Michael Louis Guerra

Michael Louis Guerra, 61 of Battle Creek, Michigan and formerly of Marietta, Georgia died at home peacefully with his family at his side, on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. His family had spent many hours by Michael's side during his final battle with a terminal brain illness.

Michael was born February 24, 1961 in Battle Creek, Michigan the son of Louis Frederick and Sheila Marie (Peppler) Guerra. Michael grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1979 graduate of St. Philip Catholic Central. He earned a Bachelor's Degree of Science from Lawrence Institute of Technology and his Master's Degree in Architecture. Michael lived and worked in Marietta Georgia for 20 years, until stricken with debilitating neurodegenerative disease.

Surviving are his siblings, Patti Zull of Battle Creek, Steven (Robin) Guerra of Marshall, John (Jennifer) Guerra of Plymouth, MI, Vicky (Michael) Groat of Battle Creek; nieces and nephews, Kaitlin and Kristin Zull, Alex Mainstone, Hannah Burghdorf, Olivia Vincent, Gabe Guerra, Blake Groat, Jonathan and Isabella Guerra; and dearest friend, Connie Beard. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Lou and Sheila Guerra.

Michael had always beloved Italy. It was his goal since a child to live in Italy someday. It was fate that in graduate school Mike would befriend Max a fellow architect student. Max lived in Fano, Italy, the same town the Guerra family originated from. Mike made several trips to Italy staying with his friends but also traveling all over Italy. Mike finally settled on living in Rome. He was drawn to the architecture of the city and its history. Mike worked for years to obtain his Italian citizenship. The final step never happened because of illness.

When the end was close, it was Michael's friends who visited him weekly even when Mike was unable to verbally communicate with them, Mark sat quietly with his Rosary and prayed. Danny reminded Mike of the good times in the past, and Andy and Deb told stories of childhood experiences. Rick called multiple times to check on him and encourage him to hold on until he could come home to see him.

Michael always considered St. Philip Roman Catholic Church as his home. Michael was always available to help a friend. He will be remembered for his kindness to others.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. James Richardson 12:00 noon Saturday, November 19, 2022 at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church. Family and friends will join after the Mass for fellowship and nourishment.

Memorial contributions in memory of Michael may be made to the Sheila Guerra Scholarship Fund, Payable to "BCACS Foundation" Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools Foundation, 63 North 24th Street, Battle Creek, MI 49015 or online at https://bcacs.org/.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed in the Memory Book at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.