Mike leaves behind a family who loved him fiercely and will miss him beyond words.
He was the rock of our family and the kind of man you could always count on. Mike shared 46 beautiful years of marriage with his wife, Lucy - his best friend, and the love of his life. Together they built a life rooted in hard work, loyalty, laughter, and deep love.
Mike was a proud father to his three sons and his daughter. He loved his children with his whole heart and showed it not just in words, but in everything he did—by always being there, always fixing what was broken, and always putting his family first.
He was also a deeply proud grandfather. He loved his seven grandchildren and doted on them endlessly—never missing a chance to spoil them, cheer them on, or simply sit nearby and watch them be themselves. To them, he was a source of strength, warmth, and unconditional love, and they will carry his presence with them always.
A proud Vietnam War veteran, Mike served his country with honor. That sense of service never left him. Whether he was helping his family, a neighbor, a stranger, or one of his kids, he never turned anyone away. If someone needed help, he showed up—no questions asked.
For 20 years, Mike owned and operated Tree Masters, a business built on his strength, skill, and work ethic. He could build or fix absolutely anything. There was nothing he couldn’t figure out, and he loved doing it—especially if it meant helping someone else.
To his adoring nieces and nephews, he was affectionately known as “The Hulk”—a nickname that perfectly captured both his physical strength and his larger-than-life presence. Despite that strength, he was gentle and endlessly kind.
But more than anything, he was love. Steady, dependable, quiet love. The kind that made you feel safe. The kind that made you feel like everything would be okay because he was there.
His absence leaves a space that can never be filled, his laughter, his hands, and his heart will live on in all of us.
Mike is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Lucy; his children, Michael Jr, Dwayne, Garit (Christina), Jessica (Dave Jr.) Nelson; grandchildren, Cody, Aubrie, Christian, Averie, Ainsley, David III, Jillian; his sister, Linda (Mark) Crilley; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Cheryl Ross, Diane Emerson.
Visitation will be held at Kaul Funeral Home, located at 27830 Gratiot Ave, Roseville, MI 48066, on February 8, 2026, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm with a Memorial Service at 1:00 pm. Military Honors to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township, Michigan. Future inurnment will be at Willow Grove Cemetery, Armada.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Vets Returning Home.
