Michael John Ciochetto

His wife and family were by his side for several weeks before he peacefully passed on.

The son of John and Margaret Ciochetto of Kingsford, Michael (Mike or ‘Chico’ to friends), was born Jan. 24, 1949 at Dickinson County Memorial Hospital.

His early years began living in a meager log cabin at Iron Mountain City Park, before moving to their permanent home in East Kingsford, as an infant.

Early memories recalled included digging out a root cellar beneath the family home with his all-around handyman father. They would complete a full basement before building a 2-car garage in 1962. Margaret read them the needed instructions to build it. They dined on hot dogs the entire summer. The work ethic and resilience made for a well-experienced life.

Mike married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Ann Salli, on Aug. 30, 1969, and the couple remained married for 54-1/2 years. The two were star-crossed, meeting at a Kingsford Armory dance. He often reminisced with her about their first kiss that he liked to call “the best kiss of my life.”

Mike retired from Cummins Diesel after 35 years, where he started out as a diesel mechanic, and found his way from shop foreman to manager. He always worked several jobs, from the Hallenbach gas station to Grede Foundry in his senior year.

A desire to spend time in the woods of the family camp in Sagola Township, Mike eventually made it his home. He also built his own camp with the labor and support of close friends like Ken Clauson, relocating a log cabin from the Iron Mountain park from his early life. Moving to the 80 acres of property off M-95 was his life’s dream. Mike could ride his ATV four-wheeler, cut and split wood, and hunt the back 40, which kept him busy when not occupied by other passions.

He restored a vintage 60s muscle car that had a caved-in roof. His proud accomplishment earned high marks, with awards at regional auto shows. He enjoyed pulling up a chair to swap stories and knowledge with other car fans.

Mike’s boundless passion for life was consumed by many things, including the great outdoors. He loved hunting, especially game like ducks and deer. He enjoyed the November seasons with dad, brothers, sons, grandkids and daughter-in-law. Mike’s lifelong devotion to the automobile led to 18 years as pitman and mechanic for Kent Pearson, winning five racing championships at Norway Speedway, also competing at the Escanaba Raceway. With Pearson, Mike helped develop the winning late model stock car in the 1982 and 1983 championship seasons. Mike got close up experiences of the annual Daytona 500 race in the 80s. He had already made friends with NASCAR driver, the late Dick Trickle, when an engine was needed. Mike and others quickly installed it in Trickle’s car, after racing at the track in Norway. From Daytona came stories of Mike’s adventures in the pits. It included crossing paths with a masked actor he knew to be Burt Reynolds (hairy forearms and notable laugh), and meeting NASCAR legend, Richard Petty, twice.

After retirement, Mike enjoyed fishing with good friend Dick Dole and his wife, along with grandson Mac (Michael).

His true joy would be watching and participating in the growth of his grandkids, Michael Anthony, Brandi Lynn and stepgrandson, Cody Steven Carlson. Times spent together enriched the latter part of Mike’s life. He loved to spoil them, it was known that if grandma said ‘ask Papa,’ he would always answer “yes.” Mike enjoyed passing on his knowledge, teaching his grandson how to split wood, mow, change oil and repair things like engines.

Mac drove their plow truck, able to pull out tree stumps by the age of 8. He would learn to drive stick in Mike’s renovated and restored 63-1/2 Ford Galaxie 500. He once said, “I’m 65 and my best friend is 6.”

Mike would be doubly blessed with granddaughter, Brandi, and what a sweetheart, as she won his heart. Her energy and love of sports inspired grandpa to help coach, as he did when he helped his wife with soccer in the early 80s. He would attempt to attend as many of his grandkids activities as possible, finding joy in their enthusiasm.

Mike could be depended upon to help foster a fatherly relationship with his brothers, his two sons and three grandchildren. In 1970, Mike and Barb moved into her family home so that her mother could spend time away to pursue a college degree. Her father was on the road Monday through Friday for his job.

As a full-time mechanic, Mike managed to develop rapport with Barb’s three brothers, ages 10, 12 and 14 at the time, something of a challenge during the birth of his first son, Mike Jr. After a year in trade school, Mike began at Cummins Diesel as a mechanic, working with his father-in-law, Ken Salli. He would eventually see Mike Jr. employed at the shop, too.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents.

He leaves behind his wife, Barbara; sons, Mike (Tammy) and Tony of Iron Mountain; brothers, Gary (Linda) of Macomb, Mich., Brian (Jennifer) of Green Bay, Wis., and Jon (Pam) of Marquette.

He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, nieces and nephews, including godchildren, Alex and Myles. His wisdom, affable nature, and graciousness will guide their lives.

He leaves behind many who relish good times, a shared wink and a coy smile.

The outpouring of love and support since Michael’s passing has been greatly appreciated by family who soldier on despite his loss. Barb had been instrumental in helping him battle through one health issue after another for many years, until he could finally find peace.

In lieu of a funeral, the family will host a celebration of life this summer, from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 28 at the American Legion Post, 917 River Ave., in Iron Mountain. A light lunch will be served and a cash bar available.