Michael "Mike" Willette

Michael James Willette passed away May 2, 2023. Born in Gladstone, Michigan on December 28, 1947, he was the son of Albert and Bernadette Willette and brother to Patrick, Daniel (Jean), Kate (Bruce), Charles, Sue, Bob (Marie) and Bette (Dave). Mike was a loving husband to Linda Rose (Martin), the love of his life, married at just 21 and 16 years of age. He was the doting father of the late Carrie Brigham, Stephanie (Brad) Bagaloff and Michelle (Mike) Huey, grandfather to Michael (Stephanie), Staci (Corey), Victor, Rebecca, Samantha, David (Brooke), Jacob, Ethan, George, Oliver and Lillian as well as great grandfather to Olivia, Seth, Ava, Braydon, Felix, Willow and Nodiin. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Patrick and Charles and his daughter Carrie.

Mike served in the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps and he served in the Vietnam conflict. He was a graduate of Northwestern Michigan College and he retired from his career in electronic engineering in 2001.

Mike was an avid Green Bay and Spartan fan and when he smiled, he lit up the room. He was an altar boy and most enjoyed football and musicals in his youth. He also had fond memories of youth summer camp at 'Camp House' in Minnesota with his cousins and brothers and looked forward to that all year long. Family always came first, and he made it a priority to stay up to date on all the kids' sporting events and musical performances (go Bruins, go Black Widows, go Wolves!). He documented every family event with photos and became an avid photographer. He watched every episode of Bubble Guppies ever made and knew the theme song by heart. His stories were just the best and his laugh, so contagious. He helped to develop elaborate plans for leprechaun traps, and sadly, the sneaky thing always got away no matter how much gold was there. Mike raved about all his 'birdies' and he left this world a much better place. His gentle heart will be fondly remembered by all.

Visitation will take place on Monday May 15, 2023, at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 5-7pm with a rosary recitation at 5:00pm. An additional visitation will take place on Tuesday May 16, 2023 at St. Francis Catholic Church from 10:00am until 11:00am when the funeral mass will begin, with luncheon to follow. Mike's final resting place will be Oakwood Catholic Cemetery where Proper Military Honors will be presented.

Love you forever Mike, yours always, Linda.