Michael Andrew Kilander, 66, of South Whitley, Ind., passed away at 10:57 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, at Parkview Whitley Hospital where he had been taken earlier by the E.M.S. He had been in failing health.

He was born March 10, 1947, in Wabash, Ind., to Kenneth L. and Effie Mae (Lee) Kilander. His formative years were spent in Wabash. He attended Wabash High School. On July 14, 1965, he entered into the United States Army, serving in the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge on Aug. 1, 1966. On Nov. 29, 1975, he was united in marriage to Blanche M. Sizemore. They have always made their home in South Whitley.

A career long truck driver, he drove for Ford Meter Box, Wabash, from 1984 to 1997. Then he drove for Dana Corporation, Columbia City, Ind., from 1998 until his retirement in 2005. He was a member of the American Legion Post 286, North Manchester, Ind. In his spare time, he loved riding his motorcycle.

He is survived by his wife; two daughters: Dawn (Brett) Tracy, South Whitley; Shelly Squires, Ventura, Calif.; a son: Jason Michael (Kelly) Kilander, Columbia City; grandchildren: Brady Hileman, Katie Hileman, Logan Michael Kilander and Daisha Nicole Kilander; and two brothers: John (Marybeth) Kilander, Wabash; and George Kilander, North Manchester.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Brenda Zumbaugh.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at the funeral home. Burial will be in the South Whitley Cemetery with honor being presented by the Patriot Guard and North Manchester American Legion.

Preferred memorials are to the Cleveland Township Fire Department.