In Loving Memory

Michael H. Telgenhof

February 23, 1947 — May 10, 2026

United States Army · Vietnam Veteran · Purple Heart · Bronze Star Medal

A devoted father, a proud brother, and a beloved friend, Michael H. Telgenhof passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, Florida. He was 79 years old.

Born on February 23, 1947, in Zeeland, Michigan, Mike was the youngest of Herman and Gertrude Telgenhof's children. Growing up as the baby of the family, he looked to his two older sisters as role models. Mike was shaped early by the values of a small Midwestern town: hard work, faith, community, and honesty. Those values never left him.

In 1966, at the age of nineteen, Mike was drafted into the United States Army and deployed to Vietnam. He served until 1968, earning the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat and the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service and acts of heroism in the field.

After his time in the service, Mike built a life with the same determination he showed overseas. He spent the heart of his career in banking, drawn to locally focused institutions that knew their customers by name. He worked for years at First Michigan Bank in Holland, Michigan. After relocating to Punta Gorda in the mid-1990s, he brought those same instincts to Florida Community Bank, where he remained until his retirement in 2010. In his later years, he settled into Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club in San Antonio, Florida, where he found a community of people who became genuine friends.

Mike was a man of deep faith and quiet generosity. He showed up, and he helped, but he never expected anything in return. He was also a stubborn man, a badge he wore with good humor and zero apology. His stubbornness was never small-mindedness. It was conviction. Throughout his life, Mike Telgenhof remained a family man. His children, grandchildren, and sisters were what mattered most to him.

Mike's idea of a good day involved being outside and usually moving. He was an avid cyclist, a cross-country skier, and a fisherman who was happiest when the boat was out on the water. He was an amateur photographer who carried a camera on every trip and had a genuine eye for the world around him. He loved sports at every level, but he had a particular fondness for collegiate athletics and women's sports.

Mike Telgenhof is survived by his son, Chad Telgenhof, and daughter-in-law Kari; his daughter, Kerri Kartel, and son-in-law Mike; his five grandchildren, Andrew Telgenhof, Riley Kartel, Aiden Telgenhof, Kyle Kartel, and Adam Telgenhof; his sister Pat Zoeteway (Bob) and his sister JoAnne Connally (John). He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Gertrude Telgenhof, of Zeeland, Michigan.

In keeping with his wishes, no public visitation or memorial service will be held. Michael Telgenhof will be laid to rest with Military Honors in a private family ceremony at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Hodges Family Funeral Home is handling arrangements. His family would be glad to hear from others who loved him. You are invited to sign the online guestbook and share a favorite story or cherished memory. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s memory can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.