Michael F. Dvorak passed away peacefully on the morning of September 21, 2021 surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. His wife Norma held his hand as he completed his journey on earth, knowing his mother and grandmothers were waiting for him in Heaven. A man of faith, Mike did not waver in his belief he would be moving onward to place of joy and free of pain. His war with cancer is finished.

Born June 17, 1957 in Minnesota to Frank and Shirley Dvorak, Mike was the firstborn grandchild for both sets of grandparents. As with his father and grandfather, Mike had the mechanical gene, and, even as a small child, took apart toy trucks to see how they worked. Mother Shirley was not always pleased as he wasn't as good putting them back together. That came later.

When his sister, Diane, joined the family a few years later, Mike would gently hold the new baby, proudly showing her off.

Like any good midwestern boy, Mike participated in baseball and football. He dutifully mowed the lawn and worked with dad at the machine shop.

The family left Minnesota in 1973, heading west to Colorado where Mike graduated from Berthoud High School and subsequently Colorado State University with a Mechanical Engineering Degree.

His first job landed him in Tempe, Arizona, where he worked with a team putting together the first space shuttle payload. Although he enjoyed the work, Mike missed the green of the Midwest and secured a position with General Dynamics in northern Michigan. This proved a great move beyond career expectations. He met a lively young woman with sparkling eyes named Norma and there was no turning back. They married in May 1985. The wedding brought together Mike's family from Oregon, Colorado, and Minnesota, which became a joyful family reunion.

Mike and Norma, with son, Michael, and daughter, Angela eventually moved to Zeeland, Michigan in the southern part of the state. Family life fulfilled him, watching his children play sports, helping them study, and spending time with his wife working on their home.

He watched over the grape vines and made grape jelly. He babied the pear tree and tried to keep the plants around the home safe from critters. Family pets were treasured, and Mike did not hesitate to cry at their passing. He also enjoyed woodworking, kayaking, fishing, and trail riding in his side-by-side.

Of course, having a mechanical engineer in the family also means cars will be kept going for miles beyond the normal range. Family stories abound of resurrecting a vehicle in the middle of the night. His pole barn was a haven to fix and create, listen to Car Talk and keep his tools organized.

Mike cherished his children and was proud of how they managed their lives. It is no small thing to successfully launch your kids out into the world and Norma and Mike did just that.

Angela's marriage to Tim DeHaan brought three grandchildren into the family and a call to Mike on a weekend often meant hearing them in the background. He took to the grandpa role happily. When Michael purchased a home, Mike was there to assist, encourage and give advice.

Norma and Mike teamed up to create a life of love for their family. His life truly began when they met and fell in love. His legacy is his family.

Mike was a man of great intelligence, who was gentle and kind. His quick humor and deep laugh remain forever with his family and friends.

Mike is survived by wife, Norma, children Michael and Angela (Tim DeHaan); grandchildren Jordyn, Jacob and Anna along with his sister, Diane Dvorak and father, Frank Dvorak.

Mike is preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Ann Dvorak.