Michael Dale LaFave

Michael Dale LaFave, affectionately known as Mike, died unexpectedly in his Modesto, California home on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the age of 75.

He was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Earl and Beulah (DeRoche) LaFave who eventually moved the family to the quaint city of Owosso, Michigan. Mike had fond memories of his childhood spent around the farmhouse with his twelve siblings, playing football for St. Paul Catholic School, and enjoying the usual pleasures of small-town life with his friends. In his early twenties, Mike left Michigan and headed west in pursuit of adventure and various jobs in the construction industry. He eventually settled in Modesto where he lived for over forty years.

First and foremost, Mike was a father - nothing rivaled that role. He dedicated most of his life to being a devoted and happily overbooked single parent. He leaves behind his children Leah (Brady) Boone of Santa Cruz, California, Michael Sean LaFave (Tiffani Johnson) of Warsaw, Missouri, and Tammy Deardorff of Atlanta, Georgia. He also treasured his role as a grandparent to Cesar Madero LaFave and Ryder Johnson, and his beloved grandpup Marlowe LaFave Boone.

He was an altruist regularly helping family, friends and strangers in any possible way. When he wasn't working as a heavy machine operator alongside BNSF Railway for Bridgewater Equipment or managing other construction projects, he often volunteered his time to various charity groups. Mike was an active member of Calvary Chapel Modesto and thoroughly enjoyed serving within his church community. He was also an active volunteer with Samaritan's Purse.

Everyone knew Mike as an avid outdoorsman, namely because he loved talking about his previous or upcoming hunting and fishing trips. Few things made him happier than being outside and active with his friends and family, especially if it included exploring new places or meeting new people. Being a passionate sports fan, a hobby coffee roaster, and an heirloom tomato grower also filled his days.

Mike will be remembered for the many lives he touched with his willingness to lend a hand, his welcoming personality, his love for Jesus, and his ability to turn life's challenges into wonderful experiences.

A public Celebration of Life service will be held at 2pm on Friday, November 7th, 2025 at Calvary Chapel Modesto. A light reception will immediately follow the service. Calvary Chapel address: 4300 American Avenue, Modesto, CA 95356. Live stream: Live Webcast | Calvary Chapel Modesto

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends charitable donations to Mike's favorite organizations, Calvary Chapel Modesto Online Giving | Calvary Chapel Modesto or Samaritan's Purse Samaritan's Purse International Disaster Relief.

Mailing address for cards/other: ATTN: Leah Boone, PO Box 226, Santa Cruz, CA 95061