Samuel "Sam" George Michaels

Samuel "Sam" G. Michaels, 74, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025, at his home in Holt, Michigan. 

Born in Wisconsin Rapids, WI on March 21, 1950, Sam was the third child of George and Victoria (Pietrocatelli) Michaels. He married his best friend and the love of his life, Katherine Bradshaw, on December 28, 1984, and they shared 40 wonderful years together. 

Sam was a dedicated educator. After graduating from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids in 1968, he attended college at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Education. Sam moved to Holt in 1973 and began his career with Holt Public Schools. He dedicated himself to teaching until retiring in 2010. In his early years of teaching, Sam also coached football and girls track. 

Sam's lifelong love of fishing deepened in 1995 when he and Katherine purchased their beloved boat, the "Priority." He spent the next 30 years fishing on Lake Michigan and enjoying many gatherings with family and friends at the Ludington Municipal Marina. Sam enjoyed sharing his passion for fishing, especially with his grandchildren, who will forever cherish those special memories with their grandfather. 

A sports enthusiast, Sam, was a devoted fan of the Wisconsin Badgers and the Green Bay Packers. He and Katherine enjoyed hosting Super Bowl parties and entertaining family and friends in their home. 

In 2007, Sam and Katherine began restoring antique steamer trunks. Having brought over 500 trunks back to life, they found immense satisfaction in preserving the stories and history they held, ensuring they would be cherished for generations to come, and also in the connections and friendships they made along the way.

Family meant everything to Sam, and he made a lasting impression on everyone that was fortunate enough to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Victoria Michaels and his brother, Garry (Mary) Michaels. 

Surviving are his wife, Katherine Michaels; his sister Judith Michaels of Green Bay Wisconsin; his daughters, Karen (Russell) Frazier, Dana (Dario) Muniz; his grandchildren Kiersten (Steven) Rosales, Jessica (Trevor) Keaton, Alexandria (Brennan) Muniz, Lauren Muniz, Stephanie (JJ) Terry, Danielle (Nathan) Myers, Zachary (Rachael) Carten; great grandchildren, Colin Rosales, Rudy Rosales, Zoe Dupard, Naomi McGhan, Silas Carten, Finley Carten; in-laws, James (Lisa) Bradshaw, Christina Bradshaw, Norman (Darcee) Bradshaw Jr., Maria (Matthew) Ambre; many beloved nieces and nephews; and his good friend Ron Venner.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sparrow Hospice for the wonderful care they took of Sam. 

Per Sam’s request, no memorial is planned at this time.

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