It’s Been A Year Since You Left , Life Hasn’t Been The Same, I Talk To You And Think About You Everyday,You Are Missed By Your Family And Everyone You Have Came In Contact With, 
I love You Mike Heinz . I’ll Never Forget Our Last Conversation On The 7th  of December 2022 until Our Paths Cross Again My Brother We Will Continue Where We Left Off  I Will Never Forget Everything You’ve Done For Me
I LOVE YOU MIKE

A Year Ago Today You Left, My Life Isn’t The Same 
Along With Your Family , You Are Deeply Missed  By Everyone You’ve Came In Contact With. 
I Miss You My Brother ,I Will Continue To Talk To You And Think About You Everyday,Until Our Paths Cross Again Will Pick Up Where We Left off 
I MISS YOU MIKEI LOVE YOU 💪🏻 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

It has taken me a long time to write this... 

My heart is broken, I'm still trying to process this. Some reading this may be upset... but I feel this is necessary. 

I spent almost 14 years of my life with Michael. He was complicated and not the easiest to live with but I did love him dearly... All OF HIM. 

I NEVER EVER looked at him as a "thing" as "Big Mike"... he was just Michael to me.

I want to extend my deepest condolences to his mother, bothers and sister. 

I have so many good memories and life long experiences that I will keep close to my heart. 

Micheal was stubborn and selfish at times... but would give his friends and family the shirt off his back. 

I think of him every day and only wish everyone peace.

Katie



 I spent a lot of time with Mike when we were kids. I remember riding my bike over to Clark Road and doing silly stuff with Mike. Going up to the Apple Festival and trying to get candy from the parade. Selling "Grit" newspapers. Checking out the flea market. Scaring ourselves running through the cemetery. 
I remember once convincing our parents that we could sit together at our congregation and behave ourselves. Ha! Well, that was the first and last time. We used to listen to music together, even rode skateboards at the Woodhaven house, as well as a costume party (pictures of that somewhere...). 
I have many good memories of hanging out with the family. Mike will definitely be missed. My sincere condolences to the family. 

So very sorry to hear of Mike's passing.  It's obvious that he was much loved and will be greatly missed by many.  Our hearts go out to you.



Found this picture of Mike with his sister Laura. Such a sweet pic. 

Aunt Chris. 

Mike was a great guy, I met him at work and quickly became friends.
we had done some Boar hunting together along with a few guys from Visioneering where we both worked.
 I was Mikes supervisor as well as a friend.
 I could always count on him when I needed someone to step up and he was a machine when it came to his Craft (welding) and you would be hard pressed to find anyone who could keep up with him. 
He will be greatly missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him.

My deepest condolences




I have started and stopped this note multiple times.  There really are no words that can convey such a tragic loss.  My heart hurts and I also laugh/cry at the memories I have of my cousin Mike.  I was only 2 years younger, therefore,  was always around him as a kid to teenager and knew that I would be roasted every time I was around him.  You always had to be quick witted and on your toes and no one was safe from Mike's sense of humor.  He always made the family laugh when we were with him.  Of course as we get older we sometimes take different paths, that doesn't mean we don't think and still love and care for our families.  I think of the time when I was young that Mike performed a marriage ceremony with the two-miniature schnauzers Heidi and Champ.  It was hilarious.  I know that Mike is resting and at peace and I look forward to the time where he will be reunited with his loved ones.  My sympathies and condolences to Heather, the boys he was a stepfather to and all that loved him and were friends/family in his life.  Love, Andrea (cousin)

Heather,

I wanted to personally thank you for the acceptance, compassion, empathy and love that you showed to my brother. I know you are in unique position to understand his past hurts. I'm so grateful he found a place to just be and be loved unconditionally. That is a massive gift that you gave to him and I know he loved you for it.

I truly hope that time will help heal your and your boys' hearts.

For my brother's colleagues and friends, thank you for giving him a community that cared about him. I know he valued you so very much.

-Laura (Michael's sister)

Mike was such a great role model for the students that came to visit on MFG day. His smile was contagious and he is already missed by so many!!

I am at a loss for words. You were the strongest man I ever knew both physically and mentally. You helped me so many times when life had me down. So many memories from hunting and fishing together. We were the A team for twenty years in our jobs. I will miss you deeply.

