Michael Conley

Dr. Michael J. Conley, D.D.S., “Dr. Mike”, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at Stillwater Hospice in Fort Wayne.

Born on July 3, 1948, in Warsaw, Indiana, Mike was one of two boys born to J. Clyde and Beatrice (Ratliff) Conley. He attended Warsaw High School where he would fall in love with Deborah Julian. Mike would graduate with the class of 1966. He would take his sweetheart, Deb, as his wife on May 3, 1986 in Warsaw.

Mike enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was able to see a lot of Europe and Antarctica through his travels while stationed on ships. He would be Honorably Discharged in 1972.

Coming back to his hometown, Mike decided to do his undergrad at Indiana University and then attend IU Dental School, graduating with his doctorate in 1979. He appreciated the education he received through IU and always supported them, cheered for them, and wore red and white.

He owned Lakeside Family Dentistry in Warsaw. Mike had a passion for his field and his patients, and it was shown in the many compliments his staff and he received. He was even known for singing to them while he was doing a cleaning, even though he couldn’t sing a note in key. Mike made sure his staff always felt comfortable and that their working environment felt like a second home and family. Mike was a member of the local Kosciusko County Dental Society. With a servant’s heart, Mike made 7 mission trips to the Dominion Republic doing dental work for the underprivileged, taking his full staff for a week and all the equipment at no charge to those patients. He would sell his practice in 2021 after 41 years serving the community. He hoped he taught others perseverance, hard work, and to appreciate what you have in life.

Mike always loved to joke and keep the air light in conversations. He loved the lake life and would drive around daily in his golf cart to talk to his neighbors. He enjoyed time with his boys and friends, fishing and golfing. He was a believer in Christ and his family was the most important thing to him. They treasured the times during the summers that they could get together for laughs and food.

He is dearly missed by his wife of 57 years, Deb, and his sons: Darrin (Jean) Conley, Nathan (Tina) Conley and Brandon Conley, all of Warsaw; 4 grandchildren: Natalie (Bradley) Stouder and Joshua, Brooklynn and Kaia Conley; 5 great-grandchildren; sister, Linda VanOsdol and sister-in-law, Jolynn Conley, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, brother J. Steave Conley, and brother-in-law, Dr. Tom VanOsdol.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.