Michael Jon Tawney I

Michael Jon Tawney I passed away on Friday March 7th surrounded by his family. He was born in Muskegon on May 9th, 1948 to Glen and Shirley (Estler) Tawney. Michael graduated from Fruitport High School in 1966. He played football and baseball during his high school career. He married his high school sweetheart Kathryn Bidelman on August 9th, 1968

Mike worked for Howmet in Whitehall and retired after 42 years in 2009. He served in the Army and did one tour during Vietnam. Mike coached youth league football for the Beach league for around 18 years and also coached baseball and softball during this time as his kids were going through the youth leagues. Mike was a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles. He spent many years in different bowling leagues and always enjoyed a trip to the casino with Kate.

As his grandkids grew up, he would spend his afternoons traveling to all their sporting events. His calendar was always filled with the grandkid’s sports schedules. Football, Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, and Bowling, it didn’t matter what the sport was, he was always there to reward his grandchildren for a game well played with a hot dog from the concession stand.

Mike is survived by his wife Kate; his children, Mike II (Sarah) Tawney, Tina (Ben) Ordaz, Trisha (Greg) Fleener; grandchildren, Morgun McLouth, Austin Fleener, Brandon Ordaz, Jared Fleener, Parker Tawney, Mavrick McLouth, Austin Ordaz, Madison Tawney, Kendalynn Gangwer, Blake Tawney; great-grandchildren, Adalynn McLouth, Spencer Mroz; brother, Glen (Carol) Tawney; sisters, Cork (Steve) Thorstein, and Linda Tawney; sister-in-law, Evelyn (Harold) Gundy; brothers-in-law, Ralph Bidelman and Ken (LouAnn) Bidelman; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law Ralph and Grace (Gardner) Bidelman; sister-in-law Carolyn Grant; brother-in-law Tom Grant; and sister-in-law Denise Bidelman.

There will be a celebration of life luncheon at the Fruitport Eagles 3354 S Dangl Rd at 1:00 on Sunday March 16th.