Mike’s courageous heart stopped on June 18 after battling cancer for three years.

Mike was a loving husband to Diana; beloved dad to Carole, James and John; adored grmpa to Ryan, Arthur and Phillip. He also leaves big brothers Eddie and Paul; and sisters, Heather and Niki; and a multitude of dear friends and fishing buddies. Left grieving are his petes, Rascal, Annie, Shadow and Susie.

Mike joined the United States Navy and rose to the rank of engineman second class, serving two deployments in Vietnam. His awards include the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star attached for the second award of that medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal from the Republic of Vietnam. He will be buried with military honors at the Mariposa Cemetery on Sunday, June 27 at 1 p.m.

Mike was employed by Kroeger Equipment and Supply for 21 years, where he made many friends. He considered his co-workers as his family and was deeply saddened when he could no longer go to work each day.

Special thanks to Kroeger Equipment Supply for helping Mike keep up hope that he would be able to return to work. he never gave up trying. His office was as he left it, ready for his return.

Also, the family thanks Dr. Klaus Hoffman and his crew Mitzie, Tricia, Gloria and Diana for their gentle and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Mariposa County High School’s Student Loan Association, P.O. Box 1112, Mariposa, CA 95338 or the Mariposa SPCA, P.O. Box 671, Mariposa, CA 95338.

A celebration of life open house and buffet will be held at the Clovis VFW Hall in Clovis on July 10 from 1 to 6 p.m.