Michael Patrick Coleman

Michael (Mike) Patrick Coleman, age 77, born September 7, 1948, in South Bend, Indiana, passed away on February 10, 2026, at Holy Cross Rehabilitation Center.

Michael was born to Harold Coleman and Dorothy (Reha) Coleman and lived most of his life in South Bend, the city he proudly called home. As a young adult, he followed a path of service and adventure, joining the United States Army, where he served as an Airborne Ranger. His military service took him beyond Indiana, including time in Colorado, Georgia and Germany. Though he traveled the world, South Bend always drew him back.

Michael dedicated many years of his working life as a security guard at the University of Notre Dame as well as a dishwasher in the dining hall at Notre Dame. His favorite work on campus, however, was his role as an extra in the movie Rudy—a story he never tired of telling.

On June 14, 1975, Michael married Catherine (Fekete) Coleman at Our Lady of Hungary Church in South Bend, Indiana.

Michael is survived by his daughters Irene Coleman of Wheaton, Illinois, and Joanne (Peter) Scott of Covina, California, and his son John (Rachel) Coleman of South Bend, Indiana. John did mostly everything, Irene did some, and Jo did none (apart from this obituary)—but he loved them all the same, as good dads do. He was a proud grandfather to Isabella Coleman- Sullivan, Coleman Scott, Guy Scott, Cadence Smith, and Marah Smith.

He is also survived by his sisters Maureen (John) Marnocha of South Bend, Indiana, and Sioban (Safa) Saddawi of Sarasota, Florida; and his brothers Sean Coleman, Timothy (Betsy) Coleman, Terry (Kim) Coleman, and Kelly (Claire) Coleman, all of South Bend,   Indiana. Michael was preceded in death by his brother Kevin Coleman and his sister-in-law Kate Coleman. He is also lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews.

Michael was an active member of the Masons, South Bend Lodge, the American Legion Post 0049, and was a prior member of the South Bend Civic Theater. Michael was deeply rooted in his hometown and enriched by experiences far beyond it.

Michael Patrick Coleman will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and  Grandfather, brother, veteran, and friend. A natural storyteller, a true romantic, and an easy laugher—like all the greats—his life wasn’t easy, but it was full.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Holy Cross Catholic Church 1050 Wilber Street South Bend, IN 46627.  There will be a visitation on Sunday, February 15, 2026 from 2:00pm-5:00pm Palmer Funeral Homes – Welsheimer North Chapel 17033 Cleveland Rd. South Bend, IN 46635.  Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.  Online condolences can be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

May the road rise to meet him, and may his memory bring joy to all who knew him.

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