Mike Jernagan, 70

Michael Allen Jernagan, age 70, of Sturgis, passed away unexpectedly Thursday morning, February 1, 2024, at his home due to heart related issues.

He was born March 3, 1953, at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, son of the late LeRoy and Ethel B. (Dost) Jernagan.

Mike was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School, class of 1972.

On July 21, 1979, he married Patti Perrin at the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis.

In 2013 he retired from the City of Sturgis Department of Public Works following 28 years of dedicated employment. Prior to his employment with the City of Sturgis, Mike helped develop the Covered Bridge Park while working for St. Joseph County Parks and Recreation.

Mike was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church and was attending Radiant Life Church. He participated in Emmaus walks and was part of the Michigan Pilgrimage.

Mike could be described as a true “car enthusiast”. He was involved in drag racing and always had at least one restoration or repair project he was working on at his barn. He had a real appreciation for the outdoors and enjoyed quiet walks in the woods. Mike loved spending time at his grandparent’s farm, which he inherited and referred to as his sanctuary.

Mike’s greatest love was time spent with his family. Daniel will forever cherish the many trips taken with his father to events including drag races, circle tracks, the demolition derby, and following the Ferris State Bulldogs and LSU Tigers. He will also never forget his father’s support growing up attending baseball games, bowling tournaments, and golf. Ranae will always hold close to her heart the many family vacations, and his weekly trips across the state to watch his grandsons, since birth. Mike and Patti’s favorite summer vacations were at state parks along Lake Michigan where they explored different towns.

He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 44 years: Patti; children: Daniel Jernagan of White Pigeon and Ranae (Derek) Hoeft of Brighton; grandsons: Brecken and Bodie Hoeft; brother: Rodney (Marta) Rynearson of Kalamazoo; half-sisters: Sheryl (Gary) Beamer of Auburn, California and Sandi (Bill) Linz of Colleyville, Texas; sister-in-law: Jackie (Jeffery) Brown of Sturgis; nieces and nephews: Shawn (Leigha) Jernagan of Wellston, Stephanie (Ryan) McMillen of Rockford; brother-in-law: Leister (Barbara) Perrin of Pullman; nephews: Les Perrin of Brownsburg, Indiana, James (Bridgette) Perrin of Livonia and Rich (Amy) Perrin of Zionsville, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his father: LeRoy Jernagan; mother and step-father: Ethel and Robert Hoffine and brother: Glen Jernagan.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 Wednesday, Feb. 7th at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of Michael Allen Jernagan will be held at 1:00 Thursday, Feb. 8th at the First United Methodist Church, 200 Pleasant Ave. in Sturgis. Pastors Sue Babb and Ryan Bibb will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at the Nottawa Cemetery in Nottawa.

In honoring Mike’s love of nature and wondering in the woods memorial donations would be appreciated to the family c/o: Patti Jernagan for a future Arbor planting at Mike’s beloved farm.

We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.