Born in 1930 at a Christian Science Center in La Habra, CA, life was checkered with challenges and victories. Mike’s father left his mother and two sisters in 1933 so to provide for his family, at age six he took his first job milking cows in the LA Dairy District. Carrying milk pails evolved into a lifetime in agriculture. Just ten days before his last illness he sold the family public scale business and home in Brawley, boasting that for the first time since 1936 he was jobless.
Mike was proud and humbled by his military service during the Korean War. Completing boot camp in San Diego resulted in sailing the Henry W. Tucker where he cooked and baked for the ship. He fondly relived his escapades and cooking stories and truly believed that the ship’s high morale was directly related to the high quality of his cooking. He joined the Navy as a 5'6” scrawny, eager 17-year-old kid and emerged four years later a mature, confident nearly 6' tall young man.
On the 31st of December 31, 1955 Mike met the love of his life on the front driveway of his future in-law’s home. He married Elayne Marie Clemans in the same front yard seven months later and the two started their lives in the Bakersfield area. Within five years the young family moved to Brawley in a leap of faith and his step-father's old truck where, for the next 55 years, he and Elayne built a wonderful and productive life. They were married just short of 63 years.
Mike is survived by three daughters: Juanita “Nita” Pappert (Stephen), Laurette Hoagland (Bob) and Susan Koon (Paul), in addition to 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He has 1 niece and 3 nephews remaining, as he was the longest living patriarch on both sides of his family.
Mike enjoyed his many contributions in agriculture as a Business and Land Owner, Entrepreneur, Farmer, Rancher, Harvest Manager & Advisor, Foreman and Manager. He held community roles such as President of IV Farm Bureau, plus various Brawley, Imperial County, California State boards and commissions. He and Elayne were also involved in numerous political campaigns and initiatives as well as church committees and boards.
A man of many interests and talents, Mike was most relaxed when sailing the bay, playing golf or driving an RV. He loved grilling and cooking, especially recreating recipes of favorite restaurant meals. Other hobbies were reading, bicycling, growing roses, history, dune buggies (or any boy toy), flying small aircraft – and when Mike couldn't see well due to Macular Degeneration – he dreamed and reminisced about flying. He excelled at solving mechanical and engineering problems and the sport of haggling for a deal, always treating the other party fairly so both felt a win-win. Mike's world opened up even more after transitioning from a flip phone to an iPhone because with the touch of a finger he could call anyone or ask Siri anything. He was a curious man who loved to learn, was passionate about politics and religion, relished healthy debates and readily offered opinions.
A Celebration of Life will be on Sunday, June 24 at 1:30 pm, Funeraria Del Angel (Humphrey) Mortuary, 753 Broadway in Chula Vista. In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to the charity of your choice.
