Michael Kermit McAlvey

A life well lived leaves a legacy that will outlast it. Dr. Michael McAlvey passed away peacefully on April 3, 2023 surrounded with the love of his family. He lived a life of honor and compassion and embraced a modesty in understanding his place in the larger order of things. The hardest working man you could ever know who accomplished so much but would never boast about an achievement. Humble, kind, generous, and honest, he was one of the greats.

Michael K. McAlvey was born February 5, 1947 in Petosky Michigan to Dale and Betty McAlvey. He is survived by sister, Kathy Ginop (Len) and Ginny George (Drex). Graduating from Petoskey High School in 1965 he attended Michigan State University. A lifelong Spartan, after three years at MSU he was accepted into medical school at the University of Michigan. Graduating in 1972 he set out to achieve his goal of becoming, “A humble country doctor.”

During his family practice residency at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, doctor meets nurse, falls in love, and marries on August 4, 1973. Mike and Linda McAlvey (Fink) spent 49 years building a life, raising three children, and seeking adventure. Mike was a proud father to Ryan McAlvey (Christina), Leslie Wertz (Nathan), and Chad McAlvey as well as adoring papa to Dominic, Malia, and Lydia Wertz. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and many outdoor activities.

As a family practitioner for over 40 years, Mike loved to say that he was a doctor who served his patients from womb to tomb. He delivered over 1000 babies, seeing them through adulthood, and caring for patients in the hospital and nursing homes. He began his career practicing medicine at Pennock Hospital in Hastings, Michigan. After 19 years in Hastings, Mike and Linda returned to Sparrow Hospital where Mike served as practice leader at Okemos Family Practice. After retiring in 2012, Mike continued to care for patients at Sparrow Urgent Care Clinics.

He will be remembered as a man who loved his family, his dogs, and his many hobbies, notable woodworking. Mike and his family served on medical mission trips (Mexico, Benin, and Ukraine) and marveled at the many wonders of the world, from Machu Picchu to the Great Wall of China. Mike lived a full life and leaves a legacy for all who loved him.

The family would like to honor Mike's memory with benches at this gathering ground to allow others to sit, enjoy, and watch their pets play with one another while they converse and celebrate friendship, person and pet alike.

If you would like to contribute, please visit the following link: https://www.joincake.com/memorial-pages/michael-k-mcalvey/#obituary?utm_source=direct-link