Michael “Mike” Scott Roorbach, 75, peacefully entered heaven’s gates on Monday, April 3, 2023, with his wife of 52 years, Karen (Hand) Roorbach, and family by his side. He was born in Camden, New Jersey, on October 27, 1947, to James Arthur and Ruth Rebecca (Chew) Roorbach.
Mike graduated from Mount Carmel High School and Kentucky Mountain Bible Institute (both in Kentucky). He was a graduate of Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University) in 1973, where he was a member of the school’s first soccer and basketball teams. He later served as a member of the tv and radio broadcast team calling basketball games for 25+ years. He earned his Master’s Degree in Education from Ball State University in 1982.
Mike retired in 2008 from a career that included leadership positions as the Dean of Students and Athletic Director at Bryan College, Executive Director of the Grant County Family YMCA, Principal, Teacher, and Coach at Lakeview Christian School, and the Director of the IWU Alumni Association. Mike served his community proudly, holding elected positions on the Marion School Board, Marion City Council, and was currently serving as a Grant County Councilman. Mike was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 2015 and the Tony Maidenberg Award in 2007 for modeling a life of character, integrity, service, and faith to his community. Mike was a 19-year cancer survivor and was known around the community for always greeting and reminding people that God is good all the time! And, all the time, God is good!
Mike was a long-time member of Lakeview Wesleyan Church, major supporter of and participant in the Marion Easter Pageant, and a strong Pro-Life advocate. Mike enjoyed playing, watching, and coaching sports of all kinds, and he was an avid golfer and member of the IWU Wednesday Night Golf League. More than anything, Mike enjoyed Sunday family dinners, cheering on his kids and grandkids, and visiting the Stone Harbor (NJ) shoreline with his wife and family.
In addition to his loving wife, survivors include his sons, Keith (Janell) Roorbach of Marion and Adam Roorbach of Meriden, KS; daughter, Janet (TJ) Richardson of Marion; granddaughters, Jaclyn (Steven) Gidley, Mikela (Josh) Richardson, Grace, Kara, Charlotte Richardson, all of Marion, Audrey and Mallory Young of Meriden, KS; grandsons, Kevin (Sara) Roorbach of Indianapolis, Kyle Roorbach of Marion, Grant and Blake Roorbach of Meriden, KS; great-grandchildren, Elaine, Sylvia, Alexander, baby Roorbach due September; brothers, James Arthur Roorbach, II, Robert M. Roorbach, and Douglas Roorbach; and sisters, Susan R. Hellings and Margaret “Peg” Shrum.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will receive visitors from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Lakeview Wesleyan Church, 5316 S. Western Ave., Marion, IN.
The celebration of Mike’s life will be held at Lakeview Wesleyan Church on Friday, April 14, 2023, at 1:00 pm. An additional hour of visitation will precede the service starting at 12 noon. Those who cannot attend the celebration can watch via livestream by searching Lakeview Wesleyan Church on YouTube.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the New Marion Easter Pageant Endowment Fund through the Community Foundation of Grant County (<https://givetogrant.org/neweasterpageant/>).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com <http://www.nswcares.com>.
To send flowers to the family of Michael “Mike”, please visit our floral store.