Michael T. Foote

Michael Thomas Foote, 41, of Jersey City, NJ, formerly of Bremen, was called home on Sunday, June 1, 2014. He was born to Mark and Donna Foote on September 17, 1972 in Elkhart.

As a young child, Mike had an enthusiasm and zest for life that was evident in his smile, playfulness, sensitivity to others and laughter. Very early, he displayed diverse musical talent as he sang in school and church music programs, played the organ at various events and won several talent competitions performing on the saxophone. Pursuing his passion for music he attended Taylor University and Belmont University to major in music performance. While in college, he quickly gained a reputation of possessing a phenomenal voice as he sung in different campus venues such as the music department's Taylor Sounds and various campus events. Mike's talent extended beyond college and he was often requested to sing at weddings, church events and local television programs. He carried his love of music performance to New York City and attained a soloist role in Handel's Messiah along with other performances.

While serving for years in the hotel industry, he attained success within the world of hospitality, service and event coordinating. At holiday celebrations, his family was often the recipient of dishes and pies prepared using recipes learned at the high end New York City restaurants where he had worked. As a lead delegate in his hotel and hospitality trade union, he fought extremely hard for his fellow workers in attaining the best working conditions possible. Driven with a deep compassion for what was right and a relentless commitment to the disadvantaged, he was a tough negotiator. If you ever needed an
advocate to fight for you, Mike was your man.

Observing how his nieces and nephews were thrilled to see him and always affectionately surrounded him at family gatherings, it was easy to understand how he was considered a "favorite uncle". He maximized every moment he could spend with his family. Three or four hour phone calls with his family passionately talking about anything and everything was the norm. Always having a strong sense of humor; a deep, hearty and contagious laugh was a trademark loved by all of those around him. His perseverance and unflinching resolve during his illness was a testimony to his strength of character.
Mike will be extremely missed by all those who had the blessing of knowing him here on earth. His passing leaves a void within his family that will not be filled until they are reunited with him in Heaven.

Mike is survived by his parents, a twin sister, Annmarie (Russell) Betz of Lakeland, Florida; a brother, David “Joe” (Elizabeth) Foote of Lathrup Village, Michigan; six nieces and nephews; and three aunts.

He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.

A funeral service will be held at Christ Chapel (3402 Locust Rd, South Bend, Indiana 46614) on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at 10:30 AM. Pastor Steve Sumrall will officiate with burial following at Bremen Cemetery.

Friends may call at Mishler Funeral Home, Bremen on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 from 4-8 PM and one hour prior to the service on Thursday.

Memorial contributions may be given to Feeding the Nations.