Michael Wayne Onderdonk, known as Mike, but lovingly called Gga by his four grandchildren, passed away on May 24, 2025, at age 74 in his home in Saraland, Alabama, after a hard fought battle with cancer. Everyone in this world should have the privilege to have a Grandpa like Gga.
Born June 28, 1950, in Mobile, Alabama, Mike was a longtime resident of Saraland. He was a 1969 graduate of Vigor High School and went on to build a life devoted to faith, family, and hard work. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, longtime member of College Park Baptist Church, and a dedicated Alabama football fan.
Mike is survived by his loving wife of nearly 48 years, Diane Onderdonk; his children, Cristen (Todd) Mahone and Chad (Rebecca) Onderdonk; and his cherished grandchildren, Michael Mahone, Anna Mahone, Levi Onderdonk, and Abel Onderdonk. Mike is also survived by his brother, Larry Onderdonk, and sister, Betty Nelson, brothers-in- law, Steve Davis and Loyd Golden, sisters-in-law, Nita Onderdonk and Suzanne Crist, as well as best friends, Gary Jackson, Rocky Lundy, Freddie Toomey, and Greg Turner and his amazing church family from College Park, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Virginia Onderdonk, brother, Henry Onderdonk Jr., sisters, Dorothy Golden and Anna Davis.
Mike was a man of quiet strength. He retired in 2017 from the shipbuilding industry. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family, and he found joy in the simple things in life like family visits to the Great Smoky Mountains, bird watching, vanilla milkshakes from Old Dutch, and most of all, precious moments with his grandchildren. His favorite moments include watching ball practices and games, choir concerts, and playing hide and seek with his two youngest grandsons.
Visitation will be at Radney Funeral Home on Dauphin Street on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Mike will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens on Celeste Road in Saraland. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-saraland.com.
