Michael Gaines
April 3, 1976 ~ April 3, 2021
Michael Gaines, 45, of Indianapolis, passed away suddenly at his residence on April 3, 2021. He was born on April 3, 1976 in Indianapolis, to Theresa (Kirch) Roesch and Steven Gaines. Michael graduated from Center Grove High School, class of 1994 and attended IUPUI studying geology.
Michael was employed at Huse Culinary working for St. Elmo’s Steakhouse for the last 16 years. He was passionate about cooking, a lover of the Colorado Mountains and outdoor activities and enjoyed listening to music. All who knew Michael well, knew his fondness for his almost 18 year old cat, Henry. Mike was a beloved son, a warm thoughtful person and never knew a stranger. He spread love to many people. Mike will be dearly missed by his family and friends. His kind heart will live on in our memories forever.
Michael is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Harold, Esther (Springman) Kirch, maternal step Grandmother Mary Kirch and paternal Grandmother Mary Lou (Haley) Franks. Along with his parents survivors include Brother Damon; paternal Grandfather John R. Gaines; Uncles Mark (Judy) Gaines, Nicholas “David” (Elaine) Kirch, Peter (Brenda) Kirch, William (Rhea) Kirch and many first cousins.
Visitation from 4 to 6 pm Thursday April 15th at O’Riley Funeral Home 6107 South East St. Indianapolis, IN 46227 Rev. Jeffrey Kirch will officiate the funeral service to follow at 6 pm. Michael will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Humane Society of Indianapolis. 7929 N Michigan Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46268. Please visit www.orileyfuneralhome.com for online condolences and share a favorite memory of Michael with the family.
Please check back this weekend for Michael’s Video Tribute
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Loved Mikey like a brother and his friendship will be missed dearly. They way his laugh and smile would light up the room! Words can’t explain how much I miss you, you will be in my heart and thoughts!
MIKEY…damn dude. You are too good to die so young. Remembering your smile, your laugh, your positive attitude. Thinking the day you left us may have been your first bad day. Then again, maybe not, maybe the great beyond is awesome and you’re up there killing it, just waiting on your peeps to show up. We’ll do it right when I see you again, my friend. Ren
Thank you Mike for being such a wonderful friend to my daughter. She loves you and you will be truly missed❤️
We only worked together 3 years, at most restaurants that would have been a lifetime at Elmos it was a blink. You always had an amazing smile on your face, and if I was lucky to be close enough it came with a big hug. I loved your laughed, your ridiculous homemade treats, and your laid back attitude. I hope you knew how much you were loved. Rest easy Mikey G
Hey Mikey you Bubblin? No? Well trust me we all Bubblin now. We are all definitely “Bubblin”now..
Mickey…you shall always and forever be Frosty…that’s how cool you are…
Mike G. You are an exemplary friend and I’m beyond sad that I never got a chance to say goodbye, kid. You trusted me with thoughts and feelings you didn’t share with most, and I hope that I did them justice with my friendship. You always put others before yourself and never forgot about me. We shared so many memories together and great times. I was really looking forward to another 3am 5-course G-spot gourmet meal with you, son. You believed in me and my music and we shared so many great tunes together, I know you’re up there bumping that Kool Keith mix I made for you. I’m sure there’s a CD player somewhere in heaven and you’re putting all the angels onto the dope jams. I’m looking forward to sharing tears of laughter with you again, as we did so many times. Of course, you were always hilarious and the life of the party, but I also know you had a lot of pain in your heart too, as will happen when you open your heart so freely, as you did. I hope that pain is gone, my friend. I hope you still consider me a friend and have 2 orders of lemongrass beef ready for me when my time comes…”Michael, that’s a lot of appetizer” lol…This really hurts. I really miss you, man. My life is so much better to have known you, and I know your spirit is not gone, just manifesting in a different way. Perhaps you will grab my tongue and wrap it around your entire house 3 times again…I know this will seem weird to those who read it, but you know the deal. I’d walk through a brick wall for you, and that’s my word, son. Please come visit me whenever you can. You’re the definition of a true friend. Rest well my brother.
You were such a sweet and funny guy. You made everyday of work a fun day! You will be greatly missed and always loved!
Mike I still can’t believe you are gone. You will be greatly missed. I always loved walking into St Elmo and seeing your smiling face and getting one of your great hugs. Fly high my friend. Until we meet again.
Son, Kid, brother, just a few ways you just to call me and I call you back. I think brother was the best way that describes the way I looked at you, I have so many great memories of you from when we work together behind the bar. I Miss you already Rest easy brother!ߙϰߏܰߙϰߏܰߙϰߏ¼
Mike, words can’t express how much I’m going to miss you brother. Whenever we saw each other we lit up and immediately stopped what we were doing or who we were talking to and acknowledge one another with our handshake! No matter what! Your smiles, your laugh, your kind heart will be missed. Your jokes (some people say cucumbers tastes better pickled). That was our thing, no one got it but you and I. G, you were a friend and like a brother! From the bottom of my heart, i will miss you. We ALL will miss you brother! Rest in heaven and tell my boy Beaty, what’s up! Love you G!!!
Mike, I will miss you. You had an incredible personality that would brighten everyone’s day with a laugh. You are such a sincere and down to earth person and will be missed so much.
