Michael Francis Imhoff

Michael Imhoff, long time Traverse City resident, veteran, and retired police officer, was beloved by many. He died on Saturday, August 5, at the age of 80, after a battle with cancer. Mike was preceded in death by his mother Josephine (Keils) Imhoff, father Francis Imhoff, and sister Judith (Imhoff) Helveston. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Barbara (Spencer) Imhoff, daughters Michelle (John) Mitchell of Okemos, Kristine (Derek) Bonifer of Louisville, KY, and grandchildren; Mackenzie Mitchell (Rourke) Mullins of Holland, MI, Connor Mitchell of Foster City, CA, Miles and Nolan Bonifer of Louisville, KY. Mike was born on February 25, 1943, in Detroit. He graduated from Austin Prep Catholic High School where he participated in athletics and giving the Nuns a hard time. He went on to study Industrial Design and Commercial Illustration at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1964 and was a Photographer’s Mate on the U.S.S. Saratoga. He felt fortunate to serve and travel with the Navy and has been a lifelong supporter of veterans’ causes. Mike followed his family to Traverse City soon after his enlistment ended in 1967 and began a very distinguished career with the Traverse City Police Department and the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Department. After serving several years as a patrolman, he sought training to combine his artistic and photography skills with his interest in forensics and joined the Detective Bureau. He continued his education to become an evidence technician, completing 1500+ hours of training over the course of his career. Mike built and developed the evidence lab for the county, training other officers in evidence collection, processing, and storage. He was Grand Traverse County’s primary evidence technician for 20 years. He particularly enjoyed teaching and was an instructor and lecturer in Firearms, Police Photography, and Criminalistics for several law enforcement and fire organizations, as well as four community colleges in Michigan. Outside of work, Mike was an avid reader and history buff, loved visits with his daughter’ families, attending local police-retiree gatherings, and his Volkswagen convertibles. He was known for his decorated cakes presented to Detective Bureau members on their work anniversaries, telling jokes, and pulling a good prank. Affectionately called “the dinosaur”, he was old-school through and through, set in his ways, held traditional beliefs and values, and refused to own a cell phone. His attention to detail and investigative nature carried over to his retirement hobby – World War II research. Mike was a member of the International V-2 Research Group; sourcing and restoring old photographs which are now featured in numerous publications. The Imhoff’s would like to thank members of the local law enforcement community and all of Mike’s family and friends who have been incredibly supportive this past year. Your time and kind words meant so very much to him. A memorial service will be celebrated by Pastor Michael Goers at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1003 S. Maple Street, Traverse City, MI 49684. There will be a time of visitation one hour prior to the service. Under the auspices of the United States Navy and the Cherryland VFW Honor Guard, military honors will be presented. Immediately following the service, you are cordially invited to join the family for a time of fellowship, food, and refreshments Those wishing to offer an expression of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306; or online at: https://t2t.org/donate/; or to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Michael Francis Imhoff

August 5, 2023