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Obituaries » Michael J. Locke

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April 28, 1944 - January 31, 2023

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 West Centre Ave., Portage, MI 49024. A celebration of his life will follow the mass at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice, c/o the funeral home.

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Age 78, passed away on January 31, 2023, in Portage, Michigan. Michael was born in Detroit on April 28, 1944, the son of the late Joseph and Stephany (Kroczyk) Locke. He spent his childhood and adult life in Detroit, only recently moving to Portage to be closer to his daughter. While attending high school in Visitation, MI, he was a member of the swim team. He remained fond of spending time near water and it was a passion he passed on to his family. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the US Navy Reserves and began to seek higher education. Michael had a keen mind and was mechanical gifted. He was proud to have earned a degree from the University of Detroit and a master’s degree from the University of Michigan. He put his engineering skills to work in the automotive industry working a number of years for American Motor Company, Ford and General Motors. He worked hard and managed his affairs with responsibility in an effort to better the lives of those around him. He was a lifelong leaner and was never afraid of a challenge. Michael enjoyed the simple things in life like living with no air condition and being frugal. He also had a great sense of humor and told a plethora of “Dad Jokes”. He was selfless and would often seek out ways to help others. He volunteered for meals on wheels, several local soup kitchens and even took time to drive children of incarcerated parents to visiting hours. He had a strong faith in the Lord and was an active parishioner in the Catholic Church. When not working he enjoyed spending time outdoors, reading and sailing. Michael loved his family, was proud of his children and especially fond of his grandchildren. He leaves behind the legacy of a life well lived and he will be missed by all who loved him. Michael is survived by two children, Amy (Peter) Burtis, Matthew Locke; three grandchildren, Noah, Abbigayl and Vanessa Burtis; siblings, Ray (Fran) Locke and Cindy Weber; nieces, nepehews and friends.