Committal
Michael “Mike” L. Koontz, 74, of Morganton, NC, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 26, 2023.
Born in Richmond, Indiana on June 29, 1949, he is a son of the late John B. Koontz and Betty Rodeheffer Koontz.
Michael was raised in Richmond and worked for Dana Corporation. When Dana opened their plant in Morganton, he moved to Morganton with his wife and two children. Micheal has been a member at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church since moving to Morganton. He was very involved in the church, including singing in the choir, being one of the two parishioners to build the 10-foot Advent wreath, serving as a volunteer grounds keeper, helped with numerous projects at the church, and serving with the St. Charles’ Knights of Columbus Council #9579.
Michael was a dedicated family man and spent many days, evenings, and late-nights helping his children. Whether it was transporting horses for a show, keeping the fire going for overnight campouts, being an assistant Boy Scout leader, or traveling every weekend for out-of-town soccer games, Michael was there. When not spending time with his family, he enjoyed golf, camping, fishing, and tinkering around the house.
Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in the late 90s and faced the challenge head-on. He began a group called People with Parkinsons Equal People Who Care (PWP=PWC). The group came together and helped build a special handicapped focused Habitat for Humanity house on Vine Arden Road. Michael also hosted a Parkinson’s focused internet talk show, “People Living with Parkinson’s” and had a poem published in “Voices from the Parking Lot,” a book of stories and poems from people living with Parkinson’s Disease.
Micheal’s life had an impact on many people, and he will be missed.
Michael is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Wagner Koontz; daughter, Shannon Chesney (Kevin); son, Brandon Koontz; beloved grandchildren, Charlotte, Liam, and Oliver Chesney; brothers, John Koontz, Jim Koontz (Kate), and Mark Koontz (Elisabeth); brothers-in-law, Don Routson and Dennis Wagner (Mary Anne); sisters-in-law, Connie White and Joyce Pinneo; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jane Routson; brothers-in-law, Richard Wagner and Ed White; and sisters-in-law, Janet Wagner and Elena Koontz.
The funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2024, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Father Kenneth Whittington officiating. An informal visitation and meal will follow in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church (saintcharlesborromeo.org) or AMOREM Hospice (amoremsupport.org/donate).
The family would like to express their appreciation to AMOREM for the compassionate care shown to Michael and his family during this difficult time.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Michael “Mike” L. Koontz.
R.I.P.
My condolences to all members of the Koontz family. Mary Jane Koontz Routson was a dear friend of mine, and I spent many happy hours at the Koontz home getting to know all her family. I’m so impressed with Mike's life and all of his accomplishments! It will be an honor to make a donation to his church in his memory. May he rest in the peace he so deserves, and may all his family be comforted. Julie Corsi Homyak
Dear Mary and family, Steve & I were so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. A donation will be made to the church in honor of Him. We pray that our God of comfort will bless you all and give you the peace at this difficult time. Steve & Cathy Gantt
Would like to say Mike was nice guy and his last years could not have been easy. I will keep his heartfelt writing in a book that both James and have cherished. Wishing family strength to live life at the fullest. Best wishes at this difficult time.
A donation has made to the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church Building Fund in honor of our dear Richmond, IN friend, Mike Koontz. With many fond memories, Steve & EJ Haas Dick & Cheryl Lee Howard & Linda Price Michael & Maureen Williams
He was the best of s four-brothers. And he was filled with love!
Dear Mary and family, We are heartbroken beyond words but in a joyous and revitalizing way we are amazed and touch by the battle Michael fought with Parkinson’s for all these years. The disease never defined him, but lifted him and you, his family…all of you, to another level of faith, courage, kindness, generosity and abiding love that is sure to encourage many of us in the days and years to come. You will never know the impact your faith and that love has had on your church and your community for these many years. Thank you, Michael, may you rest peacefully in the arms of Our Lord. Thank you, too, Mary, Shannon and Brandon, those beautiful grand babies and the many extended family and friends. Our prayers of comfort and peace and gratitude are with you today and will be for many days to come. We love you! Richard and Diane Claus
Mike Koontz was the first friend that I really remember as a youngster living in Richmond, Indiana. Around 1950-51 we moved into the house opposite his on North 17th Street. I have photos of Mike and his brother John attending my brother Steve and my birthday parties. As we grew up together attending school, we were part of a group of good friends that we called "The PG Club" (Poor Guy's Club - a reflection of our usual lack of $$). We had a close-nit group who often did many things together thru high school and beyond...Steve Haas, Dick Lee, Howard Price, Bob Guthrie, Mike and I and occasionally others. We had our group meetings in the open second story loft of the Koontz barn/garage...which was tilted and had holes in the floor boards...how we survived that is amazing. I have a lot of memories of going for rides on the snow and ice covered roads in the family's old Packard Clipper car/boat, cruising at Frischs and Carters, going to school activities and hanging together as teen-agers. I also recall going to the Indiana state high school track & field championship where Mike ran in a finals competition...Mike was a very fast runner and good athlete. Another nice memory was when our group of friends gathered in the Koontz kitchen one evening and sang the complete popular song "Love Potion #9" to Mike's older sister, Mary Jane, as most of us friends had a school kid crush on Mike's beautiful sister....we finished the song thinking we should get signed immediately to a record contract, however, we were met with complete silence from Mary Jane who finally walked right through our gathering and simply said in good humor something I will never forget: "keep practicing boys"...ouch! The Koontz family was a solid family and well respected. My mom was friends with Mike's mom, Betty. About ten years or so ago, Mike (living in NC) and I hooked up periodically to touch base on Facebook. Mike told me of his medical journey and was positive about his battle and optimism about keeping up the fight. He also told me of the love and support of his loving family. Mike Koontz was a good man and will be missed. I am confident that his family and friends have many positive memories that will be comforting in the days and years ahead. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" - Matthew 5:4.