Age 60

Mike was a devoted and very loving husband to Ellen (Thomas) for 32 years. Together, they have four incredible children: Lauren Schultz (Robert), Michael, Shannon and Meghan. He was a very protective husband and father. He fiercely defended his faith and all life — especially the life of his dear little Meghan Marie Thèrése.

He is the beloved son of the late John William Salter and Patricia Ruth Salter. He is also the dear brother of Patricia Smith (the late Patrick), John Thomas (Sandy), Robert (Christine), Joseph (Dianne), Elizabeth Richards (the late Neil), Charles (Rachel), Rosemary, the late Gerard, Carol (Joseph Timothy), James (Bethany) and many loving nieces and nephews.

Mike was born and raised to the age of 9 in Livonia, Michigan. They moved to Brooklyn, Michigan on Lake Columbia, and lived in the lake house his father built.  He attended Columbia Central Junior High School and Columbia Central High School. Mike graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing at Eastern Michigan University in 1991. He most recently worked at Seeler Industries Inc. as of February of 2015.

Mike fully embodied the saying "laying down your life." He did this consistently for God, family, friends and even strangers. He did this most profoundly though in his ability to suffer well. This redemptive suffering that Mike embraced, in which so many of us witnessed, is what we are each called to carry with us and replicate in our own lives.

His main priority was attending Mass. He also spent much time praying the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet for others.  Mike's favorite saints are: Our Blessed Mother, St. Michael the Archangel, St. Padre Pio, St. Peregrine, St. Thérèse of Lisieux and Blessed Father Solanus Casey. He prayed daily to these heavenly friends.

Other things he enjoyed were big family events (especially Irish parties), cigars, beer, Michigan football, all Detroit sports, golf, vacations, the ocean, Les Misérables, music, working, being on a boat, living on Lake Columbia, fireworks and all church festivals!!!! He will be forever remembered for his huge smile, big personality, bear hugs and loving the people he held so dear to his heart.

Mike's Life Motto, which he lived by, was "Jesus, I trust in you."

"I have competed well; I have fished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the Just Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for His appearance. Do your best to come to me soon." 2 Timothy 4: 7-9

Family suggests memorials to: Acts XXIX , Capuchin Soup Kitchen , Hosanna Ministry , or Jenna Kast Believe in MIRACLES Foundation .