Michael James Hefner

Michael James Hefner, aged 72, passed away Tuesday, August 10, surrounded by his family at home. He was born April 20, 1949, to Myrtis and Eugene Hefner. Michael is survived by his wife of 36 years, Peggy, and daughter Shannon Lumetta, as well as his siblings Martha "Kit," Melinda (Paul Andrews), and Mark (Cathy), niece Jen Hefner, and nephew Michael Andrews (Haley). He was also grandpa to Emmet and Ruairí McKeown.

Michael graduated from Thurston High School, class of 1967. After some college, Michael found his calling in plumbing. He was a self-employed Master Plumber for over 40 years, and he loved what he did. He was the first with a toilet joke, always able to get a laugh from family and colleagues alike. Within the past decade, he was able to reinvent his business with the help of his Novi business networking group (BNI).

Michael enjoyed classic cars, airshows, and trains of all kinds. Basically, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. One of his favorite places was Hilton Head, SC, where he and Peggy honeymooned in 1985. They vacationed there several times over the years for anniversaries and family trips. Michael loved road trips, good planning, a good old-fashioned paper map. Family game nights were a constant in their life together, and Michael cherished those times. His sisters and brother, his parents, and extended family were very important to him and he loved them all dearly.

He was such a kind, caring, and loving person. He was always ready to help anyone who needed advice or a listening ear, or especially plumbing services. He had a warm smile that freely welcomed everyone. Not one for the spotlight, Michael was keen to do the work and help behind the scenes. He didn't want the attention or even the credit for helping someone in need, whoever that may be — friend, colleague, stranger. He always carried two-dollar bills in his wallet to give to any kid who might get a kick out of it.

While Michael was generally thought of as quiet, he was private, but his humor, intellect, and generosity were shared freely amongst his friends and family. Laughter was a key part of his life in all areas. He was known for his jokes and for giving nicknames to the guys who worked for him over the years.

There are so many memories and facets of this man that we wish we could express, but there is no way to fully capture him here. His absence will be felt profoundly by all of us, but the gift of having him in our lives will continue to be felt and held in our hearts forever.

A visitation for Michael will be held Sunday, August 15, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Harry J Will Funeral Homes, 25450 Plymouth Rd., Redford, Michigan 48239. A funeral visitation will occur Monday, August 16, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Lutheran, 30650 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI. A funeral service will occur Monday, August 16, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Lutheran, 30650 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI.

A Luncheon is planned after the burial at Mama Mia's Livonia, 27770 Plymouth Road, Livonia, MI 48150

Contributions in Michael's memory may be made to St Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee; Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 30650 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, Michigan; and Samaritas, 8131 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, Michigan.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HarryjWillRedford.com for the Hefner family.