Robert "Mike" Paas

Robert "Mike" Paas lived a life rich in family and friends. A man who was most content with the simple things, Mike enjoyed spending time with loved ones, making music, and being outdoors. His keen eye and talents resulted in beautiful paintings that his loved ones will continue to treasure. A proud Veteran, father, partner, brother, uncle, and friend, Mike will long be remembered and so very missed.

After years of misery brought on by the Great Depression and World War II, 1950 marked a significant period of postwar prosperity, as a consumer-driven society drove sales of cars, televisions, and other goods. The establishment of NATO, the first sale of a Volkswagen Beetle in the US, the first successful television sitcom, and the introduction of the first Polaroid camera marked 1949 as a year of hope, growth, and consumerism. The nation’s focus was on family and building a brighter future. Nowhere was there more hope than in the home of Robert and Betty (Rinehart) Paas, as they welcomed their son, Robert Michael, to their family on June, 24 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Along with his siblings, Barbara, Patrick, David, and Richard, Mike grew up in a home rich in family values. His father worked for the Kent County Road Commission alongside his brother Frank. He later worked for Frankenmuth Brewery before becoming a driver and then a salesman for Henry Fox Brewing. Mike’s mother owned a beauty shop when she was 19 years old. She then traveled for a cosmetic company as a product demonstrator, covering three states by train, but she had to quit this job when the war ensued. After marrying and becoming a mother, she worked as a waitress with her sister at their mother’s country restaurant, Ranch House. She later worked for Rose Patch Label on the night shift and held several part-time jobs.

After Mike was born, the family moved to a two-family house on Lafayette with one bedroom. It was relatively small, with a limited yard for play, and it was pretty busy. When Mike was around two, the family moved to the big house on Graceland, where he enjoyed a big yard and lots of friends, many of whom became lifelong friends. After Mike’s younger brother, Patrick, was born, he was not well and took a lot of his mother’s time. For additional support, Mike and his sister Barbara spent a lot of time with Grandma Rinehart. When their brother, Dave, was born 18 months later, things became more hectic. It was four more years before Mike’s brother Dick was born.

When Mike was about two years old, he stood up on the seat of the family’s Ford and pushed something that allowed the car to roll down the driveway until it hit the curb across the street. Fortunately, no one was hurt. Mike and his siblings enjoyed sledding on winter days on the big hills at the nearby golf course. Because getting on the course was a challenge, Mike once decided to climb the tall metal fence. Sadly, he fell and broke his arm. Mike spent hours and hours on his bike, adventuring with the neighborhood boys. They would ride to Ball Creek or Riverside Park, where they would play and build camps.

The family attended Blessed Sacrament Church, and Mike’s schooling began with kindergarten at Aberdeen School. He completed his elementary years at Blessed Sacrament Elementary School, where one of his teachers told Barbara to report to their mom every time he did something the teacher didn’t like. He attended Catholic Central High School for his freshman year before transferring to Creston High School, where he participated in the ROTC program.

From a young age, Mike loved fishing, hunting, gardening and honing his outdoor survival skills. He passed this love for nature on to his daughters as they enjoyed numerous camping trips to Ruby Creek. Mike's legacy of love for the outdoors continued on to his grandchildren as they spent time fishing together and experiencing nature first hand. Mike played the banjo and harmonica and enjoyed creating watercolor paintings of lighthouses and water scenes. Over his lifetime, his fishing pole, hunting rifle, and paintings became his most cherished possessions.

Mike enlisted in the United States Army and served two tours in Vietnam, from January 1969 to May 1971. While working at the post office together, Mike met Jeri Otto. The couple shared 38 years, splitting their time between their home on the northeast side of Grand Rapids and their place in Walkerville. Mike continued cultivating his love for the outdoors by spending much time in the Upper Peninsula with his companion, Jeri, as they fished and hunted for rocks at Two Hearted River.

An avid storyteller, Mike entertained his family and friends with tales from the Vietnam War, childhood antics, wildlife encounters, and so much more. His friend, John, said, "He's always walkin' and-a talkin', talkin' and-a walkin'. Mike was a member of Ruby Creek Conservation and Recreation Club, who enjoyed life’s simple pleasures, including Kentucky Fried Chicken with potatoes and gravy and making his family's Rivel Chicken soup. Mike was a long-time fan of the Detroit Tigers baseball team and spent much time rooting from his living room. He also enjoyed listening to the classic tunes of his youth, including "Born in the USA" by Bruce Springsteen and "Pink Houses" by John Cougar Mellencamp.

As we celebrate Mike’s life, may we find comfort in our many treasured memories and in the honor of carrying his legacy forward. Whenever we thank a Veteran for their service, cheer on the Detroit Tigers, enjoy time outdoors, notice the beauty around us, hear someone playing a banjo or harmonica, and gather with friends and family, we keep Mike’s memory alive and inspiring others as he inspired us.

Robert “Mike” Michael Paas, age 75, of Walkerville, MI, passed away on July 17, 2025, after several years of declining health. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Betty Paas, and brothers, Patrick and David Paas. Mike is survived by his companion, Jeri Otto; daughters, Christina (James) Rainey, Teresa (Robert Rogers) Paas, and Mary (John Conner) Paas; grandchildren, Devon, Madeline, Kenny, Serenity, Jameson, Elissa, and Skylar. Also surviving are his siblings, Barbara Paas and Richard (Amy) Paas, as well as several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 1 PM on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. Visitation will be held from 11 AM until the start of the funeral. Interment in Fr. Custer National Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to Fallen Soldiers Ministries. Celebrate Mike’s life online by sharing your favorite picture or story on his dedicated memory page at heritagelifestory.com