Michael J. "Mike" Willard

Michael "Mike" J. Willard, 70, of Marquette, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025, at UP Health System-Marquette from an unexpected medical emergency.
Mike was born May 6, 1955 in Iron Mountain, MI to Ronald and Jeanine (LeBeau) Willard. His family moved to Lansing, MI where in high school he meet his future wife, Kristine R. Rucinski..
He was a 1973 graduate of Eastern High School in Lansing MI, and on December 14, 1974, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Kristine R Rucinski.
He then attended MSU for 3 years majoring in Criminal Justice. In 1977 he decided to change his major and transferred to NMU where he completed his Bachelor degree in Security Management. In 1979 Mike graduated at the top of his class.
Mike spent 5 years working for the Quaker Oats Company in Chicago managing their coupon fraud division. In 1984 he was offered a position in Winston-Salem, N.C. as Vice President of marketing security. Mike and Kris then made the move south, but missed their Michigan roots.
In 1986 Mike & Kris relocated back to Marquette, and purchased White's Party Store. Together they both operated the store successfully with pride and dedication for 23 years.
Mike was a man of many talents and interests. He found joy in nature and was an avid fly fisherman who tied all his own flies, as well as flies for his fishing buddies. He also hunted deer, grouse, turkeys, and rabbits. He taught Kris all of his skills in hunting and fishing and together they created many, many memories. Mike was also a talented wood carver, specializing in bird carvings that were featured in the Mining Journal, displayed at the Zero Degrees Artist Gallery and accepted into ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, MI. Mike and Kris had a deep love for Golden Retrievers, and over the years brought five into their home.
He is survived by his loving wife, Kristine Willard; sister, Lisa Willard; in-laws Bill Rucinski, Patricia Rucinski and Cathy Myers; and several nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jeanine Willard.
Per Mike's request, no formal services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mike's name to UPAWS, 815 M-553, Gwinn, MI 49841
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting Mike's family. Memories and condolences may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com