Michael John Herrera

Michael John Herrera, known affectionately as Mike, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on August 5, 2024, at the age of 67 in Duarte, Ca. Born in San Jose, Ca. Michael embarked on a life filled with adventure, love, and continuous learning.

He shall be missed deeply by his entire family and abundance of friends. As he was a loving soul, he cherished every moment of his final months with as many members of his family and friendships through daily phone calls, texts and video chats, with a positive outlook, immense humor and a grateful heart.

His daughter, Loralynn, who served in the US Navy for 20 years gave Michael the opportunity to live in various states including Montana, Washington, and Hawaii before returning to his home state of California in 2012. His career as a professional painter was not a job but a passion, painting not only walls but also the lives of those he met with vibrant stories and experiences. While living on the military base on the island of Oahu, spending time with his new Ohana, it became his greatest passion to spread the love for the people of Hawaii and their culture.

An avid fan of the Raiders and Oakland A’s, Michael’s love for sports was only matched by his love for music, politics, and culinary explorations. His engaging personality made him a beloved figure in each community he lived in, easily making friends and sharing his diverse interests.

Education was a significant part of Michael’s journey. At the age of 55, he achieved a diploma from Waipahu Community School of Adults. He also continued his education at Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest, Ca, demonstrating to his grandchildren–Mauricio, Cristina and Benjamin–that it is never too late to pursue one’s educational aspirations.

Michael is survived by his mother, Margaret Herrera and his late father, John Herrera; his best friend and partner of 33 years, Marlene Jenest, who shared this heartfelt message, “I shall miss you throughout my remaining days. Your passing has left me with a heartache no one can heal, your endless love no one can steal, Aloha”…(Mick). Together, they shared daughter Loralynn Chrostowski and her husband John, Malina Chavez, and son Kitt Jenest and his wife Amelia and his family. He was a brother to Loretta Amezquita and her husband Tom, Marcia Rivera and her husband Antonio, Sandra Rivera and her husband Ricardo, Robert Herrera and his wife Michelle, Paula Silvas and her husband Michael, and John Herrera. Michael was a proud and loving uncle to many nephews and nieces.

Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life 12:30, Friday, October 25th at the Connecting Point Church of the Nazarene in Denair. Private committal service will take place at Turlock Memorial Park.

In honor of Michael’s love for Hawaii and the Raiders, we invite attendees to wear a shirt representing either theme as a tribute to his vibrant spirit.