Michael J. Shifferd, 65, of Ozark, Missouri passed away peacefully on January 6, 2021 from complications related to the Coronavirus. Michael was born on December 10, 1955 in Detroit, Michigan to Warren D. and Marilyn H. Shifferd. Like his older brother David, he was fortunate to be born to parents who taught him to love and respect others and seek out their best qualities.
Michael attended primary and secondary schools in Farmington, Michigan, Chesterfield, Missouri and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and graduated from Bloomfield Hills Lahser High School in 1974. He attended Albion College in Albion, Michigan where he and his best friend Al worked at Sounds on the River and began a lifelong love of vinyl, especially Steely Dan. Cars were another of Michael’s passions and he attended many stock car races with Al and their friend Peter, including the Daytona 500 and Watkins Glen. Eventually, he gravitated toward Grand Prix racing and developed a passion for Porsches.
Michael was a gifted athlete and enjoyed watching and playing sports. As a boy, he was our lefty first baseman, moving on to basketball and football in High School with his best friend Scott. While living in the Grand Rapids area, Michael, his best friend Clyde, and several other dear friends formed the Mo Betta Moves team and competed successfully in many Gus Macker Basketball Tournaments.
A lover of technology, Michael spent his entire career in healthcare IT. Be it on the provider side in his many years as the IT Director at the VNS of Western Michigan or on the vendor side as a product manager at HealthMEDX and then McKessson, he was driven to provide clinicians with solutions he hoped would make it easier for them to focus on patient care.
In his 40s, Michael developed a passion for golf and quickly established an enviable handicap. Sadly, his athletic endeavors were halted by paralysis eleven years ago when an aneurysm burst in his back while he was watching a movie with his wife on New Year’s Day. That didn’t stop him though from joining his friends Doug and John on the course, if only to watch and commentate.
Michael and wife Lori (his “Dearest Treasure”) enjoyed great food and wine with their many friends. He especially loved Take it Easy Tuesdays with Tom.
Michael was fortunate to have two fantastic children, Ryan and Jenna, and seven beautiful grandchildren. And, of course, a wife who loved, cherished and supported him. Michael’s love for his friends and his family was deep. Since his passing, so many have commented on how he engaged with them and made them feel like they were a better person just by having him in their lives.
Michael is survived by his loving wife, Lori (Goodrich) Shifferd, brother Warren D (David) Shifferd, Jr, son Ryan Michael Shifferd and his wife, Jenn (LaClair) Shifferd, and their children Warren Ryan, Hudson Joseph, Britton Daniel and Gloria Marilyn, daughter Jenna Elizabeth Shifferd and her finance, Mitchell Murphy, and children Everleigh Ruth, Avett Michael and Louis David, Hope (Starr) Shifferd, uncles and aunts Harold Hines, Cathy Hines, Rosemary Shifferd, Donald Shifferd, Wanda Shifferd, and many loving cousins and friends.
A virtual celebration of Michael’s life will be held on Saturday, January 16th at 5:00pm Central time. Services and arrangements are under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. On-line condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com
Condolences(11)-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Previous Anthony “Tony” Burkhart
Next Lyubov Lazarevich
Peggy says
January 9, 2021 at 4:51 pmMichael will surely be missed. He was a wonderful person. I wish there were words to ease the pain. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love and hugs, Peggy and John Klee
Allie Anderson says
January 9, 2021 at 5:49 pmI only ever knew Mike to be cheerful and cracking jokes, even when he wasn’t feeling well. It was a pleasure to be a part of his evenings with Lori. Mike will be sorely missed.
Love, Allie (Scott’s daughter, your bartender from Avanzare, to Farmer, to Flame)
Karen Roberts says
January 9, 2021 at 9:30 pmI met you just a few times and you left me with the feeling of meeting someone great! Which it is very obvious that was the truth. I alway enjoyed your Facebook comments and it was clear you loved and treasured Lori and the rest of your family. Our thoughts and prayers are now with those you cherished.
L. Richard Pennacchi says
January 10, 2021 at 12:44 pmWarren,
What a beautiful tribute for your brother. Our sincere condolences go out to you and his family during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Richard and Jared
Mary Rohr Schoenherr says
January 10, 2021 at 3:46 pmMy sincere sympathy to all of Michael’s family. I can only echo so many others who were also lucky enough to have enjoyed Michael’s kindness, honesty and great wit. I met Michael as a “new kid” in Junior High and his kindness in welcoming me will never be forgotten. Later we shared many good times again at Albion. May you find our friend, Al, Michael!
Richard Shifferd says
January 10, 2021 at 6:38 pmOur thoughts and prayers are with you all.
The Northern Shifferds,Wanda, Rick,and Jan.
Betty and Bill Nelson says
January 11, 2021 at 2:56 pmMy heart hurts for Lori and the rest of Mike’s family and friends. Mike was so much larger than life in many ways. A big personality and a big heart to match. He always had a smile on his face and a hug ready. He will be missed very much.
John Dodson says
January 13, 2021 at 12:07 pmHeartfelt condolences from an old friend.
Patty Polovino Sowder says
January 16, 2021 at 9:20 amI hadn’t seen Mike for many years but remember him as a very nice cousin. My mother, Rosemary, sends her deepest condolences and said she remembers Michael as a very handsome and good person. We’re so sorry to hear this news and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
Gaye Willis says
January 16, 2021 at 10:47 amMike and I went to Lahser High School together. He was a great person and always fun. I have only warm memories of him. I loved reading about his life and all he accomplished. I’m especailly impressed with how he handled the challenge he faced…still going out in the golf cart with friends, even when he couldn’t golf. I have a grandson in a wheelchair and will use Mike as an example of living life to its fullest. I was deeply saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Susan D'Onofrio Williams says
January 16, 2021 at 11:52 amMy heart-felt condolences to all of Mike’s family and friends. I knew Mike in high school- he was a good friend and I have only fond memories of his humor, kindness, athletic skills and wonderful way of being welcoming to everyone. Always a smile and warm greeting when passing in the halls of Lahser. He was a very good guy and I am sorry for his family’s loss.
Our Location
1700 South 15th Avenue
P.O. Box 796
Ozark, Missouri 65721
Contact Us
Phone: (417) 581-7811
Fax: (417) 581-7911
Follow Us!
All Rights Reserved