With deepest sympathy and condolences  over the loss of Mike.

Darin and Toula Heinz

Sending so many thoughts and prayers. Heather and boys, sending the biggest hugs! My heart breaks for you all. 

I remember Mike as a child and then as a teenager. He was always happy, engaged in teasing and love to play the drums. When we would go and visit the family, we noticed that Mike was  full of energy,   loved his pets and had a big smile. He will be missed by many.

DJ Mike spinning some tunes at his cousin, Keith’s graduation party. 
Another great memory of happy family times. 

Aunt Chris

You were my neighbor for almost 20  years.  When I first met you, you told me about all your trophy’s and invited me in. That was amazing to see. I enjoyed our conversations, you made me laugh. Playing with Zeus that was your baby.  I’m still in shock you’re not here anymore but I will never forget you. Your Soul is at Peace Now. 



  Right now there is a huge hole in my heart, but I know with the passage of time that hole will begin to heal but never completely go away. The tears will come and go for many years. 

Mike and Heather came to visit me just a few days before his life ended, and the last words Mike said to me we’re “ I love you mom“ and the last words I said to him were “ I love you too Mike“. I will hold those words close to my broken heart until we meet again. 
(John 5:28,29) Sleep well my son. 

Never say mean words to someone you love when they are going out the door, you never know when they may turn out to be the last words you will ever speak to them.  





Little Mike with big stuffed dog and him feeding his baby cousin, Andrea. 
This was in 1974. 
Such happy memories. 
Aunt Chris. 

Zeus seems relaxed, but he could leap into action to protect his two favorite humans at a moment's notice. Mike and Zeus were good buddies. It was Heather who taught him how to behave. Him who? Mike? Zeus? Maybe both.

My nephew Mike was quite the prankster and good at disguising his voice.  
I worked at The UAW Legal Services Plan. The auto workers got free legal services re disputes with contractors and the like. 
My husband husband had a Co called Rayco Development. 
It was my day to be on the phone doing Intakes. Well I get this call about construction complaint. So I’m taking the info down and it’s against Rayco Development, my husbands co. I am freaking out thinking oh no my husbands co is being sued by my workplace. 
Of course it turned out to be none other than Mike pranking me. 
He was one of a kind!  Loved him so much. 
Aunt Chris. 


Mike with his two nieces, Alaina and Megan.

Here are a couple of fishing stories about Mike. The details may be a bit blurred by the passage of time, but the basics are intact. These events happened in the latter half of the 80s or thereabouts.

1) When Mike lived with family in Woodhaven, MI he had an aquarium in his room. He caught some bluegills or something and put them in the aquarium so that he could fish in bed. One spring he captured a good-sized pike in a ditch, brought it home, and put it in the bathtub with some water. Champ, one of the family's Miniature Schnauzers, saw that fish and jumped right in after it.

2) Mike was fishing in a Grosse Ile canal with his friend Lyle. Both enjoyed pulling pranks. They had caught a few and had them on a stringer hooked to their rowboat. Then they thought they would have a little fun with a man fishing nearby. Mike and Lyle began to discuss (loudly) the wonders of their homemade and completely fake bait enhancer liquid called "Nectar." They knew the other fisherman was listening . . . and watching.

One of them boasted, "Nectar is so powerful that I bet it would work with a bare hook!" Mike made a big show of pouring some out of a bottle onto his fishhook. Then he dropped it into the water on the side opposite of the man in the other boat--who was still stealing glances. That's when Lyle sneaked a fish off the stringer and hooked it on Mike's line. "Wow! Nectar is great!" they said as Mike hauled it in. They proceeded to recatch that fish a few more times in the same way. The guy who was watching couldn't take it anymore. He rowed over and asked, "Hey! Would you be willing to sell me some of that Nectar?"

The "daily" catch from the White River in Arkansas.

Mike helping with building a swing set. 1997

What a happy and cute little boy, Mike was.

School science project. Mike took first place for his.”active volcano.

Mike and his grandmother. The only one who could get away with calling him.”Mikey”.

Sunday was always arm day at the gym for us .So I’m heading there now I’ll meet you there but we’re not doing your 4 hour workout 

Peace and healing to those who loved Mike.

