Mike McCloskey

As family and friends gather to celebrate the legacy of Michael McCloskey, it is easy to see both his unwavering loyalty and his insatiable zest for life. He was a constant source of strength and determination. No one was a stranger to Mikey for long, and he welcomed anyone and everyone with open arms. He loved his family unconditionally, and he was well known for his compassion and selflessness. Dearly loved, Mikey will be forever missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

The late 1980s were certainly exciting years to be alive in the United States. The Cold War was finally winding down, cooling tensions all around the globe. Musical artists such as Madonna and Michael Jackson took the world by storm, and classic sitcoms including “Full House” and “The Golden Girls” could be found playing on the TV in homes all across the country. It was during this influential time that Tim and Cindy McCloskey of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were awaiting the arrival of their firstborn child. On September 13, 1989, they brought their son, Michael Bernard, into the world. Known to his loved ones as Mikey, he was the oldest of the McCloskey children and was later joined by his siblings, Kelly, Kerry, Danielle, Johnny, Caden, Breck, and Bodie.

Growing up, Mikey was a typical boy of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home in Northern Kent County alongside his brothers and sisters. As the oldest of his siblings, Mikey was the ringleader of their mischief. From a young age, he had a vivid imagination and loved making home movies with his camcorder. Mikey was a big fan of the Jackass movies, and he would often try to film his own versions, catching many of his shenanigans on tape. Throughout his childhood, he also liked being active and enjoyed playing football and baseball.

Mikey attended local schools, including St. Joseph School, Orchardview Elementary, and Forest Hills Northern High School. He was a very social kid and enjoyed spending time with his friends, and he was also active in Young Life and St. Roberts Youth Group. Mikey’s love for baseball led him to be active on local Little League and travel teams. He was a pitcher for his high school’s team as well. While attending school, Mikey began working for his father’s brick paver company, Paver’s Plus. At first he worked at smaller tasks, like moving dirt or stacking bricks, but as he gained more experience, he proved he could be trusted with design projects and installations. Mikey graduated in 2007 and began working full time for Paver’s Plus, eager to see what his future held.

Not to be forgotten was the moment Mikey met the young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Rachel Siekman, and the two first met as teenagers in 2004 bowling at Lowell Lanes with a church group. Mikey and Rachel shared an immediate connection. Over the next 10 years, their relationship grew and flourished, and they fell deeper and deeper in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Mikey and Rachel were married at Third Reformed Church on May 10, 2014. After a honeymoon in Cabo, the newlyweds then settled down in their home on Lewison NE.

Nothing meant more to Mikey in life than his family. He and Rachel were overjoyed to begin growing their family and welcome their three children, Connor Bernard, Levi James, and Millie Kay, into their hearts and home. The McCloskey family also had a beloved golden retriever, Penny. Mikey thrived in his role as a father and loved every minute with his children, from making French toast to leading them in bedtime songs and prayers. Many hours were spent fishing with the boys at the cottage, and Mikey enjoyed riding bikes with the children as well. He had his special nicknames for each of his kids—Buddy Boy, Little Man, and Teacup. Mikey was very in tune with the needs of his wife and the kids, always putting them above himself. In addition to being a dedicated husband and father, Mikey was also a beloved grandson, nephew, and uncle. He considered himself blessed beyond measure to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

When he wasn’t spending time with his family, Mikey had many hobbies to keep him busy. He loved being in the great outdoors, and if there was water nearby, he could be found fishing it. Mikey was a lifelong movie fan. His favorite movies were Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Darby O'Gill and the Little People, but he loved all genres of movies, especially horror. Music was one of Mikey’s biggest passions. He enjoyed making his own music, getting new equipment, and serving as the DJ at family events. Mikey loved rock music, and he would often go to concerts with his sisters and Dad. Over the years, they saw Aerosmith, Green Day, and DJ Tiesto. Mikey was also very knowledgeable about music and could beat anyone at music trivia. He was known for his massive sweet tooth, and he loved a good steak. Mikey enjoyed tumbling and polishing rocks, and he built up quite the collection of his own tumbling equipment. Summer was his favorite time of year. Mikey liked spending those wonderful summers playing frisbee golf at Garfield Park or floating down the river at the cottage in Newaygo. His longtime group of inseparable friends, the Goonies, brought him so much joy.

All who knew Michael McCloskey will certainly agree that he never took a single moment for granted, making the most of every blessing he was given. He exemplified what it meant to live with a kind and generous heart. A devoted son, brother, husband, and father, Mikey cherished his family and friends above all else. His willingness to go above and beyond to care for those around him allowed him to love others so well. Although he will be deeply missed, Mikey leaves behind a priceless mosaic of memories that his loved ones will forever hold close.

Michael “Mikey” Bernard McCloskey age 35, of Grand Rapids, found his way home on July 29, 2025. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Karel and Pat McCloskey, Ron Bloom, Ken Cox, David Brondsema and Leon and Kathy Siekman. Mike is survived by his wife, Rachel; children, Connor, Levi and Millie; parents, Tim and Carrie Ann McCloskey and Cindy and John Brondsema; and in-laws, Steve and Judy Siekman. Also surviving are his siblings, Kelly McCloskey, Kerry Leigh (Austin) James, Danielle (Steve) Moon, Johnny (Ashley) Brondsema, Caden McCloskey, Breck McCloskey and Bodie McCloskey; brother-in-law, Ben (Alli) Siekman; grandparents, Vernell Bloom, Karen Cox-Salesky, Dianne Brondsema and Ken and Edie Muraski and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and beloved friends. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 5 at 11 AM at Third Reformed Church, 2060 Michigan St NE. Visitation will be held on Monday Aug 4 from 1-3 and 5-7 (followed by a time of sharing) at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery in Shelby. Contributions in his memory may be made to Northpointe Christian School for the education of the McCloskey children. Celebrate Mike’s life by sharing a favorite story or picture on his dedicated memory page at Heritagelifestory.com