Michael J. Grcich

Grcich, Michael J. 57, of Valparaiso passed away Thursday, November 21, 2013 at home with his family. Michael was a father to all that knew him and would lend a hand to anyone in need whether family, friend or total stranger. His friends and family always looked up to him for guidance. Mike was very devoted and loved his job at Task Force Tips (TFT), his second home, where he loved doing for others and making sure his tasks were always done to 100% perfection, completion and compassion for others safety. He highly respected the McMillan family, especially "big brother" Stewart. Mike always considered TFT and the people he worked with a special gift in his life. Stewart gave Mike his last Bucket List wish and flew him to Savannah, Georgia; forever thankful for Stewart's kindness. For years Mike was a Lieutenant Fire Fighter for Washington Township Fire Department. He was so proud and loved having the opportunity to help others and make a difference in the safety and care of his community. Mike was a loving husband, father, son, brother and until the end of time put his family first. His actions always spoke louder than his words. He taught not only his children, but his friends and coworkers the value of working hard and being responsible for your own actions and that there is a time for sharing and having fun. His sense of humor never stopped. Mike was always known to be a teaser and believed in having fun; life was a big game and his goal was to laugh and enjoy every minute to the fullest. He loved to do things with his sons, brothers and friends whether it was fishing, golfing, hunting, looking for mushrooms, cooking, making cheese and peppermint schnapps, or just sitting around a camp fire and talking. He loved his trips to Canada every year which he shared with the same friends for over 30 years. Darren, Tim, Mark, Sid, Wilbur, Jay and Butch are just a few closest friends that will always have special memories and laughs of some of the most unpredictable experiences of being together. He and his wife loved each other dearly and were best friends for 33 years; their special time away was at their cabin. They would spend most of their weekends together enjoying the quiet side of life. Mike always believed the beauty and peacefulness at the cabin was the next closest place to being in heaven. Mike worshipped his two sons, Michael and Danny, along with his loving grandsons, Chevy and Hunter. He considered himself the luckiest man alive to get special daughters-in-law, Shannon and Nikki, who treated him like a king. In his last days he was relentless in making memories for them; this was all he thought about. He loved all of them more than life itself. Michael J. Grcich leaves behind a great legacy and difficult shoes to fill when it comes to loving his family and friends. He will always be remembered as Big Mike or Uncle Mike with the BIG heart and hands that were always there to help others. Mike also loved the special children next door, Shawna, Chris, Seth and Cameron Walker, and his sidekick "Will Billy" Will Linebaugh. They always thought of him as their second dad and knew he was there when they needed him. He will be remembered for the river floats and kids weekends at the cabin. He always loved to make sure children had fun and could be themselves. Mike leaves behind his loving wife, Sarah (Oestriech); sons, Michael (Shannon), Danny Grcich; special family friend, Nicole Wise; and his beloved grandsons, Chevy Levi and Hunter Michael Grcich. He is survived by his parents, Joe and Virginia Grcich; sister, Vicki (Dewain) Ward; brothers, Ken (Mary) Grcich, Joseph (Leslie) Grcich, II; many loving brothers and sisters-in-law in the Oestriech family; many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles from both the Grcich and Oestriech families who will miss him terribly. Mike is now at peace and has joined many other friends and family that loved him. Look up to the sky and smile; our loving Angel Big Mike is always watching over us. The Grcich family would like to thank Dr. T. Devine, Dr. M. Farhat and the University of Chicago Multiple Myeloma team, Dr. A. Jakubowiak, Jessica Marin and Maria Gamez for the special care he received and the opportunity to try and make a difference about not giving up. Mike was thankful for the home care he also received with First Choice Home Health and the special loving support and comfort from the VNA Hospice staff. We thank many of the staff at Porter Regional Hospital for the support given not only to him, but also to his family members during this difficult time. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso with burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation Monday from 2:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. MoellerFuneralHome.com Mike has requested donations to be given in lieu of flowers to Task Force Tips Benevolence Fund (please contact Martin Sonnenberg at TFT mss@tft.com 219-462-6161), Porter County VNA Hospice Center or college funds for his grandsons, Chevy and Hunter Grcich.