Michael Sanders

Michael Curtis Sanders was born May 7, 1982 to Mary Beth Sanders. A retinoblastoma survivor from birth, the final count was unfortunately Sanders, 1: Cancer, 1 and he left the mat on July 26, 2016 after his match with metastatic sarcoma. Mike is survived by his mother, Mary Beth; his wife of 12 years Elizabeth; his wife's parents, Tom and Laura Jewell; sisters-in-law, Erin (Erik) Nowak and Jamie (Aaron) Romoslawski and his nieces, Isa, Harper, and Ezra. He will be missed by his extended Sanders, Jellema, Jewell and Fischer families, including aunts, Wendy Sanders and Vicki Sanders, special uncle Bruce Fischer and cousins, Nathan (Ryan), Colin (Elizabeth), and Hanah (Matt) and their children, Dean Michael, Francis Michael and Adelyn. Mike leaves an extended network of friends, including much-loved "brothers" from all walks of his life. He graduated from City High School in 2000, from the University of Michigan in 2004 with a dual major in history and political science, and earned his Master's Degree from Indiana University in 2014. He ended his career in sales and marketing as a manager at Gordon Food Service. We express gratitude to the Gordon Food Service family for their kindness and support during his illness. Mike was happiest when coaching or competing. He earned a second degree black belt in judo and treasured his time as a youth coach in Whitefish Bay, WI. He was a loyal friend, a loving husband, and a wonderful coach. His legacy as a fierce competitor, avid supporter of all he loved, and engaging physical presence will live on through all who knew him. Family and friends will gather for visitation from 12:00 Noon to 2PM and 5PM to 7PM Friday, July 29 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1025 3 Mile Road, Grand Rapids, MI. Funeral service will take place at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, July 30 at St. Andrew's with an hour visitation prior to the service. At Mike's request, please no flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the family, Godai Judo, the YMCA or the American Cancer Society. To share a photo, memory and sign the family's online guestbook please visit www.steengafuneralchapel.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Michael Curtis Sanders please visit our Sympathy Store.