Michael Guy Schultz, 69, of Benton Harbor, was born in St. Joseph Michigan and passed away suddenly on November 27, 2023 at his home in Benton Harbor.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Friday, December 1, 2023 at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma.  Cremation has taken place.

Mike was truly "one of a kind," as many would describe him, and he appreciated the simple things in life.

He had a talent for transforming houses by utilizing his skills in siding, roofing, building and repairs. Additionally, Mike worked at Kelm Manufacturing Company as a machinist, where he operated milling and lathe machines. His eye for detail and precision was impeccable.

But Mike's greatest impact went beyond his work. He was always there to lend a helping hand and had a gift for connecting with others. His generosity extended to standing in line at the food bank for others to making repairs on a neighbor's home or doing manual labor. Time was never an issue for Mike, as he dedicated it to lighting the load of everyone he knew.

His presence alone brought laughter and joy, for his Dad sense of humor never failed to set the stage for a good belly laugh. "Hey (insert name)" he'd say, with a curious tone, "Did you know..." And then you knew you were in for a one-of-a-kind corny joke.

In addition to being a dedicated hard worker and serving his community, Mike's heart belonged to his family. Whether it was through cooking comforting meals or spending quality time together, he found ways to be with family. In the summer, Mike took pride in his beautiful gardens and enthusiastically shared his green thumb and homegrown veggies with loved ones. When it came to fresh sweet corn, no one enjoyed eating it as much as Mike, and no one could teach others how to grow potatoes, like Mike.  It is also likely that one of Mike's farm cats would be by his side faithfully assisting in the gardens.

Growing up on a farm instilled in Mike a deep appreciation for wildlife and being in the peace and beauty of nature. During his younger years, he enjoyed fishing and hunting, and passed down the hobbies to his children. As he grew older, it wouldn't come as a surprise to hear that Mike had managed to earn the trust of wild deer and squirrels, with them comfortably eating out of his hand.

Mike also found great joy and a talent for upcycling discarded items into treasures. His creativity and craftsmanship uplifted him and others. For him, it was not just about the final product alone, but rather the story behind it and the valuable lesson of appreciating the things we possess.

Above all, Mike had a kind and accepting spirit. A great listener, he embraced people just as they were, accepting and welcoming everyone. Mike's kindness, helpfulness, humor, and love left a mark upon the lives he touched, and he will be deeply missed by each heart that knew him. His smile and laugh will be remembered forever.

Mike is survived by his mother Esther Schultz of Benton Harbor, daughter Melissa Schultz of Plymouth, MI, son Adam (Stacy) Schultz of Bangor, step daughter Laura (Dennis) Pierce of Cadillac, a sister Shelley Knowlton, and brothers Greg (Kaylee) Schultz, and Bob (Karen) Schultz all of Hartford.  Also surviving are grandchildren Caidance (Zach) Vanderhoof, Colten Schultz, Calley Schultz, Clay Schultz, Chloe Schultz all of Bangor, Lucy Pierce of Cadillac, and a great grandson Wyatt Vanderhoof also of Bangor.

He was preceded in death by his father Herman Schultz and a  sister Cheryl Hanson.