Michael Polega Jr.

Michael Polega, Jr.
Michael Paul Polega, Jr., 80 years old of Kinde, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on November 1, 2025, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on May 6, 1945, to Michael Sr. and Irene (Strozeski) Polega, Mike grew up in Kinde and graduated from North Huron High School in 1964 and went on to marry the love of his life, Bernadette (Miller) on April 29, 1967 at St. Edward's Catholic Church. They spent 58 years together on their farm east of Kinde, where they raised four daughters and more corn, beans and stories than anyone could count.
Mike was a farmer through and through, and was happiest with dirt on his boots and a project in his hands. He loved his fields and garden, hunting, trapping, fishing and especially selling produce at the Port Austin Farmers Market. His daily highlight was listening to "Ladies Line" at 1 p.m., where he would buy and sell treasures.
He also had a passion for not only John Deere "D" tractors, but also New Idea corn pickers. He would track them down, restore and tinker with them and then sell them all over the United States.
Mike was a die-setter at active Industries in Elkton for over 40 years. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dwight and proudly served on the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance board.
Mike leaves behind his wife Bernadette and four daughters who inherited his work ethic and humor: Michelle (Kim) Craig, Rose Polega, Sally (Kevin) Craig, Charlotte Ignash; grandchildren, Kayle (Corey) Krinkie, Cooper Glidden, Adrienne (Mitch) Dhyse, Mike (Liz) Craig, Nick (Cody) Guiger, Kyle and Eric Ignash; great-grandchildren, Willow and Hazle Krinkie, Wyatt, Lucas and Clint Dhyse, who will never forget grandpa's tall tales and advice. He is also survived by his sisters, Nancy (Jerry) Particka, Vicki (Gary) Duda, Marylou (Brad) Iseler, Jean (Bob) Schumacher; and several nieces and nephews.
He joins in eternal rest, his parents, Michael Sr. and Irene Polega; in-laws, Bernard and Cecilia Miller; brothers, Daniel and Leonard Polega; and multiple brothers and sisters in-law.
Mass of Christian burial will be on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Dwight Township at 11 a.m. with Fr. Craig Carolan officiating.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the MacAlpine Gage Chapel in Kinde, with a rosary service at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be on Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m.
Mike's family invites everyone to share stories and laughter in his honor.
Memorials in Mike's name may be offered to the family in care of Bernadette.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com.