Stanley was the loving son of the late Stanislav and Karoline “Dragica” (nee Izak) Kodrin. The Kodrin family grew up in the St. Clair Avenue neighborhood off East 73rd Street (north of St. Clair Avenue).

Stan was an alum of St. Vitus Elementary School, Slovenska sola pri sv. Vidu, and Benedictine High School. He was employed at USPS until his retirement. One of his greatest joys each year was to be an active participant and singer in the St. Vitus Christmas choir, performing at the annual “Concert of Sacred Songs,” in St. Vitus Church. He had a kind word for all, and an infectious smile. He was a gentle soul to all, and he will forever remain in all of our hearts. Stan was preceded in death by his wife Joanne. He is survived by a number of nephews, great nephews, and great nieces as well as his faithful brother Sly. May Stanley rest in peace.

A Memorial Service for Stanley will be held on Sunday November 17, 2024 AT Pilgrim Lutheran Brethren Church, 9514 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Mentor, OH 44060., where the family will receive friends from 1:00PM until the time of service at 2:00P.M.  A dinner will be held immediately at the church beginning at 3:00PM

 Donations may be made in Stanley’s names to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110 or Globaladvanceprojects.org.

Bettie Peterson Roberson

Bettie Peterson Roberson, born Bettie Josephine Peterson, passed peacefully at the age of 93 on October 26 at Kemper House in Highland Heights, Ohio.  Bettie was born on August 28, 1931 in Grady County, Oklahoma, the daughter of Robert Roy and Nettie (Prather) Peterson.  She married Lindon Roberson on May 7, 1953; they were married for 64 years until his passing in 2017. She enjoyed living in many locations all over the U.S., raised three children, spoiled four grandchildren, and made friends wherever she went.

Bettie was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother Wilburn V. Peterson, and sons Robert and Steven.  She is survived by her daughter, Gail Ball (David), and grandchildren Gus Roberson (Caleb), Atticus Roberson, Stuart Ball, and Alex Ball.

While there will be no public memorial, she will be interred at a later date in Chapelwood Cemetery in Wake Village, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dementia Society of America. 

Judith A. Lutzke

Judith Ann (Nee Dianuer) Lutzke

Judy Lutzke, 83, of Chardon, OH passed away surrounded by her family on November 2, 2024. 

Judy was born October 1,1941 in Bay City, MI to Michael and Margaret Dinauer.  She graduated from St. Joseph High School in Bay City and continued on to graduate from Mercy Central School of Nursing in Grand Rapids.    Judy began her nursing career in pediatrics and then worked the majority of her career in orthopedics.   She retired from Geauga Community Hospital in Chardon.   Judy was passionate about helping people with their health and helping them heal and recover. 

After completing nursing school, she married Richard Lutzke in 1963. Judy and Rick loved to travel together and especially found joy in going to the beaches in the Caribbean.  They made their second home in St.  Martin.   Judy loved the island and her St. Martin family and friends. 

Judy found joy in her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and her friends.  She was a parishioner at St, Mary’s Catholic Church and was also a member of the Chardon VFW Post # 6519 Auxiliary. 

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Margaret Dinauer, her husband, Rick and her brother Thomas.  She will be greatly missed by her children Kevin (Jake) of Highland Village, TX, her daughter Kristin of Concord, OH and her grandchildren Nick Pruter and Joe Janek.   She also leaves several nieces and nephews and countless friends. 

Visitation will be Thursday November 7, 2024 from 9am to 11am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church followed by Mass at 11am.  St Mary’s Catholic Church is located at 401North Street Chardon OH 44024.  In lieu of flowers, Judy’s family requests donations be made in her name to: Geauga County Veteran Food Pantry, Attn: Lynn Algeri  13211 Aquilla Rd. Chardon OH 44024  440-901-4030   Address to donate: www.Geaugacountyverteranfoodpantry.com

William Charles Collins

William Charles Collins, known also as Bill, age 63, of Grand River, died on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.  He was surrounded by his loving family. Bill was born April 4, 1961, in Cleveland. Marian and Wilbur Collins cherished Bill, as their beloved son. He loved his family, friends, hunting, fishing, playing the drums , and all Cleveland sports.  Bill was ever dedicated to his occupation of autobody painting.

