Michael Henry Killingbeck

Michael Henry Killingbeck was born in Romulus, Michigan on May 27, 1939. He was the son of Edgar Frank Killingbeck and Edah Emma (Schmiede) Killingbeck. He graduated from Romulus High School with the class of 1957 and furthered his education by obtaining his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Wayne State University.
Michael married the love of his life, Barbara J. Killingbeck, on October 14, 1960, at Littlefield Boulevard Church in Dearborn. The couple was blessed with two children, Michael Killingbeck and Lisa Lapko. He provided for the needs of his family through employment by Ford Motor Company. Starting off as a draftsman in automotive design he eventually became an automotive design engineer. His career spanned more than forty-two years, all of which was spent in Dearborn.
Michael enjoyed playing the guitar and was also talented at drawing. From landscapes, to people, to buildings, his attention to detail was phenomenal. He also loved to work with computers. He loved to be outside, and no place brought him greater satisfaction than fishing and boating in Northern Michigan. Time with his family was extremely cherished. He was a music afficionado with Abba, Elvis, and the Beatles being among his favorites. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church.
Michael Henry Killingbeck, age 85 of Canton passed away at Hampton Manor of Van Buren on Saturday, February 15, 2025, under the care of St. Croix Hospice. His passing was preceded by his parents and five siblings: Edgar A. Killingbeck, Edah (Schmiede) Killingbeck, Walter B. Killingbeck, Mary Lou Stabenow, William Killingbeck, and Nancy Lee Moore.
To cherish his memory he leaves his beloved wife of sixty-four years: Barbara J. Killingbeck of Canton; two children: Lisa (Bryan) Lapko of Canton and Michael W. (Gayle) Killingbeck of Fenton; a brother: Bryan Killingbeck of Romulus; five grandchildren: Paige (Nate) Hamilton, Abigayle Killingbeck, Michael G. Killingbeck, Elaina Lapko, and Hannah Lapko (Joshua Morrocco); and one great grandchild: Van Charles Hamilton, with one on the way: Valerie Rose Hamilton.
Friends and family may gather at the following location and times:
Location:
Merkle Funeral Service, Romulus (formerly Crane Funeral Home); 36885 Goddard Road, Romulus, Michigan 48174 (734) 941-9200
Date/Times:
Viewing: Tuesday, February 18 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM
Funeral Service: Wednesday, February 19 from 12 PM to 1 PM with Pastor Steven Newton of Grace Lutheran Church in Canton officiating. All are welcome to gather starting at 11 AM before the funeral service begins to pay their respects and offer support. A procession will follow the service to Romulus Memorial Cemetery for burial.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.