Captain Michael Medders

• Author: Kyle Kutuchief
• Filed under: Uncategorized
• Date: Oct 4,2008

This is a nonpartisan post.

Yesterday Avon Lake laid to rest Capt. Michael J. Medders, a hometown hero.

Middle school students lined the street in front of St. Joseph's church holding small American flags. Mourners slowly walked past soldiers and policemen standing in formation in the parking lot. The only sound was the cool breeze off the lake and the clicking of high heeled shoes on the pavement. Inside, the stain glassed windows were glowing bright from the sunlight that shined down. It was a beautiful day for such a sad event.

The remembrances of Captain Medders at the podium helped paint a picture of a well rounded man who touched the lives of many people. A group of four guys talked about their long time friendship with him and shared stories about the carefree times they had. Two of Mike's superiors in the Army told stories of his leadership on the battlefield, the ownership he took for the men he commanded, and his sacrifice to the nation. A two star General presented the family with a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. The service was powerful. Outside the residents of Avon lined the streets of the funeral procession to the cemetery. Two cranes held up a large American Flag over the street in front of the fire station. The community waited patiently to pay their respects and say thank you to one of their own.

Mike Medders was my brother's roommate and good friend from their undergraduate work at BGSU. The Mike I knew was the college guy who seemed to be the Mayor of Bowling Green because when we went out he knew everybody. He was easy to talk to, fun to be around, and funny. I know that he and my brother had good years in college. What he went on to accomplish with his life is remarkable and appreciated. He will be missed by many.