Michael Curtin

Michael Shawn Curtin, 71, passed away February 22, 2026 at LakeHouse in Escanaba, MI after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Mike was born November 16, 1954 in Laurium, MI. He was the beloved son of E. Gary Curtin and Mary Lou Studer-Curtin. Mike moved to Escanaba with his family in 1964, graduated from Escanaba High School in 1972, and later attended Bay de Noc Community College.

In 1976, Mike began his career as a school bus driver with Escanaba Area Public Schools. During that time, he also served as the Director of Transportation from 1993 to 1996. Mike went on to drive bus for over 30 years and retired in 2013. He took great pride in keeping his bus clean, and was well liked by the students and his co-workers throughout the years.

On July 27, 1990, Mike and Sharon Curtin were united in marriage in a backyard ceremony at Mike's parents' home. They were surrounded by their family and friends and went on to enjoy a beautiful life together in Escanaba for nearly 32 years.

In his spare time, Mike loved to golf and enjoyed playing at various courses in the area. As a member of the Escanaba Country Club, he especially looked forward to playing in the Coonie Hogan golf tournament with his friends, and son Shawn each year. In retirement, Mike worked at the Highland Golf Club where he enjoyed being part of the grounds crew, managing the pro shop, and tending bar. Additionally, Mike was a dedicated member of Elks Lodge 354 in Escanaba for 50 years and served as Exalted Ruler in 1992. That same year, he was awarded the Edmund J. Kowacic Award for best "Best Exalted Ruler" as part of the Michigan Elks Association Northwest District Ritual Contest. As a die-hard Michigan Wolverines and Green Bay Packers fan, he loved watching football games alongside his fellow Elks members at the club on the weekends.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Gary Curtin, brother, Bradley Curtin, and wife, Sharon Curtin. He is survived by his mother, Mary Lou Curtin; son, Shawn (Chantel) Curtin; uncle, Dennis (Isabel) Curtin; aunt, Maurine (Weldon) Curtin; step-daughters, Danielle (Joe) Dumais, Kristi Lemay, and Angie (Scott) Sechen; and step-granddaughter Jordan (Kyle) Cornell.

Services and burial will be private and held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family. The family would like to thank LakeHouse of Escanaba, OSF Hospice, and Cornerstone Caregiving for their exceptional care, kindness, and compassion.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.