Micah Nathan DeWard of Grand Rapids, MI was born in Fremont, MI on February 17, 2005, eleven days after his expected due date. He was embraced with love and joy by his parents Nathan and Andrea DeWard and his big sister, Noelle. Micah died at the age of 21 on July 26, 2026, far before his expected time was due. He is embraced with love and peace by God. While Micah’s loss feels like a death out of season, cut brief by the darkness of depression, the enduring spirit of love and eternal light within him can never be dimmed.

Micah’s heart and life displayed an abiding hunger for learning, connection, and whole-world-wholeness that manifested in loud curiosity and quiet wonder, in big long hugs and short quick humor, in tender reflection and furious compassion. From the adorable breakdancing kindergartner, to the boisterous hype-man wearing a cape at high school robotics, to the barefoot backyard dancer earlier this summer, Micah always moved and sang to his own inner soundtrack. His unique Micah-sized energy and presence will be greatly missed in daily life.

Micah was dearly loved by his family and will always be remembered with tears and laughter by Mom Andrea and Dad Nate DeWard; sister Noelle DeWard and her partner Reese Jeltema; Grandma Kristin and Papa Robert DeWard; Nana Joanne Meyering Temple and Grandpa Jim Temple; Great-Grandma Annette Meyering-Rosema; aunts and uncles, and cousins: Ryan and Rhonda, Rachel, Jenna, and Jack DeWard; Aaron and Stephanie, Caleb and Lucas DeWard; Randal and Liz, Jairus, Gabriel, and Gracelyn Meyering; Rick and Shari, Jaxon and Levi Meyering; Danielle and Vissuet, and Grace Tapia.

Micah’s family held a private committal service at Blain Cemetery in Grand Rapids, MI on Sunday August 23, 2026, led by Pastors Teresa Kinnear and Chris DeBlaay. Micah’s ashes were laid to rest in a columbarium niche overlooking wildflowers and trees, along with the ashes of Grandpa Gary Meyering, who died in 2011.

On Saturday, September 19, 2026 the community at large is invited to gather for a Celebration of Life at 2pm at Kentwood Community Church, 1200 60th St. in Kentwood, MI. All are welcome to attend, whether they knew Micah personally in childhood/teen/recent years, or know of Micah through a mutual connection. The Celebration of Life will include pictures, stories, and videos (both hilarious and heartfelt) along with songs and reflections on the values and messages that Micah endeavored to share with the world through his music, relationships, advocacy, and ingenuity.

Four memorial funds representing Micah’s principles and passions have been set up to benefit non-profit programs that embody his commitment to art, acts of compassion, and attention to community flourishing.

Micah DeWard "Act Justly Love Mercy” Fund through The Branch Church in Grand Rapids, MI

https://branch.churchcenter.com/giving/to/micah-deward-act-justly-love-mercy-fund

This fund, managed through the DeWards’ local faith community, will focus on helping with food insecurity, housing instability, immigrant care, and other justice initiatives that Micah cared about, with a priority on partnering with non-profits that serve West Michigan youth.

Music Scholarship Fund in memory of Micah DeWard through St. Thomas Reformed Church in US Virgin Islands

https://strchurch.org/music-scholarship-in-memory-of-micah-deward

Micah already excelled at Guitar Hero (and most video/computer games!) for years before he started learning how to play electric guitar in January 2025, eventually adding some keyboard too. Micah met his guitar mentor James Anderson in August 2025 when he visited the island of St. Thomas where his dad was serving as a transitional pastor. Creating art and performing as a musician became Micah’s passion and dream. This scholarship is designed to support music discovery on St. Thomas through reduced or sliding-scale fees for children’s music lessons, under the direction of Chanelle Schaffer (piano) and James Anderson (guitar).

Micah DeWard Memorial Fund for the Sewing and Art program at My Brother’s Workshop in St. Thomas, USVI

https://giving.gofundme.com/campaign/834412/donate

One of Micah’s most recent interests was learning practical self-sufficiency skills such as how to sew and repair/modify his own clothing. This fund will support the Sewing and Art program, one of the vocational pathways offered through My Brother’s Workshop. MBW provides hope, faith, and purpose to at-risk and high-risk young people in the USVI by offering mentoring, counseling, paid job training, education, and job placement.

Micah DeWard Memorial Fund for Teen Adventure Trips through Camp Henry in Newaygo, MI

https://camphenry-bloom.kindful.com/embeds/8b6d7682-c82a-414d-80bd-015590de9cf9

Micah enjoyed hiking and spending time in nature. He went on annual camping and adventure trips in middle and high school. In the summer of 2024 Micah found joy and purpose as a camp counselor at Camp Henry. This fund will support Camp Henry’s Teen Adventure Trips providing youth ages 13-17 with the chance to develop outdoor skills, forge new relationships with others, enjoy wild landscapes, and strengthen their self-reliance in outdoor settings.