Michael E. Nance 68, passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, after a brief but brave battle with sarcoma cancer. He was born on February 6, 1946 to Keith and Marie Nance in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was a loving son, husband, father, father in law, grandfather, brother, brother in law, and uncle. He will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 46 years, Becky; and daughters and son in laws, Tina and Bill Montgomery and Gina and Robert Gzibovskis. He was a wonderful papaw to his grandchildren: Tristan, Adrian, Emma and Sam. He was also a special brother to Marvin Nance and a loving son to his mother, Marie Nance.
He retired from Sears after 40 plus years of dedicated service. He was an active member of the Center Grove Optimus Club, serving as president numerous times over 30 years. He loved his neighborhood and served on the HOA board. He was current president of the HOA when he died. He also loved Grace Baptist Church where he was a regular attendee.
Mike loved life and its beauty. He never met a stranger and always left an imprint on each person he talked to. He loved meeting his friends on Friday mornings for breakfast before heading to the movies. He and his wife loved playing games with their friends. He loved playing with his grandkids. He learned to dance later in life and enjoyed taking his wife out dancing at the German American Club.
He was a very giving person. The kind who never said no and was always willing to help another person with no expectation of compensation. His spirit was contagious, he shared his love. People who knew him would describe him as “special” or “unique”. He truly was a one of a kind.
He lived by these mottos, “always smile” and “treat people the way you wish to be treated”. He had many, many friends and will be deeply missed. His vessel is gone but his spirit will remain with those who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers please contribute to the Sarcoma Foundation of America at wwwcuresarcoma.org. On Saturday June 14th at 4 pm there will be a memorial service and reception held at his church, Grace Baptist Church, 740 West County Line Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46217. Friends may sign his online guest book at www.indianafuneralcare.com.
Jim Dingess says
Our condolences to your family for their loss. Mike was “The Best” and it’s men like him that make this world a better place to live. Fond memories of Mike will stay with me always. God Bless, Jim and Jan Dingess
Pat Prince says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I went to school with Mike and he was always a good and kind friend. We reconnected on Facebook briefly and I am so grateful for those few messages we shared after 50 years. Rest in peace, my friend.
Bonnie Mitchell Thompson says
So sorry for your loss. Mike and I grew up in the same neighborhood. The last time I saw him was at school 21 reunion. My thoughts and prayers are with youThompson.
Bonnie Mitchell
Mary Ann Docktor-Smith says
So very, very sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. He was a wonderful and loving person. Love and hugs to the entire Nance family as you remember and celebrate Mike’s life.
Edward Lewis says
Mike worked with me in the Sears TV Shop back in the 70’s.
I never heard a bad word from him all the time I knew him.
He was a very good tech and he got along with every one who knew him. I would say that the Lord took him above for his new life in heaven. I’m sure the family will miss him.
Ed
Jim Middleton says
Our love and prayers go out to Mike’s family at this time. He was a good friend, neighbor, and Army buddy, and will leave a tremendous void.
Kenneth High says
My condolences to your family. I enjoyed working with Mike. He was always willing to go above the normal to be helpful. a great gentleman. God Bless you all Kenny High
Robert Lyden says
Our condolences to your family for their loss. To Marvin, I know that you loved your brother very much, and though we never had an adult friendship, our childhood memories were enough. Dickie died at 47 in 1991, and Ralph died at 33 in 1987. Mom died in 2008 at 85. You are welcome to contact me at any time, actually I’d love to here from you. I don’t know the rest of your family, Please give them my highest regards. You have always been the wonderful friends that I was privilaged to grow up with. You can reach me at 317-271-5132 My home address is 7429 Rogers Drive, Indianapolis 46214 My wife is Dee, and we go to Hope Baptist Church 1151 N. Girlschool Road P.S. Michael was a true friend, he was the best.
Sally Carroll says
My condolences to Mike’s family, I knew Mike from Sears Service Center, he always had a smile and he was a very nice guy at work, I am so truly sorry for you loss. A past co-worker, Rest in Peace!!
ed lamb/larry mcbride says
mike was a wonderful neighbor and will be greatly missed.
our prayers are for mike and his family.
may he rest in peace.
Mary Akerman says
Becky, Tina, Gina and the family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was a wonderful man. I remember when we first moved in next door to you and Mike was the first one we met. I saw him not long ago and it was as though we still lived next door and no time had passed.
I hope that all the wonderful memories and love of one another will help to lessen your pain during this very difficult time.
Love and Prayers
Mary Akerman
Charlene & Randy France says
Our condolences to your family for their loss. Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for you. Please believe you will see Mike again and God is smiling with him right now.
Ann Hausz- Litton (Bixler) says
Becky,
I was so sorry to hear about Mike. When I worked for Sears Mike would always be so friendly and cheerful. Then I worked with you at Indiana National Bank. Over the last several years I so enjoyed running into you guys at the Reverse Raffle down in Greenwood. I am just so sorry I never got that euchre tournament together like we always talked about. May Mike rest in Peace, what an awesome MAN. He will truly be missed!
Love & Prayers
Ann
Debra Morris says
Dear Becky and family
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Mike’s passing.
Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Scarlett Lovellette Taylor says
My condolences to Becky, Tina, & Gina and their entire family. Mike was a great example of a good husband and father. I am left with great childhood memories because of this family. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Scarlett
Rusty & Mary Carroll says
Sending our prayers & condolences to entire family. Enjoyed seeing Mike at family celebrations.He was always warm & friendly. Sorry we will miss celebration of life as we are out of state.
mary margaret oconnor says
Becky my condolences to you and the girls. Mike was a great person he was always there for anyone in need.
Debi VanVelse says
Becky,
I am deeply sorry for you great loss. I believe Mike was the wonderful person I hear about. One time I was having a problem with my alarm and posted an email to the association. It seemed that within minutes, Mike was on the phone instructing me and offering to come over and fix it. So, even though I only knew Mike through you and our neighborhood, I could see he was a good person and family man. I am sorry for you and all of your family, and I pray you feel the comfort of the Holy Spirit in this most difficult time. – Debi
Terri Sondrini says
I was so sad to hear of Mike’s passing. I am one of many of Mike’s co-workers who thought of him as a very special and kind man. My condolences to his family and may God comfort you in your time of loss God Bless, Terri Sondrini
BOB NICHOLS says
I’m so sorry to hear of Mikes passing . We worked together at Sears Service Center many years ago!A great guy ! Bob Nichols (St. Nick )
Jacqui & Norm Wetzel says
It’s the little things, the small everyday ocurrances that you will
remember. The laughs, the smiles, the stories. It is these very memories that will fill your minds and hearts. May the Lord bless and comfort you all.
Mike Kirschner says
Gina My condolences to you and your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike
R. Jones says
Mrs. Nance & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Mike at Sears. He was enjoyable to work with, and could always be counted on. He will be missed.
Gina
Norm Nance says
Im very sorry Bek and family Mike was a great person and a great cousin to me. we had a lot of great memories, rest in peace Mike..