WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
On May 27, 2021, Cody J Gonder, age 29, went to his heavenly home after passing away at the Bronson Methodist Hospital Trauma Center due to sustaining a life ending injury.
Cody was born on May 28, 1991, to Mondae L Broadway in Three Rivers. He grew up with his sister Hope (Brandon) Welles and brother Derek Gonder. At a very young age, Cody developed a deep passion for his country and football, both of which carried on with him throughout his entire life.
After graduating high school, Cody enlisted in the military, but was later medically discharged after suffering from a sudden medical emergency on base.
In February 2015, he began dating the love of his life Gabrielle (Proffitt) Gonder. They married on September 28, 2017, and together have 8 children: Emily, Leah, Nevaeh, Noah, Addison, Keeleigh, Larkin and Gemeni.
As an adult Cody lived life to the fullest. He was a God loving man who loved his family beyond measure and always put them above everything else. Being a husband and father was his greatest joy and it showed.
He loved sports, especially football and hockey. His favorite teams were the Detroit Lions, the Detroit Red Wings, and the LSU Tigers. He was active in youth sports and helped coach Marcellus flag football and SW Michigan MyWay wrestling. You could also always count on seeing him in the stands supporting all his children in their various sports and extra curricular activities.
Cody was a hard worker, very intelligent, and a jack of all trades. He had the greatest strength and determination. There wasn’t a single challenge he didn’t meet head on, even if it involved colorful language and an occasional fling object while he got it done. He loved being outside, swimming, golfing, fishing, forging, listening to music, astronomy, reading, watching anything pertaining to history and riding whatever he could catch high speed on. He also enjoyed playing games even though he was always a sore loser.
But what stood always stood out most about Cody wasn’t what he could do or what he enjoyed it was the Who he was. He had the most genuine personality, biggest heart, his smile lit up the room, he was funny beyond belief, his laugh was contagious, and he told the best stories. To know him was to love him and to love him will be to miss him forever.
The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:00pm Thursday June 3, 2021 at the Volinia Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 2pm at the Church with Pastor Shinaberry officiating. Burial will follow at Shavehead Lake Cemetery in Porter Township. Memorials may be directed to the Cody Gonder Memorial Fund at G.W. Jones Bank. Online condolences may be left at www.materralstonfuneralhome.com
