Eugene Michael “Mike” Kander
After a very brave, but brief battle with cancer, Mike was called home on Thursday, April 30th, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Toledo, Ohio to the late Victor and Helen Kander.
Mike was a 1962 graduate of Devilbiss High School. He attended University of Toledo, than joined the United States Air Force. After being honorably discharged in 1969, he finished his education and graduated from BGSU. Mike married the love of his life, Leanna Gierke, on September 3, 1972. He retired in 1999 after working 25 years for the State of Ohio, as a supervisor in the Bureau of Workers Compensation Department. Mike enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling and puttering around his home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Henry Kander; father-in-law, David Gierke Sr. and his brother-in-law, Mike Taylor. Mike is survived by his loving wife, Leanna; his daughters, Erin (Shellie Michael) Kander and Shannon (Chad Ferguson) Kander; mother-in-law, Dolores Gierke and his grandson, Darian Fockler who was very helpful these past months. He was Poppy to Olivia and Max Gierke and Kellan Drain and Zayde to Fisher Hayes who brought much joy these past months with his special smiles and dinosaur roars. He is also survived by many special brothers and sisters-in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may visit the Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Rd in Oregon on Sunday, May 3, 2015 from 2-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday in the funeral home at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Lake Twp. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or St. Louis Helping Hands.