My maid of honor still talks about Big Mike and the outrageously large fake buck teeth he wore to my wedding. He made many a pass (and comment) past our head table, which resulted in several chuckles and a few questions from other members of our wedding party. Mike made me feel instantly at home with my now in-laws, and was always considered an uncle to my husband, myself and our family. He had an uncanny ability to make me laugh, something I know I share with many. I will be forever grateful for the kindness he has shown my family, and the memories he has given us. All of our love to Heather, and to Mike’s family. The world is a darker place without you. We love and miss you terribly. 

Mike I was devastated to hear the news. I know we’ve not had contact in many years and I regret that. Once I got your email address but never reached out. I always looked up to you growing up and just thought you were the coolest. You tortured me a fair amount but we had a ton of good times and you made us laugh till I cried many times. I’m glad you found someone in your life that loved you, and that whatever troubled you is over, I would have never had any idea. Been flooded with the good memories we did have over the past couple days. Rest in Peace.
Your cousin Keith.

Mike and I on vacation in Mexico at the Japanese Steakhouse .Best vacation I ever had you rest in peace my Brother and we will pound the weights together again like the old days and tip a few Miss You My Brother I Love You 

Years ago when I was little, uncle Mike gave me a giant stuffed animal, and I've had it ever since. Looking back at this picture it reminds me of how nice he was to me. My condolences goes to Heather and her family.

Looks like a kitchen shot in New Boston, MI.

From 2002. A beer in hand was pretty common in those days.

If this was for Brian's high school graduation, Mike was about nine years old at the time.

My name is Matt Lucent.  Mike was a great guy to work with. I used to mess with him all the time. I'd grab the skinniest guy around me, and tell him to hold me back, from kicking Mike's ass. Obviously a joke, but he loved it, and waited for it. Best part of my morning at Visioneering. 

2016 Pennsylvania hunting trip where he shot one of his biggest bucks. That smile says it all. 

Years ago, Mike could call me “big brother.” But I ended up calling him “big brother.”

To Heather &  Family,

My sincerest condolences for you at this time. You have my deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you.
I will forever cherish all the great memories and life lessons from Big Mike. 

Mike and Dad after fishing one day in Arkansas. This was when Mike was transforming into “Big Mike.”

To Heather,
I want to thank you for being a loving companion to my nephew.  I am heartbroken and I know you are too.  I will cherish my memories of him as I am sure you will.  Thank you for being there for him.  
Sending love and hugs.
Aunt Chris

When I graduated in 1981, my sister and Mike made me hand made graduation cards. I have kept these cards for 41 years. This one was from Mike and came along with a 6-pack of Snickers candy bars. It says:
“I sure hope you have a good time. I hope you receive nice presents. You sure are lucky. I hope I have a nice party like you. You sure are a lucky brother. From Mike your brother. I love you very much.

I loved my brother Mike. He and I were alike in so many ways. We were both loud and had the same goofy sense of humor. I have so many memories of us laughing so hard we practically cried.
I am really going to miss him. I know that I will see him again.
I am thankful that we had someone like Heather to share his life with.  I know he loved her dearly. 

This is Mike (in yellow) next to his brother Jeff and baby sister Laura

Rest in peace my friend.I will miss your sarcasm and your wit ,and your jokes.Go hunt that big buck.

I love you so much. I will miss our adventuring but it won’t end. Zeus and I will carry you in our hearts every time we step out of the door. I love you and I miss you so much. 

I will always love you cariño. I will miss our adventuring but it won’t end. Zeus and I will always carry you in our hearts. I love you so much. 

Teaching me to fish.  Great memories.  Love the time with Mike and Heather

Mike, 
I’m so thankful that I’ve had the privilege of knowing you and being your friend the past 9 years and spending countless hours fishing on the lake or hunting in the woods. You were always a man of your word and would do anything for your friends. You’ll be greatly missed and forever loved. I will cherish every single memory especially the ones from our recent hunting trip we had.

Mike,

I wish you were here for me to tell you that I miss you and valued your friendship. 

 I hope that you rest in peace.

OBITUARY

Michael "Big Mike" Heinz

December 15, 1971 – December 8, 2022

Kaul Funeral Home

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