Age 57

Beloved husband of Tammie. Loving father of Rachel (Anthony) Rice, Rebecca (Kirk) Barikmo, and Reuben. Dear son of Anita and the late William. Brother of Christina. Loving uncle of many nieces and nephews.

As a child, he was smart, sensitive, caring and outgoing. He absolutely idolized his grandparents. He greatly enjoyed exploring outside; collecting bugs, snakes and even snapping turtles (much to his mother's chagrin). Everyone who met him loved him.

A man of patience and deep faith, he lived his life every day with kindness and by the Lord. Everyone who knew him witnessed his compassion and goodness.

He was an active member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, a leader of the contemporary worship services, in health and in sickness. Beyond worship music, he was a talented musician, particularly with electric guitar. His music taste ranged from jazz to rock and roll. He wrote many original songs, which his lucky friends and family got to enjoy (usually around a bon fire). He loved classic novels, with Charles Dickens being his favorite writer.

A devoted husband whose love for his wife Tammie was clear and evident to anyone who met them. They were truly soul mates and their life together was full of adventure and love. They left for China 3 days after their wedding in 1988 and lived there for a year teaching English, touching many lives. His greatest joy in his life was his three children, who he tirelessly worked for and loved- helping with every math assignment and going to every sports game and vocal recitals.

He will be missed deeply by his many family members and dear friends, but they are comforted in the knowledge that he beat his long-fought battle with cancer and is celebrating in heaven with those that went before him.

Visitation Sunday 2 pm - 8 pm at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home. In state Monday 10 am until the 11 am Funeral Service at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Westland.

Family suggests memorials to St. Matthew Lutheran Church General Fund.