November 26, 1946 – April 22, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Edward Hexamer, 76, Cicero, on April 22, 2023.
Mike was born to Francis and Eileen Hexamer on November 26, 1946, in Anderson, Ind. He grew up in a loving family and learned the value of hard work from a young age. After graduating from Anderson High School in 1965, he joined the Army National Guard and, after completing his service, worked for Nicholson File. He was a firefighter and EMT with the City of Anderson Fire Department for 33 years and was an officer of the Union for many years. During those same years, he worked for Busby Drilling and Laibe Supply. He finished his career at Preferred Pump, where he was an engineer and actively consulted until March of this year.
Mike had a zest for life and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved living on Morse Reservoir, spending summers boating, skiing, and relaxing with his wife, Joanie, and their children and grandchildren. He had a love for cars, particularly Corvettes, and was a Charter member of the Anderson Corvette Association, a member of the National Council of Corvette Clubs, and actively served and participated throughout his life. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 341 in Cicero. When his son, Mike, was younger, he coached the infamous Busby Drillers and Cicero’s All-Star Little League teams. He was handy and industrious, able to fix just about anything and invent new tools and mechanical technologies, including the variable frequency drive used by Preferred Pump.
Mike and Joanie raised a loving family, and he was a wonderful father and grandfather, always putting his family first and making sure they knew how much he loved them. Mike had a fun-loving and social personality and was known for his storytelling and sense of humor. Mike’s passing is a significant loss to his family and friends. His legacy of hard work, dedication and love for life will continue to inspire those who knew him.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Joanie; children, Laura (DeWayne) Johnson, Marnie (Matt) Winders and Mike (Emily) Hexamer; grandchildren, Jamie Hower, Kayla (Eduardo) Duarte, Shane Hower, Alexandra Hower, Colton Johnson, Elizabeth Winders, Max Winders, Ella Hexamer, Mila Hexamer, and Lyla Hexamer; great-grandchildren, Sage Keogh, Kenny O’Dell, Aurora and Lucien Duarte; siblings, John (Vicky) Hexamer and Rose (Conwill) Parks; along with several nieces and nephews.
The public viewing will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on April 30, 2023, at Hartley Funeral Home, Cicero Chapel, 209 W. Jackson St., with the service from 3 to 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Alternative’s Inc. (alternativesdv.org) in Anderson.
Condolences can be made at hartleyfuneralhomes.com.