Michael Neddo

Michael L. Neddo a peaceful, loving and compassionate man who treated each day as if it were the best day of his life. Mike was a gifted and talented man who used his abilities to make a wonderful life for his family. Because of his zestful pursuance of life, he reaped the rewards of great friends and a loving family.

Michael Louis Neddo was born in South Bend, Indiana, on April 14, 1949, to Francis and Hazel (Kline) Neddo, as the second oldest of seven children. Mike spent his growing up years in the small town of Sale Creek, Tennessee. From a young age, Mike knew two important things about himself – one being that he was an avid sports fan, especially when it came to the New York Yankees, and that he was blessed with a strong baritone voice, for which he later received warmhearted recognition of his stunning singing in concerts. After receiving his formal education in Tennessee, Mike moved to Michigan to attend the Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music. This school had a marvelous traveling music program, and 48 states in the United States heard Mike’s awesome baritone voice, many times as a solo. Mike’s education was cut short due to the up rise of the Vietnam War. He was called to active duty and served four years in Seoul, South Korea. During this time, Mike had the pleasure of seeing Bob Hope’s USO tour. He was recruited to assist the stage and sound crew in their setup, which initiated Mike’s passion of designing and installing sound systems.

After being discharged from the military, Mike return to school completing his education and later moved to Kalamazoo to attend Lake Center Bible Church. It was here that a beautiful young lady named Debi Swierenga caught his eye. In time, a romantic courtship ensued. Mike didn’t realize how deep his love was for Debi until she went to Washington, D.C. for a few months. Mike found the saying “absences makes the heart grow fonder” holds true and quickly rectified the situation with a call to Debi asking her to be his wife. On a beautiful May 16, 1981, Mike and Debi were married in Kalamazoo. Coincidently, the newlyweds spent their honeymoon in New York, which was also the home of Mike’s favorite baseball team. Debi wanted to be a team player and graciously sat through three home games at Yankee Stadium with her new husband. Mike and Debi had a whole new life to plan out. Their first decision was to move to Tennessee where Mike accepted a Pastor position with the Mountain View Baptist Church. After a few years, they returned to the Kalamazoo area. The Neddo family quickly grew with the births of their two sons, Jonathan born in 1983 and Bryan Scott born in 1985. These two sons were in addition to their “first child, Lady, the cocker spaniel” all of whom brought great joy and happiness to the Neddo household.

Mike’s love of music and the Lord was evident to all who heard him sing as a soloist, quartet leader and congregational worship leader at Lake Center Bible Church and West Kalamazoo Christian Church as well as in Tennessee as a former pastor.

Mike cherished the times in his life whenever they occurred. Fond memories most always included his family; especially when he could encourage his sons’ in their unique and individual talents from basketball, baseball, football and marching band to art shows, solo song competitions, puppetry, color guard, school musicals and dramas. No matter what they did, Mike was always supportive of his sons. Over the years, Mike worked with many little league teams in Greenville, Tennessee and Kalamazoo and was also the past president of the Kalamazoo Central High School Baseball Boosters. Having a strong family was always important to Mike. He never let his working profession take precedence over his family. In doing so, he instilled in his sons the principles of family and a strong sense of faith. Mike’s generous nature reached beyond his immediate family as he took time to help those who were in need. Those who knew Mike were often met with his gentle hugs and he never missed a chance to give a heart warming “I love you.”

Besides being a dedicated father and husband, Mike also worked for the last five years at the Kalamazoo Public Schools Transportation Department. His kind and friendly demeanor earned him respect from the children riding his bus and he became known as “Mr. Mike.” His unforgettable memory of the children’s names was legendary. He also pursued designing and installing sound systems, which were notorious throughout the area. In addition to being an avid New York Yankees fan, Mike also rooted for the Tennessee Volunteers and was a collector of Coca-Cola insignia memorabilia. When relaxing at home, Mike enjoyed catching a good courtroom and police drama on television; some of his favorites were CSI, Cold Case Files and Law & Order. The simple pleasures in life were what made Mike the happiest. His home was his castle and true joy and happiness came from being surrounded by family and friends, especially his newest treasure, his granddaughter Lilyon.

Michael L. Neddo entered into his new home in heaven on Friday, February 20, 2004, knowing that the best was yet to come. Mike sadly left behind his wife, Debi Neddo; two sons, Jonathan (Kanasha) Neddo, and Bryan Scott Neddo,a granddaughter, Lilyon, all of Kalamazoo; his parents, Francis and Hazel Neddo of Sale Creek, TN; 6 siblings: Mary (Fred) Kerr of West Columbia, SC, Jonie Neddo of Durham, NC, Joel (Su) Neddo of MO, Faith (Hank) Hatcher of Peru, IN, Flora Gordon of Chattanooga, TN, Carolee (Reggie) Luther of Columbus, GA; along with nephews and nieces: Jon-Jon Neddo, Joel, Joshua and Kris Neddo, Rachel, Peter, Philip Hatcher, Aaron, Adrian and Andy Gordon, Tiffany and Ashley Luther and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends will be received on Sunday, February 22, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and on Monday, February 23, from 6-8 p.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, Stadium Drive West of 131, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Private interment with full military honors will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2004, at the Lake Center Bible Church in Portage, Michigan. To share a memory, send flowers or make a memorial contribution to Lake Center Bible Church, Kalamazoo West Christian Church, Alternatives of Kalamazoo or West Michigan Cancer Center, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Although he will be deeply missed, Mike’s legacy of love and dedication to his family and his faith leaves his loved ones with cherished memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:21