Mike Conrod, 83

Michael R. Conrod, age 83, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday morning, February 4, 2025, at Optalis Health and Rehab in Three Rivers.

He was born on October 30, 1941, in Philadelphia, son of the late Ralph L. and Margaret (Murphy) Conrod.

Mike resided most of his life in Sturgis and had also lived in New Jersey, Kansas, and several years in California.

While attending Eastern Michigan University he met Nannette L. Chargot and the couple were married July 18, 1970, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in St. Claire Shores, Michigan.

Mike retired from the State of Michigan Department of Human Services following many years of dedicated employment and worked a short time with the American Red Cross.

Following his graduation from high school he furthered his education at Chico State Community College earning an associate degree. He then enrolled at Eastern Michigan University where he earned a bachelor’s degree and later a master’s degree in political science from Western Michigan University.

Mike was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1961-1965 earning the rank of Airman 2nd Class. In 1980 he joined the U.S. Army National Guard. At the time of his retirement in 2001 he held the rank of Staff Sergeant.

He enjoyed gardening, keeping up on the news, reading, especially WWII history, and was a true fan of the television show Survivor, never missing an episode. Mike had hobbies and interests, but he was truly happiest when he was surrounded by his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 54 years: Nannette; daughters: Michelle (Rick) Williams of Elwood, Indiana and Jennifer Conrod of Sturgis; sons: Ryan Conrod of Sturgis and Jamie (Leslie) Conrod of Goshen; grandchildren: Joseph, Benjamin, Nicholas, Giselle, Thomas, Daniel, Luke and Abigail; great granddaughter: Eva; sisters: Peggy Albright of Sherwood, Shirley (Randy) Johnson of Sturgis and Cindy Conrod (Todd) of Sturgis; brother Ralph (Stephanie) Conrod of Sturgis and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 10:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Friday, February 14th at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis. Prayers before the Mass will begin at 12:35 P.M. followed by procession to Holy Angels Catholic Church where the Funeral Mass celebrating the life of Michael R. Conrod will begin at 1:00. The Rev. Father Andrew Raczkowski celebrant. A graveside committal will follow the Mass at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. Full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 V.F.W. and the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard.

Memorial donations would be appreciated to CASA of Southwest Michigan, P.O. Box 52, Benton Harbor, MI 49023.

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