Michael James Heiple

Michael James Heiple, age 76, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing MI.

Born June 21, 1949, in Flint, Michigan, to James Robert and Eleanor Jean (Dysinger) Heiple, Mike grew up as the second oldest of four children. His siblings remember a childhood spent outdoors from morning until the streetlights signaled it was time for dinner. Mike was known even then for his mischievous streak and his knack for losing things-once returning home with only one shoe, the other never to be found. Their childhood was filled with drive-in movies watched from the high backseat of the family Jeep, close calls involving a BB gun wielded by his younger sister, and the sailor suit he proudly bought for his younger brother before leaving for Vietnam.

At age 14, the family moved to Durand, Michigan, where Mike spent his high school years surrounded by lifelong friends-Mike and Mary Cole, Curt and Shari Clymer, and cousins Danny and Dennis St. James. He graduated from Durand Area High School with the Class of 1967.

In August of that same year, Mike enlisted in the United States Navy and left for Vietnam. He served as a Petty Officer aboard the USS Vancouver (LPD2), spending most of his time in the engine room, a role that suited his mechanical mind.

On September 18, 1970, Mike married Karen Love at the First Congregational Church in Bancroft, Michigan. They often reminisced that their early years-when money was tight, but laughter was plentiful-were some of the bests of their lives. Weekends were filled with card games, cookouts, and snowmobiling with friends and family.

Mike and Karen made their home on Cole Road in Bancroft, where they lived for more than 50 years and raised their two children, Julie and Michael.

For most of his career, Mike was a long-haul truck driver known on the CB radio as "Motioator." He earned a reputation for his strong work ethic, exceptional customer service, and his ability to run loads in record time-Smokey and the Bandit style. His children fondly remember joining him on weeklong trips, playing license plate games, tracking routes on a map, and chatting on the CB. Mike taught both kids how to drive-his son learning in the semi because, as Mike said, "If you can drive this, you can drive anything." Julie recalls sitting in the backseat of a Ford Pinto with her brother while Mike taught Karen to drive a stick shift, stalling in an intersection as the kids yelled, "We're gonna die!" and Mike calmly replied, "At this rate, we just might!"

Mike loved fast cars, action movies, air shows, and anything connected to the U.S. Navy. A lifelong prankster, he delighted in a gullible audience-especially Karen, who fell for every joke. His legendary Thanksgiving mashed potato mountain, the Christmas he gifted his mother-in-law lingerie to open in front of the whole family, the roadkill armadillo he picked up in Texas but fell off the truck in Detroit – prompting a newspaper article of "Armadillos Invade the Midwest", and the not-so-secret cactus juice toasts with his sister-in-law Deb are stories that will be retold for years.

He was also the family's first human GPS. Mike knew the interstate system like the back of his hand. When Julie moved to Virginia, he would call during her drives home, ask where she was, and immediately tell her what restaurants were at the next exits-following along on the atlas he kept beside his chair.

Mike and Karen celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary last fall, just two weeks before Karen passed away. Those who knew them often said it was hard to imagine one without the other; it seems they felt the same.

Mike is survived by his daughter Julie Halsey (Bryan) of Smithfield, VA; his son Michael Heiple (Alicia) of Eaton Rapids, MI; and grandchildren Mason, Adia, Ashlynn, Logan, and Ella. He is also survived by his sisters Joy Harris and Marie Crawford (David), his brother Jimmy Heiple (Lynn), sister-in-law Kris Lostracco (Jerry), brothers-in-law Bill Love (Becky) and Jim Love (Diane), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Karen; his parents-in-law Glen Jr. and Janis Love; brother-in-law David Crawford and sisters-in-law Linda Heiple and Debra Love.

The family wishes to thank the nursing staff of the 5th and 10th floors of Sparrow hospital. Specifically, Paul, Cindy, Jolee and Kelly. Your professional compassion and care are sincerely

appreciated.

At Mike's request, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. This summer, the family will gather for a private graveside ceremony for both Mike and Karen at Fremont Cemetery in Bancroft, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Durand VFW Post 2272 in honor of Mike's service to his country.