Michael Orlo Kroupa, age 73 passed away peacefully at Traverse Manor Assisted Living in Traverse City. He endured a long illness resulting from a severe stroke 5 years ago.
Mike was born March 14, 1945 to Fred and Dorothy (Belleville) Kroupa. Raised on the family fruit farm on Old Mission Peninsula with one sister and two brothers, and lots of Kroupa cousins on adjoining farms on Kroupa Road.
A 1963 graduate of Traverse City Central High School, Mike was honorably discharged from the US Army after serving in Vietnam and Korea. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and the NRA. Also a member of PGI, an International pyrotechnics organization, attending their fireworks conventions all over the country. He co owned and operated Peninsula Pyrotechnics for years. He provided fireworks shows for many towns through out the area and the Beach Bums. He generously did shows for many friends and relatives.
An avid hunter, hunting big game in Montana, Wyoming and many trips to Alaska. Mike's life work as a stone brick mason was perfection and requested by many who knew his work. His first fireplace he built is at the family beach house and will always be a testimony of his fine work.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Tom Kroupa and Rich Kroupa and brother in law Fran Wood. He is survived by his sister Karen Wood, sister in laws Kathy Kroupa and Karol Kroupa. Many nieces and nephews who loved their "Uncle Mike". Also surviving is his faithful kitty "Corky" who has been at his side for 18 years.
Thank you to the staff at Traverse Manor and the Heartland Hospice staff for their thoughtful care for Mike during his journey through this illness.
Memorial contributions in Mike's honor may be directed the VFW Post #2780.
A celebration of life will take place at the VFW Hall; 3400 Veterans Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684 on Friday August 31, 2018 at 12:30PM.
The family is being cared for and served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.