Michael Mansel

Michael Ronald Mansel
September 22, 1957, to October 14, 2025
With a joke on his lips and a heart full of kindness, Michael Ronald Mansel, 68, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, took his final checkered flag on October 14, 2025.
Born in Grand Rapids on September 22, 1957, Mike spent his life surrounded by the people and places he loved most. He was the kind of man who could make anyone feel welcome, whether you'd known him for years or just met him that day. Always quick with a laugh and ready to help, Mike made life a little lighter for everyone around him.
He loved the great outdoors, whether it was an early morning in the woods during hunting season or a quiet afternoon by the water with a fishing pole in hand. When he wasn't outside, you could bet he was keeping up with NASCAR, cheering for his favorite drivers with the same passion he brought to everything else in life.
Some of Mike's fondest memories were the long car rides he took with his beloved wife, Mary. The two often set out on road trips across West Michigan, making frequent visits to the Mackinac Bridge and discovering new places together. Those adventures were filled with laughter, stories, and a simple joy in each other's company.
Mike also cherished time spent with his best friends, Tom Debri, Jim Crouch, and Rick Sullivan. He and Tom could often be found watching races together, trading jokes and cheering like they were right there at the track. Though distance separated them, Mike and Jim shared countless hours on the phone swapping stories, laughter, and memories. Whether in person or on the phone, those friendships were among his greatest treasures.
Mike's greatest joy, though, came from time spent with family. Holidays, cookouts, or just a simple visit, he treasured every moment.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald Edward Mansel and Dorothy Mansel, and his wife, Mary Mansel. Mike is survived by his daughter, Amy Mansel and her husband, Sean Smith; his siblings, Kathie (Fred) Galas, David Mansel, and Janice Boyles; his nieces Lacy and Lindsey Galas, and his niece Stacy Obetts. He is also survived by Mary's family, her brothers James Amshey and Ron Degraff; her sisters Barb (Tom) Liszewski and their children Jason and Jenna, and Carol Bolter and her daughter Christie, along with a whole circle of family and friends who will remember his laughter, his stories, and his heart.
A celebration of Mike's life will be held on October 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Faith Lutheran Church, 2740 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. His family invites everyone who knew him to come share memories, swap stories, and honor the man who never failed to brighten a room.
Forever at peace in the great outdoors.
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