Michael Sinar, 83 of Valparaiso, IN, passed away Monday, August 3, 2026. He was born December 3, 1942, in Gary, IN, to the late Michael and Mary (Krajnak) Sinar. Mike graduated from Bishop Noll High School, Class of 1960. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps as a jet engine mechanic and traveled as far as Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Mike went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla. Mike spent his career at U.S. Steel, earning several engineering patents that were adopted internationally. Even after retiring in 2003, he continued working as a consultant to ensure operations and employees performed at their best.
Outside of work, Mike enjoyed woodworking, gardening, working on cars, fishing, and finding deals at garage sales. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family. Mike was a kind and generous neighbor who continually shared his fruit and vegetable harvest and knowledge to solve problems. There wasn’t a problem that Mike couldn’t solve. If it happened to be quite complex, though, Mike would tell you, “Let me sleep on it,” and get back to you the next day with a helpful solution. His love for family was evident in his coaching of his daughters’ youth softball teams, his gifts of special woodworking projects with heartfelt messages, and his gifts of preserved four-leaf clovers, as well as his passing on of wisdom in problem-solving. Mike enjoyed being the best Pocky to his grandkids. Above all, he had a love like no other for his wife of 57 years, Sheryl. They shared daily slow dances to Elvis Presley. The love and patience he showed to his family will be cherished always. Mike will fondly be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, and brother-in-law who will be deeply missed.
On February 15, 1969, Mike married Sharalee Wolfe, who survives, along with their daughters: Lori (Drew) Pusz of Westville, and Jennifer (Matt) Harris of Valparaiso; grandchildren: Lauren and Andrew Harris; and siblings: Danny (Linda) Sinar, and Theresa (John) Zimnawoda; and sisters-in-law, Jane Sinar and Judee Wolfe. He was preceded in death by his brother, John Sinar; and brothers-in-law, Danny Wolfe and Mike Benefiel.
Private family services will be held for Mike at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the American Stroke Foundation, 6405 Metcalf Ave., Suite 214, Overland Park, KS 66202.
GUESTBOOK
I’m so sorry for your loss!! Coach Sinar and my uncle Chester were my coaches for softball many many years ago when I went to Boone Grove. Coach Sinar always was fair and made the game fun! One of my favorite memories is having practice in his backyard and when he bought Jennifer a HUGE glove that everyone nicknamed the “bushel basket” lol Coach Sinar will be missed!! -Shannon Smith
Our sincerest condolences to the Sinar family. We have such fond memories of such a kind and gentle man. May his memory be eternal. -The Stroguiludis Family (inc. Jill Stroguiludis Demirjian)
Both Mike and I were members of Bishop Noll's Class of 1960. My condolences to Mike's family on his passing. -Jerry Laskody
