Michael Eugene VanLiew

1961 - 2026

Michael Eugene VanLiew, age 64, of Brownstown, passed away unexpectedly late Wednesday evening, January 28, 2026, at Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, with his wife and children by his side.

Mr. VanLiew was a man of strong Christian faith and a devoted member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Brownstown, where he faithfully served in numerous church roles, most recently as a trustee. He served on the Board of Stewardship and was a long-time Sunday school teacher at Zion Lutheran Church. He was baptized into Christ at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour, on November 12, 1961, and was later confirmed in his Christian faith on April 6, 1975, at Grace Lutheran Church, Columbus.

Mike graduated from Columbus East High School in 1979, and he later attended Purdue University graduating with a degree in Agricultural Engineering in 1984. After graduation, he began his career at Cummins Engine Company, where he held several roles over the years and was currently working as Leader of Test Cell Technology in the high horsepower engineering lab operations, dedicating over 35 years of service to the company.

Mike helped establish the Cougar Den, a retail store supporting Trinity Lutheran High School, where he also served as board president. In addition, he was also a licensed IHSAA and Hoosier Region Association Volleyball official for more than 15 years. In his younger days, he was an active Boy Scout and achieved the Eagle Scout distinction.

Family was always at the heart of Mike's life. He took great pride in supporting his children throughout their years in sports and later cheering them on in their careers. Mike was also his wife's, Janet, strongest supporter during her years as a volleyball coach, as volleyball was an important part of their family. In recent years, his greatest joy was found in his beautiful granddaughters, who lovingly knew him as "Poppy". Mike loved his family deeply and unconditionally and was, in turn, deeply loved by them. Mike especially cherished family time, whether road tripping on vacations to the beach or at the lake, where he loved riding boats, relaxing on the water, and creating memories with his loved ones.

Mike had a lifelong passion for flying, earning his pilot's license at the same time he received his driver's license, and went on to fly as a commercial pilot for many years. He had a talent for fixing and building anything around the house, affectionately known as the family and community volunteer contractor.

Born on September 11, 1961, in Columbus, Mike was the son of Kenneth and Janet (Krumme) VanLiew, both of whom preceded him in death. On June 18, 1988, at Grace Lutheran Church, Columbus, he married Janet Craddock, and she survives in Brownstown.

Survivors also include two sons: Chad Michael (Megan Hackman) VanLiew of Brownstown, and Toby Eugene VanLiew of Seymour; one daughter, Cortney Ruth VanLiew (fiance Matthew Weimer) of Brownstown; two granddaughters: Annie Katherine VanLiew and Avery Grace VanLiew; one brother, Jeff (Julie Mathias) VanLiew of Florida; twin sisters: Jacqueline (Pastor Jeffrey) Stuckwisch of Brownstown, and Deborah (Bryan) Todd of Brownsburg; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Michael Eugene VanLiew will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Brownstown, with Pastor Ryan Schneider officiating. Friends may call from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc., Brownstown, and from 12:00 noon until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Brownstown.

Interment will follow at St. Peter's Lutheran Church Cemetery, Brownstown.

Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran High School, Lutheran Central School, or Immanuel Lutheran School.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.

Online memories and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com