Michael Sullivan Bliss

Michael was born on November 19, 1964, to Elfrieda Bliss and Michael Lee Bliss, in Merced. Michael grew up on his family’s farm located in Chowchilla and El Nido. Michael’s early years were shared with his sisters and cousins out on the farm. His love for sports began from a young age, which would eventually lead to him becoming an avid San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Giants fan. Michael’s passion for farming also blossomed during his early years while working alongside his parents. Michael would go on to make a lifelong career of being a farmer. Michael attended Plainsburg Elementary and then went on to attend Le Grand High School, where he graduated from in the class of 1982.

Following high school graduation, Michael began working full-time on the family farm. This is where he would work for the next 40 years of his life growing a variety of crops, including corn, wheat, alfalfa, cotton, and almonds. Michael loved farming and took great pride in his farm. Prior to his mother’s passing, the late Elfrieda Bliss, he promised her he would take care of the farm. He kept that promise.

Michael would meet his wife, Jeannie Fluestch, after the two were introduced to each other at church. Michael and Jeannie would later get married on February 20th, 1993. They would go on to enjoy a life filled with love and laughter while raising their three children: Michael Raymond, Katie, and Peter.

Michael was a man of strong Catholic faith. Michael attended mass every weekend, primarily at the Our Lady of Lourdes church in Le Grand and the Sacred Heart church in Planada where he served as a lector. Michael also took great pride in being a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #15583, where he served as Grand Knight at the time of his passing.

Michael was a very loving, caring, and personable man. He took great joy in making connections with people and forming friendships. If Michael was in the room, an abundance of laughter and conversation was destined to occur. The joy that he brought to others will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife Jeannie Bliss; son Michael Raymond Bliss and wife Elizabeth Bliss; daughter Kate Bertuccio and husband Andrew Bertuccio; and son Peter Bliss; sisters Molly Bliss-Analla and Christine Dougherty; grandchildren Brantley Bertuccio and Michael Phillip Bliss.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents Michael Lee Bliss and Elfrieda Ann Bliss.

A visitation for Michael will be held Monday, August 5, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 13145 Le Grand Rd, Le Grand, CA 95333. A vigil service with rosary will occur Monday, August 5, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 13145 Le Grand Rd, Le Grand, CA 95333. A funeral mass will occur Tuesday, August 6, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Saint Columba Catholic Church, 213 Orange Ave, Chowchilla, CA 93610. An interment will occur Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Plainsburg Cemetery, 8943 Gillette Ave, Merced, CA 95341.