Michael Psaute

When reflecting on the life of Michael Psaute, words such as kind, loving, and giving come to mind, but perhaps it’s the word resilient that paints the most accurate picture of such an extraordinary man. Faith was a cornerstone in his life, and it was clear to see this by the way he lived his life each and every day. A loving and devoted husband and father, Michael was thrilled to become a grandfather later in life. Taken from his loved ones too soon, he leaves behind a timeless legacy that his loved ones will proudly carry on in his footsteps.

On October 7, 1953, Michael Vern was welcomed into the world by his parents, Herbert and Isabelle (Williams) Psaute in Adrian, Michigan. He was the fifth of six children as he was joined in his family by his siblings, Richard, Robert, Donald, Ronald, and Keith. Life had some challenges while Michael was growing up, but these experiences grew his character. He was quick to defend his brothers, and at times he found himself in a fight because of it. As a student Michael attended Sand Creek School. His grandmother was a big influence in his life, and she just knew how to show him love. It was also Michael’s grandmother who brought him to church for the first time.

After leaving high school, Michael eventually enlisted in the Army along with several of his brothers. While he was stationed in Hawaii, he graduated from high school. What was even more significant during this time, however, was a fellow serviceman who introduced Michael to the Lord. He learned Tae Kwon Do while in the military, and he became an instructor while in the Army. Without much notice, Michael was deployed to Vietnam. The experiences he had there greatly impacted him for the rest of his life as there were numerous challenges there. Despite these challenges Michael was always proud of his service and quick to talk to anyone in uniform.

With his military duties fulfilled, Michael returned stateside. He went to college in Indiana for a year at Grace College. Then, Michael started going to Adrian College and also found a local church there. This proved to be quite fateful as there was a young lady there who noticed him, and she would prove to be the love of his life. Her name was Nancy Robertson, and she said something to the pastor’s wife about Michael. A short time later he approached her, and they began talking. Over the two years that followed, Michael and Nancy saw each other nearly every day. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together the sweethearts were married on August 18, 1979. After a honeymoon that took them through Ludington, on the Badger, and then over to Minneapolis where she had gone to school, the couple soon found a home. In fact, it was actually the home that his father had started building. Michael had told the owner he was interested if it was ever for sale. Together he and Nancy raised their three daughters, Danielle, Anna, and Katie.

Second only to his faith was Michael’s family. He loved playing with his daughters, often sports of some kind. Michael had played football in high school, and he could often be found playing basketball or softball out in the yard with his daughters. He also participated in recreation league sports along with his wife. Michael and Nancy kept score for the girls’ basketball games through high school with both of them working at the scorers table. As a family they looked forward to their two week vacation each July. Several years they enjoyed going out west, spending time in the mountains, jetskiing on lakes and seeing the sites. The Psaute family also took other trips including an Amtrak train trip through the United States as well as trips to the East Coast.

One of the things Michael was most known for was his strong work ethic that was applied to everything he did. In 1986 he suffered a closed head injury, and the recovery came very slow at first. It took Michael two years to fully recover. In 1989 their family was given a tough pill to swallow when their home burned down. God was good to them during this time, however, as they had a wonderful church family that came alongside Michael as he rebuilt their home. Prior to finding his longtime work at General Motors, he worked at a few different factories. Michael continued working until he was 67, finishing his last years at the plant in Toledo. He loved gardening and learned much of what he knew from his wife’s parents who lived on a farm. Michael and Nancy had a huge garden that the whole family worked to maintain from planting to canning and freezing, even taking vegetables to the farmers market a few times.

During his later years life was full of new joys and adventures for Michael. He loved being a grandpa and was very hands on with his grandchildren. Michael loved played with them, often taking them to the park. They did a lot of socializing with Nancy’s family, and together they played a lot of cards. Michael became deeply filled with Godly wisdom. Michael had the Word of God in his heart and really came to understand grace. In earlier years he and Nancy were also youth group leaders at their church. Michael and his wife enjoyed a few trips to places like Boston, Philadelphia, Maine, and a memorable road trip to various ball parks. Within the last year they moved to Walker to be closer to his daughters and grandchildren.

Kindhearted, giving, compassionate, and strong, Michael Psaute was a blessing in the lives of so many. His love for the Lord was easy to see, and there was nothing of greater importance to him than knowing that his children and grandchildren shared this same love. Someone who could see the positive in anyone, Michael was a stranger to none and a friend to all. He will be forever missed.

Michael Vern Psaute, age 68 passed away peacefully in his home on November 29, 2021 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Michael was born October 7, 1953 to Herbert and Isabel (Williams) Psaute in Adrian, Michigan. Michael served in the United States Army from 1973-1976. While in the Army he came to have a personal relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His relationship with Jesus was very important to him. On August 18, 1979 he married Nancy (Robertson) Psaute and they were married for 42 years. They have three daughters: Danielle (Joe) Mysliwiec, Anna Psaute and Katie Psaute. He also has three grandchildren, Luke and Ruth Mysliwiec and Vivian Psaute, whom he loved and they brought great joy to him. He provided for his family by working at General Motors for 38 years.

Michael was an active member at his church. He enjoyed building his family home from the ground up after it burned down, loved vacationing with his family, cheering his daughters on in sports and playing with his with grandkids.

In addition to his wife, daughters and grandchildren, Michael is survived by his brothers Donald Psaute, Ronald (Robin) Psaute, Keith Psaute; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Judy Beagle, Alan (Carol) Robertson and David (Vicki) Robertson; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Isabelle, and older brothers Richard and Robert Psaute; sister-in-law Debbie Psaute and brother-in-law Lewie Beagle.

His funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 4 at 11 AM at Grace Immanuel Reformed Baptist Church, 860 Peachcrest Ct NE in Grand Rapids. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 3 from 4-6:30 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW and on Saturday at the church beginning at 10 AM.

Michael’s family suggests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to either Grace Immanuel Reformed Baptist Church or Mary Free Bed Foundation (Prosthetics Department General) are appreciated. To read more about Michael’s life, to share a memory or to sign his guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com.