Michael Spencer
January 31, 1983 ~ March 26, 2023
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you of the death of our husband, father, son, colleague, and friend, Mike Spencer, who unexpectedly passed away on March 26, 2023. We will all miss him more than words can express. Mike will be remembered for his sense of humor, commitment to community, and collaborative spirit – always willing to lend a helping hand.
Michael John Spencer, 40, of Columbus, was born in Madison, Indiana on January 31, 1983. He was the son of Michael Anthony Spencer and Nydia A. (Carias) Spencer.
Mike was a faithful member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church where he had served as an altar boy, reader, and as Eucharistic Minister. He was also active in the Peace and Justice Movement
Mike graduated from Notre Dame University with a bachelor's degree in mathematics and his MBA from IUPUC. Mike joined Cummins full-time in 2007 in the HHP quality team in Columbus. During his 16-year tenure, Mike also worked in treasury, finance, and EBU account roles, and most recently as a member of the New and ReCon Parts pricing team since 2018. While he contributed immensely throughout his time with Cummins, his pricing work with Lat Am DBU and CSSNA transformation received special appreciation and left a lasting impact on our business. Additionally, Mike was an active member of Cummins GOAL and the New and ReCon Parts Right Environment team. Mike served as MC during many Fiesta Latinas, presented in Es Posible and Exito, and organized multiple fundraisers for Su Casa. He was a beloved friend of many – always sharing a smile and a laugh while caring for everyone around him.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2023, in St. Bartholomew Catholic Church with Father Chris Wadelton and Father Clem Davis officiating. Following the service, he will be laid to rest in Garland Brook Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the recitation of the Rosary to be held at 7:30 at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. Memorial contributions in memory of Mike may be made to St. Bartholomew Catholic Church or Su Casa Columbus.
Mike is survived by his wife, Graciela; mother, Nydia Spencer; son, Aaron Michael Spencer; daughter, Anna Grace Spencer and his aunts and uncles, Yolanda and Ricardo Maldonado, Paulino and Lupita Espinoza, Andres, and Martha Espinoza, Pat and Rick Halliday, Nora, and Dave John and several cousins. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Michael Anthony Spencer in 2016.
We will always cherish the memories and legacy of Mike, and he will be greatly missed. You are invited to view his video tribute, light a virtual candle of remembrance, and send a message of condolence to the Spencer family via the funeral home website: www.jewellrittman.com
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A warm, magnanimous man and true to his roots. One could not have a better friend or person around.
What is the joke of the day? Mike was so full of joy and kindness that he couldn’t keep it to himself. Every day Mike told jokes in the office to make our days a bit happier! We will miss you, Mike!
Realmente lo conocí muy poco era una persona tan alegre, buen esposo y padre, Dios lo tenga en santa Gloria, mis condolencias para mi prima y su familia
Divine Peace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Michael Spencer.
My first friend at Cummins, he approached me with the kindness and sincerity that defined him. Hoping to maintain friendship between our families. Sincerely,
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Michael Spencer.
My sincere condolences and deepest sympathies… Wishing all the strength to Mike’s family and friends. May his kind soul rest in peace.
Mike mi hermano, gracias por tu generosidad de espíritu y tu alegría, siempre estarás en nuestros corazones. Tu familia de Cuernavaca
Such heartbreaking news. Michael was *so* vibrant – full of life and energy. And one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. I met him when I was a dorky middle schooler joining my dad at high school cross country practices, but later I was fortunate to call Michael a teammate and friend. Sending much love to his family in this difficult time.
I had the pleasure of working with Mike many years ago as part of the small team that supported Aggreko, one of Cummin’s global customers. Mike was a young, energetic, positive team member who I truly loved working with. Our deepest sympathies to Mike’s entire family. Sincerely, The Paden Family.
Divine Peace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Michael Spencer.
Although I last coached Mike over 20 years ago, we would always connect at least once a year…be it in person or via social media. What a huge heart and wonderful man he became. My love and condolences to his wife, children and mother.
My first memories of Mike was when I moved to Columbus in the 5th grade. He was the son of my favorite teacher. Our friendship really developed when we were on the cross country team at East HS. He was a mentor and a role model even at an early age. Him and I would check in on each other through social media throughout the years. The last time I saw him was at church, when I visited Columbus. Mike is truly one of the greatest people I was ever blessed in knowing. Rest in Peace my friend, I’ll see you at the finish line.
Mike and I were the two January birthdays in our elementary school class at St. B’s. I remember playing at his house out on east 46 and having taquitos that his mom made. Even into adulthood, though we didn’t stay super close, we’d always remember the date and wish each other a happy birthday. Rest in peace, Mike; hope you and your dad are getting some quality time together
Mike (or Spence as he was known by many at Notre Dame) was a genuinely interesting, fun-loving, and caring friend. He was the glue of my little crew of college friends, who always kept us in touch with football and basketball game play-by-plays, random jokes and thoughts, and stories of his life. I looked forward to exchanging Christmas cards each year and the text thread that would inevitably stem from that correspondence. Spence could always make me chuckle, and I treasure that we stayed in touch over the years since graduation. I will miss him dearly and am sending love and prayers to his sweet family.
