Michael R Houseknecht Dies At 38 Operated Batavia NYs Loose Ends Vending

BATAVIA, NY -- Michael R. Houseknecht, a vending industry veteran, died here on Jan. 7. He was 38.

Houseknecht was general manager and co-owner of Loose Ends Vending, a family-owned operation, from 1999 to 2008. He went on to serve as vice-president of operations at Next Generation Vending and Food Service (Canton, MA) after it purchased Loose Ends. At the time, Loose Ends had 42 vending routes, one coffee service route and six manual feeding accounts. In 2011, Housknecht purchased Statewide Machinery, a laundry equipment distribution and service company based in Rochester, NY.

Houseknecht was born on May 2, 1977, in Batavia, NY, where he remained a lifelong resident. He enjoyed golfing and boating, and volunteered as a soccer coach. He also served on the Stafford Country Club's board of governors.

John Hickey of New York City-based Tech2Success described Houseknecht as one of the most admired leaders in the vending industry. "We worked on the road together a few years back," he recalled. "Beyond what an admirable leader and businessman he was, he was a great person. He always put people first and his family was his top priority. The industries he served will sorely miss him."

Houseknecht is survived by his wife of 15 years, Jennifer Anne Thornton Houseknecht; children Meghan Elizabeth and Ella Grace; his mother, Sheila Mitchell; his father and stepmother, Ralph (Buddy) Houseknecht Jr. and Katy Gorton Houseknecht; and his grandparents Ralph and Agnes Houseknecht Sr.