Michael Steven Winchell, a resident of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, led a life marked by professional achievements and personal passions. Born on June 1, 1976, in Coldwater, Michigan, Michael’s journey encompassed academic excellence, a dedicated career in engineering, and a deep love for mechanical work and the outdoors. Tragically, his life came to an untimely end on August 21, 2024, at the age of 48.
Early Life and Education
Michael was the son of Roger and Betty (Hasenkamp) Winchell. He spent his formative years in Litchfield, Michigan, where he graduated from Litchfield High School. Demonstrating a keen interest in engineering, Michael pursued higher education at Michigan Technological University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.
Professional Career
Throughout his career, Michael applied his engineering expertise across various companies:
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Viking Corporation in Greenwood, MS: Designed control circuits and software.
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Water Furnace in Fort Wayne, IN: Contributed to the design of residential and commercial geothermal heating systems.
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Delfield Company in Mt. Pleasant, MI: Served as Laboratory Manager, specializing in commercial refrigeration systems.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
Outside of his professional life, Michael had a passion for:
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Mechanical Work: Enjoyed tinkering in the garage and working on various mechanical projects.
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Outdoor Activities: Relished hunting and fishing, often spending time in nature.
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Family Time: Valued moments spent with his son, Rowan Morey.
Tragic Events
In August 2024, a devastating incident occurred involving Michael and his six-year-old son, Rowan. Authorities discovered their bodies in Chippewa Township, Michigan, in what was determined to be a murder-suicide. This heartbreaking event has left the community and family members in deep mourning.
Community Response and Advocacy
Following the tragedy, Rowan’s mother, Brandi Morey-Pols, has been advocating for changes to Michigan’s Amber Alert protocols and custody evaluations. She emphasizes the need for more comprehensive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, highlighting concerns about the handling of parental kidnapping cases and the importance of mental health evaluations in custody disputes.
The lives of Michael Steven Winchell and his son, Rowan, serve as poignant reminders of the complexities of human experiences. While Michael’s professional accomplishments and personal passions are noteworthy, the tragic end underscores the critical importance of addressing mental health and ensuring the safety of all individuals involved in custody arrangements. The community’s response reflects a collective desire to learn from this tragedy and implement changes aimed at safeguarding others in the future.