Bill's family and friends will remember him as a person who was determined, witty, and outgoing. He valued hard work and kindness to the utmost. None ever knew him who did not revere him for his saintly unselfishness. Bill was a loving, tender, and happy husband to his wife, Cheryl “Cheri” Collins , who preceded him in death in 2019.   A caring father to his children, Dennis and Corey, and a cherished grandfather to Taylor, Colton, and Ivy.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Wilbur Collins. He is survived by his mother, Marian . As well as his siblings, Gerald “Ed” , Wesley , Sidney “Sid” Collins , and Candace “Candy” Lucas ; nephews Jason, Christopher, Jared, and Justin ; nieces Sharon, Elizabeth and Kaitlynn .

The family will be holding a Celebration of Life for Bill at Lake Erie Bluffs Shelter, 3301 Lane Rd. Perry Twp., on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Friends are invited to arrive at 2 p.m.

Send Sympathy cards to Dennis & Corey Collins @
64 Townline rd Aurora, Ohio 44202

Gerald “Jerry” Allen Toth

Gerald Allen Toth, also known as Jerry, passed away on October 6, 2024, at the age of 81. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio.

Jerry was a graduate of Cathedral Latin High School. He then served honorably in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1964. After his military service, Jerry began a career at General Motors, where he worked as a Tool Maker for thirty years until his retirement.

Jerry was a dedicated member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, where he worshipped. His faith was an important part of his life. In his leisure time, Jerry was an avid reader and puzzle enthusiast. He also enjoyed cheering on Cleveland sports teams.

He is survived by his son, Jerry Toth (Mary); daughter-in-law, Jolie Edwards; grandchildren, Connor Wilson, Hanna Boggs (Spencer), and Justin Toth. As well as many other beloved family members and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Patricia “Pat” Toth; his daughter, Colleen Wilson; his parents, Louis and Barbara Toth; and his brother, Robert Toth.

Jerry was known for his kind and compassionate nature, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Friday, October 25, 2024 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, located at 9925 Johnnycake Ridge Rd, Concord, OH 44077. The Family will be available at the Church from 10:00 AM until the start of the service to greet and share great memories of Jerry. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at All Souls Cemetery, located at 10366 Chardon Rd, Chardon, OH 44024.

Joyce Joanne Sowers-Wheeler

Joyce Joanne Sowers-Wheeler

Joyce Wheeler age 90 of Mentor Ohio, because of her quiet and sustaining faith in Jesus Christ, went home to be with her Lord on October 8, 2024.

Joyce attended Willoughby High School where she graduated in 1952. Joyce worked at City Loan in Willoughby Ohio and in 1955 married Grady Wheeler. They were married for 58 years.

Joyce is survived by her children Peggy S. Wheeler, of Mentor, Gary L. Wheeler (Denise) of Perry and Michael D. Wheeler of Mentor as well as Grandchildren Michelle (Jon) Mead of Columbus, Rachel (James) Slansky of Concord and Matthew Wheeler of Chardon. She is also survived by nephew Ken Sowers Sr. of Painesville, Mickey Morton (Cindy) of Willoughby, and nieces Debbie (Bill) Collins of Florida, Linda (Jerome) Augustin of  Macedonia, Ohio and Patty Shartle of Newton Falls. She also leaves behind a number of great nieces and nephews.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Grady J. Wheeler born in Lenoir North Carolina, and her infant son Gerald Allen Wheeler, as well as her parents Naaman Benjamen Sowers of Munci Indiana Minnie Gertrude Sowers (Frey) of Milton Pennsylvania, sisters Leota Morton, Evelyn Kroupa, Claude C. Sowers, Darrell Sowers, and Mary Sowers (Miller.)

Joyce was a preschool Sunday school teacher, church librarian, office assistant and choir member at Mentor Baptist church for many years. Joyce was a prayer warrior and covered anyone in need, or when they came to mind. Joyce was also a long time member of the Messiah choir of Lake County. Joyce was happiest spending time with her family. She was a great cook, loved hosting family picnics, and always had  coffee and cookies ready when a visitor arrived at the door. She enjoyed drives to Lake Erie with a stop at Biggies for ice cream. She enjoyed listening to audio books, crossword puzzles and watching classic movies and westerns.

