Michael J. Buitendorp of New Era, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly while responding to a fire call for the Grant Township Fire Department on November 18, 2020.

Mike was born March 24, 1980, in Fremont, Michigan. His parents, David and Cindy (Dueling) Buitendorp, raised Mike in Fremont, where he loved riding his bike and hanging out with his friends. The one thing Mike always talked about, even as a little boy, was his dream of being a firefighter. It would be some years before that dream came true, but it was worth it to him.

Mike worked his early adult years as a truck driver until 2013, when he went to college and received a bachelor’s degree in information technology from Baker College. He married Anna Jimison on January 11, 2014. Together, they had two beautiful boys, Redding and Andrew. They also shared two amazing children from previous relationships, Jasper and Isabel.

Mike was employed as the IT director for Shelby Public Schools for five years and served as the IT coordinator for the county for a short period before passing. Mike became a member of the Grant Township Fire Department on July 25, 2017, and later served with the Grant Township Rescue Squad.

Grant Township Fire and Rescue became Mike’s second home! He was a very dedicated member and made sure he made every call possible. His team members could always count on him to be there, jumping in with both feet. He was so proud to be a firefighter, and he showed it every single day.

He is missed not only by his family, but also by his community.