Michael Fern Fleece

Our hearts are broken as we announce the passing of our beloved brother, Michael Fern Fleece, 62, of Bremen, Indiana (formerly of South Bend, IN). Michael passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at Goshen Hospital. He was surrounded by family as God called him home.

Michael is the third child of Stanley and Barbara Fleece’s five children. He was born on October 2, 1961 in Battle Creek, Michigan. He is a graduate of Mishawaka High School, Mishawaka, Indiana.

Michael had a big heart. He wanted to be everyone’s friend. Michael brought so much joy to his family and others. He enjoyed gifting his vegetables from his garden or the many personalized crafts that he made.

He was a big Notre Dame fan and enjoyed watching and cheering for the “Fighting Irish” with his dad. You rarely saw him without wearing his favorite Notre Dame sweatshirt.

Michael took pleasure in golfing, fishing, camping, and boating. He also liked listening to music. He enjoyed Glenn Campbell, Johnny Cash and Elvis. He was lucky enough to see Elvis at one of his last concerts. He also had a great love for all animals, especially cats.

Michael was preceded in death by both parents Stanley and Barbara Fleece. He is survived by his brother, Stan Fleece, Jr. (Barbara) of Traverse City, Michigan and sisters, Brenda Sohlich (Jeff), of Medford, Oregon, Mary Fleece of South Bend, Indiana and Laurie Restrepo (George) of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He is also survived by 9 nieces and nephews; Adrienne Stevens, Ryan Sohlich, Andrew Sohlich, David Fleece, Victor Fleece, Peter Fleece, Kaitlin Restrepo, Ryan Restrepo and Dominick Verzele, along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Life will never be the same without Michael. He will be greatly missed.

A funeral celebration and burial will take place on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 1 PM in the Chapel at Battle Creek Memorial Park, 2435 West Territorial Road, Battle Creek, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society.

Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, IN is handling arrangements.  To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Fern Fleece, please visit our floral store.