July 29, 1937 – March 22, 2024
Michael Robert VanNess, age 86, of Colorado and Indiana passed away on March 22 at Mason Health and Rehabilitation Center in Warsaw, Indiana. He was born July 29, 1937 to Elmer Gilbert and Leila (Scott) VanNess in Burbank, California.
Michael grew up in California and lived an incredibly full life. He raced Motorcycles in his younger years and was the first flat track dirt bike racer sponsored by Yamaha. Michael loved sailing, camping and spending time with his friends and family. He was especially proud of his nine grandchildren.
He is survived by his two daughters, Katrina Diane VanNess and Morgan Pettigrew, both of Warsaw, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two nephews, two nieces, and his sister, Elaine Parriott, and brother, Glenn Parriott, of Arizona.
He is preceded in death by his sister Patricia Powers and nephew Micah Kraus.
A celebration of Michael’s life will be held on Saturday, July 13 at the American Legion Post 100 in Carbondale, 97 North Third Street, Suite 100, at 3pm. Please contact Elaine at 602-332-2676 with a text or call, or email e_klopper@yahoo.com, so she can get a general head count.