Michael Pasikowski

Although gone from his loved ones too soon, Michael Pasikowski created a collection of memories with his friends and loved ones.

The 1960s were an eventful time in America. Early on, we elected the young John F. Kennedy as the 35th President of the United States, only to mourn his death a short time later. Civil rights were frequently front and center in the daily news, and by the end of the decade we had put the first man on the moon. It was as the beauty of fall was unfolding in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1968 that Thaddeus “Ted” and Patricia (Meyers) Pasikowski were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby. Their wait was over on October 5th when the baby boy they named Michael Alan made his arrival, joining his older sister, Sheryl, in the Pasikowski family.

In many ways, Mike, as he was usually known, was a typical young boy of his generation. His earliest years were spent in the family home in Wyoming where he attended Kelloggsville schools. Later, Mike moved with his family to the Northeast side of Grand Rapids where he continued his schooling in the Northview area. While in middle school Mike started playing basketball, and he continued in the sport throughout the rest of his time in school as he was on the varsity team at Northview High School. During this time Mike became friends with an exchange student from England named “Matt,” who eventually came to live with them. He and Matt remained lifelong friends and Mike was even able to go visit him in Europe several times. In addition to holding down his studies in high school, Mike worked as a cook at Bill Knapp’s on Plainfield. As a family they enjoyed several vacations including visits to Disneyworld and back to Florida for several spring break trips.

After graduating Mike was eager for all that life had in store. He spent some time working at Chili’s restaurant before finding longtime work in the tool and die industry. Over the years Mike worked at several plants in Grand Rapids, Holland, and Spring Lake.

Throughout his life Mike enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was blessed to become a father to his son, Joshua. When Josh was younger the father and son duo could often be found wrestling on the floor, and as Josh got older they moved on to Legos. Finally, they put in many hours playing classic video games as Mike had several game consoles in the nineties. Later on, Mike met Sherri through some mutual friends, and they married in 1993. Their marriage lasted about 15 years, and they spent some time living in Holland and then in Spring Lake. Pets were always an important part of Mike’s life including his dogs, Timber and Thunder. Mike later moved to Grand Rapids.

In his free time, Mike was often busy. Much of his time was spent playing golf, and when living in Spring Lake he loved spending time out on his Malibu boat even though he wasn’t a fan of the sun. Also while living in Spring Lake Mike often helped out in the garden, and he could be very handy as long as it didn’t involve being on a ladder. He was a great cook who enjoyed being creative in the kitchen. Mike frequently cooked using his cast iron, and among his specialties were his cheddar loaves and flank steak. As he faced challenges later in life, Mike loved watching Looney Tunes cartoons, doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku, and reading with Stephen King being one of his favorite authors.

Fun-loving, a teaser, and often talkative, Mike Pasikowski wasn’t afraid to live life on his own terms. He often had an opinion, and he wasn’t afraid to share it as he didn’t shy away from speaking what he thought. Mike enjoyed spending time with his family and the memories he leaves behind will be forever remembered.

Michael Alan Pasikowski, age 53 of Grand Rapids, passed away October 24, 2021. He was preceded in death by his father, Ted Pasikowski. Mike is survived by his mother, Pat Pasikowski; son Joshua (Sarah) Pasikowski; grand daughter Briley; sister, Sheryl Leatherman; nieces Ashley, Hallie, and Erin Leatherman; uncle, Don (Ruth) Meyers; as well as cousins and friends. Friends are invited to visit his family on Saturday, October 30 beginning at 10 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. His funeral service will begin at 11 AM. To read more about Mike, to share a favorite memory or photo, or to sign his guestbook, visit ww.heritagelifestory.com