Michael "Mike" Ackerberg
Jul 27th 1952 - Jan 4th 2008
Print All
Jeff Boes
May 13th 2008
The summer of 08 has really been hard on me so far
my friend is gone.I have not received any garage sale
items from Mike.I think about him often we miss him
so much I look at this site from time to time and I look
at his picture and I just ask him why he had to go,the
thoughts & memories everyone shares help me to
remember this gentle giant but I still miss him so much
Just had to write again
I still miss you Mike
LOVE JEFF
Cathie Gifford
January 27th 2008
cathgifford@aol.com
I met Mike while working as a server at Cracker Barrel in Grandville. Mike, Linda and Tanya became a part of the Cracker Barrel family and we were all devastated by the loss of Tanya. The loss of Mike is another tragic blow to the Cracker Barrel family. Linda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope to see you soon--we all share in your time of grief and are praying for you.
Cathie
Michelle Beyer
January 25th 2008
powertumbling1468@hotmail.com
I first met Mike when I worked at Cracker Barrel in Grandville as a hostess. Mike was absolutely the kindest man I have ever met. I will forever be sorry for not keeping in touch like I should have, but when I did see Mike I know that he understood how much I loved him and what a fantastic place he made this earth be to every person who he touched along the way. Mike and Tanya are two people who were taken quicker than we liked, but they have made such an impact that they will never really be gone. I love you Mike, I love you Tanya.
Tanja Kelly
January 21st 2008
realsten@yahoo.com
After reading Jamie's remarks that his favorite memory of Mike is of Mike singing the "Bear" songs, the Backpack Tree in particualr, I must say that is my favorite memory, also. I can still see him and my son, Brendan, sitting in the van singing! What a duo and how much fun they were having and how they were making us laugh! We will miss you, Mike, and your love of life and big smile.
Tanja and family
Rob Gort
January 16th 2008
Mike was the nicest ,most friendly person i ever met!
I will miss you BUDDY!
Hank and Lynne Sybesma
January 10th 2008
hank@sybesmas.com
We just returned from a trip to find the news of Mike's passing. We find it hard to believe that such a fine person has passed away. Whenever Mike came to our shop he made it feel more like a visit from an old friend rather than business. We will miss Mike dearly. Every time we ran into Mike his warmth and love came out to us. Such a wonderful person who will be so sorely missed by all who had the priviledge to know him. We love you Mike!
Jerry and Gay Wallinga
January 9th 2008
gwallinga@hollandchristian.org
We met Mike through Crazy Horse Steakhouse. We go there often as 3 of our daughters are servers there (pus the food is great!) He was there after work almost as often as we were! We became acquainted, and really enjoyed talking with him. He had such a genuine interest in people, and treated everyone with kindness and respect - our daughters loved him like all of the servers did. We became close enough friends to be able to receive those wonderful hugs. My husband really enjoyed talking sports with him. After reading all of the memories, I see that many people were blessed to know Mike - I know we were. We hadn't seen him for quite awhile, then ran into him at Mario's and it was like old times. I'm so thankful to have had that one last chat with him. I'm also thankful that he knew Jesus as His Lord and Savior, and is so happy to be with Him now; even though his time with us was all too short. He was a blessed man, and a blessing to so many. Love ya, Mike!
Jerry and Gay Wallinga
Darrell Zang
January 9th 2008
dzang13@sprintpcs.com
To Jennifer Hammond,
Although I didn't know Mike, learning of his selfless regard for you and your family, plus reading other's memories of him, make it clear he was about as noble as any man gets in this life.....A rare gift indeed.
-Darrell-
Jamie Krupka
January 8th 2008
jkrupka@oaisd.org
My first vivid memory of Mike was in the Grand Haven Meijer store. I was going to be going on a trip with him and Linda to the Great Smokey Mountains and I needed to pack some road food. As I was checking out with all sorts of goodies I looked over to see Mike smiling as he watched Tanya ride the mechanical purple dinosaur found near the exit. We spoke for several minutes and he commented how he and Tanya loved coming there to ride the penny dinosaur! He made it sound like they just wandered up for the day to Grand Haven.
He was a great travel companion. On multiple occassions during those nature tours where I was priveledged enough to have him and Linda as travel companions, I would find myself talking about some flower or bird or something. At some point in the coversation there would be a "Isn't that somethin'." or other Mike-ism.
No matter what restaurant we went in, he had a way of making quick friends with the server. In his ever so polite conversation he could make any waitress blush with his niceties. You would think they had served him the best of any other customer. Most of them saw his gentle smile and easy-going attitude and rewarded him with a farewel hug. He could make anyone who was having a tough day realize that it really wasn't that bad.
