Michael “Mike” L. Koontz

Michael “Mike” L. Koontz, 74, of Morganton, NC, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 26, 2023.

Born in Richmond, Indiana on June 29, 1949, he is a son of the late John B. Koontz and Betty Rodeheffer Koontz.

Michael was raised in Richmond and worked for Dana Corporation. When Dana opened their plant in Morganton, he moved to Morganton with his wife and two children. Micheal has been a member at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church since moving to Morganton. He was very involved in the church, including singing in the choir, being one of the two parishioners to build the 10-foot Advent wreath, serving as a volunteer grounds keeper, helped with numerous projects at the church, and serving with the St. Charles’ Knights of Columbus Council #9579.

Michael was a dedicated family man and spent many days, evenings, and late-nights helping his children. Whether it was transporting horses for a show, keeping the fire going for overnight campouts, being an assistant Boy Scout leader, or traveling every weekend for out-of-town soccer games, Michael was there. When not spending time with his family, he enjoyed golf, camping, fishing, and tinkering around the house.

Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in the late 90s and faced the challenge head-on. He began a group called People with Parkinsons Equal People Who Care (PWP=PWC). The group came together and helped build a special handicapped focused Habitat for Humanity house on Vine Arden Road. Michael also hosted a Parkinson’s focused internet talk show, “People Living with Parkinson’s” and had a poem published in “Voices from the Parking Lot,” a book of stories and poems from people living with Parkinson’s Disease.

Micheal’s life had an impact on many people, and he will be missed.

Michael is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mary Wagner Koontz; daughter, Shannon Chesney (Kevin); son, Brandon Koontz; beloved grandchildren, Charlotte, Liam, and Oliver Chesney; brothers, John Koontz, Jim Koontz (Kate), and Mark Koontz (Elisabeth); brothers-in-law, Don Routson and Dennis Wagner (Mary Anne); sisters-in-law, Connie White and Joyce Pinneo; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jane Routson; brothers-in-law, Richard Wagner and Ed White; and sisters-in-law, Janet Wagner and Elena Koontz.

The funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2024, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with Father Kenneth Whittington officiating. An informal visitation and meal will follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church (saintcharlesborromeo.org) or AMOREM Hospice (amoremsupport.org/donate).

The family would like to express their appreciation to AMOREM for the compassionate care shown to Michael and his family during this difficult time.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.