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Michael Fanning Obituary

Michael Shawn Fanning Formerly of DeWitt Michael Shawn Fanning passed away unexpectedly on July 11, 2011 at his home in Chesapeake Virginia. He was born in Mt. Clemens Michigan on December 12, 1960 to Clifford and Judith (Jefferies) Fanning. He spent his childhood there and was involved in many sports, especially golf and baseball and became a Life Scout. He graduated from Mt. Clemens High School in 1979, Michigan State University in 1983 and Cooley Law School in 1987. He then practiced law in the Lansing area. Mike was an avid Michigan State fan and could be found tailgating at every Spartan home football game. He married his college sweetheart, Jill Lyn Sheridan in Allendale, Michigan on October 22, 1983 and together they raised two wonderful children in DeWitt, Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Jill, daughter Lindsay Michelle Fanning (fiancé Michael Murray) and son, Ian Michael Fanning and his parents. Also surviving are his sisters, Nancy (Ted) Petri, Laurel (Brian) Crawford, brothers in law Kurt (Debra) Sheridan, Todd (Anne) Sheridan and stepmother in law Mary Sheridan and aunts and uncles, Anthony and Janet Hudock, Herbert and Wilma Fanning, Lynne Swift and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents Herbert and Leone Fanning and Lewin (Red) and Mildred Jefferies and mother and father in law, Dr. Harold (Red) and Vera Sheridan. Funeral services will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River, East Lansing, MI 48912 on Friday, July 15 at Noon. The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 14 from 4-7pm and one hour prior the service at the Chapel. Contributions may be made to Boy Scouts of America National Council, PO Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079 or the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA 22312-9067 in Michael's memory. On line condolences may be made to www.gorslineruncimaneastlansing.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Jul. 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Fanning

Not sure what to say?





Susan Jefferies/Vokes

July 19, 2011

Cousins Countries apart, We never met so did not part, But maybe later in Gods land, i'll get the chance to shake your hand.
Your with our ancestors now, So here is a bit of welsh to introduce yourself in the old langauge ( Braf cwrdd y chi, sut mae, Michael dwi )

Cathy Hungerford

July 18, 2011

Hi Jill,
I know we haven't spoken in years but I saw in the paper that Mike had passed. I'm so sorry! I hope you and the kids will find peace in knowing that he is in a better place then any of us could imagine. Please take care of yourself. If you want to catch up you can reach me @ [email protected]

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cathy Hungerford

Brenda Perry

July 17, 2011

Jill, Lindsey and Ian, praying for you to be comforted by loving memories. Holding you in thought and prayer,

Brenda and Chuck Perry

July 16, 2011

Hi Jill; Very sorry for your loss. God Bless you and your family during this most difficult time. Will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Tom and Patty Kaldor
Heathrow,Florida

Carolyn Wayne

July 16, 2011

Jill, I'm so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the children, and with Mike's parents and loved ones. I wish there were words to make it easier. For now please take some comfort in knowing that many prayers are being lifted for all of you.

July 16, 2011

I never met Michael, he sounds like a heck of a nice guy and my prayers are with all the family Love Judith Smith formaly ( Jefferies)x

Mike Shumar

July 15, 2011

Mike and I grew up together from age 7 until high school graduation. We spent countless days playing wiffle ball, pickle, ping pong, and, and, and... We lost touch when Mike went away to college and I joined the army, but we were best friends for many years. Mike, I'm sorry we didn't keep in touch -- but it looks like you lived your life well. Sorry also that you left us much too early. Sincere condolences to Mike's family.

Carol Bartlette

July 15, 2011

Jill,

So sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers extended to you and your family.

There are no words to make it better, just know that others are praying for you and God will guide you and give you the strength you need to work your loss. God be with you.

Paul Pianto

July 15, 2011

Jill, sorry for your loss. I wish you and your family my sympathy in this difficult time.

Paul A. Pianto

RICK MCCULLOUGH

July 15, 2011

DEAR JILL & FAMILY , MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU & FAMILY.GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU.

