Michael Pedde

Michael Edwin Pedde, 80, of Bridgman passed away peacefully on December 14, 2021 at Hanson Hospice Center with his loving family by his side.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, December 18, 2021 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 9650 Church Street, Bridgman, with Reverend Edward A. Meyer officiating. Prior to the service, from 10 - 11 AM, there will be visitation time.  Friends may meet with the family from 5-7 PM on Friday, December 17 at Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman. Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com

Mike was born April 17, 1941 in Benton Harbor, the son of Edwin Pedde and Magdalene (Ziebart) Pedde (Wier). Mike graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1959. On February 6, 1960 he married his high school sweetheart, Karen Jetzke, and they shared 61 years together. Mike enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his county for three years, in Germany and in France. Mike and Karen made their home in Bridgman where Mike was very involved with the Bridgman JayCee's, receiving the Man-of-the-Year award in 1967. Mike worked at Auto Specialties in St. Joseph and became a journeyman metal pattern-maker. Mike attended and graduated from Lake Michigan College with an Associates Degree in law enforcement and served as Chief of Police for the City of Bridgman from 1970 – 1979. Mike continued to be active in local government by serving as a Bridgman City Commissioner and on the Bridgman City Zoning Board of Appeals for several years. In the early 1980's, Mike returned back to his original profession as a tool maker, retiring in 2004 from Ausco Products, Inc. in Benton Harbor after more than 20 years. Mike was an avid “do-it-yourselfer” keeping his home in good repair and lawn weed-free. After retirement, Mike enjoyed working in his home machine shop, especially building small scale steam train engines. Mike would run his steam train engines at the Hesston Steam Museum in La Porte, IN where he also volunteered his time. Mike's love of steam engines spurred him to become involved with the restoration of the House of David trains and he led the volunteer restoration crew for many, many years. Mike enjoyed traveling with his wife Karen, and also with family members. Mike and Karen took memoriable trips to Australia & New Zealand, Alaska, Hawaii, and many other destinations throughout the United States. In his younger years, Mike looked forward to his yearly deer hunting trips in Colorado and Wyoming with many good friends.

Survivors include his wife, Karen; daughter: Christine Hampton of Baroda; son: Steven Pedde of Stevensville; daughter: Cynthia Pedde of Baroda; grandchildren: Lauren Wheeler, and Caitlin (Dan) Yoder; great-grandchildren: Aiden Conley, Brooklynn Wheeler, Harper Yoder, and Colton Yoder; brothers: Kenneth (Susan) Pedde of Boise, ID, Vincent Wier of Bridgman, and Robert (Carole) Wier of Benton Harbor, sisters: Joanne Hodgson of St. Joseph, and Peggi (Bill) Barbret of Wayland, MI; a favorite aunt: Annabelle Tinberg of South Bend, IN; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mike was preceded in death by his father and stepmother: Edwin and Jeannie Pedde; his mother and stepfather: Magdalene and Chester Wier; brother John “Pete” Pedde; brothers-in-law: James Jetzke Sr., and David Hodgson; and a son-in-law: Michael Hampton.