G. Michael Dalzell

G. Michael Dalzell

All the world's a stage, and local star of stage and screen, Mike Dalzell, burst onto the scene on June 26, 1938. The highlight of his career was the role of Mayor of Hickory, in the Oscar award nominated "Hoosiers." He was also cast in many local stage productions, and was a regular Master of Ceremonies for philanthropic organizations in Indianapolis.

Act I of his life took place in Kokomo, where he was born and raised.  He graduated from Kokomo High School in 1956. In high school, his commitment to the arts and philanthropy were reflected in his participation in theatrical events and Boys' Legion. The action culminated in Mike's graduation from the University of Notre Dame in 1960.  

Act II started in California, but then detoured through a commitment to the United States Army. After release from that obligation, his first job was in Anderson, Indiana, then he made his way to Indianapolis as a financial advisor. By 1968, he was managing the Glendale office of Thomson & McKinnon brokerage firm. A confirmed bachelor during this time, he was active in the Notre Dame Alumni Association, the Booth Tarkington Civic Theater in Indianapolis, and St. Luke Parish.

Act III was marked by his jump into family life. He married and was the patriarch of a thoroughly modern family. His life was full of traveling hockey, college visits, and Notre Dame football games. He continued to be active in local theater companies (including the Civic Theater and Players Club of Indianapolis), as well as the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.

The curtain closed on June 20, 2015, when he succumbed to cancer, surrounded by loved ones. He performs now to an audience that preceded him in death, including his mother and father, Harry and Rosemary Dalzell, and his sisters, Maureen (Johnson) and Patty (Tudor). He is survived by his wife, Jeanne, children Bob Dalzell, Tom (Valerie) Perkins, John (Emily) Perkins, Megan (Henry) Luke, 7 grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

Mike would encourage everyone to support their local arts groups such as the Booth Tarkington Civic Theater and the Carmel Theater Company. In lieu of flowers, though, please contribute to The Miracle Place, 940 Temple Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana, 46201. http://amiracleplace.org/. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, June 26, from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., at the Leppert Mortuary in Nora, with the Rosary to begin at 7:30. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, June 27, at 10:30, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Carmel. Burial to follow. You are invited to send a condolence to the family at www.leppertmortuary.com