Michael "Mike" E. Ridenour

Michael E. (Mike) Ridenour (Moose) passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family on March 11th, 2023 after a long battle with cancer.

Mike was born on October 12, 1946, in Indianapolis where he lived his entire life. Mike graduated from Emmerich Manual High School in 1965. He also served his country proudly in the United States Air Force based in Shreveport, Louisiana from 1966-1970.  Later he worked for RCA, then for AAA as a Sales Representative for over 7 years, he worked in insurance and real estate, then finally became self-employed owning businesses in the food and beverage industry.

Mike was known for his love for the Indiana State Fair. He was proud to say he never missed a year of eating Butterscotch Corn, Pork Burgers, Corn on the Cob, Pineapple Whips, and Italian Sausages on Main Street while watching the crowd, admiring the lights from the vendors and watching the sun go down. He was a man who loved family gatherings and traditions. Some of his traditions include The Boat, Sport, and Travel Show; Christmas Gift and Hobby Show; the Indiana State Fair, watching the fireworks downtown Indianapolis, visiting the Garfield Park Conservatory during Christmas, and the Sunken Gardens during the summer.

His family (especially his grandchildren) loved how he made each and every holiday special, especially Christmas. He made sure to outdo himself every year with what he called “wow gifts” and made sure the grandkids Christmas Lists were checked off plus added some surprise gifts. Weeks before every holiday he would bring holiday themed surprises for his grandchildren so they would become even more excited about the holiday approaching. Clearly his love language was gift giving.

Mike was an animal lover. When you see a squirrel bounding up a tree, a chipmunk darting across the yard, a robin perched in a tree in the spring, summer or winter (yes, dad, some robins are here in the winter) it’s easy to think about Mike and smile. He taught his family, every animal is God's creature and deserved to be loved.  

Mike was preceded in death by his parents William (Max) and May (Eaton) Ridenour and the mother of his daughter, Bonnie (Eads) Ridenour. Survivors include his daughter, Nicole Kiefer (Matthew), 3 grandchildren, Elliana, Ariana, and Ryan Kiefer. His brother, Thomas W. Ridenour and niece Melissa Ridenour.

Mike wanted the obituary to end with these quotes from him:  “In my opinion Pete Rose deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.”  “And I have a message to my Baby Boomer Generation; ‘See You Soon’ and to all the future generations ‘Good Luck’!”

Per Mike’s request a graveside service will be held on Tuesday, March 21st, 2023, at 2pm in St. Joseph Cemetery, Indianapolis, with full military honors.  

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