Michael Patrick Fitch

Michael Patrick Fitch, 78, of Elkhart, passed away at 8:10 p.m. on Oct. 4, 2025, at Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born on Feb. 28, 1947, in Elkhart, Indiana, to Ira Alfred Fitch and Eva Marie (Franks Grove) Fitch. Michael spent his early years with his grandparents, Albert and Ina (Culp) Franks, starting first grade at Roosevelt Elementary School in 1954. When his mother, Eva Marie, was married to Troy Lee Williams, they moved to Miami, Florida, where he started second grade at Southside Elementary. Just before third grade, they all moved back to Elkhart, where he went to Holben (Jimtown) Elementary. He also met a young girl living in the neighborhood, Bonnie Hahn, who would become his wife many years later.

His junior high school years were spent at James Madison in South Bend, Indiana, and in 1965 he graduated from South Bend Central High School, South Bend, Indiana. He began working in factories and security companies, such as Dexter Axle and Employers Security, while going to Indiana University South Bend. In June of 1970 he married Faye Resnick and by 1972 Michael graduated from Indiana University South Bend with a bachelor's degree in English. Michael and Faye were divorced by June 1972; they had no children. Beginning work as an English teacher, he continued his studies toward a master's degree in education from Indiana University South Bend, graduating in June 1974.

By this time, he had encountered that former neighbor girl, Bonnie Hahn, and their dating led to marriage on Dec. 14, 1974. Living in Elkhart and then in South Bend (Rum Village area), he worried he would not be a father and then in 1979, daughter Erin was born, with son Patrick born in 1981; his worry then switched to being a good father, since his own father was never in his life.

Michael continued working in various jobs (nursing home and security) eventually taking a job as a shear operator at Godfrey Marine, a recreational vehicle manufacturer of pontoon boats. Heading into retirement, he continued working as a security guard until 2019.

Michael is survived by his wife of 50 years, Bonnie, and his children Erin Magdalene (David) Liviskie, Patrick Michael (Brittney) Fitch and grandchildren Liam Remington Fitch, Hope Kathleen Fitch, Nigel Thomas Fitch, Ruby Joy Fitch, Isaac Christian Fitch and Owen David Fitch. Believing that all animals go to heaven, Michael will be greeted by a pack of nine dogs, starting with Natasha and Boris from 1975, then Skipper, Nutmeg, Moochie, Blackjack, Indianna Woofenpickle and Rowdy Bowowski and finally LeStat from 2009. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Ina (Culp) Franks, in 1965; his mother, Eva Marie (Franks) Williams in 1975; his grandfather, Albert Franks, in 1976; his father, Ira Alfred Fitch, in 1980; his stepfather, Troy Lee Williams, in 1988; and grandson Elijah Thomas Fitch in 2015.

As per his request, no services nor flowers at this time, but donations would be greatly appreciated to either Elkhart County Humane Society or St. Joseph County Humane Society, or to a nonprofit of your choice. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Michael's life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please visit www.CruzFamilyFH.com.