TERRY RIGGS

July 15, 2011

I GREW UP WITH MIKE. HE WAS A HECK OF A BALLPLAYER,A FUNNY GUY,AND ALWAYS UPBEAT.SHOCKED TO SEE HIS OBITUARY ONLINE.HAVEN'T SEEN HIM SINCE HIGHSCHOOL BUT HE LIVED LIFE WELL.

Robin Younes

July 14, 2011

Dear Jill,
I am so sorry to hear of your sudden loss of your life's helpmate and your children's father.

No words we can say could possibly fill that loss. Maybe all of them together~expressed here by your family & friends will bring some comfort to help you & children along the way. I believe the glow of love and friendship can take us a long way in our hours of need,when memories are all that we have left. I hope you find that peace as well.

Trudy & John Block

July 14, 2011

Jill, Lindsey & Ian, We celebrate and honor Mike's life as we grieve for your unexpected and painful loss. May God give you comfort and peace at this most difficult time. Trudy & John Block

Ron and Josie Treash

July 14, 2011

So sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Cliff and Judy, Jill and family, at this very sad time.

Lincoln Hill

July 14, 2011

Dear Jill, Lindsay, and Ian,

I can't tell you how much we miss him. The great friendship. The stories. The advice. The patio. The cooking. The coining of the term "my little buddy" for action Jackson. Showing us what it meant to be a real fan. Go State. Taking me to Augusta. Teaching me how to fix a boat prop, believe it or not. Teaching me that kids even when annoying keep us young. The importance of having an outdoor TV. That fried turkey is really damn good. That breakfast at AJ's is better than breakfast at the Ritz and a better deal too. Georgia wouldn't have been the same without you. Looking forward to seeing you again, my brother.

Drew Heath

July 14, 2011

I apologize for our loss. Hold onto all your memories with him.

Much Love

Amy Fowler

July 14, 2011

Jill,
Take comfort in all of your memories... My prayers are with you and the your family..

Sue Veeneman

July 14, 2011

Jill,
So sorry to hear the news and you know you are in our thoughts. I will try to be there tomorrow, unfortunately Dan cannot be, but you know he sends his hugs. Stay strong - I know you will....hugs,

Sue Veeneman

Kelly (Mizer) Smith

July 14, 2011

Jill,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.

Brenda Cody

July 14, 2011

Jill, I am so sorry. My heart goes out to you Lindsey and Ian. I pray that your grief will be lessened with time and that your memories will comfort you during this sorrowful time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Brenda Cody

July 14, 2011

Dear Jill, Lindsay, and Ian,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Cheryl (Veldman) Harsay

Lisa Mudge

July 14, 2011

Jill,

I am so very sorry to hear about Mike. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.

Lidia McCoy

July 14, 2011

Mrs. Jill , words cannot begin to express how sorry I am for your loss. Please rest assured that we are here for you and we love u dearly. May the lord bless you with peace and strength during this time , now and always. With love Lidia , John , Nadia & Hailee Mccoy

July 14, 2011

Dear Jill,

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. We are so sorry. You both were part of so many great memories with with us.

Sabaitis Family

Mike, Denise & Miquaela Dault

July 14, 2011

Dear Jill, Lindsay & Ian
Please accept our sincere condolances on your loss. After I heard I was shocked and started to try to imagine losing Denise. I know it must be very hard for you right now, but thank god for all of the friends that you have to support you (Tammy come to mind first and foremost). Mike was great and very outgoing. What a guy. May god bless all of you and we will keep you in our prayers.

July 13, 2011

Dear Jill & family: We just received the news from Sue about your sad news. We are so sorry. Mary had told us he was so sick at Christmas time. I haven't really seen Mary all spring to find out how things were going. What a shock. I wish I could be with you on Friday but I have to be at work as Diane is on vacation. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless you all.
Love Al & Winnie Spencer

Mary Cicerone

July 13, 2011

Dear Jill, Lindsay, Ian;
Sincere sympathy on your loss. I can't imagine how painful this is for all of you. Mike was a great guy and a super dad. You are all in our prayers. God bless all of you.
Mary (lillie)and David Cicerone

Shelly & Jessica Fuller

July 13, 2011

We are so so sorry for you and your family Lindsay....Your dad was a very fun guy, Jessie and I have very fond memories of him...I remember the softball tourney's and games...he was also generous and helped us when we needed it...he will be missed. Love, Shelly and Jessica Fuller

Hong (Pham) Nguyen

July 13, 2011

Dear Jill: You must be numb with grief now. I wish I could reach across the Internet to give you a comforting hug. I'm so sorry for what you're going through. Your husband left a great void in your heart and your life, but he also left countless happy memories to fill your void. He will be by your side to keep you strong when you need him the most. My deepest sympathy and condolences to you, your children, and extended family. Hong

July 13, 2011

Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and friends.

