Michael Samuel Marsala

Michael Samuel Marsala, age 45, of Grand Rapids, left this temporal world on October 20 for his triumphant hike to the High Country and a seat of glory at the foot of his Maker. During his two-year gallant struggle with cancer, Mike, his wife Marla and their son Dominic redefined life and love as they traveled every physical and medical mile in search of a solution; in search of one more year, one more month, one more day. It wasn’t fear of death. It was simply this: Being together was what mattered most. Throughout, Mike’s good nature and the entire family’s ability to see light amidst the looming shadows encouraged so many others who followed their journey. Yet Mike’s life was so much more than a simple line listing of those he leaves behind. After graduating from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Mike’s fine eye for form and imagery led to a more than 20-year career as a commercial photographer including the last 10+ years as a staff photographer for Meijer, Inc. During his travels, especially to his beloved northern Michigan, Mike used his craft to capture landscapes, nature, and the intricacy of static objects that he turned into art. Yet this just scratches the surface. Mike was born and raised in Benton Harbor and those southwest Michigan roots brought him under the spell of the Cubs and Bears whose play tantalized and traumatized him for many a summer and autumn. The woods, lakes and streams tugged him to hunting and fishing forays, often accompanied by Dominic. He also found much joy in his household projects: especially designing and building wood furniture for his prized lake view balcony. More often than not, a soundtrack of early ‘80s rock accompanied the rhythmic beats of hammering, sawing and grunting. The aura of grace that surrounded this good and gentle man stemmed from Mike’s faith in family and an unyielding trust in a divine being. To the end he prayed to his spiritual Father. Mike was preceded in death by his father Paul Marsala and father-in-law William J. Bauman. Among those who survive him, at the core and through it all, there is his wife Marla and son Dominic. In addition, his love also embraced many others who survive him: his mother JoAnn Marsala, brother Paul Marsala, mother-in-law Doris Bauman, brothers and sisters-in-law Mark (Sherie) Bauman, Janet (Richard) Worden, Julie (Chris) Laske, Cindy Bauman, nieces and nephews Amanda, Eric, Joshua, Drew, Bailey and many cousins and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 23, 2010 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 224 Carrier St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 with Rev. Denis Ryan C.SsR. as celebrant. Burial will be at Plainfield Township Cemetery. Friends and relatives may greet the family on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. The Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, Faith Hospice, or the St. Alphonsus Capital Campaign. Through his travails it’s clear that even in the darkest moments Mike was able to look through the part that was falling to ruin and feel a sense of adventure for what was coming next. The hike to God’s glory in the High Country is here as we hold you in our hearts on your journey. Peace and love be yours.