Michael Gary Shaum

It is with profound sadness yet loving remembrance that we announce the passing of Michael Gary Shaum, a cherished Husband, Father, Brother, Son, and Friend to many, who departed this world on March 14, 2026, at the age of 55. Born on November 23, 1970, in Elkhart, Indiana, Michael was the beloved son of Gary and Sheila Shaum, who survive him. His journey through life was marked by kindness, laughter, and a deeply rooted love for his family. Aside from a few years spent at home with his children, Michael spent most of his adult life working at Shaum Electric in various positions including running the motor shop and as purchasing manager before pursuing his and his wife’s creative goals. In most recent years he had hoped to move out West, start a business, and teach his wife and daughter woodworking skills.

Michael married Sandra Abner in South Bend, IN on February 20th, 2026, after a year and a half engagement. In the almost 3 years they shared together they were inseparable from the start and wouldn’t have it any other way.

He is survived by a huge and adoring family who will miss him for the rest of their lives: His wife and love; Sandra Shaum, parents; Gary and Sheila Shaum, sister; Shel Shaum, mother of his children; Angie Emmons (Eric Emmons), children; Cassidy Shaum (Dane Scheffler), Macalister Shaum (Rijan Shaum), Miranda Shaum, Kev Shaum (Callie Taylor-Shaum), Bob Shaum, Lilliana Abner, and David Harp (Nyssa Cerny), grandchildren; Nalani Garcia-Taylor, Mateo Garcia-Taylor, Audrey Tipton , Carter Shaum, and Marcello Shaum, uncle and aunt; Lewy & Karen Shaum, and his rambunctious dog; George Jr. He is also survived by many extended family members. He was preceded in death by grandparents; Lowell Shaum, Lucille Shaum Hartman, Clint Hartman, Harold Lovejoy, Donnabell Kincaid, and cousin, Ernest Shaum.

Michael was a completely unique soul in this world. To boil a human being down to a few paragraphs is an already difficult task before considering the complexities in him.
He will be remembered for his kindness, the immense amount of love he had for his family, the warmth of his hugs, and his thunderous laugh. Michael would make himself a friend to those who had none and always rooted for the underdog. In addition to time with the people he loved, he enjoyed video games (if you’re really bored, join his wife in Fallout 76 – an Xbox game they enjoyed spending time playing together), Metallica, and animals. He found comfort in his unwavering faith.


For anyone that knew Michael, it should come as no surprise that his wishes were that his life be celebrated rather than mourned with a “true Irish wake” specifically featuring Guinness. Please join the family in celebrating his life on Thursday March 19th at the Matterhorn (2041 Cassopolis St. Elkhart, IN) 5:30-8ish PM. His family knows everyone has a Mike story or 10 and would be immensely grateful to read or hear them.

May the memory of Michael Gary Shaum live on in the stories we share, the laughter we echo, and the love we spread in his honor. He was a remarkable soul, and though he is no longer with us, his spirit will forever guide and inspire those he touched.

In lieu of flowers (he found them pretty but annoying), please send donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. If you feel called to honor him in a larger way and have the ability, take a trip out West. It was a dream he didn’t get to fulfill. His family plans to take the trip for him.