Michael Rosine

When reflecting on the life of Michael Rosine it is easy to see that his generous heart accompanied everything he did. He had a special love for animals and liked being at home more than anyplace else in the world. Known for his strong work ethic, Michael believed that a job worth doing was worth doing right as he never took the easy way out of anything. Family played an important role in his life and a friend of Michael’s was a friend for life. He leaves behind a brilliant tapestry of memories that will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of those who treasured him.

As the year 1946 dawned, America was welcoming countless young servicemen and women home from serving overseas during WWII. After the hardship of the thirties due to the Great Depression, we were ready to finally move forward after more than 15 years of great struggle by the time the war ended. Crooners like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby serenaded us during this time while Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, and Marlin Brando were becoming household names. It was during this exciting year that there was much to celebrate in the lives of one young couple from Colon, Michigan, since they were overjoyed to welcome a healthy baby boy on March 2nd. Michael Robert was ushered into the arms of his parents, Robert and Mozelle (Wetherbee) Rosine, and was raised in the family home in Lawton. He was their first child together although he was joined in his family by his father’s daughter, Jackie, and her mother’s two sons, Richard and Dave. The Rosine family later grew to include Michael’s younger brothers, John and Frank.

In many ways Michael experienced a childhood that was rather typical for the youth of his generation. His father worked as a local tool and die maker while his mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. As a boy Michael enjoyed fishing on Maple Island, and when he was a bit older he developed a love for working on cars, especially his Dodge charger. He attended Lawton schools where he participated in most sports, graduating in 1965.

With his formal education behind him, life took Michael on a few different paths during the years that followed. He married and together with his wife he was blessed with a son they named John after Michael’s brother. They divorced after a short time. He married again and although this marriage ended in divorce as well, the couple had no children together. Michael worked a few odd jobs during this time, but later found his niche when he began working in maintenance at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. He enjoyed his work there and was good at it, too. Michael was well respected around work not only for his work, but just for who he was. He had that special something that can’t be taught, and it can’t really be learned either, but it made him approachable and down to earth so others just seemed drawn to him. After struggling with pancreatitis a few years ago, Michael was forced to take an early retirement after 33 years there. He was able to get his health back on the right track and was able to enter the work force again on a part-time basis.

Work certainly had a place in Michael’s life, but he really enjoyed pursuing his interests during his time off. Family played an important role in his life, and he lived two doors down from his parents. Michael was especially close to his mother. He was an animal lover who had many pets through the years, usually dogs and birds, but he did rescue two kittens from the parking lot and work. Michael named them Fred and Ethel, and he provided them with a loving home. He liked watching wrestling and attended a few different events in Detroit, and he also loved playing Texas hold ‘em with the boys – especially after he retired.

Although he enjoyed getting out, Michael really enjoyed being at home. He could often be found working out in his yard, and it was not uncommon for him to help his neighbors with something that needed to be done whether it was a task great or small. When it came to music, Michael liked both country music and classic rock ‘n roll. While he was growing up, Michael and his brother made frequent trips to the record store. He had an extensive collection of VHS and DVD movies that were mainly action adventure flicks. Those who knew Michael knew that he made the best beef jerky. In fact, he took offers for it from people at work. Later in life he developed a liking for trucks.

A hard working and fun-loving man, Michael Rosine brought such light and life to the world around him. He was a funny guy, especially when he talked like Donald Duck, and he had a generous spirit as well. Although Michael will be dearly missed, all who knew him will be forever grateful for having been a part of his life.

Michael Rosine died on June 14, 2011 at his home. Mike’s family includes his son, John Rosine; 4 siblings: John Rosine and his wife Linda Lammers, Richard Happel and his wife Wanda, David Happel and Jackie Rosine; and many nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Frank Rosine Cremation will take place. Services will be held Tuesday 5:30 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler & Thompson-Paw Paw; 60900 M-40, 657-3870 followed by a reception at the funeral home. Please visit Mike’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo or sign his memory book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be directed to National Multiple Sclerosis Society.