Michael E. Heibel

Michael E. “Gene” Heibel, 81, of New Buffalo, passed away, Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 718 W. Buffalo St., New Buffalo. Private burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family Tuesday from 11:30 to 12:45 P.M. at Sommerfeld Chapel, 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo. Memorial donations in Mike’s name may be made to Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to sign Mike’s Memory Book online may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com. Mike was born October 11, 1939 in Muskegon, Michigan to Michael G. & Mamie (Dalton) Heibel, one of thirteen children. He graduated from Coopersville High School, Class of 1957. On February 15, 1959 he married the former Frances Teasley in Grand Haven. Mike spent seventeen years teaching building trades at Kent Skill Center in Grand Rapids and part-time at Grand Rapids Junior College. In 1986, Mike & Frances moved to New Buffalo when he purchased his farm which became Mike’s Blueberries, which he continued to operate until the end. Mike also spent several years teaching building trades at New Buffalo Schools. Mike was a member of St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, and in his free time enjoyed hunting & fishing, collecting & restoring McCormick & Dearing tractors. But most of all he cherished the time spent with his family. He made them all Number One. Mike is survived by his children-Terri Heibel, Kimberly (Michael) Mund, both of Muskegon, Mickie Heibel of New Buffalo, Timothy Michael (Shelley) Heibel of Norton Shores, Deanna Williams of New Buffalo; ten grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; several brothers & sisters; and numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Frances on December 4, 2014 and several brothers & sisters.