Michael (Mike) Van Nevel slipped away peacefully on July 26, 2023, at St Elizabeth Ft Thomas. He was 66 years old. Born January 3, 1957, in Mishawaka, Indiana. Mike was a wonderful loving husband, a cherished lifelong brother and friend, a world traveler and adventurer, a dedicated Ball State University fan, a marathon runner, a positive role model, an avid fisherman, a caring human being who always remembered birthdays, had a contagious wit and sense of humor. He courageously fought Parkinson’s disease for the last 15 years of his life. Known as the Guru by his high school friends, Mike danced into their lives with a Joie de vivre that will not be forgotten.
Mike was a graduate of Mishawaka High School 1976 (Mishawaka, Ind) and Ball State University 1980 (Muncie, Ind) with a degree in accounting. After spending four years in public accounting, he accepted a job with the U.S. Treasury – where he spent a successful 34-year career until he retired in January 2019.
But his true accomplishments were with his wife Janet, his family and his friends.
When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Mike and Janet, decided not to put things off. From that moment on, they decided to see the world. And they did. They cruised, hiked, camped, biked, paddled, and toured across Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South America and the US including Hawaii and Alaska.
Their calendars were filled with visiting friends and family across the Midwest, and they opened their home to friends and relatives far and wide. When others’ lives were struck with hardships and tragedy, Mike and Janet opened their hearts.
And then Mike was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Although it appeared treatment was going well, a month ago the disease suddenly and aggressively appeared in his liver. He knew the end was near. And without a complaint, Mike slipped away from us on July 26, 2023.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents Richard (Dick) and Theresa Van Nevel, brothers John and David Van Nevel and sister-in-law Peg (Larry) Van Nevel.
Surviving are his wife of 33 years Janet (Neese) Van Nevel, sister Mary Morales (Chris), brothers Rich (Anita) Van Nevel, Larry Van Nevel, Joe (June) Van Nevel, Jim (Kris) Van Nevel, and 17 nieces and nephews and 15 great nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at St Paul’s United Church of Christ, Alexandria, KY from 10:30 – 12:00 on Saturday, August 19th followed by a memorial service. An additional memorial service will be held for family and friends in Mishawaka, Indiana at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the FreeStore Foodbank, Michael J Fox Parkinson’s Foundation or St Paul’s United Church of Christ, Alexandria.
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