Burdette Abels

Burdette “Mike” Abels was a man of strong character, deep conviction, and great pride. You couldn’t help but admire a man like Mike, who always did his best, and always strove to improve at whatever he did. He always wanted to do better, but there were none finer than Mike Abels.

Mike was born May 14, 1913 in Battle Creek, the son of Elmer and Hazel (Murray) Abels. His father worked for the Union Pump Co., in the sweltering heat of the core room, while his mother was a dietician at Southwest Junior High School in Battle Creek. Mike was actually born Burdette Elwood Abels, a name his father disliked nearly from the get-go, and promptly “re-named” him Mike. Well, the name stuck, and from then on he was Mike his entire life. Mike was born and raised in Battle Creek, along with his brother Lyle and his sister Jeanette, and attended Battle Creek Public Schools until the 10th grade.

After the 10th grade, Mike decided to drop out, but not because he disliked school. Not surprisingly, he did it on principle. You see, Mike was a natural lefty, and the teachers at the school wanted to change that, which back in those days was common practice. But Mike sure knew his right from left, as well as right from wrong, and quit in his junior year.

In addition to his strong convictions, Mike possessed an admirable work ethic even as a young man, a trait he no doubt inherited from his hardworking parents. So fresh from high school, Mike took a job selling automobiles at the Dodge & Plymouth dealership in Battle Creek, then at a Packard dealership.

But Mike wanted something more than selling cars. He greatly admired his dad, who had advanced into a leadership role at Union Pump, and longed for that kind of career. Union Pump was a good business to work for, as well as well-established, having opened in 1885. Mike told his father he wanted to go to work for him there, but Elmer rebuffed his son. It was hard work in the core room, as well as incredibly hot, and Elmer didn’t want his son to have to do that.

Undaunted, Mike applied, and was hired at Union Pump, although thankfully not to work in the core room. Mike was hired in as a simple clerk, the humble beginning of a long and successful career with the company.

Despite having a 10th-grade education, Mike was exceptionally bright, and quickly ascended the ranks in the company. He was a tireless worker, like his father, and was also a very quick study, mastering every new task the company threw at him. He moved from clerk to Department 20, as a production worker, where he learned to run the planer, a very large machine. But Mike didn’t stop there. He then learned how to operate the drill press, and how to make threads on a lathe.

Eventually, Mike was asked to become the manager of the radio drills, joining the production management. Before his 40-year career with the company was over, Mike had even learned to write the computer tapes that programmed the lathes and milling machines!

Not bad for a man with a 10th-grade education, a fact Mike was quite proud of.

Of course, Mike had plenty of things to be proud of in his lifetime, including his pride and joy, his bride Mary Louise. He met Mary Louise Abbott when she was walking up Meachem one day. Mike offered her a ride, and took her home. He fell in love with her immediately, and when he got home he told his brother he was going to marry that young woman. And he did.

Mike and Mary Louise began a 60-year love affair, a truly wonderful marriage. Mike and Mary Louise worked together on things, and were always supportive of each other.

Together, the Abels had two children, with son Allan born in 1933 and daughter Mary Lou completing the family two years later. Sadly, Mary Lou died of cancer in 1965.

Mike and Mary Louise were blessed with nine grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and even great- great-grandchildren, all of which were great sources of pride for Mike.

Mike was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Battle Creek for over 20 years, and loved to listen to country gospel music (well, any country music would do).

Mike Abels was a man of strong character, strong conviction, and great pride. He was faced with many challenges in his life, with many triumphs, and many loves. He had so much to be proud of. But the people he touched were even prouder, just to know him. He will be greatly missed.

Burdette “Mike” Abels, was fortunate to be blessed with the kind loving care he received from the staff at Tendercare of Battle Creek. Mike was an inspiration to the staff as well. He proved that in life it is important to never stop living. It was at Tendercare that Mike passed away on December 28, 2005.

Learn more about Mike, view his Life Story film, and visit with his family and friends on Tuesday January 3rd, 2006 at the First Assembly of God at 2:00 PM. A Memorial Service will be held at the church at 3:00 PM with Reverend Robert Muirhead officiating. Mike is survived by his son, Allan (Annamarie) Abels of Battle Creek 7 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother Lyle Abels, of Kalamazoo. He is preceded in death by wife Mary Louise and daughter Mary Lou and two grandchildren. Please visit Mike’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read his life story, archive a memory and share a story, or make a contribution to the Tendercare of Battle Creek.

The family is being assisted by the Today Center of Battle Creek 632 Capital Ave S.W 269-965-7200.