Michael Allan Seelye

In Loving Memory of Michael Allan Seelye

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Michael Allan Seelye—one of the strongest men we knew.

Michael was born in Muskegon, MI, on May 26, 1968. He wasted no time by learning to walk at 8 months old, which kept his proud and loving parents, Allan and Barbara, on their toes. He grew up alongside his pesky little sister, Angel, and even though he always terrorized her, he loved and protected her.

During his years at Lawton schools “Big Mike” formed a lifelong bond with a group of fun, fearless, loyal friends who, through wild adventures taught each other how to live life to the fullest. One of his proudest accomplishments was becoming a two-time State Champion wrestler. In 1985, he recorded one of Michigan’s fastest pins; an astonishing four seconds. Mike spoke of those memories with a smile on his face and gratitude in his heart.

Mike became a father to two wonderful children, Nick (’90) and Shelby (’91), and he adored them. They learned the value of hard work by watching their dad provide for them without fail. He consistently showed up, picked up the phone, or offered sound advice that anchored their bold spirits. Mike’s life grew even richer when he met the girl next door on Finch Lake in 1998. Christine’s curls and pistol personality caught his eye and heart. They married on July 21, 2007, and their relationship became a true testament to the power of unity. Their love brought families together and built bonds that will last for generations. Christine’s heart was comforted daily by his steady, unwavering devotion. He was her protector. Mike cherished his seven grandkids and spent any extra time with them that he could. They will agree that he was the best grandpa ever, and they’ll forever miss seeing him on the sidelines cheering them on at their games or matches.

Mike made hard work look easy. He spent many years as a hazmat tanker driver for Marathon Petroleum and later became a heavy equipment operator for Balkema Excavating. He was like a boy in his sandbox, moving dirt and rocks, often finding the perfect stone to bring home to Christine was just one of the many little things that brought him happiness.

The Upper Peninsula held a special place in his heart at their family cabin. This was his haven; a place to hunt, fish, laugh, and simply relax. Despite years of waiting and watching for his bear sighting, he remained firm in his belief that UP bears are just a myth. He never saw one in the woods, and that’s a story he stuck to “they just don’t exist”. Mike found joy in caring for the home he and Christine shared and his lawn was always meticulously mowed. His beloved dog Lizzie would tell you he was the world’s greatest human, always keeping a stick cut for her and the side-by-side gassed and ready to go for a ride to his woods.

Mike will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Christine Seelye; son, Nick (Renee) Seelye; daughter, Shelby Earl; grandchildren: Allison, Lucy, Huck, Thea, Mackenzie, Tessa, and Kane; mother, Barbara Seelye; mother-in-law, Sally (Fred Learman) Hackenberg; sister, Angela Seelye; brothers-in-law: Elton (Shaunna) Hackenberg and Aaron (Brandi) Hackenberg; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He gloriously meets our Lord and Savior along with his father, Allan Seelye; grandparents, Andrew and Theresa Seelye, and Edith Davis; and father-in-law, Dale Hackenberg in Heaven.

As we gather to celebrate Michael's remarkable life, we invite all who knew him to join us for visitation on May 2, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:45 AM until 12:30 PM, at Family First Funeral & Cremation Services in Marcellus, Michigan. This will be an opportunity to share stories, reflect on his delightful spirit, and find comfort in our collective memories. Following services the family will be having a luncheon at 1pm at The Rock at Big Fish Lake in Marcellus.