Michael Stephen Joseph Ponda "Mickey", age 68, of Valparaiso, passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2017. He was born on March 11, 1949 in Gary, Indiana to the late Manuel and Lottie Ponda. Mickey proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army for 27 years. In that time, he served three tours in Vietnam, where he was awarded three purple hearts. He was a member of the first airborne unit to parachute over the Polar Ice Caps. Mickey was a former Commander of the American Legion Post # 279 in Miller. On January 6, 1973, he married his beloved wife, Judith Ponda (nee Wilbanks), who survives. Every winter, He and Judy enjoyed traveling in their RV to warmer destinations like Arizona.

He is also survived by his favorite son, Chris (Susan) Ponda; favorite daughter, Kelley Ponda; daughter, Bobbie Jo Guerra; granddaughter, Natosha Parketon; precious Yorkie, Maddy; brothers, Bob Ponda, Manuel Ponda, Richard (Linda) Ponda, David (Kathy) Ponda; sisters, Betty Cleek, Rosie Bozan, Angie (Doug Stevens) Laing, Charlotte (Rick) Buckingham, Debbie (Ben) Hymes, Anna Caldwell; brother-in-law, Rick (Rose) Wilbanks.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Lottie Ponda; siblings, Cookie Hennings, Leona Ponda, Dominic Ponda, Angelo Ponda.

A funeral service for Mickey will take place Monday, October 2, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage with Pastor Jerry Cleek officiating. Visitation will be held Monday at the funeral home from 11:00 am until the time of service. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.