Michael Wayne Van Vactor, 43, passed away unexpectedly Monday, December 21, 2020.
Michael was born October 20, 1977, in Plymouth, IN; the son of Stephen and Maria Van Vactor. He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1996. Michael attended The University of Northwestern Ohio to study mechanics. After college, Michael worked for his family’s trucking and farming businesses. He worked various other jobs including working construction with his Uncle Dave and concrete waterproofing with Sani-Tread/Concrete Protectors. From the time he was able to walk, Michael was his dad’s shadow. Wherever his dad was, Michael needed to be there too. He absolutely loved farming! He went from riding along in the tractor to driving them by age 10. Although they didn’t always see eye-to-eye, the unconditional love his parents had for him, and he had for his parents, was undeniable. Anyone that knew him would say he had a heart of gold!
Michael is survived by his parents Steve and Maria Van Vactor of Plymouth; three sisters, Jessica (Wesley) Harness of Plymouth, Jennifer (Kristin) Van Vactor of Columbus, and Stacy (Erik) Keenan of Plymouth; and four nieces and a nephew, Libby Van Vactor-Keenan, Landon Harness, Madilyn Harness, Harper Pothier-Van Vactor, and Alexis Pothier-Van Vactor. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends; including his best friends Jamie Hisey, Sergio Comarella, & Art McQuisten.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Harold & Marjorie Van Vactor and his maternal grandparents, Federico & Margarita Chavez.
Per Michael’s wishes, there will be no public service. Cremation will take place after a private family service and his ashes will be scattered on the family’s farm.
Memorial contributions can be made to David’s Courage, 10924 Lincoln Highway, Plymouth, IN or the Plymouth Fireman’s Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o the Marshall County Community Foundation, 2701 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN.
Jan Boos Bean says
Steve, Maria and family. When I think of Michael I think of this cheerful, inquisitive and helpful 4-H kid at the fairgrounds. As he has grown up and met with life’s challenges, he has always had that beautiful smile and kind heart. Thinking of each of you at this time and in the days to come.
Joy Keenan says
I’m so sorry for your loss, prayers and love for the family
Patricia McQuisten says
Our deepest sympathy to your family
. Michael was a big part of our family and we loved him dearly and will miss him so much.
May God hold each of you close during this devastating time.
Shelley Beatty says
I’m so sorry to hear this! My heart breaks for the family. Please know that I am praying for peace and healing to all of you.
Tom and Sharon Selner says
Mike was one-of-a-kind. He was fun, he was one to jump in and help anyone, and was friend to many. We have such great memories of him to cherish but will miss him. Our sincere sympathy to the entire VanVactor family.
Jim Spiek says
My family is very sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure knowing him he was a good man.
Pat Harness says
My heart breaks for your family . Micheal is free fly high with your wings.
Mike Donaldson says
My sincere condolences for
Michael and his family. Prayers are being sent to all the family and friends.
Shelby (Sullivan) Akers says
My most sincere condolences to all of the Van Vactor family. I can only imagine how hard this is on everyone. My thoughts and my love are with you right now.
Jackie Haenes says
There are no words I can’t image your pain sending love and prayer.
Irene Scobey says
To all the VanVactor family… My heart is breaking for you.. Michael was such a good guy… Gone way too soon. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. I am here for you… Love and hugs… Irene
Colleen O’Keefe says
I am so sorry for loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you all
Bob & Donna Whitmer says
Dear Steve, Maria & Family,
We are so sorry to learn of your loss. Our sincere condolences to the entire family. Prayers…
Nick Lunetta says
I couldn’t believe when I heard this! Michael was a good guy, very intelligent, and willing to help anyone. I’m so very sorry for your loss! He will be missed! Doesn’t seem real….
Laura Cohen says
So sorry for your loss! Michael was truly a wonderful person. He had so much love for his family and friends. Always willing to help . Also loved his sense of humor. He will be missed!