Geezy… My brotha’ from anotha’… My hearts heavy right now but I know I can’t keep feeling like this… I know you wouldn’t want me or even let me be down… It’s against our nature to let either one of us mope around… There was always a joke or movie quote coming right around the corner to bring out some laughter and joy… So I feel it would be a little disrespectful to do anything but smile when I think of you… So that’s what I’ll do… Keep nothing but happiness and laughter attached to your memory… Rest easy Big Dawg… You’ve finally moved up from washing lettuce and made it to fries… Hopefully those big bucks are rolling in for ya brotha’… I love you G!!!
Mike G. The man who made everyone feel welcome. The man who could make anyone belly-laugh. The man that, on my first shift in a scary new place, took the time to be patient and show me the ropes. You impacted the lives of so many people in a positive way and the memories we carry will forever bring joy. I’ll miss seeing you in the flesh, but I know your spirit will always remain close. -G Baby
You were such a huge part of my high school days and I always adored you.. I am so so sad you are gone so young. The most gentle sweet guy anyone could know. Love you and sending you love and light in heaven. The world lost a good one.
Mike G . A true legend . Your laugh and infectious personality is one of a kind . I will miss your Monty Python references and your mad scientist mixology . You always treated others the way you wanted to be treated with kindness and empathy . We are all better people because we knew you . Until we meet again – see you soon . All the love
I will miss working side by side with you Mike G! You are one of the kindest people I know! The big bear hugs before a shift will what I will miss the most! ߒ•
My brotha Mike Geeezy! At the top of my lungs! You know how we greeted one another everytime we saw each other, with a heavy heart, going to miss you, still in a little disbelief that this has happen.. but I will always remember out talks, laughs, and the other good times.. Rest well my brothaߖİߙϰߏ¾
To say you will be greatly missed is an understatement. Thoughts and prayers to your family during this difficult time.
Remembering Mike will always bring smiles to our hearts. May your family be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.
With deepest sympathy,
Terry and Steve, we are so very sorry for your loss. Velda and I pray that God comforts you and your families during this very difficult time.
Theresa and family, please accept our deepest sympathy. With love, Donna (Gibson) Quint and family.
To Mikes Family Theresa, Steve & Damon. To Henry & his Loved Ones, My deepest sympathies. You are in my thoughts, wishes & prayers. Sending Love
Thanks for putting together this compilation of Mike’s memories. This was very nice to see.
This totally breaks my heart! Mike G or Big Mike (as I called him) was my personal bartender at all home Pacer games! I adored him…he was so good with guests…so I invited to work for St Elmos Catering. He often teamed up with my brother at events. Ill never forget those 2 meeting the Coors light twins!! They did not get a date!! Man…I’m gonna miss his big hugs and all the laughter! Big Mike….you were something special! The world was a brighter place because of you❤
Our deepest sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
We are broken hearted and loved you very much Mike. You and Candace made our wedding special! Thank you. We miss you tremendously. You will always be in our hearts Big Mike!
Sending my deepest condolences to you and all of the family during this most difficult time. I have many fond memories of Mikey. Peace and solace!
I have many fond memories of Mikey. Wonderful soul and beautiful heart. Great friend to many. No matter how many years pass since you have seen an old friend, those memories come flooding back just like they were yesterday. My deepest sympathies to your family.
We knew each other growing up as classmates and then, as adults, as hospitality professionals. No one embodied professionalism and service like you.
I will always remember our bond Mike! I remember meeting you over 20 years ago. We shared many memories and “inside jokes” over the years working together. You were one of the most genuine people I have ever known. It’s heartbreaking to lose You.
My condolences to Damon and family. Mandy recently showed me the cutest photo of you two snowboarding in Colorado back in the day. I remember being sad when she moved away-but she had the most amazing time there with you. You were such a sweet guy and will be missed.
From that Cheshire cat smile, to that quick whit, you will be missed G, I’ve always grinned and will continue to when thinking about you, especially Myrtle Beach…it’s not good bye it’s see you later..thanks for the light you brought to this world..’and I’m out son’..
Sending our love to Mikes mom, dad, brother and Henry. Mike was one of the best people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and calling my friend. Hard to believe we will never speak or see each other again. From an east coast vacation to VA and the outer banks of NC, seeing you on my cross country treks , to countless CO adventures… there was never a dull moment with Mike. He was a one of a kind and words can’t describe how much you will be missed. Kelly and I are extremely grateful to have spent a week with you back in December. What a wonderful week it was and will cherish it forever! Sorry I was unable to see you today, one last time… but you know you will live on in my heart forever. Much love brother, rest easy
I became acquainted with Mike about 10 years ago when eating at the bar at St. Elmo’s. We talked about many different things while he went about his duties behind the bar taking care of many different requests from various customers. Always doing his job to perfection! My wife and I would go to St. Elmo’s only about 4 or 5 times each year but, after that first visit, he always greeted us by our first names. Just a great man who knew how to make you feel welcome. I honestly felt like “Norm” on Cheers!!
Ryan Mandy’s number 9498367965 she can’t log in to comment
She really wants to chat w you. This is her sister
Ok, thank you !
Son, so very proud of the man you were. Your kindness and thoughtfulness are so needed in the world. I miss you and think about you every single day. It was a privilege to be your Mom. With great love…