John Michael "Mike" van de Bossche

Mike was born March 20, 1951, in Indianapolis, the son of John Vande Bosche and Margaret (“Meche”) Vande Bosche (nee De Scheemaecker). Mike attended St. Thomas Aquinas grade school and was a 1969 graduate of Cathedral High School. At Cathedral, Mike participated in a number of sports and activities, including track and cross country. During this time, he also served as the lead singer for a highly popular local rock band known as the “Roosevelt Dime”.

After high school, Mike went on to study at Indiana University Bloomington, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Geography, along with a Certificate in Urban Studies. While at Indiana University, he married Lois Jenai Robinson on June 18, 1971. A few short years later, Mike and Lois welcomed a son, Adam Kyle, into their family.

In 1978, Mike married Karon Linn James, with whom he shared two additional children, Michael Dylan and Traci Renai.

Following college, Mike worked a number of different jobs, many of which were in the lawn care/landscaping industry. As time went by, it became increasingly clear to Mike that he loved working outdoors, in nature, and longed to own his own company. In 1984, this longing spawned a business, Earth-Wood Arts, a custom design and build landscape company.

Mike was a life-long Pittsburgh Steelers fan; enjoyed history, particularly his Belgian heritage; and was fond of singing karaoke and spending time with friends and family. A deep love for music culminated in a once-in-a-lifetime achievement for Mike when, in 2009, he recorded his own music album, “Better Late Than Never”, comprised entirely of songs he had written.

Mike was predeceased by his father and mother. Surviving are his sister, Susie Eilenberg (nee Vande Bosche), and brother, Joe (Diane) Vande Bosche. Mike also leaves behind his three children, Adam, Michael (Nira) and Traci; three grandchildren, Finley, Brandy and Alyssa; and one great grandchild, Adalynn. Other surviving extended family members include his niece, Aimee (Corbin) Eilenberg and sons Alex and Drake; nephew Matt Eilenberg and daughter Rivee; nephew Ryan Vande Bosche (Justine) and children Emma, Henry and Margaux; and nephew Jeremy (Katie) and daughters June and Clara.

A visitation and brief memorial service is to be held in his honor in the Gothic Chapel at Crown Hill Cemetery (enter through the 34th Street gate) on Thursday, October 27, from 11 AM to 1 PM. Per his wishes, following the service Mike will be interred at Crown Hill Cemetery, amongst the trees and landscape he cherished so much in life. Memorial contributions can be made to Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (www.kibi.org).

The family wishes to thank the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff of Clearvista Lake Health Campus and Paradigm Health hospice care for their dedicated and compassionate care.