Larry and Sheila Tumbleson says
Steve, Maria and family,
Sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Patricia Kaser says
Steve and Maria,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family. Again i am so sorry for your loss.
Pat Kaser
Josh Powell says
My condolences extend out to the entire VanVactor Family.
Michael was a great friend, who was always willing to help “anyone” in a moments notice. I am thankful for all of the good times and fond memories we all were able to share with him. Michael will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
patti hazen says
My love goes out to you.
Ed & Linda Langfeldt says
Our thoughts & prayers are with you. We are so sorry for your loss. Blessings & prayers. Linda & Ed Langfeldt
Martha Tumbleson says
Steve and Maria,
My heart aches for your loss. Condolences to your entire family,
JAYME says
I Will Always Miss His Smile, and His Love Of His Family, Nothing Made Him Prouder,,, Our Hearts Hurt for All, Truly, So Many Prayers, Mikey Fly, 💖💖 🕊🕊We love You, PeeWee and Jayme Warren, 💖
Jennifer and A.J. Gappa says
Steve and Maria,
Our prayers go out to you and the rest of the family. So very sorry for such a great loss.
Ken & Sara Calhoun says
Our hearts break for the entire Van Vactor family. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Bill and Sue Filson says
Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family
Marcia J Firestone says
I would tell Michael he was a brat! Always a prankster. I remember the first time we went to Swartz Pickle factory in Chicago. He followed me in his shinny chromed BIG truck. He blew my doors off on the way back to Plymouth! He called me GRANNY LOL. He will be dearly miss 💔 sincerely Marcia J Firestone
Rick & Angie Scott says
Steve, Maria & family,
We are deeply saddened by the news of Michael’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Marc Felke says
Glad to have known you and be a small part of your existence. You were definitely a caring and one of a kind person. Saddened to see you go buddy.
Inelda Chavez says
There are not enough words to express how I feel about the loss of this wonderful man. My prayers for the VanVactor family and friends.
Michael, you will be missed. Rest in peace.
I am proud to have been your *Aunt*.
Phil Bockman says
Mike was in our wedding. He was a good friend through high school and when he went to Ohio with Chris Divine. I was always so impressed how fast he could take a semi tire on and off the rim. Mike was so easy to be around and I always considered him a friend we talked every time we saw each other. We are so sorry for your loss the Bockman family.
Pamela Rosebush says
Steve and Maria, so sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for you and your family. Pam Rosebush.
Sherri Flosenzier says
Steve & Maria, we are sending thoughts and prayers for your loss!
John & Pat Thieling says
Our most sincere condolences to the entire VanVactor family.
John & Pat Thieling says
Our most sincere condolences to the entire family.
Bill & Carolyn Slates says
Steve & Maria, we are so sorry for your loss and we pray that God will keep you and you Family strong through your time of sorrow.
In Christian Love, Bill & Carolyn Slates
Corey Henson says
If you wanted real life ! Talk to Mike ! That’s what we had .
Jennifer Oliver Houin says
It is truly with a sad heart to see that this has happened to Lil Mikey! Such a dare-devil that I was always reminding him to be good and make good decisions 🙂 That grin he would give me was never-ending! I will miss our little chats and watching him race up and down our road on his motorcycle. Those were the days! RIP my friend, Mikey V.
Kathy Lee Frid Thompson says
Steve and Maria I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart breaks for you and what your family is going through 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻 Sincerely Kathy Lee Frid Thompson. If there’s anything I can do don’t hesitate to call me ❤️
Mike and Jane Woolfington says
We are so sorry for your loss. We have you in our thoughts and prayers.
kim yeager says
My prayers are sent to the family. May God help you heal and get thru this.. Sending lots of love and prayers. Mike what can i say.. See u on the other side. Fly high.
Gayle Smith says
To the VanVactor Family:
Please accept our most sincerest condolences on behalf of the Smith and Whitaker families.
Gayle Whitaker Smith