Michael Thomas Steenbergh

Michael Thomas Steenbergh, age 68 of Warren, died Sunday, May 13, 2018 at home. He was born October 1, 1949 in Detroit, son of the late Omar Floyd Jr., and the late Margaret (nee: Diehl) Steenbergh.The biggest story of all is always the "Love Story,"…and Mike's began at a young age, yet even younger for the girl of his eye, Kathryn. A mere 15 years old when they met, their dating would soon turn to romance, which ultimately led to marriage and a loving relationship that lasted over 45 years. The year was 1973, and Mike was 23 years old, when the two lovebirds joined their hearts in marriage and began their journey together as husband & wife.Mike's education and experience did much to support his position as Electrical Engineer for the utility giant, DTE Energy. A career that spanned over 35 years, Mike was just one of the many dedicated and loyal employees of the energy supplier and always gave the utmost in service excellence while on the job. He loved what he did and found great enjoyment in lighting up the lives of countless customers,…literally! As for some of Mike's favorite pastimes, there was always joy to be found in grabbing his rod & reel and heading to one of his favorite fishing holes in search of the "Big One." There was something special about casting out his line, then waiting for that bobber to infuse a bit of commotion amidst the peacefulness. But a fish on the line always made the interruption worthwhile. Then there was football. Like many dudes out there, football was a great way for Mike to relax and enjoy a little machismo on the gridiron,…especially when his Wolverine's were on the field, the boys from the University of Michigan. The boys in Blue & Gold provided Mike some great sporting moments and highlights, and made the football watching experience an often sought-after source of competitive pleasure.Mike was also known for his skills in the culinary realm. He loved to cook and prepare meals for others to enjoy. Just give him a space for preparation and a kitchen, then simply step back and watch the magic unfold,…and he never disappointed. Especially noteworthy were his skills with a BBQ. Mike had his own special touch and finesse when it came to lighting up the grill and throwin' somethin' on the "Barbie." And when it was time to partake of his barbequed delights, your mouth would water by simply seeing his handiwork on your plate,…and then came the first bite that made your eyes roll back in your head. A BBQ at Mike's place was so much more than merely a cookout, it was a little taste of Heaven off the grill. And as for Mike's favorite dish, the word "spaghetti" pretty much says it all. Not everything comes off the grill, and Mike's penchant for pasta reigned supreme from time to time. Travel was another of Mike's favorite pastimes, a source of providing him the opportunity to expand his horizons and share the beauty of the world around him. And though there were a host of memorable destinations within his travel portfolio, perhaps it was his passion for Florida that stood above the rest. Embracing the title of Snowbird's, Mike and Kathie thoroughly enjoyed their many escapes from the wintry mix of the Mitten to the warmth and sunshine of Fort Myers, Florida. It was there that they garnered great joy in knowing that there was no need for a snow shovel,…Amen!Before crossing the final "t" and dotting the final "i"…this author found it only fitting that the words of Michael's wife, Kathie would fit quite beautifully right about here. And it begins; "Dear friends and family, it is with much sadness and a heavy heart that I write this to you. Today I lost my best friend, lover, confidant, and my rock,…to cancer. Mike and I were husband & wife for 45 years, but I knew and loved him since the age of 15 which means we were together for 51 years. Mike fought a valiant fight with all the grace and courage he was known for. As always, throughout his illness, he was a class act. He never complained or said, "Why Me?" He concentrated instead on praying, almost always, for his friends and family as well as his own healing. He kept a positive attitude and never lost hope. Although he had 4 different cancers within 4 years, the last year with the squamous cell cancer of the face and neck found him fighting the hardest. Unfortunately he lost the battle, but he fought right up until the end,…he was one tough guy. I will miss his kindness, thoughtfulness, his constant helping of others, his giant heart, but most of all his humor and infectious laugh. He loved everybody and always looked for the good in people. Thank you, everyone, for the kind thoughts and prayers as we were supported by them throughout his illness.A loving husband, father and grandfather, Mike leaves us far too soon, but not without leaving behind his unfailing love and compassion. He especially shined when his precious granddaughters, Gabriella & Paisley entered the room,…they were truly the light of his life. Family meant the world to Mike, and each treasured moment in their company was held in the highest regard. He leaves behind a legacy of love that reflects the unique and genuine man he was to all who were blessed to know him. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.Michael was the beloved husband of Kathryn. Loving father of Brandee (Joe) Steenbergh, Jeffrey (Brooke) Steenbergh and Scott (Rebecca) Steenbergh. Dear brother of Omar (Jo Ann) Steenbergh, Mark (Lisa) Steenbergh, Cathy Wilson, and Patrick (Carol) Steenbergh. Special grandfather of Gabriella Perry and Paisley Steenbergh. Memorial Visitation for Michael will be held Wednesday, May 16th from 3-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Rd.) in Warren. His Memorial Service will take place on Thursday, 11:00 am at the funeral home. Officiating the service will be Pastor Jack Steenbergh. Please share memories of Michael at his memory book above.