Michael Scott Gifford
December 30th, 1962 - February 27th, 2023
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Michael's Obituary
Michael Scott Gifford, 60, of St. Joseph, MI passed away suddenly in his home on Monday – February 27, 2023. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel – 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI.
Michael was born on December 30, 1962 in Michigan City, IN to Darrell and Wanda (Wilkie) Gifford. He was a 1982 graduate of Heritage Christian Academy. On April 29, 1989 he married Linda Schwarz.
Michael loved the Lord, family, sports and music. Family gatherings and outings were special for Michael. He was always willing to help out, family or friend, with whatever was needed. Michael was a great friend to anyone he met. He was involved with basketball and soccer while in high school. He belonged to a community softball league for many years, as well as the Oakridge Church softball team. Michael loved music and was very involved with the Oakridge Church Choir and Worship Team. He loved and was an avid U of M football fan. Michael will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Michael is survived by his wife Linda; his two sons – Ryan and Brandyn of St. Joseph; his father – Darrell Gifford of New Buffalo; mother-in-law – Lilli Schwarz of St. Joseph; brothers – Ron (Kathleen) Gifford of Indianapolis, IN, John Gifford of Niles, MI and Timothy (Lori) Gifford of Allendale, MI; sisters – Shari Fergison of Niles, MI, Rebecca (Reinhard) Fitz of Eau Claire, MI and Linda Gifford of New Buffalo, MI. He is preceded in death by his mother – Wanda Gifford and his father-in-law – Erwin Schwarz.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday – March 4, 2:00pm, at the Oakridge Community Church – 766 Oakridge St., St. Joseph, MI, with Pastor Scott Reeve officiating. Visitation with the family precedes the service from 12:00-2:00pm at the church. Michael will be cremated and then interred with private family service at a later date at Hickory Bluff Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oakridge Community Church. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
Michael was born on December 30, 1962 in Michigan City, IN to Darrell and Wanda (Wilkie) Gifford. He was a 1982 graduate of Heritage Christian Academy. On April 29, 1989 he married Linda Schwarz.
Michael loved the Lord, family, sports and music. Family gatherings and outings were special for Michael. He was always willing to help out, family or friend, with whatever was needed. Michael was a great friend to anyone he met. He was involved with basketball and soccer while in high school. He belonged to a community softball league for many years, as well as the Oakridge Church softball team. Michael loved music and was very involved with the Oakridge Church Choir and Worship Team. He loved and was an avid U of M football fan. Michael will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Michael is survived by his wife Linda; his two sons – Ryan and Brandyn of St. Joseph; his father – Darrell Gifford of New Buffalo; mother-in-law – Lilli Schwarz of St. Joseph; brothers – Ron (Kathleen) Gifford of Indianapolis, IN, John Gifford of Niles, MI and Timothy (Lori) Gifford of Allendale, MI; sisters – Shari Fergison of Niles, MI, Rebecca (Reinhard) Fitz of Eau Claire, MI and Linda Gifford of New Buffalo, MI. He is preceded in death by his mother – Wanda Gifford and his father-in-law – Erwin Schwarz.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday – March 4, 2:00pm, at the Oakridge Community Church – 766 Oakridge St., St. Joseph, MI, with Pastor Scott Reeve officiating. Visitation with the family precedes the service from 12:00-2:00pm at the church. Michael will be cremated and then interred with private family service at a later date at Hickory Bluff Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oakridge Community Church. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com
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