Mike was family and a very dear friend. I met him back in Mexico his wife and mine are cousins. He was always full of energy and up to have a good time. He helped me set up a surprise back in 2014 for my now wife and became very close. We had similar taste in sports and both 49ers fans. I became an irish fan because of him. He will be very missed and his loss is hard to accept. Untill we next meet brother.
Dear Nidia, we are devastated by today’s news of Michael’s passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your family from Italy by Graziella Bush and Laura Pilotto
I’d like to express my sincere condolences to Mike’s family and friends… Wishing comfort and strength for the days and weeks ahead.
Wouter Haemhouts – Belgium
We are truly sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was our neighbor down the street who could be seen playing with his kids or walks with his family. He was always smiling and his love for his family obvious. Our heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends. Sincerely, Karen and Francis Probst.
Mi más sentido pésame. Conocí a Mike y a sus papás hace 22 años. Mike siempre sonriendo y recuerdo lo emocionado que se sentía cuando estaba por llegar Graciela a Estados Unidos. Un buen hijo, amigo y padre de familia. Descanse en paz.
Mis condolencias a su familia, Mike es y será un motorcito que mueve a los que lo rodean, Gracias amigo por conocerte. Aquí una foto de 9/11/2016
Your commitment in work was a reflection of all the good in your heart my friend. Was a pleasure to work with you. Te vamos a extranar mi Mike.
Mis mas sinceras condolencias y oraciones hacia Graciela, hijos y la senora Nidia. Queda un vacio indescriptible en nuestros corazones. Nuestro consuelo es que tu huella transciende en el tiempo, y que el cielo te da la bienvenida! Descansa en la paz de Dios.
I met and became friends with Mike at Northside Middle School. He was exceptionally kind, thoughtful, and outgoing. I’m not sure he ever met anyone he wasn’t friends with and I never saw him without a smile. He was genuinely concerned about others and had a servant’s heart, even at a young age. If it weren’t for him I think half our high school Spanish class would’ve failed. His tragic passing is a heartbreaking loss and we pray that God comfort and heal his family. Godspeed, Mike.
Mike nos vas hacer mucha falta! Tu alegría y energía era contagiosa! Muchas gracias por todo! Mis oraciones para Graciela, la señora Nidia y toda la familia. Descansa en paz
Mike – You were taken far too soon. I’ll remember you over the many lunches we shared in recent years; time spent talking about life. Many good times and hard times were shared. Just as we prayed together so often for our journey as men and for our families, I will continue to hold your family in prayer. You were not only one of the kindest, but one of the gentlest people I have known. Regardless of whatever challenge you were facing, I never saw you hold back a listening ear or a word of encouragement. I will miss your laughter, sense of humor, love of 90’s culture, and skillful use of Spanish at Mexican restaurants. The wait staff always seemed to really appreciate it, as did I. Rest in his arms my friend.
To Mike’s family and friends, you are heavy on my heart and I am praying for your comfort during this very difficult time. I had the pleasure of meeting Mike during our time in the MBA program. Mike always had the most contagious smile on his face and he was always so welcoming to everyone around him. I saw him for the first time in years just a few weeks ago, over tacos. We got to catch up for a few minutes and he was beaming and so excited to tell me all about his beautiful family. I’ll never forget his kind spirit. The world was a better place with Mike in it. Rest In Peace, friend. See you on the other side.
Michael we will always miss u u were a very bright down to earth kid good example for any child in this universe it was apleasure to have u i will never forget ur hugs u gave each one of us whom u met this is so rarely seen in this world u r in our hearts u r a super soul angel to all we live u for ever rip
Mike, recuerdo la primera vez que te conocimos en Apaxtla, una persona llena de energía, de buena vibra y alegría. Gracielita muy emocionada por tu llegada y de inmediato fuiste parte de nuestra familia. Te extrañaremos y recordaremos siempre los buenos momentos que pasamos juntos. Los abrazo fuerte y con el corazón Gracielita, Doña Nidia, Aaron y Anna 💓
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Michael Spencer.
Lit a candle in memory of Michael Spencer
Best Friends since grade school Billy Ross and Michael.
Lit a candle in memory of Michael Spencer
Working with Mike was a joy and he brought so much fun to everything he did. His ideas like the “minute to win it” tournament were hilarious! He made an effort to know everyone and make all feel welcome. He will be greatly missed! Deepest condolences to all his family and friends.
I remember Michael as a great and humble cross country runner for Columbus East High School. He always had a smile on his face, and he was always pleasant to talk to. I pray that God wraps his arms around his mom, wife, son, and daughter, and they find comfort during this time.
Medium Dish Garden was purchased for the family of Michael Spencer.
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Michael Spencer.
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Michael Spencer.
I had the opportunity to share moments with Mike, and he always reminded me of that day when he took me out of my apartment to prepare a dinner and ask Chelita to marry him.
