Where Food, Drinks & Stories Are Shared
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Michael Machota

November 16, 1976 - May 4, 2022
Vicksburg, MI

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Life Story Service

Friday, May 13, 2022
1:00 PM EDT
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900

A reception where food, drinks and stories will be shared will take place immediately following the services in the Life Story Center.

Driving Directions

Funeral Mass

Saturday, May 21, 2022
10:30 AM CDT
St. Peter Catholic Church
1101 Michigan Ave
LaPorte, IN 46350

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church and immediately following at a lunch prepared by the church.

Web Site

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Environmental Defense Fund
1875 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 600
Washington, DC 200009
Web Site

Michigan Humane
30300 Telegraph Rd Suite 200
Bingham Farms, MI 48025
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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With a unique and dry sense of humor and a deep desire to give to others, Michael Machota lived a wholehearted life. He was a hard worker whose keen attention to detail and excellent organization led to much success. Whether enjoying the great outdoors, encouraging loved ones to drive carefully, or lovingly tending to his treasured canine companions, Michael embraced each moment as a gift. A true friend to all who were blessed to know him, Michael will long be remembered and ever so missed.

In 1976, from coast to coast, the United States celebrated the 200th anniversary of The Declaration of Independence with Bicentennial flair. Nadia Comaneci inspired worldwide fervor and hope in the impossible with an unprecedented seven perfect scores during the Summer Olympics, while Jim Henson's Muppet Show first took center stage in our family living rooms, inspiring unexpected delight for many. Meanwhile, Apple Computer Company officially came to fruition while the unique $2.00 bill was first printed. Families often enjoyed the weekly laughter-filled entertainment found in popular shows like Happy Days, Laverne & Shirley, and Three's Company. During this time of excitement and hope, Judith and Eugene Machota welcomed their firstborn son Michael into their family on November 16.

The oldest of the Machota kids, Michael grew up in Rolling Prairie, Indiana, in the good company of his younger brother, Andrew. While his mother worked as an elementary school teacher, his father owned and operated Biege Sewer and Septic. His parents modeled the strong work ethic that became the firm foundation of Michael's life.

From the start, Michael was known for his great sense of humor. He developed a special gift for mimicking voices. As a student at New Prairie High School, he was well-liked for his humor and ability to mimic his teachers' voices accurately. He was so good that many times the high school principal would let him perform teachers' voices during the daily announcements. Michael participated in Boy Scouts, band, and the cross country team. He was also the high school newspaper editor.

Michael graduated from high school with the class of 1995 and later graduated from Indiana University at South Bend with a Bachelor Degree. He worked for his dad, and later, when his dad was ill, his involvement in the company grew. For a time, he was a partner with his dad in the business. He later drove a truck for Crystal Flash Fuels but knew there was something more to life than that. With his compassionate heart and love of animals, he opened his own dog sitting/walking business called Dog Days. It is no wonder to those who knew him best that his four-legged clients and their owners loved him. He quickly became friends with his clients and would do little things that endeared him to them. Neat and organized, he was highly efficient, and he loved his job.

Michael was blessed to find great love in his life. With the help of Match.com, he met his beloved, Lisa Holmes. With a shared love of the outdoors and the simple pleasures of hiking, biking, movies, and good conversation, he and Lisa found they had much in common. Their first date was just hanging out at Lisa's apartment, having a beer. Neither one of them lived in the "fast lane;" they really enjoyed sharing each other's company. Lisa fell in love with Michael's sense of humor and was deeply grateful for the way he always supported her. Eight years after they met and fell in love, they married in a small ceremony at their home in Vicksburg, Michigan.

Together, Michael and Lisa would take many trips around the state and two memorable trips beyond the state. Lisa's love of Elvis led to a memorable trip to Memphis, and the couple also enjoyed a trip to the Rose City, Portland, Oregon, where they enjoyed the city life and the beauty of the surrounding country. They were also season ticket holders to the K-Wings Hockey and found much enjoyment bird watching. Despite being highly allergic to poison ivy, Michael also enjoyed working on his lawn. In his quiet time, he enjoyed listening to 70s Rock music, especially Van Halen, and watching favorite sitcoms like Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld. His favorite movies included The Big Lebowski, Gran Torino, and There Will Be Blood.

Though our days with Michael were far too few, the gifts of his life will long live in our hearts. May we find comfort in our many cherished memories and in the privilege of carrying his legacy of love and generosity forward. With each moment we freely give of our time and talents in service of others, provide comfort and encouragement, cuddle up with a canine companion, take a hike or bicycle ride, or explore the outdoors with our beloved, we celebrate the many ways Michael touched and inspired our lives.

Michael Machota, age 45, of Vicksburg, died on Wednesday, May 4, 2022.

Members of his family include his wife, Lisa Holmes; his two dogs, Rupert and Walt; his mother, Judy; his brother, Andrew and his sister-in-law, Jane. He was preceded in death by his father, Gene.

Cremation has taken place. Life Story Services will be held at 1 pm on Friday, May 13, 2022, at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. The family will greet friends at a reception where food, drinks, and stories will be shared immediately following the service in the Life Story Center. Visit Michael's webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, and photos and sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Humane or the Environmental Defense Fund.

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