Michael Giles Heroy

Michael G. Heroy passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 16, 2025. 

Born on Christmas Eve in 1948 in Jackson, Michigan to Giles and Rose Heroy, he spent his childhood playing music and cards with his friends, playing golf and working as a caddy at the Lenawee country club. His love for music brought him to the Interlochen Center for the Arts as an All-State Boys camper for his high school summers.  Playing and touring with classmates fueled his desire to go back to Interlochen as a counselor. 

Michael attended the University of Michigan from 1967-1972.  Under the direction of preeminent band director and conductor, William D. Revelli, Micheal exceeded expectations by being one of a very few non-music majors accepted into the symphony band.  He toured Europe with the University of Michigan symphony, fondly retelling the time they played in Venice during “aqua alta” where the water was up to some players knees.  He also loved playing in the Michigan Marching Band, to which he often returned as an alumni.  

Michael continued at the University of Michigan to receive an MBA, graduating in the top 5 of his class before assuming the role as a loan officer at the First National Bank of Chicago.  This experience showed him that the manufacturing business his father, Giles, had started in Angola, Indiana was a far better bet than any of the businesses looking to First National for capital, so he moved back to Angola, first working as a salesman and later to assume the role of CEO of Angola Wire Products, where he worked for 50 years, turning the business over to his son Christopher in 2017. Business prospered and Michael expanded to a second plant in Keosauqua, Iowa.  He served on the board of the Wire Fabricators Association and was active in supporting local students through Junior Achievement, and along with Chuck Sheets and Chuck Nedele, helped to found the YMCA of Angola. 

Michael was an avid pilot earning his multi engine commercial pilot license. 

Michael married Christine Foot in 1976 and raised their family in Angola.  The two sailed away from their wedding and that love of sailing led them to a summer home in Charlevoix Michigan, spending many happy summers cruising around Lake Michigan. 

In his later years, Michael also developed a love for vintage cars.  Michael and Christine went on many vintage tours, including a cross-country trip with the RROC to commemorate their 100th year, following the route of Lewis and Clark from Virginia to Oregon. 

Michael is preceded by his parents, Giles and Rose and survived by his wife, Christine and his 4 children, Christopher, Catherine, Andrew, and Margaret, two grandchildren, and his brother David.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Michael’s life on Sunday November 16th from 12-3 PM at 160 Public, next to Suttons Deli in Angola.

The family asks that memorial donations be directed to the YMCA of Steuben County or to Interlochen Center for the Arts.