Michael Lee Simpfenderfer, age 64, went home to be with the Lord on August 9, 2026. Mike was born on April 1, 1962, in Fargo, North Dakota, the firstborn child of Eldon and Bonnie Simpfenderfer. From his parents, he inherited a deep devotion to his family, a drive to serve others, and a determination to make the world a better place.

Mike was a mover and a shaker throughout his life, and even as a teenager, he was never afraid to be bold, take the lead, and make things happen. In true Kevin Bacon fashion, just like in Footloose, Mike took it upon himself to bring dances to his high school because, if there was something he believed his classmates should be able to enjoy, he wasn't afraid to fight for it. He also helped bring a major change to the high school lunch menu, successfully pushing to add pizza, one of his all-time favorite foods. That natural ability to lead and inspire others was evident in his youth as he served as president of the Student Council at Searcy High School and was selected as the Arkansas Governor of Boys State, honors that reflected the confidence, determination, and leadership qualities that would remain defining parts of who he was throughout his life.

His civic spirit and passion for making a difference followed him into his college years, where he became actively involved with the College Republicans at the University of Arkansas. That involvement opened the door to an opportunity with the grassroots organization Citizens for America, led by drugstore magnate Lewis Lehrman. Through this experience, Mike's passion for public service and politics continued to grow, ultimately leading him to serve as the Midwest Regional Director for Jack Kemp's presidential campaign in 1988.

While Mike's personal passion for politics continued throughout his life, his professional career took him down a different path. He found success in retail management with major companies, including Sam's Club and Gateway Computers. Throughout the 1990s, Mike was never afraid to embrace a new challenge or venture into unfamiliar territory, and that adventurous spirit eventually led him west to California, where he met his beloved wife, Ada. In the early 2000s, he transitioned into the mortgage industry as a loan officer. During this time, the political bug captured him again, and he served as a California district-level delegate to the 2016 Republican National Convention. His natural leadership abilities and dedication to helping others soon led him to become a Branch Manager for Golden Empire Mortgage, a position he held from 2008 until his retirement in 2024.

Throughout his life, Mike also directed his devotion toward civic duty, holding board positions with Stepping Stone Women's Shelter, Street Racing Kills, PAVE (Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment), and BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse). He was also a decades-long member of the Kiwanis Club, serving as president of the Bellflower, California, chapter in 2022. Further exemplifying his dedication to public service, Mike volunteered as Santa Claus for Priceless Pets and also served with the California Victim Compensation Program.

In 2025, Mike and Ada moved to Loudon, Tennessee, where they became actively involved with First Baptist Church Tellico Village. The move brought them closer to family and provided the precious gift of more quality time together, creating memories and sharing in the moments that meant the most. Mike's love for his family was at the heart of everything he did.

Above all else, Mike's greatest love was his wife of 17 years, Ada. He adored her with all his heart, and the life they built together was one of his greatest joys. Cherishing the life and love they shared, Ada was his best friend and beloved partner. Mike was also a proud and dedicated father to three daughters, Liz, Taylor (Manny), and Tory, and one son, Tyler. He loved his children deeply and took immense pride in their accomplishments.

Mike will be greatly missed by his granddaughter, Sabrina; brother, Todd (Monica); sisters, Deann (Tom) and Becky (John); his much-loved dogs, Hershey and Sammy; and his infamous cats, Socks and Blacky. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Eldon and Bonnie, whom we know were waiting at Heaven's gates to lovingly embrace their firstborn son.

The void Mike's passing has left is immense, but the footprint he leaves behind for his family and friends is even greater. Mike never met a stranger, and everyone who met him agreed he was a kind, noble, hardworking, and selfless giant. He was a restless visionary who turned bold ideas into real-world action. His deep empathy, coupled with his stubborn grit, always inspired him to build a better future for others.

And if something was good, whether it was a delicious meal or being surrounded by the people he loved, Mike had a way of expressing his contentment with a simple but powerful phrase that will always bring a smile to those who loved him:

"Very good."