Michael John Preusser

Michael John Preusser, age 59, passed away unexpectedly on May 9. He is survived by his parents Frank "Rudy" and Judy Preusser of Nokomis, FL; brother Matthew Preusser (Julia), of Midlothian, VA and nephew Jacob and niece Olivia; several uncles and cousins, as well as family friends Mary Delicate and Paul Bethel.

Michael grew up in Vienna, VA. He and his brother Matthew played football with friends until dusk and explored the creek behind their parents' home, catching crayfish and tadpoles. Every summer the family vacationed with cousins, aunts, and uncles in Bethany Beach, DE and Fripp Island, SC. Michael loved hearing the hilarious stories everyone told and watching his Dad and uncles make ice cream from scratch, taking his turn to churn the handle.

In 1985 Michael graduated from James Madison High School in Vienna where he played football all four years. He attended Ferrum College, in Ferrum, VA.

After college, Michael worked at his father's Fairfax insurance company, handling customer service and selling insurance. In the evenings and weekends, Michael volunteered as a VYI (Vienna Youth, Inc) football coach, mentoring his young players. He then moved to Colorado with his brother, working several jobs and relishing his love of the outdoors. His favorite place out West was Moab, UT where he marveled at the unique rock formations and stunning sunsets.

After a few years out west, Michael returned to Virginia and settled in the Forest Hill area of Richmond. He taught himself to carve wood and sold his creations at farmer's markets. This eventually inspired him to open his own shop Vice Antiques and Furniture. He loved being his own boss and the hunt for interesting and valuable finds. Michael thrived in that environment and truly found his passion. With his offbeat style and natural friendliness, he fit right in with the interesting characters he met in the antique business and attracted loyal customers. He recently expanded Vice to include a second shop.

Michael was definitely his own person and "marched to his own drum." He was gregarious and he had a big heart. He loved being an uncle, rough-housing and playing games with the next generation as his uncles had with him. Whenever Michael arrived, his young nephew and niece would shout, "Uncle Mike is here!" Michael also loved being with friends, many of them from high school days. Every year for 40 years, they've gathered for an annual camping trip on the Shenandoah River, adding more friends along the way.

Friends and family are invited to a celebration of Michael's life on Wednesday, June 17, at Vice Antiques, 1811 Huguenot Road, 4 pm to 7 pm. Interment will be in the Preusser family cemetery plot in Lovettsville, VA later this summer. Donations can be made in Michael's memory to St Jude Children's Research Hospital or Smile Train https://www.smiletrain.org/take-action