Michael "Mike" J. Horan

Michael “Mike” J. Horan passed away on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 surrounded by his family. Born to John J. Horan Jr. and Anna G. Fitzpatrick Horan. Mike went to Gross High School in Omaha Nebraska. After graduation he moved to Northwest Indiana attending Purdue University Northwest where he met his Wife whom he spent 32 years with and had two children. 

 Mike had a few jobs before finding his niche in manufacturing stainless steel parts for Big Rigs. He loved Peterbilts and Toyota trucks, and if anyone was vocal about him buying a foreign named vehicle he was the first to point out that Toyota is mfg in the U.S.A. Unlike Ford who is mfg in Mexico. Most people who grumbled about his Toyota vehicles were Ford owners. He would challenge them to check their VIN number. If it starts with a 1, 4 or 5, that vehicle was made in the U.S.A.

 He never met a stranger and was fiercely loyal to family, friends, and Toyota. He always put family 1st. He never missed anything family related, kids soccer, Lego robotics, which he helped to coach both. As well as the kids orchestra, band recitals, and volunteered for field trips. He tried to never miss a wedding, funeral, anniversary, or birthday party. If anyone was in need including strangers he was always the 1st to step up. He never asked the question “why me?”, or that's not my responsibility. Instead, he asked why not me. He always lived by if I can make a difference and help then that's what I'm gonna do. He had the gift of gabbing and could talk to anyone about anything like selling ice to an Eskimo. 

 He worked for hometown heating and plumbing in Davenport Iowa, then went to work for Iowa 80 Group in Walcott, IA. At the Iowa 80 world's largest truck stop, then was promoted to run a store in Joplin, MO. Later he found his passion in creating stainless steel parts for large trucks. That is when he moved back to Indiana to Work at roadworks mfg. where he found his freedom to soar and get his creative juices flowing. His passion was building show trucks and coming up with not only cool designs but also functional ones. Truck show season sent him into overdrive where he thrived under pressure and loved coming up with new parts and show truck themes. This was his passion. Later he left Roadworks to start his own Stainless steel mfg company. 

 Mike loved people and never met a stranger. He would give you the shirt off his back. He had such a great sense of humor, compassion, and most of all he was a fixer. He always wanted everyone to be good and looked after. I mean what do you expect from a middle child? I'm sure any of his friends would say he always took the time to make sure they were good in their lives. He was their champion and would do anything to lend an ear, advice, helping hand, or a shoulder to cry on. 

 To say he will be missed is an understatement by those lucky enough to have known him. He is gone but not forgotten. His legacy will live on through his work, family and Children. They had a saying at Roadworks- do heads turn when you drive by? Next time a Semi truck passes you, take a look at all the shiny chrome, and know Mike probably had a hand in that. 

 He was preceded in death by his brother Michael Fitzpatrick Horan; grandparents Thomas & Mary E. Fitzpatrick, John J. Sr. & Margaret T. Horan; uncle Dennis P. Horan; aunt Elizabeth Fitzpatrick; brother-in-law José A. Herrera and nephew José A. Herrera Jr.

 Surviving is his wife Claudia Herrera Horan; daughter Emily Horan; son Liam Horan; brother Nathan (Natalie) Horan; sister Bridget (John) Anaya; brother-in-law Sergio Dominguez; sister-in-law Amanda Herrera; mother-in-law Lilia Dominguez; nephews Miguel, Roberto, Brandon, Gabriel Herrera, Xavier Dominguez, and Xander Anaya; nieces Ashely Halsey, Erica Herrera, Mickayla Herrera, Mya Dominguez, Adriana Tarin and Isabella Horan.

 Friends may call at Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home in Lafayette from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Monday, August 12, 2024 with a Rosary service at 5:30 PM. An additional visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Cathedral on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 from 10:00 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM with Father Matthew Jakupco officiating. The interment will follow in Spring Vale Cemetery in Lafayette. In lieu of flowers you may donate to your favorite cancer research of your choice. Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home of Lafayette is caring for the Horan family. Please leave memories and condolences at hahngroeberfuneralhome.com