Michael Leonard Kabacinski

Michael Leonard Kabacinski, age 88, died peacefully at home Monday December 15, 2025, in Gaylord, Michigan. Mike was born on September 28, 1937, in Hamtramck, Michigan, the son of the late Leonard and Charlotte Kabacinski.
After completing high school, Mike honorably served in the United States Army for over three years, achieving the rank of Specialist 4th Class. He was lucky enough to serve stationed in Turkey for two years which afforded him the opportunity to see and enjoy many places overseas and spoke fondly of the people he met and places he saw.
Upon returning from military service, Mike began a long and successful career with General Motors. He dedicated many years to the Chevrolet Gear and Axle Plant in Hamtramck, Michigan. He was able to work his way up to Plant Manager before retiring at the young age of 53.
Mike married his high school sweetheart, Pearl, and together they built a beautiful family. They were extremely lucky to land on "Spoon" street and become lifelong friends with several families. There were constant parties and gatherings with the Spoon street gang. Upon retirement, the Spoon street friends went north to Gaylord! The Streetman's were the first to get a place on Lake Manuka and convinced Mike and Pearl to build there as well. The Patritto's and Nowak's followed. Mike's sisters Marilyn and Dorothy also moved to Lake Manuka. Mike was able to enjoy 40+ years at Lake Manuka. He was a proud member of Gaylord Country Club for over 20 years and cherished the friendships found there. He enjoyed the constant fishing, bonfires, and family activities on the lake and helping with the numerous projects always taking place around Lake Manuka. He was always the life of the party and was truly blessed to have all these folks and family in his life.
Mike is survived by his wife Pearl and three children, Tony (Linda) Kabacinski, Ken (Kirsten) Kabacinski, and Marsha (Matt) Niesluchowski. He was also fortunate enough to have 4 grandchildren, Bret (Elizabeth) Kabacinski, Greg Kabacinski, Chris Kabacinski, and Sarah Kabacinski, and 3 great-grandchildren, Frank, Laszlo, and Max Kabacinski. Mike has three siblings, Marilyn (John) Janisse, Dorothy (Nick) Kokotovich, and Chuck (Mary) Kabacinski.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday December 20, 2025, at St. Mary Cathedral of Gaylord. Mr. Kabacinski's family will receive friends and guests beginning at 10 a.m. followed by the Funeral Liturgy beginning at 11 a.m. A celebration of life luncheon will be held at St. Mary's following the Mass.
Please share your stories and memories of Michael at the "Share a Memory" section. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Nelsons Cremation & Funeral Services, 135 N. Center Avenue, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, Michigan 49734. www.CarebyNelsons.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael, please visit our floral store.