Michael R. Murugan, Nashville, IN, passed away on the early morning of October 6, 2026. He was 81 years old. Michael was born on October 27, 1944, in Robinson, IL, raised by his parents, Estel and Ana Snyder, in the Indianapolis area and graduated from Roosevelt University in Chicago with a degree in History. His mother Ana had the maiden name Esopanko, and her large family emigrated from Ukraine to Canada before later meeting Estel, who was serving in WWII for the United States. Michael married Karen Speicher of Pennsylvania in San Fransisco, 1977, and the following year Karen birthed Michael's only son, Kumar Justin Speicher. Later in life, Michael spent many years with his wife and soul mate, Pamela, who grew up in Wisconsin, while living in Chicago, IL. They moved south to Bloomington, IN in retirement, to live near his mother and his brother Dennis, who was also Michael's best friend. In the worlds of Pamela's brother, Michael was kind, caring, humorous, and intelligent, with a deeply connected spirit. Michael was also a longtime fan of the NFL's Chicago Bears franchise, as well as MLB's Chicago White Sox and the NBA's Chicago Bulls. During the early 90s, he and Justin would watch the Bulls teams with Michael Jordan in awe and would enjoy lively discussions about football throughout the years.

Unfortunately, 2014/2015 was a year of loss, in which Ana Snyder and Dennis both passed away, as well as his dear wife Pam. Michael spent his final years with moral support from friends, including Gretchen Clearwater of Bloomington, and Dr. Gowtham Pillal in India, whom he was able to visit there just a couple of years ago. Michael also was able to visit his son, K. Justin Speicher, twice, in Jacksonville, FL, accompanied by Gretchen. In Jacksonville, Michael also spent time with his only grandchild, Madeline Speicher, born in 2020, and his daughter-in-law, Jaime Marra. Michael was also able to travel to Ecuador with Gretchen, which was a very special adventure. His son, Justin, was able to visit Michael in July 2026, at the Redcrest Hospice facility in Bloomington, IN, and during Justin's 4-day stay the two were able to spend many hours talking about life, philosophy, family, and memories, as well as watching the World Cup soccer final together. While Justin was unprepared for the sudden turn of events with Michael's health, he was able to understand that Michael was at peace with his life, and has communicated this to his surviving brother, Patrick Snyder, in North Carolina, as well as helping to manage Michael's final affairs. Justin would like to add that Michael had a kind, loving spirit, and everyone who got to know him felt blessed and inspired by his warm, benevolent disposition. At the memorial of his brother Dennis Snyder, Michael gave an impassioned speech, leaving a lasting impression on those who attended. Michael was also known for his willingness to enter long form dialogues about his principles and philosophies, while at the same time never attempting to impose his beliefs on those who disagreed. He found harmony in how his beliefs meshed with the spiritual nature of others, and Michael enjoyed answering questions about Eastern spiritual teachings and related topics on Quora and other similar online platforms. Michael had the opportunity to travel to India several times throughout his life to develop his understanding of the Hindu culture and spirituality which heavily influenced his belief system. In his understanding, the eternal self (Atman) journeys through the ongoing cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (Samsara) - a journey guided by morality and ethics, in accordance with one's dharma, leading ultimately towards moksha: liberation from the cycle, freedom from its suffering, and the attainment of lasting spiritual peace. Dr. Pillal, who was close friends with Michael for many of Michael's final years, has been very supportive to Justin in this difficult time, including having provided the In Loving Memory picture shown here. Michael will be remembered and dearly missed by those he leaves behind.

Michael is survived by his son, Kumar Justin (Jaime Marra) Speicher; his brother, Patrick Snyder, his nephews Matthew and Daniel Snyder.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Pamela Murugan.

There will be no services at this time.