Obituary
Michael Edward Ford, born on February 3, 1949, in Wyandotte, Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026, in Trenton, Michigan, at the age of 77.
After graduating from high school, Michael built a career in office supply logistics and warehousing. In retirement, he embraced life’s simple pleasures. He treasured staying connected with former coworkers and lifelong friends, especially the weekly breakfasts he shared with his high school buddies. He also cherished regular conversations with his siblings and always looked forward to frequent phone calls with his sisters.
Michael was his children’s biggest supporter, always ready to celebrate their accomplishments, lend a listening ear, or offer encouragement. His grandchildren and beloved dogs were the light of his life, and he treasured every moment spent with them. Whether baking their favorite treats, putting together thoughtful gift baskets just to let them know he was thinking of them, or simply spending quality time together, he created memories that will be cherished forever.
A talented cook and baker, Michael found great joy in preparing meals for family and friends. He carried on treasured family traditions passed down by his father and his beloved wife, Christine, by making favorite dishes for holidays and special gatherings. One of the many ways he showed his love was by preparing home cooked meals for his children to pick up after work, ensuring they always had something warm waiting for them at home.
Michael was thoughtful and loved giving flowers as gifts. He always made sure to take flowers to events for the host. He was also known for making sure his sisters and daughter regularily had fresh flowers.
Michael loved finding a good bargain, browsing stores, and taking leisurely drives. After becoming a proud Spartan Dad, he rarely missed a chance to cheer on Michigan State, especially during football and basketball seasons.
He also had a deep love for travel and often wished he could have done more of it in his later years. Some of his happiest memories were vacations to northern Michigan, particularly the peaceful shores of Lake Huron and the beautiful areas around Gladwin, Rogers City, and Oscoda. When his children were young, he enjoyed family outings to the zoo, and in more recent years, he delighted in sharing Detroit Tigers baseball games with his grandchildren.
Michael was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 35 years, Christine Ford; his parents, George and Helen Ford; his brothers, Gerald Ford and Donald Ford; and his sister and brother-in-law, Kay and Tom Hondzinski.
He is survived by his loving children, Nikole (Jerry) Ford-Kondraciuk, Michael (Sharanya) Ford, and Christopher (Megan) Ford; his cherished grandchildren, Alayna Kondraciuk, Alexia Kondraciuk, Nikhil Ford, Ishaan Ford, and Brooklynn Ford; his sisters, Janet (Nick) Cole, Lorrie (Tim) Merker, and Patrice (Keith) Lehmann; his brother-in-law, Scott (Joni) DeCoster; his sisters-in-law, Carol Ford, widow of his late brother Donald, and Mary Ford, widow of his late brother Gerald; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who forever cherish his memory.
Michael's warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew him. He showed his love through everyday acts of generosity, unwavering support, and the time he gave so freely to the people he loved. His legacy lives on in the traditions he passed down, the memories created, and the love he shared with his family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.