Michael D. Dempsey

Michael D. Dempsey
February 9, 1957 - July 8, 2021 

Michael D. Dempsey, 64, Michigan City, IN, passed away Thursday, July 8, 2021 at 6:20 am in Life Care Center of Michigan City.

The Acme Lodge #83 F&AM will conduct services at 11:00 am, Friday, July 16, 2021 at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, IN.  Visitation will be from 9:00 am - 11:00 am, Friday at the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel.    

He was born February 9, 1957 in Columbia City, IN to the late Robert and Norma Jeanne (Bowlby) Dempsey. 

Surviving are his sister, Bonnie (Steve) Hart of Mishawaka, IN; two nephews, Robert (Heather) Hart of Lafayette, IN and Ryan (Brittany) Hart of Edwardsburg, MI; great-niece, Hayleigh Hart of Edwardsburg, MI; four great-nephews, Dylan Hart of Edwardsburg, MI, Lucas Hart of Edwardsburg, MI, Cody Williams of Indianapolis, IN and August Argy of Lafayette, IN; cousins, Cindy Dietz and Steve (Suzanne) Deubner, both of Columbia City, IN and numerous other cousins; and his aunt, Judy Dempsey of Colorado.   

Mike was a 1975 graduate of Elston High School and attended Purdue University majoring in computer technology. He was a lifelong resident of Michigan City and was as avid sports fan especially the Chicago Cubs and Purdue Boilermakers A film and TV buff, he regularly tuned into episodes of The Andy Griffith Show, The Sopranos, and Svengoolie. In addition, Mike loved spending time mastering the latest cooking gadgets, tinkering with audio/visual electronics, and walking his beloved golden retriever Atticus along the sandy shoreline of Lake Michigan. After graduation, Mike worked as a bartender at Mickey's Bar and Bottom's Up, before partnering with the late John Milzarek to open Demps' Lounge, serving juicy cheeseburgers and spirits from 1989-1994. In the late nineties, Mike also served as a Beverage Manager for Blue Chip Casino. 

A tireless volunteer and civic-minded community leader, Mike was a Master Mason, former Exchange Club Member (Exchangite of the Year), Moose Family Center Member and campaigned for the Office of the City Clerk in 2006. He served on the Zoological Society, raised money for Toys for Tots, and provided IT support for the Michigan City government website. Since 2012, he served as the Director of Operations for Access LaPorte County Television providing unparalleled access and coverage to Michigan City politics and live events. Every weekend, Mike's voice joined that of John Records Landecker as co-host of the online radio show Tropical Oldies.

Contributions may be made to The ALS Association, 1275 K St., NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 2005: als.org/donate or to the Michiana Humane Society, 722 Indiana Hwy 212, Michigan City, IN. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael D. Dempsey, please visit our floral store.