Michael "Mike" Dean Blonshine, 75, of Traverse City, passed away February 27, 2023.
Mike was born in Traverse City on April 1, 1947, son to Russell and Frances (Harrigan) Blonshine.
He graduated St. Mary of Hannah Catholic School's class of 1965. One year after graduation Mike was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He proudly served from August 3, 1966-June 4, 1968.
On January 20, 1979 Mike married Debra Ruth Rose at the Four Square Baptist Church in Traverse City.
Mike was an outdoorsman, with fishing and hunting being his favorite. He enjoyed two step and polka dancing, which paired well with his love of classic country music. Playing horse shoes was a specialty of Mike's and everyone wanted him as their partner. His love of sports was focused on U of M in addition to the other Michigan pro sports teams. He and Debra loved to spend time in Las Vegas and at their seasonal lot in Turtle Lake Campground.
Mike held various jobs earlier-on in his life and then picked-up the trade of installing, servicing and repairing garage door systems. After working in that field for several years he started TD Service, which he owned and operated over 15 years.
He is survived by wife Debra; daughter Maxine Anderson; grandchildren Christopher and Ariana Anderson; brother Jack Blonshine; brothers-in-law Chris (Rose) Rose, Dan (Marcia) Rose, Glenn (Linda) Watkins and Mark (Michelle) Rose; sisters-in-law Diane, Carissa, Sharon, Renee and Delores Blonshine and Karen (Don) Sumner and Sherry Sheffer; many extended family and friends; and his beloved and treasured canine companion, Perla.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son Michael D. Blonshine Jr.; siblings Richard, Robert (Charlotte), Thomas, James, Dennis, Shirley (Vern), Mary Lou, Harold, Frederick, Howard and Dale; mother and father-in-law Joyce and Keith "Pops" Rose and brothers-in-law Kevin Rose and Brian Sumner.
A celebration of Mike's life will take place Monday, May 8, 11AM at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, visitation one hour prior.
Memorial contributions may be directed to American Cancer Society,
https://www.cancer.org/
or the Alzheimer's Association,
https://www.alz.org/
.
Memories and condolences may also be shared at
www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com