I will always remember you with that joy, with the jokes, with the endless laughter, with that last time we shared with our families on Thanksgiving.
En nuestro corazón por siempre querido amigo Miguel!!
Lit a candle in memory of Michael Spencer
Divine Peace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Michael Spencer.
Sweetest Sunrise Bouquet was purchased for the family of Michael Spencer.
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Michael Spencer.
Rafael E. Pineda purchased the Sentiments of Serenity Spray for the family of Michael Spencer.
Full Of Love Bouquet was purchased for the family of Michael Spencer.
I met Michael, Mike, and Nydia the summer before his freshman year in high school. With Nydia’s blessing, Michael joined the Columbus East Cross Country team. Michael was a true leader both on and off the course and made everyone on the team feel special. After he would finish the race, he would stay at the finish line and cheer on all of his team mates. Michael received the Mental Attitude Award (twice), Most Valuable Runner Award, and became Captain his senior year. He was a joy to coach and will be deeply missed! Heart-felt prayers for his entire family!
Beautiful Dreams was purchased for the family of Michael Spencer.
Basket Full of Wishes was purchased for the family of Michael Spencer.
Dear Family:
We, the families of The Compassionate Friends, send you our heartfelt condolences on Michael’s passing.
The Compassionate Friends is an international, non-denominational, grief support group for parents, grandparents and siblings who have suffered the heartbreaking loss of a child. Our only mission is to provide comfort, hope and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or daughter, brother or sister, or grandchild, and to help others better assist the grieving family.
We meet monthly on the first Wednesday at the New Hope Church, 5307 Fairview Rd, Greenwood, IN 46142 and on the third Tuesday at the Epworth United Methodist, 6450 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46220. Both meetings begin at 6:30pm.
If, and when, you are ready to do so, please join us for either, or both, meetings.
We Need Not Walk Alone. We are The Compassionate Friends.
The Compassionate Friends
Central Indiana Chapter
(317) 681-4292 (April)
Local Website: http://www.tcfcentralindiana.org
National Website: http://www.compassionatefriends.org
Sandrine & Rafael Vasquez purchased the Enchanted Cottage for the family of Michael Spencer.
An external video has been added.
Arrive in Style was purchased for the family of Michael Spencer.
Arrive in Style was purchased for the family of Michael Spencer.
Beautiful Heart Bouquet was purchased for the family of Michael Spencer.
Roxsand Brown and Aundrey Asbury purchased the Beautiful Dreams for the family of Michael Spencer.
Divine Peace Bouquet was purchased for the family of Michael Spencer.
Mike was such a great guy. He has been a good friend to our son Nick since they were in High School. When Mike was at Notre Dame he was so good to my parents who lived in South Bend. They considered him to be a “second grandson” we will never forget his smiling face and boundless energy! He was truly a good and kind person and will be missed. Our love to Nydia and his beautiful family.
Mike and I are cousins, unfortunately we only met once, when we were kids. I remember him being a fun, happy, caring and bright kid, even at that young age. I’d hear updates about his life through my mom and later we’d reconnect on Facebook, but we never got a chance to meet up again.
I found this photo of his visit to Maryland at my parent’s house a few years ago and shared it with him when I heard his father had passed. I don’t remember the exact year, but it must have been the early 90s.
My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. A beautiful soul gone far too soon.
We’ll miss you so much mike!!! Keep praying for you!!
Aun me parece imposible su partida. Mi mas sentido pesame a su preciosa familia. Un hombre siempre con una sonrisa y positivo ante toda situacion.
May he rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his sweet family, I cannot image the paint they must be going through..I will remember his smile, his energy, and his humour. Farewell, Mike .
Mi más sentido pésame para Gracielita y familia, Nydia y familia por tan lamentable e irreparable pérdida. Qué sus buenos recuerdos les sirvan de consuelo y que Dios les colme de fortaleza y bendiciones en estos difíciles momentos. En paz descanse mi querido ahijado Michael John Spencer !!!
Mike was a dear childhood friend to my siblings and I. I met him shortly after he arrived in Columbus, so I believe he was 7 or 8. Our parents were friends also and I remember many fun outings as families and also many afternoons of adventure as Mike came home with us after school at times as well. I remember many times of being an alter server together. Outings in young adulthood. He was one of my dearest childhood friends and I wish we had been able to stay in touch as much once he had children. He was so kind and vibrant and full of life. He was the greatest friend anyone could have. He will be truly missed. Gone too soon! Prayers for his mother Nydia and his wife and children!
That was supposed to say once we both had children. Life just became increasingly busy and I no longer lived in Columbus. Thankfully, we still saw him some!
I’ve known Mike through cross country and track since middle school. We didn’t go to the same schools, but always had a friendly rivalry.
After college I got to know him better hanging out with mutual friends and working at Cummins together. Then I got to know him through me teaching at St. B’s. He used to love to tell me that his dad was the MS math teacher at St. B’s, and then I was for 10 years.
Such a great person whose legacy and impact will be felt for years and years.
I had to dig out my old scrap books from HS, I was sure that I could find some pics.