Michael Alan “Mango” Mang

January 2, 2022

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Michael Alan “Mango” Mang, of rural Lafayette, passed away January 2, 2022 at I.U. Health Arnett Hospital, Lafayette, Ind with his devoted wife, Mary, and family at his side.

He was born December 18, 1963, to Gerry & Patricia (Wheatley) Mang in Frankfort, Indiana.  After graduating from Clinton Prairie High School in 1982, he went on to graduate from Purdue University in 1983 as well as ITT Tech and took an Architectural Engineering Technology course at IUPUI. In 1985, Mike and Mary began dating and were soulmates from the beginning. He married the love of his life, Mary Jo Maxwell, on May 19, 1990, and she survives.

Mike was passionate about his three boys; Dale, Dane, and Dillon. He loved coaching them in sports and sharing his love of the outdoors and adventure. The family spent many weekends camping and boating. Later, he took long trips to Key West or day trips on his Harley with Mary and family. Mike enjoyed an epic trip to Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, and Amelia’s uncle’s cabin off the grid. He was always planning the next big adventure.

He was Vice President (and everything else) of Butler Fairman & Seufert Inc. and was proud to work there for 36 years. Mike was awarded the Fred C Burgner Memorial Award in recognition of his extraordinary commitment and dedication to BF&S. His memberships include Jefferson Blue Lodge Vesta 136, where he was Past Master, Frankfort York Rite Bodies Commandery, where he was Past Secretary, York Rite Cross of Honor, Indianapolis Scottish Rite, Pheasants Forever, and a Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) Member.

Mike had a zest for life that spilled over into every aspect of his life. He was a man of many trades, and master of all. He loved fixing things and could problem-solve anything that would arise. He started his love of cooking, grilling, and smoking meats with Shoup’s cookoff competitions and judging. Mike was an avid sports fan of the Cincinnati Reds, Indianapolis Colts, and Purdue Boilermakers. He could always be found manning the grill at a Purdue tailgate. Family game nights and Sunday family breakfast were a joy to Mike, and he earned the title of World’s Greatest Paps for his grandchildren.

Everyone who knew Michael would agree he had a giving heart, amazing sense of humor, and deep love for family. He was a genuine friend to all that he met and enjoyed taking care of others. It is in these ways that we strive to be like Mike, to honor his legacy.

Memorial donations may be made to Riley Hospital for Children, 30 S. Meridian Street Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN  46204, The Ronald McDonald House, 435 Limestone St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, and/or Pheasants Forever, P.O. Box 5163, Lafayette, IN  47903-5163.

Visitation and Services

Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Monday, January 10, 2022 with a Masonic Service beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort.  Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, January 11th at the funeral home. 

Survived by:

Surviving along with his Wife: Mary Jo Mang of rural Lafayette are his 3 Sons: Dale (Amelia) Newhart of Mulberry, Dane Mang of Lafayette, and Dillon (Shelbi) Mang of Thorntown; Father: Gerry Mang of Frankfort; Sister: Kelley Mercer; Step-Siblings: Kisti Good Risse, and Kelly John (Susie) Good; and 2 Grandchildren: Grady and Sawyer.  

Preceded by:

He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia, grandparents William & Betty Mang, and Oliver & Mildred Wheatley.

Memorial Video

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30 Condolences for “Michael Alan “Mango” Mang”

  1. Brad (& Melinda) Stump January 5, 2022 at 4:04 pm

    Mary and family, we are so sorry for your loss and pray you will receive all the support and comfort you need to get through the tough times ahead. Although no one outside the family can truly know the depth of the loss you and your family are experiencing, those of us who counted Mike as a close friend share some of that pain.

    Mike was an absolutely fantastic person to work for/with and he was an even greater person to have as a friend. As Mike told me on several occasions, we were “Brothers from another mother”. We shared a similar, sometimes “twisted”, sense of humor and were always willing to share a good-natured joke about nearly anything, especially ourselves. But going a step beyond the humor, Mike was a refreshingly honest person who truly made the lives of all those around him much better for having known him. He could speak knowledgably on a wide range of topics but was equally willing to listen and weigh the merits of an opposing view. Mike was especially proud of his family and would often talk about them, sometimes by telling humorous stories and sometimes by sharing proud moments. We both had/have fathers in law enforcement which led to us swapping some amusing stories. And Mike also cared deeply about those around him. When I had open heart surgery last year, I can’t count the number of calls or texts from Mike asking my wife and I how things were going and if we needed anything but that’s just the kind of man he was.

