To the Family of Mike Recker --
I am sorry to be late in sending this rembrance of Mike. We were neighbors, classmates, and team mates in Howell, Michigan, back in the Golden Late 1950's/ early '60s.  I have always remembered and kept close the fond recollections of Mike and his indomitable blue Ford coupe with "Mike's Little Gutter Strutter" slap-dash painted on the hanging rear fender.  I also remember him as a very good and fun person - who knew his way around.  We did not stay in close touch but his achievements and recognition are no surprise.

With many fond memories and great respect,
David Fisher (HHS Class of 1960)


My heartfelt sorrow Sue to you and your family.  Mike is probably reminiscing with Ernie of the days they spent in law enforcement.  What they must think of what all is going on now -much love.   Judy


I had the pleasure of working with Mike in Corrections for several years. He was highly motivated and did whatever he could to ensure staff and inmate safety.  If something needed to be done, you could go to Mike to make it happen. He was an excellent supervisor, mentor and prideful of leading by example. If Mike wasn’t happy about a situation, his look was enough to tell you, “things were about to change”. I loved his firm, assertive  leadership style and his  genuine concern for others.  Although Mike had moved out of State, he always made it a point to stay in contact with me. On one of his visits to Michigan,  he stopped by my parents house to check on my father after his bypass surgery. His big smile and laugh will forever be in my heart.  Love and prayers for the family and all who had the pleasure of knowing Mike.  
Retired Corrections Lieutenant Karen Korte  (Zakrzewski) 1985- 2010

My condolences to the Recker family in this time of sorrow. I had the pleasure of working with Mike in the W.A.N.T. Unit now known as L.A.W.N.E.T. Mike was a great investigator and assistant team leader. Mike was high energy and had a great personality and sense of humor. Rest well my friend.

I met Mike in the summer of ’77.  I was a marine deputy.  My partner and I spotted some idiot driving about 80 (in a 55) on sb US23 between Whitmore Lake and Ann Arbor.  Just as we got close enough to pull him over, Tommy Keshishian (working undercover) came on the radio and asked dispatch to have us back off.  We went to the old jail (the real old jail on Ann St.) for gas and Mike pulled in, looking like a doper and apologized. He had been working a drug deal and didn't want to lose the mark.  That was the start of a great friendship. 
Zamboni


Mike was a great mentor and friend to me at the Sheriff's Office.  My thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to his family and friends.  

Mike was my Sgt when I hired in at WCSO. What a stand up guy, who you always knew had your back. Was a pleasure working with him. My prayers go out to his family and friends. RIP Mike, you will be missed. Go Blue!!!

I remember Mike from the WANT office. He was a kind, considerate man and a good police officer. Mike always had a story or a wisecrack to share. He was universally liked and respected.

First, my you Rest in Peace my brother . Mike, was one of the first Law Enforcement Officers I met during my 35+ year career. I met Mike back in early 70's while he was assigned to MSP Want Unit. From that point on everytime I saw him he would make me laugh with his sense of humor. I left WCSD and joined LCSD & Mike did the opposite finishing his career at WCSD.  The last time I saw Mike was up at the St.Igance car show a few years back. Again, making me laugh! To your family , Mike made me a better Deputy Sheriff . Thank You!

Mike introduced us and took us out on our first date...he then became  a groomsman in our wedding almost 32 years ago. He was a dear friend and a trusted colleague. It was an honor to be his friend.  Prayers to his family🙏🙏

I worked with Mike at WANT. Always energetic and a great sense of humor. A Good man.  RIP my friend.

Worked with Mike for many years at the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office, what a great guy and he  always had your back. R.I.P. Brother God Speed. 

Mike and I were co-workers at the Livingston County Sheriff Dept. Mike was the most street smart cop I have ever known. His sense of humor made him one of those guys you always wanted to be around. RIP Mike and I pray for your family.

I met mike while working in narco. A great guy and a great cop. Rest In Peace brother.

Mike was my sergeant when I hired in in 1994. He was exactly the kind of supervisor you wanted to work for.  He’d pat you on the back and have your back too.  But if that office door closed you were getting the ass chewing you deserved.  After he left WCSD I saw him a few times when he came back to town. There was always an embrace and stories to tell. I will miss him, and that vein in his forehead I somehow managed to swell to often. 

In 1990, when I started in the jail, Mike was my Sergeant. He was a true leader and motivator. One day Sgt noticed this rookie was wearing white socks and dress shoes. It was required to wear black socks with shoes. Mike threw a permanent  black marker at me and said, “Here are your black socks!” Years later,  Mike and I would go over the incident every time I saw him. Rec, you will always be missed! God speed brother! 

I met Mike during the summer of 1961 when his family relocated to Bay City,Mi., and we became life long friends after attending Bay City Central H.S., Class of 1962.

Over time, our friendship grew into a family affair, as our children connected through frequent ski trips and major family events.

I last spoke with Mike about 6 weeks prior to his passing, and we had a good conversation about "old times", and I have fond memories of that 45 minute discussion.

Mike had a magnetic personality and I always enjoyed the times we spent together.  If I wrote a book about my life  I would have to dedicate a chapter about my lifetime experiences with Mike.  He was special:  there would be a lot to write about, and it would be humorous.

Mike will be missed, but he's in a better place today., probably telling a group of new friends about some of his street rods.  

R.I.P. Mike



Mike was my sergeant when I started my career at WCSD. The thing I loved about Mike was he always had his officers back. Even if you screwed up he would cover you. And then he would definitely let you know about it behind closed doors. I always respected that part of Mike's command style. He always backed up his crew and we all knew it and absolutely appreciated it.  Love you Michael RIP.

OBITUARY

Michael Bernard Recker

November 26, 1942 – May 7, 2020

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