Dr. Michael Jeffrey Eldredge of Traverse City, Michigan, age 73, breathed his last on Tuesday, June 7th, 2022 after a three-year struggle with pulmonary fibrosis. He died at home in the presence of his loving family.
Mike was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan to Abner and Ruth (Emigholz) Eldredge on December 9, 1948, and grew up on Grosse Ile, where he met Cindy Springer in 7th grade. They started dating in their senior year of high school, married after graduating from Michigan State University, and treasured nearly 51 wonderful years together.
Mike attended Wayne State University Medical School, completed his pediatric residency at Children's Hospital of Michigan and remained for an additional year as Chief Pediatric Resident. When Mike learned of an opportunity to join Dr. Jim Johnston in his pediatric practice in Traverse City, he was thrilled as he had spent many joyful family vacations on Crystal Lake.
Mike spent his career as a dedicated pediatrician at Kids Creek Children's Clinic, committed to being a healer even beyond his retirement in 2014. Along the way, he went back to school and completed a Master's Degree in Medical Administration so that he could better serve the area. In addition to his practice, he was Medical Director of NorthMed HMO and aided in numerous consultations to support quality medical care.
He was an intellectual, an avid reader, and a perpetual learner. He was known for his dry sense of humor and readiness to take the other point of view in any debate. He enjoyed hiking and bicycling, (less so running, though he still did it on occasion!) and he pursued and earned his black belt in Taekwondo. He expressed his artistic side through photography, playing mandolin, composing music and writing poetry.
Mike's faith was important to him, leading him on mission trips, to become a Spiritual Director, and to volunteer in various capacities at the Presbyterian Church and in the community. He found spirituality in his relationships with others and in the beauty of nature. Living out his values of service and love were central to his being, and he shared his generosity frequently and without self-importance.
Mike dearly loved his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cindy Eldredge; daughters Rebecca (Adrian Esquivel) and Kristen (Anthony Valdez) Eldredge; his cherished granddaughter Elliana Esquivel; brothers Scott (Lenore Urbani) and Lawrence (Casey) Eldredge.He was preceded in death by his parents.
Throughout his life, Mike deeply cherished his friendships; friendships took many forms and often included long walks, talks, photo adventures, and philosophical discussions. He valued close connections with his extended family and in-laws (despite this being somewhat unusual). As a lifelong introvert, he also embraced solitude for prayer, meditation, music, and reflection.
He was dearly loved and will be missed by many.
Relatives and friends may call on the family during a time of visitation from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684.
A celebration of life will be officiated by Pastor Jordan Starkenburg at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 24, 2022, at the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City, 701 Westminster Road, Traverse City, Michigan 49686. There will also be a one-hour visitation prior to the service at the church. Immediately following the service there will be a time of fellowship, food, and refreshments.
Those wishing to offer an expression of sympathy may make a memorial contribution to Freedom Builders of America, Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse Inc, Habitat for Humanity, or Salvation Army.