Michael David Kalso

How do you sum up, in a few paragraphs, the life of a man like Michael?

He was born a Libra – creative, charming, intellectual, sensitive, sociable, empathetic and loyal. He was the only boy in his close-knit extended family surrounded by girls; his sister and cousins. He and his sister Michele spent most of their childhood fighting, as siblings do, but grew up to be the closest of friends and confidantes. He shared a love of scotch and Scotland with her husband David. He did not always enjoy school but was always happy to be the class clown. Then, he discovered art and a passion was ignited. He poured himself into art classes at Macomb and was invited to participate in several symposiums in Europe where he received many accolades. This started his love of travel and experiencing new cultures.

As he grew older, he began to desire starting a family and proudly made the decision to follow in his father and grandfather’s footsteps to become a Journeyman Plumber with Detroit Plumbers Local 98. He truly exemplified the idea of brotherhood and volunteered any time the call was put out for help, whether it was assisting a fellow plumber in need, working elections, cleaning up trash on the side of the highway, protesting for worker’s rights or replacing lead pipes in Flint. He also spent many years with the Detroit Mower Gang cleaning up and mowing the parks and playgrounds of Detroit.

His giant heart didn’t stop there. Any time a friend needed a hand, help with repairs, a sympathetic ear, a hug, or even a loan, he was there. Everyone considered him their best friend. He greeted you with a bear hug and made you feel like you were the most important person in his life. He was fun. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. He was endlessly curious and a random meeting with a stranger would turn into an hour-long conversation and sharing of life stories. He wore his heart on his sleeve and you always knew his mood. He never hid his emotions. He loved everything and everyone and they all loved him back.

He was a collector of everything! Art, antiques, tools, mid-century modern furniture, tikis, motorcycles, cars, guns, animals, vises, t-shirts, books, etc. It might actually be easier to list the things he didn’t collect. His most valuable collection though were his friends. He loved nature and especially the cabin up north that his grandfather built. It was his happy place. He bought some acreage after he and Kelli married and raised pheasants as a business proposition. They became his pets instead. He also planted more than a thousand trees on the property over the years and many great memories were made harvesting the family Christmas tree every year.

He was equally loved by his animals. His first dog was a scrawny Weimaraner named Mercury who stuck to him like Velcro. He eventually became a foster dad to dozens of dogs with a few foster fails. His current pets: Domino, Luna, Babycat and Cricket miss him dearly. The thing he was most proud of was his family. He met his match with Kelli. They loved all the same things and spent time traveling, hanging out in Detroit, watching live bands, exploring antique stores, attending festivals, frequenting estate sales, visiting museums and art galleries, hiking, canoeing, picnicking on Belle Isle or just driving aimlessly with no itinerary and often being surprised by what they encountered. He taught her to live life to the fullest and love deeply. They were best friends.

Although Josh wasn’t biologically his, Michael stepped in to become a father to him. Josh thought he was super cool. He rode fast motorcycles, had a cool car and just seemed like an awesome guy. The mutual like of cars and motorcycles led to daily texts of for-sale listings and videos of the most random cars, trucks and “old stuff.” Michael came into Josh’s life as a cool guy, he grew into the man Josh looked up to, wanted to pick up knowledge from, and felt safe around. Their relationship was strange, but Michael did not have “normal” relationships.

His pride and joy was his daughter Paloma and he fully embraced every aspect of parenthood. He let her do his hair, paint his nails, and dress him up in costumes. He loved attending her field trips, dance recitals and concerts. Their morning routine included stopping for coffee before he dropped her off at school. He inspired her to pursue her artistic talents. He taught her to be unapologetically herself and embrace her uniqueness. He loved to show her the world, taking her on little drives wherever they felt like going. He always reminded her that he wasn’t like most dads, which was true. He was her dad and best friend all in one. She could come to him about anything and depend on him for everything.

He was never happier than when he spent time with his grandson Easton, his little buddy that followed him everywhere. Papa and Easton, where to begin. They were always getting into something. You just never knew who got into it first because they would do the same silly things. Papa was Easton’s favorite person, there’s no doubt. Papa’s shadow everywhere. He just wanted to be with him, no matter what it was. From starting fires up north, and going on canoe rides around the lake, playing frisbee, going to the park, or just relaxing outside. Papa meant the world to Easton and Easton was Papa’s world. Becoming a grandfather was a bonus for Michael. He may have acted tough on the outside but he was really just a big softie. He was a wild one, lived fast, ate a lot of cabbage, and didn’t always have the best solution for a small injury but nevertheless, he was one of the greats. He was the perfect Papa for Easton.

He was a loving and devoted son who visited his parents regularly, selflessly nursed them through illness, and assumed responsibility, without hesitation, for the upkeep of their home when they were unable to care for it themselves. Michael and Dave were especially close, bonding over beer, plumbing stories, gossiping about the neighbors, and pheasant hunting. He adored Julie and enjoyed entertaining her with his antics. He was so excited to finally make her a Grandma!

He was so full of love and light, it’s hard to imagine a world without him. Michael is irreplaceable. We will miss his big, beautiful soul. He would want you to love big and love loud!

Michael was the beloved husband of Kelli. Loving father of Josh Kalso and Paloma Kalso. Cherished son of Julianne and the late David Kalso. Adored grandfather of Easton Kalso. Proud brother of Michele (David) Reid. Special nephew of Sharlene (the late Sal) Mini. Dear cousin of Lisa (the late Marty) Sawyer, Lana (Mark) Mini, and Lori (Matt) Fillmore.

Visitation for Michael will be held Tuesday, March 12th from 4-9pm with a 7pm Time of Sharing at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road, Warren, MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Michael's honor are appreciated to the Great Lakes Weimaraner Rescue (P.O. Box 372, Grand Haven, MI 49417) or you may plant a tree in remembrance.

Please share memories of Michael at his guest book below.