    To list everything Mike did, and was good at, would be impossible. His skill set at work was unparalleled and was so diverse that it seemed he was involved in nearly everything at Butler, Fairman and Seufert. I don’t know how many people it will take to cover everything he did for the company. On his off hours, Mike was a true grill master and took the BF&S tailgates to another level. As a fellow Mason, Mike occasionally talked about some of the cool historical Masonic memorabilia he collected. And it was especially satisfying for my family to be able to share some of our homemade apple butter with Mike and his family each year because he liked it so much and told us of the different ways he used it (we had no idea you could grill with it but Mike knew).

    Losing Mike hits us all so hard on so many levels but, as my youngest daughter said to me yesterday, “The deep sorrow we feel for our loss is a tribute to the kind of man Mike was and the lives he impacted. We were fortunate to have had someone in our lives for whom we cared so deeply as to feel the sorrow we do now because, even though the sorrow is hard, the joy of knowing Mike will carry us through the tough times ahead.”

    Brother, you have truly left a hole in so many lives that can never be filled. We will in many ways be lost without you. We fervently pray for God to receive you and for it be your portion to hear the Creator say “Well done good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joys of the Lord.” We will miss you brother!

    Reply
  2. Shan Sheridan January 5, 2022 at 4:53 pm

    This obituary really says it all about Mike. I was a part of his family for around 15 years and he never had a cross word. Mike is as genuine as they come. A very kind and caring human being in a world of hate and anger. Our prayers are with you Mary, Dale, Dane and Dillion. Incredible loss for all that knew Mike his smile and laugh will never be forgotten. May the Lord keep and hold you all close!

    Reply
  3. Karon McColley January 5, 2022 at 5:35 pm

    Mary, Dane, Dillon, Dale, & Kelly,
    I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I remember him well from Clinton Prairie. Life will never be the same, but cherish all the good memories you all made together. God bless.

    Reply
  4. Dan Boland January 5, 2022 at 5:50 pm

    I was both shocked and saddened to learn of Mike’s passing. I was lucky enough to be able to work with Mike and got to know him over the past 12 or so years. He was an amazing person and I will miss him dearly. I could always count on Mike answering the phone when I called (even with caller ID) and helping me when I asked. My deepest condolences go out to Mike’s family.

    Reply
  5. Debbie and Jeff Bracken January 5, 2022 at 5:54 pm

    Mary and boys, We are deeply saddened to hear this news! Mike was a wonderful person. Know that you are in our thoughts and we will be praying for your family!

    Reply
  6. Roger Howe January 5, 2022 at 6:26 pm

    Gerry & family, we are so very sad to learn of the loss of your son Michael. We remember both you and Barb sharing your family times with Michael & Mary.

    Reply
  7. Scott and Marta Stuard January 5, 2022 at 6:34 pm

    We were so sorry to hear about Mike. We know he will be missed by many. Sending prayers to the whole family.

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  8. Todd Lucas January 5, 2022 at 6:34 pm

    I am so sorry to hear about Mike. He was a very good man. Prayers for all of the family.

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  9. Lisa Sheets January 5, 2022 at 7:30 pm

    Mary and family~I am so very sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you have.

    Reply
  10. Libby Robbins Kirk January 5, 2022 at 9:14 pm

    Thoughts and prayers are with Gerry and Kelley and Mike’s loved ones during these difficult days ahead. It’s been many years since I have seen Mike but I have many fond memories of Mike and all the neighbor kids playing outside all summer long. I also can’t forget all the family get togethers at Uncle John and Aunt Bert’s house when the house was full of so many people and so much food! I also can’t forget to mention the pig roast we had one summer. That was so fun and everyone from the neighborhood was there. I pray that the happy memories will carry you all through the hard times ahead.

    Reply
  11. Clint Myers January 5, 2022 at 9:22 pm

    Mary. I can’t imagine your loss. I am praying for you and your family. You can call or chat with me anytime.

    Reply
  12. Rhonda S. McLaughlin January 5, 2022 at 10:04 pm

    Mary, Dale, Dane and Dillon I am so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. He was far to young. All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  13. Kim Brewer Dahmen January 6, 2022 at 12:26 am

    It was so nice to read this obituary and learn more about Mike. I will always remember him for his laughter and positive attitude. I pray for all the family during these very difficult times.

    Reply
  14. Jerry Sitton January 6, 2022 at 6:01 am

    Michael was a great man. He will be sadly missed. I will keep you in our prayers.

    Reply
  15. Victor Van Allen January 6, 2022 at 10:59 am

    I was deeply saddened to hear of Mike’s untimely passing. I had the great pleasure of knowing Mike over the last 12+ years. He was easily one of the nicest individuals one could ever meet. You will be missed by so many from his family and friends, to those who simply knew him through work. To Mike’s family, you all have my deepest sympathies during this difficult time.

    Reply
  16. Lynn Ostler January 6, 2022 at 11:40 am

    So sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  17. Sherry Stinson Reef January 6, 2022 at 11:53 am

    Gerry, so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.

