Richard John Michalski

Richard “Rich” John Michalski, 56, of Sault Ste. Marie and Traverse City, suddenly passed away after a significant stroke on May 28th, 2026, at My Michigan Medical Center in Saginaw with his family at his side.

Rich was born on January 19, 1970, to his late father Frank Louis Michalski Jr. and his mother Barbara Ann Tembreull Michalski. After graduating from high school, Rich fathered two children– Richie Michalski and Bob Michalski. He began working in the restaurant industry where he discovered a passion for cooking and hospitality that would remain a central part of his life. Despite his brother Micheal’s assessment of him having the skill to be a professional baseball player, began his work to attend to his newly formed family.

He later fathered two more children, Ryan Michalski and Emily Michalski. During this time, he further fostered his cooking skills and love for restaurant life by opening his own business, “Rich’s Family Diner,” a place that reflected his lively personality, passion for feeding his community, and desire to build a life centered around the joy and wellbeing of his children.

After returning to Sault Ste. Marie (The Soo) from Traverse City in order to care for his Uncle Danny and father, Frank, in their final years, he met his fiancée, Catherine. They shared a deeply committed and loving partnership, and built a family with her three children Caydince, Kaylie, and Jason Jr., and their two dogs, Bean and Arlo. Catherine remained a cherished part of his life, and they loved each other deeply and dearly. As their relationship grew, Rich opened another restaurant business in the Soo, the Avery Center Cafe and also volunteered his time with the local VFW post and Meals on Wheels to rekindle his passion for cooking and hospitality he found in his early life.

Rich was known for his quick wit and unwavering sense of humor. He went through life making people laugh and smile, sharing his “famous” jokes with all who would listen. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, spending time with his brothers and family, watching the Detroit Lions (a loyal fan tested and true), and spending time with his dogs. Above all else, Rich loved his kids and stayed connected to them throughout his life. He loved talking with them, spending time, and making them smile. They were the center of his world and his greatest pride and joy.

He is survived by his four children, Richard, Robert, Ryan, and Emily; his mother, Barbara; his fiancée, Catherine; his two grandchildren and his great grandson; his siblings, Frank, Micheal, William, and Sheryl; and his two beloved dogs, Bean and Arlo.

He was preceded in death by his father, Frank, and Uncle Danny.

Services will be held at Noon on Sunday, June 7th at the C.S. Mulder Funeral Home in Sault Ste. Marie, MI with a visitation starting at 11am. A Luncheon will follow from 1-3pm

Those wishing to support Richard’s children and assist with final expenses may do so by visiting:

https://fundafamily.com/Donation.aspx?M=25839&C=36619