Mike Caldwell peacefully passed away on April 4, 2026, after an extended illness. His family and friends will always remember Mike for his bright smile, quick humor, and enduring love.  

Mike was born on August 25, 1971, to Pete and Suzanne Caldwell. Mike grew up in Litchfield, MI, with his brother, Scott, by his side along with a wonderful group of friends who referred to him as “Cheez”. He enjoyed small town life in the seventies and eighties, with days spent riding bikes from house to house, playing baseball, shooting hoops, and getting in another 9-holes before dark with his buddies. Mike was a proud member of the 1988-89 LHS Varsity Basketball team, which will forever be remembered by locals and classmates as the team who packed the gym on game nights. 

Mike went on to graduate from Western Michigan University where he earned a Bachelor of Business degree and was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. From there he started his career in the commercial insurance industry.

Mike married his best friend and high school classmate, Sandy Kline, in 1994, they made Grand Rapids their home, and had two children together, Anna and Aiden. His most loved role in life was being their dad. Anna and Aiden lit up his world. He coached many softball, baseball, and basketball teams, attended countless daddy daughter dances, and could always be found on the playground, beach, gym, or park playing with them. He spent endless time playing board games, reading to them, sharing his love of sports, and simply enjoying daily life as their dad.

Mike had a passion for woodworking, and he learned it well while working with his dad for several summers as a teenager. He made many pieces of furniture throughout the years which would rival anything purchased at a store. He was a sports enthusiast – March Madness followed by The Masters was quite possibly the best time of year for Mike. And he enjoyed golf, reading, writing, and even started playing the guitar later in life. 

Mike is survived by his children, Anna Caldwell and Aiden Caldwell; his former wife, Sandra Caldwell; his stepmother, Janet Caldwell; siblings, Scott (Amber) Caldwell, Jamie Rowe, Jeff (Beth) Rowe, Jo Ann Rowe; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles (Pete) Caldwell; his mother, Suzanne Caldwell; and brother, Jonny Rowe. Also welcoming him home to Heaven are his two best friends who also left our world too early, Jeff Warren, and Jason Hill. 

Mike’s family welcomes friends and family on Saturday, April 18, from 1-3 p.m. at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68^th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, with a memorial service following at 3 p.m. We ask everyone to wear University of Michigan or maize and blue attire in honor of Mike’s favorite team, the Wolverines. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to the Whitecaps Community Foundation, 4500 W. River Dr. NE Box 428, Comstock Park, MI 49321  https://whitecapscommunityfoundation.org/.