Michael J. Peerenboom

Michael J. Peerenboom died peacefully on Sunday morning, September 16, 2018, at Oak Grove Manor in Mansfield, Ohio. He was born on June 12, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Paul A. and Mary Emily (LaForest) Peerenboom, who preceded him in death. An avid Michigan fan to the end, we know he is now with his Lord and Savior in the "Big House" in the sky.

Mike moved to Mansfield at 13 when his father transferred to the new General Motors plant in Ontario, but he never lost his love for all things Michigan, cheering for his Wolverines, Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, and Pistons. His "Beat the Bucks" parties before the OSU-Michigan game were legendary and his trips to the Rose Bowl games and the "Big House" in Ann Arbor, Michigan were some of his favorite memories.

He met his wife of 54 years, Charlotte White Peerenboom in 8th grade and she survives. He is also survived by his children, Michelle (Theodore) Wood, David (Faith) Peerenboom, and Jennifer (Paul) Hasenauer; his grandchildren, Theo and Michael Wood, Lillian and Ethan Hasenauer, and Casey Kalal; his great-grandchildren, Austin and Zoey Kalal; and his grand dog, Jimmie Kyle. In addition, he is survived by his sisters, Joan Kelso and Patricia (Robert) Neal; a sister-in-law, Connie (Rich Lee) Letizia; and a brother-in-law, Charles (Suzie) Hill. He was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law, Max Kelso, Joseph Letizia and Thomas White, and nephew and godson, Jonathan White. A great lover of children, Michael and his wife cared for numerous foster children and some of them remained with them for many years. He is survived by Thomas O'Leary, Corena Root Henson and Karol Church-Kash. He was preceded in death by Daniel Allenbaugh and John Nungesser. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends, and family who will miss him terribly.

Michael attended Madison schools and Mansfield Business College before embarking on a 40 year career with Frito Lay Inc. His larger than life personality was evident in everything he did. He was involved with the Mansfield Playhouse for many years but also appeared in or worked on shows at OSU-Mansfield, Richland Academy, the Commerce Center and the Renaissance Theatre. His favorite role was that of Bob Crachitt, and he played him in 5 different productions of "A Christmas Carol".

Mike also served as a Lay Distributor at St. Mary of the Snows. For many years he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, 3rd and 4th Degrees. Favorite past times included attending live theatre from Broadway to local productions and following the activities of his children and more recently, his grandchildren. He also loved gardening and spent many hours helping coach his kids, foster kids, and grand kids in their various sports. Although his greatest love was his family, he also had other varied interests. He had a lifelong love of fishing, whether on Lake Erie, off the New Jersey shore, or on one fabulous trip to Cabo San Lucas. He loved to camp with his children and later his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Later in life, he became an avid NASCAR fan supporting Jeff Gordon who is sponsored by Pepsi/Frito Lay. Along with his son, David, he traveled to many states to follow the sport.

The family will receive friends from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 20, 2018, at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. A Memorial Mass will be recited at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at St. Mary of the Snows Catholic Church, 1630 Ashland Road, Mansfield with additional visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. He will be laid to rest in Mansfield Catholic Cemetery. The family requests contributions be made to St. Mary of the Snows.