Michael Henry Chrasta

Michael Henry Chrasta, Sr. passed away peacefully at home in Los Molinos on January 10, 2026 at the age of 81. Mike, as everyone knew him, lived his entire life in Los Molinos growing prunes, raising a family, and mentoring a generation of Los Molinos citizens. He is survived by Sandee, his wife of 62 years, and two sons, Mike, Jr. (and Shawna) and Mark (and Debbie), all of Los Molinos.

Mike was born on March 16, 1944 in Red Bluff to V. James and Elizabeth Chrasta and was raised on the Sycamore Ranch south of Los Molinos. He was the youngest of three children and is survived by his older sisters Rose, of Walnut Creek, and Anna of San Francisco.

Growing up on the Sycamore Ranch, Mike loved the outdoors and often said that as soon as he was old enough to hold a fishing pole or a rifle he was heading out to the coutryside to catch or hunt whatever was available. He passed down those hunting, fishing and camping skills not only to his sons, but also many cousins, nephews, and family friends that came along.

Along with the outdoors, Mike learned to farm from his father and Uncle Henry Chrasta as well as becoming a skilled builder, welder and mechanic. Mike loved to talk about and rebuild old cars which people often sought out for advice or a helping hand when something “just wasn’t running right.”

Mike attended both Los Molinos Elementary School and Los Molinos High School, graduating in 1962. As a senior he met Sandee Brown (class of ‘63) and they were married on June 30, 1963. They made their home on a small prune ranch south of Los Molinos, raised two sons, and lived there until 2016.

During the 1980’s Mike and a group of friends began playing poker and enjoyed years of late-evening card games, advice about life, and lots of laughs.

MIke adored his four granchildren James, 26, Brandon, 24, Emily 23, and Sydney, 21; and beloved nieces Barbara Morgan and Debbie Morgan.

Join the Chrasta family to Celebrate the Life of Mike Chrasta, Sr. on Saturday, March 14. All are welcome to visit, share stories and memories, music, and food from 1 to 4 pm at 25392 Hausman Ct. in Los Molinos, CA.