Rodney Lewis Michael, Sr.
September 12, 1953-February 24, 2025
Mr. Rodney Lewis Michael Sr., age 71, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was a warrior and fought until the end.
He was born September 12, 1953, in Anderson, Indiana to the late Chauncey “Pete” and Gail (Hancock) Michael.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Dan and Steve Michael, sisters Karen Ferree and Melanie Wilder, and son Ryan Michael.
He worked in quality control at Guide Lamp, a division of General Motors, for 32 years.
He will be remembered fondly for his many years of dedication to the coaching of baseball, softball, and basketball. He even served as President of the Chesterfield Little League.
He went to Anderson High School where he excelled on the cross country and track teams. After graduation, he went to Ball State University to study his love of philosophy.
Rodney loved traveling and spending time with friends he considered family. There was nothing he loved more than his friends and family.
Rodney is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Rod (Maureen) Michael of Zionsville, Indiana; his daughter and son-in-law, Kyra (Dan) Sorgenfrei of Melbourne Beach, Florida; his daughter-in-law Maureen Michael of Erie, Colorado; nine grandchildren, Naomi, Noelle, and Bethany Michael; Madelyn, Keeley, and Daniel Sorgenfrei; Lily, Owen, and Eleanor Michael; and friends as close as family; Paul and Betty Sanders; Heather (Brian), Lukas, and Brody Sullivan; Hannah (Jason), Jay, and Sydney Dillmon, and Madalynn Mercer.
His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
“It is so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.”
- John Steinbeck
Visitation will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service. Services will begin at 2:00 P.M. with Chaplain Shaun DuFault officiating.
Burial will follow at East Maplewood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.