Obituary of Michael E. Switzer
Michael Switzer wore a lot of “hats” during his lifetime, he was a pastor, teacher, friend, brother, son, grandpa (affectionately nicknamed Poppy), dad, and husband. It’s also fitting because the man looked good in the different physical hats he would wear – working outside, walking the dog, a leather hat for travel, or a regular cap for around town. Michael was a man who did everything and could be counted on in all situations. He is known most of all for his love for Jesus and over his years here on Earth he did his best to share with as many people as possible.
His love for the Lord was only rivaled by the love he had for his wife Barbara and their 4 children: Seth and his wife Pamela, Sean and his wife Heather, Andrea and her husband Tim, Kara and her husband Court, and his growing family of 13 grandchildren: Calvin, Gibson, Nathaniel, Aria, Ruebin, Jackson, Korbin, Genevieve, Everly, Austin, Francesca, Sebastian, and Maylin. His grandchildren would laugh at his Donald Duck impression, sit on his lap when he dressed up as Santa, would sit gazing at him during the reading of the Christmas story, or be his shadow when he was outside walking the dog or working around the house. Michael leaves an incredible legacy of ministry with his wife Barbara and all his children serve in ministry as well.
As we all reflect on what Poppy means to us – it’s so true that JOY and GRIEF rest in the same hand. His memories make us laugh- his dad jokes (before they were cool – we would just call them Dad’s Jokes) his red faced chuckling when his kids or grandkids would say something silly, or the way that he made the best Cincinnati Five Way (if you don’t know, do yourself a favor and look it up). Whether he was washing dishes after family meals or singing with Mima in the living room. These same memories that make us smile are also the reason we are left with so many tears.
Michael always said this about someday going home to be with Jesus. “Please make sure they know a little about me and A LOT about Jesus.” Years of memories and future generations of love and service are a result of this man and we are so fortunate that he was ours.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2021 from 3:00 to 5:00pm and 7:00 to 9:00pm at Cornerstone Church, 65 Schutt Road in Middletown, NY. His funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, January 7 at Transformation Church, 160 Blumel Road, Middletown, NY.
In lieu of flowers, to honor Pastor Mike’s passion for church planting, memorial donations can be sent to Restoration Church at rechurch.tv/give
Arrangements are under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com