I loved more than anything showing off my big strong dad. He used to pick me up from grade school when he could in his police uniform, our Rottweiler shadow in row and his sweet mustache and shades. I couldn't have been more proud and told everyone who would listen "that's my poppa! He's here for me!!"

I remember one year up at Lakewood I was fishing with Ryan when he was really little. Using his Snoopy pole and bobber, I put a cast out at the end of the slide in the swimming area as nobody was down there but the two of us. A few minutes later the bobber was gone. I ended up reeling in a really nice bass. I had no money so mounting it wasn't an option so I thought that was the end of it. Little did I know Mike saved the fish, mounted it, and presented it to me that Christmas. That was Mike. Always generous. That fish now proudly hangs in Dan's cabin near Tomahawk, back home where it belongs.

So many memories. Most can’t be posted! :) Most of my mischievous ways came from careful observations of Mike. I think my favorite memories was how brave Mike was. From shooting mice in a metal garbage can, to volunteering to serve in the USAF on the heals of Vietnam war to the day he was sworn to serve on the MPD. Yeah, that would be it! He was awesome!

Of the many, many conversations I had with Mike there are two moments that stand out:
One was when Kacie sent a video of Lyla on the plane on their way to Florida. Lyla was talking up a storm and apparently entertaining the whole plane. We watched that video a few times and he was laughing like crazy. He was so full of joy because his girls were coming to see him.
The second was when he showed me the card that announced Tiffany's pregnancy. He was so happy to have another grandchild. I told him I was pregnant that same day. He gave me a huge hug and told me how happy he was for ALL of us. It was a great day.
Time really flies, and I really miss him.

Can't believe it's already been almost a year. Your family has inspired me with your courage and your love for Uncle Mike and each other during this time.

I have so many memories of Uncle Mike. His skillful manning of any grill, the jokes he cracked, and the way he was constantly asking and checking to see if there was anything at all he could do to make our lives more fun or comfortable.

Mostly, I miss his peaceful presence. I always knew he loved me. And I adored him so much.

Sending you hugs and peace as always!

Big brother Mike was helping his 12 yr old brother (me) with my Sunday morning paper route at about 4:30 a.m. he passed a guy he knew in a small sedan. Mike was driving my dads 69 Pontiac station wagon that had plenty of HP so why not ? Was coming down Fiebrantz ave near 70th street. Stopped on 68 th and Fiebrantz was another car. 2 guys in the car were out early because they were going to breakfast early and then off to golf. One of those guys was our dad. Needless to say dad(who was also the insurance agent) did not care much for his son the race car driver. Made for an interesting afternoon for my bro who was just helping me out. :). R i p Mike. Hope you are enjoying the new sites , sounds and Dani. Til we meet again. Love you