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Ad2 Michael Lee Lael Sr. Ret.
Ad2 Michael Lee Lael Sr. Ret.
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Mike was born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, where he lived with his family until he joined the United States Navy in 1987 to serve his country as an aviation mechanic, most notably during Operation Desert Storm. After 20 years of keeping our country safe worldwide, he left the service to take care of his young family. In 2008, he joined the team at STIHL, creating gadgets and gizmos for all to enjoy, until his retirement in 2024.
In his retirement, he enjoyed going to Norfolk Tides games, rocking out to Lynyrd Skynyrd every summer at the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater, and tinkering with his prized watch collection. He was the proud grandfather to 13 wonderful grandchildren, ages 3 to 23. His family will remember his humor, love for creating random songs, and unending passion for ensuring veterans received the best care they could have once they came home.
He is remembered by his five children: Kimberly (husband Kenneth), Michael Jr. (wife Anita), Nichole (husband Carl), James, and Michaela; 13 grandchildren: Norman, Bryan, Caleb, Bryce, Shawn, Morgan, Irene, Adelaide, Abigail, Amelia, Elodie, Caroline, and Charlotte; his older siblings, Tom and Sue, and younger brother, Keith; and countless well-loved friends and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Headstrong Project in Mike's memory. The family welcomes friends to remember and celebrate his life at The Great Neck Chapel of Hollomon-Brown, 1264 Great Neck Rd., N., VA Beach, VA. 23454 Tuesday, on July 15, 2025, from 11am - 3pm, and on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 5pm - 9pm.
A graveside service will occur on Thursday, July 24th, 2025, at 2 pm, at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, Virginia, 5310 Milners Rd, Suffolk, VA. 23434.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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1264 N. Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
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