Michael J. Garrage

Michael J. Garrage, 84, of South Bend, Indiana passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 with his family by his side. He was born on October 6, 1941 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Joseph R. and Frances M. (Maike) Garrage. On August 2, 1988 Michael married Gayle Wilson who preceded him in passing on February 6, 2025. He was also preceded by his son Michael T. Garrage on January 2, 2026, his sisters, Patricia Joyce, Mary Girvin, Marge Kline, Sally Bowman and Shirley Meert and one brother, Joseph F. Garrage.

Michael is survived by his son, Timothy J. Garrage of South Bend, Indiana, four grandchildren, Joseph Garrage, Chelsey Garrage, Zachary (Allison) Nemeth and Brianna (Alex) Pancek, his brother, John Garrage and four great-grandchildren, Jordan “Pork Chop” Astorga, Charles and Noah Nemeth and Benjamin Pancek.

Michael was a 1960 graduate of New Carlisle High School. He served in the United States Air Force from 1961-1964. He had a very successful career as a well driller working for Peerless Midwest for twenty-eight years. He had a passion for woodworking in his free time. He loved Notre Dame Football, the Chicago Bears and golf. 

A visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr. South Bend, IN from 9:30 am until 11:30 am. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 am in the funeral home. Burial will follow at New Carlisle Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Michael’s honor to The Hospice Foundation.

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