Mike Spiech

Mike was born in a small village in Poland and migrated to the United States when he was 10, where he and his parents lived in Chicago. He went to an all-boys school where the boys nick named him “Mike.” And that is what he has went by since.

His working career started young in Chicago where he worked in a grocery store. In the early 50’s, the family bought a farm in Paw Paw where he resided until his passing on May 27, 2022.

Mike graduated from Paw Paw High School in 1957. Through the 1960’s, he worked at Hodi’s Gas Station, The Strand Theater as a projectionist as well as working at Ellingsworth. He played baseball at Tyler Field and was on a local Bowling League. He also enjoyed “guys night” playing penuckle weekly. In addition, he was a member of the Paw Paw JayCee’s. In the mid 60’s he went to a Trade school to become a Millwright. He started in the automotive industry at Fuller Body, then moved on to GM where he was a UAW union member; he later retired from GM.

After retirement he went to work at the local hardware store, Warner Do It Center, where you could often find him replacing screens.

Some of the most cherished memories his children have are swimming after he got home from work, catch in the side yard, riding mini bikes and snowmobiles with him in the back field. Teaching each one to drive, and picking asparagus. Before he left for work most days, you would find him making a porterhouse steak (rare, he said if it didn’t moo it’s too done!), potatoes and if asparagus was in season, that as well.

Mike gave his kids a great sense of family and family time while they were growing up.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary Spiech and infant sister Ann.

He leaves behind his three children, Julie (Chris) Collier of Portage, Jane (Jay) Clark of Marcellus and Steve Spiech of Decatur, his grandchildren,

Kristen Ritsema, Dustin (Cara Sanderson) Ritsema, Jared (Elizabeth) Clark, Mitchell (Danielle Powell) Clark and Steven Spiech, great grandchildren,

Skylar (Shyann Douglas) Ritsema, Alex Ritsema, Haven Clark, Hailey Clark, Tucker Clark, Aleena Spiech, Miya Spiech and Sophia Spiech, great great grandchild due in Nov.

Mike also leaves his wife, Vivian Lula-Filipunas and her daughters, Pam (Ron) Eldred of Paw Paw and Suzie (Shelton) Broussard of Mississippi, grandsons, Devon Musgrave, Patrick (Janelle) Broussard and Stephan Broussard,

great granddaughter, Jillian Broussard. He also leaves behind his K-9 buddy Kali.

There was a private graveside service per Mike’s wishes.