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Michael Asiala Obituary
Michael Richard Asiala, 51, of Bay City, beloved husband, son, brother, father, and friend, passed away Thursday evening, April 14, 2011, at Bay Medical Center, following a brief illness. Born Sept. 21, 1959, in Hart, he was the son of the late Richard Emil Asiala and Lorraine Kay Asiala of Traverse City, who survives him. He married his beloved Jessica (Booth) on Feb. 3, 2011, and together they ran and operated the Van Buren Street Theatre in Bay City. She survives him.
Mike received his bachelor's degree from Alma College in 1981 and was a graduate of the Institutes for Organizational Management at the University of Notre Dame. He was a manager at the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce from 1981-1988. In 1988, he was named the president of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, a position he held until 2002. Mike served on the board of directors for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce for two years.
Mike was an accomplished athlete in his youth. He played both baseball and basketball at Alma College. He was an avid golfer with a single digit handicap. He was a respected community leader as chamber president and an accomplished actor, with a passion for comedy.
In addition to his wife and mother, he is also survived by his daughters, Lillian Kay Ellen Asiala, and Caroline Michael Asiala; their mother, Laura Wonacott Asiala all of Bay City; his brother, David (Lisa) Asiala of Midland; sister, Kristen Asiala of Grand Blanc; brother, Jonathan (Heather) Asiala of Traverse City; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The family will receive friends at the Penzien-Steele Funeral Home, 608 N. Madison Ave., Bay City, from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Monday, April 18, 2011.
Memorial services will be held at the Van Buren Street Theatre, 701 N. VanBuren St., Bay City at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 19, 2011, with visitation one hour prior to the service. The Rev. John Byle will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Kaleva Historical Society (Log Cabin Theater) or The Bay County Salvation Army.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Asiala
George Giustiniani
April 27, 2011
Jessica, our thoughts and prayers are with you. You and Mike mean so much to us for allowing us to get married in your Dinner Theater last August. You both were so wonderful to us. You will forever belong in our hearts.
Amy and George Giustiniani
Therese Fitzgibbon
April 22, 2011
Prayers going your way. So sorry.
Chuck Fiebernitz
April 21, 2011
My condolences and prayers to Mike's family. Asiala was a former baseball teammate at Alma College, and I have only fond memories of him. I was shocked to hear of his premature passing. May he rest in peace and may God bless his family and give them strength through this difficult time.
Ron and Liliana Hintz
April 21, 2011
So sorry to hear .... too soon. Our thoughts and prayers with the family.
Linda Syswerda
April 20, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with Mike's family. I will always remember Mike's kindness. Thanks Mike! RIP
Stephanie/John Giltrop
April 19, 2011
Jessica our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Please know that we are sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts.
Stephanie and John Giltrop
Jeanne Werth
April 19, 2011
Jessica...thinking of you.
Jeanne Werth
April 19, 2011
Jessica,
Thinking of you!
Brian Simerson
April 19, 2011
So sorry about Mike's passing. He has left a void, but will not be forgotten. My condolescnes to all.
Megan Mainprize
April 19, 2011
So sorry to hear about your loss. Although we knew Mike only through very few encounters, we will never forget his wonderful spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
The Mainprize Family
Jim Rienstra
April 18, 2011
I wish to send my condolences to Mike's family. Mike was a friend, teammate, and I remember him as a person who would do anything for anyone at anytime. He and his family are in my prayers.
David & Patricia Dishaw
April 18, 2011
We are sad to read of Mike's passing. The joy he brought to us at Van B theater productions always warmed our hearts and filled our body with laughter. Deepest sympathy to the family.
Shawn Jackson
April 18, 2011
I am sorry to hear of Mike's passing and he will be missed!
Anthony Armstrong
April 18, 2011
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mike. He was a very good friend and colleague for many years. We will remember him and keep you Jessica and all the family in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you with an extra portion of His grace and mercy.
Tony & Barb Armstrong
Stephanie Martin
April 18, 2011
Jessica,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mike was a true character, and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you, and your family.
Shelley (Grueber) Duke
April 18, 2011
I am saddened to hear of Mike's passing, and my heart goes out to the entire family. I remember Mike fondly from high school.
Bruce Gerish
April 18, 2011
A great teammate. The Senator has a battery mate. Way too soon condolences to his family
Tom Raymond
April 18, 2011
I was so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. Mike was a great guy and a good friend from our days on the high school basketball and golf teams. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family.
April 18, 2011
My deepest sympathies for all who knew and loved Mike. He will always be remembered by me and his baseball teammates at Alma College as a gentlemen with a fierce competitive spirit.
Buz Zamarron
Mary-Ellen Bennett
April 18, 2011
Deepest Sympathies to You and Your Family during this difficult time. Mary-Ellen Bennett
Bill Klenk
April 18, 2011
My heart goes out to the entire family. Mike will be missed by all of his frends.
Bill Klenk, Alma College Baseball Coach
Heather (Sizick) Clifton
April 18, 2011
Jessica, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. God blesss you.
Trena Perkins
April 18, 2011
My deepest condolences for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Meghan Hales
April 18, 2011
My deepest sympathies to Jessica and family. What a nice guy, so sorry to hear the news.
Gail Kershen
April 18, 2011
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do…
Tracy, Jon, Jared, and Addison Meadows
April 17, 2011
I only met Mike once, but he had me laughing the whole day. I know my cousin loved her favorite person more than any other, and Mike will be missed. Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him.
April 17, 2011
Mike always knew how to make you laugh. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, especially Jessica -- please know I am here for you. Ann & Katie Underhill (Midland, MI)
Cliff Houser
April 17, 2011
Rest in peace Mike. I am sorry to learn of your passing.
Bay City has a better business environment because of your work. I am sorry for your family and this unexpected loss.
Cliff Houser
Chairman
Houser& Hennessee Adv. Corp.
Nita & Larry
April 17, 2011
Deepest sympathy to Mike's family and we know nothing we can say will make the loss any easier, but please know we love you.
Dana Bourdlaies
April 17, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. Words can't even express what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with Jessica and the family.
Pat Brandi
April 17, 2011
My dear Jessica, I am so sorry for your loss of the love of your life, Mike... What a nice guy he was... So very glad we got to meet him and see you two together in the play we saw. Will be praying for you, Jess. xxoo
Erika Brandi-Weiss
April 17, 2011
Erika Brandi-Weiss
April 17, 2011
JT, You have a long road ahead of you little Mama but I am literally three feet from you! I will prop you up anytime! Our "group" is so heart broken for you. We love you and will do all we can to help you through. hugging you.
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