Michael James “Mike” Van Holten, 56, of Columbia City, died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

Born on March 20, 1970, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he was a son of the late James Wilbur Van Holten and Gloria Ann (Landstoffer) Van Holten. Growing up in Jefferson Twp., Whitley County, he completed Huntington Catholic Elementary School and graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1988. He continued his education at IPFW in Fort Wayne, studying business and supervision, earning an Associate's degree and falling a few credit hours short of a bachelor’s.

In 1993, he began working at Dana Corporation in Fort Wayne, where he worked as a CNC operator until this year, with over 30 years of service.

A good storyteller, Mike enjoyed making people laugh. He was the family historian and quickly recalled memorable family events. He enjoyed movies, listening to music, playing video games, and fantasy football. As a Star Wars fan, he collected memorabilia. He followed the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts’ season. In his younger days, he liked to country line dance. Mike had been attending St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Arcola.

Surviving are his siblings, Michele (Scott) Ewing of Albion, Marla (Scott) Nisbet of Florida, Mark (Beth) Van Holten of Covington, KY, and Maria McKinley of Winona Lake; nieces and nephews, Troy Nisbet, Kayla Van Holten, Jaqueline (Nisbet) Soreide, Bryce Van Holten, Addyson Van Holten, Jasmine McKinley, Alexander McKinley, Katelynn McKinley.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date. Mike will be laid to rest beside his mother at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Roanoke. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.