Michael Fitzgerald, 50
Born: Jan. 4, 1962
Died: May 1, 2012

Michael Patrick Fitzgerald, 50, of New Carlisle, Ind., passed away May 1, 2012, at his home of natural causes.

He was born Jan. 4, 1962, in Michigan City, Ind., to Edward Jr. and Emma (Kruger) Fitzgerald. He lived most of his life in the New Buffalo area.  Michael worked as a tool and die maker at Cut Tech in Niles; he was an active Mason at the Three Oaks Lodge 239; was a strong supporter for Betty’s Buddies in Three Oaks; and also supported Hospice at Home, Inc. in St. Joseph and Buchanan. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 204 in Three Oaks. His hobbies were golfing and fishing, and he always wore Hawaiian shirts. He was known to most of his family and friends as “Fitz.” On June 2, 1990, in New Buffalo, he married Karen Sue Poole.

Surviving family include his wife, Karen Fitzgerald of New Carlisle; his mother, Emma Fitzgerald; stepson, Justin (Amy) Mitchell of Portage, Mich.; stepdaughter, Nina Akey Fitzgerald of Niles; one step-grandson, Alex Donald Mitchell, who called Michael “Grandpa Dude”; sisters, Karen (Rick) Mills of Chicago and Nancy (Al Markunas) Burns of Three Oaks; and many loving relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Edward J. Fitzgerald, Jr., and one stepson, Don Mitchell.

A memorial visitation will be held Saturday, May 5, from 4 to 5 p.m. at Hoven Funeral Home in Buchanan with a Masonic service starting at 5 p.m., and Pastor Jim Wilson will be officiating the Celebration of Life Service at 5:30 p.m. in Hoven Funeral Home.

Memorial donations can be made to the Masonic Lodge of Three Oaks 239, P.O. Box 103, Three Oaks, MI 49128, or to Betty’s Buddies, P.O. Box 363, Three Oaks, MI 49128.