The Walker Family
Lloyd, April, Lucas and Sean
(Armada, MI)

Renee (Streeter) Klynstra

July 13, 2011

Jill, I am so sorry for the death of your husband and father to your children. You are in my thoughts and prayers and may God bless during this time of need. CHS class of 78'

Mike and Deb Murray

July 13, 2011

Jill, Lindsay and Ian, we are so sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers daily.

Yolette McCoy

July 13, 2011

JILL IT'S NOT VERY OFTEN THAT YOU MEET AND BECOME FRIENDS WITH FINE PEOPLE SUCH AS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I WILL MISS MIKE SO MUCH-HIS PERSONALITY, HIS HUGS, HIS SMILE AND THE LAUGHTER THAT WE ALL SHARED TOGETHER. MAY GOD BLESS YOU, LINDSAY, IAN, MR & MRS FANNING AND GIVE ALL OF YOU STRENGTH IN THE DAYS TO COME - LOVE YOU

Laurel Fanning-Crawford

July 13, 2011

I will miss you Mike more than you will ever know.

Douglas Cooke

July 13, 2011

Dear Jill, Kids and Family; I am deeply saddened and sorry for the death of your husband, friend and kids father...

Leesa (VanBeek) McKinney

July 13, 2011

Hi Jill, I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and your family, and ask God to give you comfort and peace. Your classmates at CHS were all informed of the loss of your husband and even though it's been over 30 years since we've seen each other I just wanted you to know how sorry I am.

Kent & Karen Cudney

July 13, 2011

Jill, we are so sorry for your loss, you will be in our thoughts & prayers. We will always hold close to our hearts the special times we shared with you, Mike & Lindsay.

Cyndi Mengel

July 13, 2011

Jill, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. There are no words to take away your pain, but know that God is ever aware and walking through this with you. Praying you will find His peace that passes all understanding.

July 13, 2011

Lindsay, Jill, and Ian we are thinking of you! If there is anything we can do don't hesitate to call! - Gary, Kim, Katelyn, and Nathan Goetz

July 13, 2011

You have our deepest sympathy. The Cole's

Debbie, Tessa, Malcolm, & Aunt Gaye Ellis

July 13, 2011

Jill and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. If we could be there with you, we certainly would be.

David Henson

July 13, 2011

Jill, I'm so sorry for your loss,I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

James Yoder

July 13, 2011

Jill sorry for your lose if there is any thing i can do for you just let me know. James Yoder

July 13, 2011

My heartfelt sympathies to Jill and all the family. I worked for John McCauley in Mike's office for many years; he was a wonderful man and a great Dad. He will be sorely missed!

Corbyn Hanley
Portland, MI

CHARLES JOHNSON

July 13, 2011

JILL, my symphathy go out to you and your family for the lost of your husband MICHAEL. My GOD be with your during this time and my he bless you.

Patti Strait

July 13, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and always. We will miss you Mr. Mike!

Greg Harrell

July 13, 2011

Jill, So very sorry for the loss you and your family have experienced!
Time, strength, and faith heal all wounds.
Greg

Janet Joyce

July 13, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Jean Ely

July 13, 2011

Jill, Lindsay & Ian I am so very sorry for your loss!! You are all in my thoughts & prayers! There are no words to describe how much he will be missed. I not only considered him my boss, but also my friend & part of my family!

Patrick Norton

July 13, 2011

Jill and family - I am so sorry your loss. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless

Ian's graduation from high school in Georgia

July 13, 2011

Sending Ian off to his Senior Prom

July 13, 2011

The whole family for Lindsay's college graduation

July 13, 2011

Went to see the Tigers play the Braves for Father's Day

July 13, 2011

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