Michael Thomas Sabyan

Michael Thomas Sabyan, 78, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025 at Twin Ports Health Services in Superior, WI. He was born on January 4, 1947 to Norma (Fann) Sabyan and Gerald Sabyan in DuBois, PA.

After his father was established at a job, in 1957, his mother packed up the household and took Michael (then 10) and his sister Kathleen (then 8) on an “adventure of a lifetime”. They lived, worked and went to school at the mining camp in Bomi Hills, Liberia, West Africa. They lived in The Banana Compound. There was a church, school, movie theater and “the bush”. Michael and Kathy stayed for 5 years and made many lifelong friends from all over the world. Michael said it was the only time they lived together as a family, as his father’s job took him all over the world. When the children needed to further their education, they needed to return to the US. Many of his friendships continued after he left Liberia when the “Bomi Hills Kids” met for reunions.

Michael graduated from Crosby-Ironton High School in 1966. He enjoyed playing basketball and track while in school. After graduation, he attended Brainerd Community College for two years.

While attending college, he began working on the Northern Pacific railroad in passenger service, as fireman and eventually becoming an engineer. He retired from the BNSF Railroad as an engineer in 2007 after 41 years of service.

Michael and Christine Birch were married on July 16, 1993 at St. William Catholic Church in Foxboro, WI. They shared 32 wonderful years together.

He enjoyed motorcycle touring, hiking, camping, birdwatching, photography, visiting with family and friends and traveling. Michael and Christine shared many memorable trips together. They enjoyed being together especially on their walks with their dog, Benny.

Michael was a member of St. William Catholic Church in Foxboro and Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior.

He is survived by his loving wife, Christine; his former wife and mother of his children, Karen (Milberry) Leitch, Inver Grove, MN; children: Lisa (Christian) Spickler, Phoenix, AZ; Amy (Sabyan) Buchanan, Foxboro,WI; and Thomas (Karin) Sabyan, Cloquet, MN; Uncle Tom Sabyan, Duluth, MN; sister, Kathleen (Gay) Johnson, Cartersville, GA; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and special great niece Daisy, nephews and cousins.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, grandchild Jesse Edwards, brothers Victor Sabyan and David Sabyan; and sister Geralyn Woodcock.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, November 7, 2025 at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church, 1111 Belknap Street in Superior, until the memorial service at 11:00 AM with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci as celebrant. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Superior.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E 5th Street in Superior is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.