Michael “Mike” L. Switzer , age 69, of Battle Creek, died Wednesday March 1, 2017 at his home. Mike was born March 31, 1947 in Kalamazoo, to Roscoe and Mildred (Gibson) Switzer and came to Battle Creek in 1983. Mike was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving with the US Navy in the Gulf on Tonkin. He had been employed for 42 years by the Grand Trunk Western Railroad, now the Canadian National Railroad, he retired in 2007. Mike was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1855 in Dowagiac. He was always active with school activities during his children’s school years. Mike was an animal lover and never saw a stray dog he didn’t want to keep. Mike enjoyed woodworking, model trains, fishing and spending time with his family. Mike is survived by his wife Cathryn Ann (Kandlstorfer) Switzer, whom he married on January 17, 1970, daughters, Wendy L (Seth) Graves, Christine (Michael) Calloway, and Nikki Switzer-Dubois all of Battle Creek, a foster daughter, Sandi (Ken) Page of Battle Creek, Nine grandchildren and Three great grandchildren, sisters, Donna (Leroy) Rhodes, of Niles, MI and Esther (Marvin) Harrington, of New Carlisle, IN. Mike was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Friday , March 10, 2017 at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Heartland Hospice, or the West Michigan Cancer Center. Arrangements are by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service. Visit Mike’s webpage at www.bachmanhebble.com.