Michael C. Van Tiem

Michael C. Van Tiem - December 13, 1949 – July 7, 2025. Michael was born in Shreveport, Louisiana to Richard and Geraldine VanTiem. He grew up in Shreveport and attended both Catholic and public schools, graduating from Fair Park High School in 1968. As a child he was altar boy at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church. As a Boy Scout he earned the ultimate distinction of Eagle Scout and was a member of the Order of the Arrow.
He attended LSUS for one year prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1969. Michael served as an aircraft technician during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1971.That same year He married Marian Leigh Hunter and that union produced three daughters: Dianna, Kelly and Jamie.
Michael was a tireless, energetic worker at every job he ever had beginning in boyhood. His first job was at East Ridge Country Club and he never slowed down, working many jobs throughout his life. He retired from Kansas City Southern Railroad as a Project Manager. He had no taste for sitting idly by in retirement so Michael joined the staff at Drug Emporium, Vitamins Plus, as Assistant Manager.
After the death of his wife Marian, he married Virginia Kennedy in 2000.
Everyone who ever met Michael had a story to tell. He was bluntly and refreshingly honest. No one worked harder or longer. If he said he would do something, he did. He truly lived up to the Boy Scout Oath and Law. He was trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. Michael was honorable, dutiful, physically strong, morally straight and mentally awake.
Michael passed away following an emergency surgery. He is survived by his wife Virginia VanTiem, his daughters Kelly Herring and Dianna Mathews, step-daughter, Karen Coddington, his father, Richard VanTiem, brother, John David VanTiem and sister Julia VanTiem Martin. He leaves 7 grandchildren: Alexis Valenti, Michael Herring, Gabriel Herring, Kimber Herring, Katelynn Mathews, Jacob Shofner, Marian Shofner as well as niece, Mindy Thomas and nephews, John Brandon VanTiem and Julian Martin. He was predeceased by his daughter Jamie VanTiem Shofner, mother Geraldine VanTiem and brother Brian VanTiem.
Michael "Mike" will be sorely missed by his family, friends and his co-workers.
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