Michael Frederic Simon

Michael Frederic Simon of Portage passed away Friday morning, December 16, 2022, with his loving wife by his side. Michael was born in New York on May 9, 1939, to Leo and Ruth (Marblestone) Simon.

Michael graduated from Mumford High School in Detroit, class of 1957, and went on to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1961 and a Juris Doctor degree in 1964 from the University of Michigan. Michael spent his career as an attorney with a focus on business and contract law.

Michael was united in marriage to Joanne Hoffman Keltz in 1999 in Kalamazoo.

His interest in stamps at a young age led him to become a scholar of royalty and world history. An active Portage Rotarian, he held the office of Secretary for 15 years, and then was awarded a newly created Board position of Secretary Emeritus. He was an active member of the Congregation of Moses.

Michael is survived by his wife of 23 years, Joanne; his children Joshua Simon and Robert Simon; his step-children Ira (Lynn) Keltz and Amy (Jeff) Cardella; and grandchildren Archie Keltz, Jonathan Brody, Alison and Michael Cardella. Michael was predeceased by his parents and his sister Susan (Bertrand) Horwitz.

Services for Michael will be held at Langeland Family Funeral Homes 622 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007 on Monday, December 19 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place at Ahavas Israel Cemetery 1801 Garfield Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 at 2:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Rotary International at rotary.org, Congregation of Moses, 2501 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49008, or to the charity of one’s choice.