Carl "Mike" Kordel

Carl "Mike" Kordel was born August 7, 1950, in Chillicothe, Ohio to William "Bill" Kordel and Charlotte (Hostetler) Kordel. Mike passed away the morning of Wednesday, June 17, 2026,after a long battle with Dementia.

He graduated from Kokomo High School in 1968. He attended classes at Ivy Tech in Indianapolis and earned an associates degree in computer programming.  

Mike proudly served in the United States Army earning the Rank Specialist Fourth Class. During his time in the Army he earned many medals including a National Defense Service Medal, and a U.S. Vietnam Service Medal.

He hired in at Chrysler in 1973. He worked there for 39 years. He retired in 2012. He was active in the UAW. He was union President for local 685 from 1988 to 1992. 

He was active in the VFW. He was Chaplain for the Howard County Veteran's Association.  

He was a motorcycle enthusiast. 

In 1972, he married Veda Karin (Guthrie) Kordel Popelka. They had 2 children, Karin Marlene (Kordel) Prifogle Wooten and Christopher Matthew Kordel. 

In 1996 he married Susan (Strawbridge) Dyer Kordel. He had 3 stepchildren, Jason Dyer, Jamie (Dyer) Bolser, and Joey Dyer.

In 2017 he married Rena (Kirkland) Ruse Small Kordel. He has 2 stepchildren, Carol Ruse-Kiger and Wade Ruse.

He is preceded in death by both parents and his wife Susan.

He has a sister, Vikki (Mark) McMillan), and many nieces, nephews, grand children, and great grand children. Step or otherwise. 

A service celebrating Mike’s life will be held at 1:00pm, on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Hillside Missionary Baptist Church, 125 N. 1220 W. Kokomo, IN 46901, with Pastor Bill Fields officiating. Military Rites will be provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11:00 am until the time of service on Friday, at the church. Memorial contributions can be made in Mike’s name to the Hillside Missionary Baptist Church. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

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