Mike Walewski

Age 68
Mike was born in Dearborn, MI and was one of 7 kids. He grew up surrounded by lots of family and enjoyed spending time with his brothers, sisters, cousins, etc. While he loved going out in the backyard or to the park to play sports with his brothers, he also spent time playing barbies with his sisters and learning how to cook from his mom.
Cooking and sharing food was Mike's love language. Whether it was making a pot of beef stroganoff, smoking a brisket or baking a lovely cranberry pie, you could bet that it would be delicious and filled to the brim with love. For a short time, Mike even cooked meals and sold them (Chef Dad style) to his friends and family. He also delivered them to our homes for us!
Mike served for over 4 years in the U.S. Army in Fort Bragg, NC, and was honorably discharged with a rank of SP4. He was a legal secretary for the Office of the Judge Advocate General (JAG) and was awarded the Expert Badge Hand Grenade and Sharpshooter Badge M-16 Rifle citations. It was in the Army he met his daughters' mother and they soon married.
Mike was blessed to raise 4 beautiful daughters, all of whom have a very close and special bond with him. When they were little, he provided much of the day to day care to his girls, including curling their hair for family weddings, cooking for them and preparing them for school each day. As they grew older, his hard work ethic in sales was demonstrated daily. He worked long hours at ABC Warehouse, Jack Demmer and Krug Lincoln Mercury to support his family. He never once complained about working. Mike's girls' friends were his friends, and he welcomed all who entered his space.
About 20 years ago, Mike met Claudia, the dear love of his life. He finally found his forever person. Claudia was instantly welcomed into Mike's family and surrounded by the palpable love and care that is shared. She also welcomed Mike's kids into her world, who have grown to love her immensely for the care, love and devotion she has paid their father. Mike and Claudia married in France! They loved traveling together and visiting with their kids and grandkids. Sometimes they would plan trips in advance, and others, they would just book a trip at an all inclusive resort in Mexico and in a week, they were off!
Mike's (Papa's) grandkids were his world. He and Claudia enjoyed doting on the kids. Olivia was his first grandchild, and she always has held a special place in his heart. He loved going to her band concerts and watching her perform. Then came Gabe and Hunter, the first two boys of the family! Mike always made time to come to their plays at school, football games and wrestling meets. He was their biggest cheerleader! Dexter and Molly came next, and they were so special because his twin girls were pregnant with their first children together! Dex and Molly are just 4 months apart, and Mike loved spending time with them watching them play and grow up together. He always made time to travel to Ohio to be with them for their events, like Grandparents Day. Then came Levi, and when he was born and in the NICU for weeks, Mike came and stayed with his daughter to help them and allow them to be with their baby. Mike was involved in a lot of charity work with Levi supporting him by attending the U of M Mott Classic Golf Outing and the annual National Down Syndrome Society 3.21 Walk. Hollyn is his youngest grandchild, and she just turned 3. Mike would go down to Columbus, OH to visit with her and even made time to come stay and help out when Hollyn had an injury.
To know Mike (Dad, or Papa) was to love him. His smile, his welcoming nature, and his strength, patience, compassion and empathy will live on in us all.
Beloved husband of Claudia Ogden. Loving dad of Heather (Ryan) Broos, Jenny Campos, Angela (John) Horgos, and Mary Beth (Loren) Noyes. Step-Father of Ben (Allie) Ogden. Cherished papa of Olivia, Gabe, Hunter, Dexter, Molly, Eleanor, Levi, Olive, and Hollyn. Dearest brother of Brian (Kathy), Gary (the late Freda), Suzy (Brian) Wilks, Larry (Carol), and Sheila (Max) Hippler. He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Rose, and his brother, Stanley, II. He was very dearly loved and will be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, family members, and friends. Mike proudly served his country in the US Army.
Visitation Saturday 1pm until the 5pm funeral service at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, 1139 Inkster Road, Garden City (between Ford Road and Cherry Hill).
Memorial contributions may be made to Folds of Honor. https://motorcity.foldsofhonor.org/