Michael was the adored son of the late Zigmund and June Gutowski. Beloved husband of Cheryl. Proud father of Jessica (Derek) Battah and Michelle (Kevin) Jozefczak. Cherished Papa of Keegan and Piper Battah. Dear brother of the late Stephen Gutowski, Colleen Smith, late Steve Gutowski, late Patricia Gutowski, Suzanne Hernandez, Zigmund Gutowski Jr., Walter Gutowski, late Paul Gutowski, Christopher Gutowski and Linda Brudzynski. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Mike was born January 5, 1957 to Zigmund and June Gutowski and was raised in Southwest Detroit with his nine brothers and sisters. He graduated from Chadsey High School. Mike was married to Cheryl on June 9, 1979 and they recently celebrated their 40th anniversary. His proudest moments were the birth of his daughters Jessica and Michelle and his grandchildren Keegan and Piper. Although he was hesitant to rescue another puppy, he quickly fell in love with Mollie and they became best buddies. Mike never wanted anything but the best for his wife, children and grand-children.
Mike spent most of his career as a valued employee at Husky Envelope until his health started to affect him. Even though he was faced with battling many physical conditions he still pressed forward and made the best of things.
Mike was a “jack of all trades”. He enjoyed and took pride in skills in carpentry, car mechanics, dune buggy transmission building and household maintenance. In health Mike was an avid deer hunter and fisherman. The time spent camping at Silver Lake and at the cabin in Hillman with his family were some of his most treasured memories. He looked forward to and enjoyed his time in the man cave watching Red Wing Hockey and NHRA Drag Racing with his best buds.
Mike demonstrated his softer side by being a skating dad for his daughters Jessica and Michelle and a hockey papa for grandson Keegan. His joy of being part of the skating community continued even after his daughters left the sport by being part of regional, national and international skating events.
He was a little rough around the edges and did not have a problem standing up for his beliefs. Most of all he was known for his ready whit, quick smile, huge heart and willingness to help others. He is loved by many and will be missed by all. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The American Heart Association or Michigan Kidney Foundation.