    Reply
  18. John Waldron January 6, 2022 at 7:42 pm

    I am so sorry for the pain of the loss of Mike for Mary, Dale, Dane, Dillon, Gerry and all of the entire Mang family. My prayers are with you. Life will never be the same without Mike in it. We are now left to keep Mike in our lives by his beautiful family and all of our many memories of him. I was privileged to know and be friends with Mike over for 50 years. So fortunately I have so many memories of Mike to cherish the rest of my life.

    Reply
  19. Heather Wiggins January 6, 2022 at 11:06 pm

    Mary Jo and family: I just heard the news yesterday. I am so sorry. I enjoyed the few visits and talks I got to have with Mike in the last few years. Thank you for sharing him with us. He will be missed

    Reply
  20. Joe and Jackie Metzger January 7, 2022 at 11:09 am

    Gerry…know that you are in our prayers…sorry for you and Michael’s family.

    Reply
  21. Michelle L Albitz January 8, 2022 at 12:55 am

    Mary and Family,
    We were so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Please know that we are praying for you all. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

    Reply
  22. Stephen Weintraut January 8, 2022 at 9:28 am

    I am so sorry for the pain of the loss of Mike for Mary and the entire Mang family. My prayers are with all of you. Life will never be the same without Mike in it. I will keep Mike in my life by thoughts of his beautiful family and all of my 35 years of memories of him. I was privileged to work with and be friends with Mike over these many years. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. Sorry I cannot be at the funeral due to being in Florida at the present time. Again my thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Mang family.

    Reply
  23. Binnie Sue (Spray) Bragg January 8, 2022 at 11:43 am

    Gerry, we are so very sorry to learn of the loss of your son. As we read his obituary, we thought of many of the attributes you passed along to him…the kindness and love of life and friends and family that you both shared. We are sending our sincere condolences and hopes that your memories of the fun, happy times you had together will help heal the heartache you have at this time.
    Binnie and Larry Bragg

    Reply
  24. Phil Ramsey January 9, 2022 at 4:51 pm

    Such a loss, such a loss. I got to know Mike from serving on the building committee for the Fieldhouse at Clinton Prairie. Humble, smart, low key, likeable, thorough, loyal, open minded and considerate of others opinions all come to mind when remembering the dozens of meeting we had and field trips we made in an effort to not only spend our taxes wisely but to more importantly heal the divide that existed in our school community. Mike was so instrumental in whatever success our group achieved. Rest easy my friend. Mary and family, many heartfelt prayers.

    Reply
  25. Angie Moody January 9, 2022 at 9:26 pm

    Dear Mary & Family,
    We want to say we are so sorry for your loss. We have worked with Mike the last few years & he has been patient to explain & make sure all our town projects will work out for the best. His larger than life personality makes it easy to feel completely at ease with him. You always knew he had your best interest in mind. When he shared about his family he was definitely beaming. We hope you have as many wonderful memories as there are stars in the sky on a beautiful clear night. Thank you for sharing so many photos of your family fun & love through the years! His smile was contagious and won’t be forgotten. Prayers of strength, comfort & peace for all of you!
    Deepest Sympathies!
    Angie & Gary Moody

    Reply
  26. Teresa Snyder January 10, 2022 at 5:07 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Thinking about you and your family at this difficult time.

    Reply
  27. Connie Lane January 10, 2022 at 11:00 pm

    Mary, so sorry to hear about Mike. You guys together were familiar faces at Hunters. Please continue to visit regularly. Only God knows why.

    Reply
  28. Dan Isaacs January 11, 2022 at 7:59 am

    Christine and I send our deepest sympathies. I had the pleasure of knowing and working Mike for many years at BFS and I/we will miss him greatly. Mike was always willing and able, and with a friendly smile. We shared a love of motorcycles. I sure wish I did, but never had a chance to ride with Mike before selling my Harley to his son.

    We wish the family strength and healing.

    Reply
  29. Kevin & Elizabeth Hintz January 11, 2022 at 11:50 am

    Mango Family,

    The entire Hintz family (Kevin, Elizabeth, and my parents Holly & Greg) would like to send our love and prayers. Mango was so much more than a co-worker for me – he was a friend, a mentor, and always a blast to be around. He would always go out of his way to help anyone in need and had this magical ability to make you laugh and enjoy your time around him. I will cherish the good memories and laughs we had forever. We have a great picture of Mango and Mary from our wedding we would be happy to share if you would like!

    What a great man, and a great loss for both the Mang and BFS families.

    With Love,
    Kevin & Elizabeth Hintz

    Reply
  30. Ken Walters January 11, 2022 at 2:09 pm

    Mike’s family, I am so sorry to just be learning of his passing. We played Babe Ruth baseball on the Clinton County Bank team and also worked together at Smilin’ Joe’s Supermarket. God’s peace and love cover you all.

    Reply

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