Michael “Mike” Dennis Chambers, 77, of Rochester, Ind., was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 1:05 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014, at Memorial Hospital of South Bend, Ind. 

On June 5, 1937, Mike was born in South Bend, to Bertram and Beatrice Gardner Chambers.

Mike joined the U.S. Coast Guard and was honorably discharged after serving active and reserve duties. While stationed at Staten Island, N.Y., his oldest daughter, Caren, was born. 

Mike and Nancy Lee Frazier were married in April 26, 1957, in South Bend. Together they shared over 57 years of life’s adventures. From their union came two wonderful daughters, Caren and Cathlene.

In the early years, Mike was a professional painter, doing custom painting both interior and exterior projects. For the next 18 years he was employed by Talma Fastner. Prior to his retirement, he worked for Gaerte Engines as a machinist. 

A master carver, Mike was a member of both Fulton and Marshall County Carvers. A talented artist, he carved Indians and a variety of animals including dolphins. He created custom jewelry for his granddaughters.

An outdoorsman, there was nothing more memorable than camping out under the starlit summer skies.

Mike is survived by his wife: Nancy; two daughters: Caren C. Parko (companion Dave Delp), Rochester; Cathlene J. (Mark) Darragh, Indianapolis; five granddaughters: Paige M. Madlem (fiancé Adam Fish), Rachel J. (Michael) Robinson, Amanda (Ryan) Orban, Beth A. Darragh and Katie N. Darragh; a great-granddaughter: Harper Grace Orban; two sisters: Ilene (Larry) Osborn, Buchanan, Mich.; Jeanie (Leo) Weissinger, South Bend; numerous nieces and nephews; and Buddy, his domestic tabby cat.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and a brother: Edward Paul Chambers.

Visitation is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at Good Family Funeral Home, Rochester. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Chaplain Jason See will officiate services. Military rites will be conducted by the Fulton County Honor Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Honor Guard.