A Memorial Service will be held for Joyce on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Mentor Baptist Church, 7500 Johnnycake Ridge Rd. The family will receive friends from 1:00P.M. until the time of service. Interment will be at a later date with her family, at Western Reserve Memorial Gardens in Chesterland Ohio.

The family suggests Memorial contributions to Joyce’s favorite charity: St. Judes Children’s Hospital.

Barbara Lynn Caraffi

Barbara Lynn Caraffi (née Bambic) Sunrise~ January 13, 1952   Sunset~ September 23, 2024. Barbara was Blessed with 72 yrs. of life on this earth, she was a hard worker while enduring through many trials out of her control. She leaves behind the love of her life Craig Rupar, Loving Sisters: Gail Smilanich, Sharon Bralley (Mark) and her niece Rachel Burnette & nephews JJ Burnette  and Josh Smilanich and their families. She is preceded in death by her parents Frank and Phyllis Bambic (née Johnson), her sister Carol Burnette, nephew Mark (Buck) Burnette and dear brother in law Dan Smilanich. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

There will be no services per Barbara’s request.

Rayvell Hereford

Rayvell Hereford age 78, passed away on September 23, 2024. Rayvell attended Cleveland public schools, and graduated from Baldwin Wallace College where he played Basketball. He received his B.S. degree, and later his Masters in Education. He retired from the Cleveland MetroParks after 33 years.

He leaves to mourn his Wife Blanche (Mae), Son Maurice L. (Jacqueline), Daughter Vanessa L. Gunter, (George R.I.P.), David L. Oliver, whom he raised as his own son (Dorcas), along with (12) Grand Children, (14) Great Grand  Children, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He will always be in everyones hearts, and never forgotten.

Michael L. Hayden

Michael “Mike” L. Hayden, 71, went home to be with his Lord Jesus on August 28, 2024. He was born in Flint, Michigan on April 18, 1953, the son of Norman and Aletha Hayden and the third of four children. He graduated from Lapeer West High School in 1971 and the following year he married the love of his life, Barbara. Mike’s two children, Lee and Brandy, were born soon after. Mike worked at General Motors-Chevrolet Truck and Bus in Flint, Michigan for thirty-four years where he met many life-long friends. After retirement, he served others at Calvary Presbyterian Church, Flint Michigan. In 2013, he and Barbara relocated to a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio to provide childcare for two of their grandchildren. There they attended Shoreline Church where he enjoyed more friendships.

Mike was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. His wife, Barbara, was truly his “other half” and his closest confidant. He was a devoted and supportive father and grandfather who diligently attended games, concerts and all other activities involving his children and grandchildren. Mike’s sisters were not only his family, but also his entrusted friends. Mike enjoyed many sporting activities including hunting, fishing, basketball, softball and volleyball. All who knew him were aware of his loyalty to the University of Michigan Wolverines and thoroughly enjoyed sparring with Ohio State fans. However, it was not the activities or competition that he found most engaging, but rather the time spent investing in friendships and family bonds.

Mike’s perseverance and positive personality was an inspiration to those around him despite his struggle with heart disease for many years. He smiled at everyone and chose to share his faith by helping to care for others, and expressing joy, gratitude and humor.  Even in his last days, he was able to bring smiles to his caregivers at the Cleveland Clinic who he much appreciated.

Mike is survived by, and will forever remain in the hearts of, his beloved wife of fifty-one years, Barbara C. Hayden, children Lee (Lindsey) Hayden and Brandy (Jonathon) Lorek, grandchildren Chase Hayden, Marlee Cochran, Colt Hayden, Grant Lorek and Anneliese Lorek, sisters Karin (James) Krepps, Michele “Mickey” (Michael) Shigley, Laurie Hayden and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Grace Presbyterian Church, 1084 North Irish Road, Davison, with refreshments to follow.  The family will receive visitors from 1:00-2:00 p.m. prior to the service.

In remembrance of Michael Hayden’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Grace Presbyterian Church or “The Chosen” at comeandseefoundation.org.