Mike was a passionate person, he openly shared his affection with anyone he met. He loved Linda, Tanya and the rest of his family unconditionally. He is one of those people that will live with you for the rest of your days. You are better for knowing Mike.
One of my favorite memories of Mike was of him singing his "Bear Tunes" during one of our nature tours together. "Backpack Tree" will forever remind me of Mike. It fit him well. His big bear-hugs were just right for anyone that received one too.
You will be missed Mike but I know now that Tanya has a friend to take her to the purple dinosaur in the sky. Good birding!
Isaac Boes
January 7th 2008
Mike was like a second father to me. He always had a smile on his face. When he came over to watch football with us my face would just light up because he was coming over. Even though he was a MSU fan we were still best pals. He would always give me a hug before he left. He's in a better place now. Heaven is the place for him. I know he's happy there.
Jeff Boes
January 7th 2008
jbc367@yahoo.com
Mike My BEST FRIEND in the whole world,
left me to go DANCE ON THE GOLDEN STREETS
OF HEAVEN.I think God wanted the man with
the BIGGEST SMILE at the gates of heaven
to welcome everyone home.I will miss are
times of watching sports together.Sharing
a meal and just listening to him talk about
the love he had for all his friends and family
for as friends we felt like his family.My son
called him Uncle Mike,he always was there for
both of us.he gave me a plate that said
(One loyal friend is worth more than 10,000
relatives) I'm going to miss you Mike see you
in HEAVEN LOVE JEFF
Donna Wyngarden
January 7th 2008
donnaonline@charter.net
Reading through all the lovely memories of Mike, certain words show up in every one.....gentle, kind, humble, sweet, reliable and fun. If you wanted to describe the very best kind of friend, those are the words you would use, and those words truly do describe Mike. To know him was to love him. Those of us who were fortunate enough to call him our friend were truly blessed because we have felt the wonderful warmth of a Big MIke hug, and the joy of a smile as big as his heart. He valued his friends as much as we all valued him. He made us feel special. When you are missing him...just remember how you felt when you were with him. He would want us all to keep feeling that warmth and love. He would want us to toast him at the Super Bowl party....and have fun remembering our wonderful friend, Big Mile. Here's to you MIke....we miss you.
Mike Karas
January 7th 2008
mike@crazyhorsesteakhouse.com
Unfortunately we had not seen Mike much after he left IHS. He was one of everybodys favorites. He used to come in several times a week after finishing work and eat then stay and keep our staff company. I could ALWAYS count on a big smile and firm handshake. And the rest of the staff loved his infectious smile, big laughs and of course great hugs. Several years he stayed and celebrated New Years eve with us. We even exchanged christmas gifts with Mike and we still have the Illinois jacket he gave us and the Mike Ackerberg autographed Cubs baseball bat hanging up. He was the kindest, most gentle person I know. The world needs more Michael "big mike" Ackerbergs. Heaven is where he is now with Tanya whom he adored and loved. You will be missed by many my friend. May god rest his soul.
Cindie
January 7th 2008
cindie.erwin@kv.com
"Big Mike" - as everyone has already mentioned, was one of the kindest, humblest souls any of us ever had the privelege to know.
I did not get to see Mike as regularly as we used to see each other 20 years ago, but each time I saw him - it would light up my day and I knew I would get a lovely hug and big smile. He never changed and was always as gentle and sweet as ever.
I know he is in Heaven and has taken his place among the angels who watch over us.
He will be missed down here by anyone and everyone who ever met him.
Janet Hunter
January 6th 2008
ladyhunterorange@gmail.com
I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Mike at Providence Church. I've only known him a few years, but know that having met him was one of the true gifts that God has shared with me. As in the other memories shared, Mike was the kindest, gentlest being I've ever known. I will dearly miss his genuine smile and warmth along with the hug and kiss I was lucky enough to receive every time he was present. I am sad that I will not be able to talk to him in this physical world of ours, hug him or tell him how happy I was to know him, which thankfully I did so long before his passing. I am sure he is hugging and kissing his parents still.....he is with them now.
I will miss Mike greatly....
With undying love for my friend Mike.....Janet
Kathi
January 6th 2008
Big Mike-the biggest hearted person I can imagine! He was the most gentle person I know with the sweetest soul. Mike and I met nearly 20 years ago when I delivered for UPS and he signed for deliveries. We started a friendship that was very special and sweet. We also had a riot at concerts---esp. Mellencamp in the 3rd row!!!! I could always count on a huge hug when we saw each other---I will miss him and his gentle way with this world.
Wendy Griffin
January 6th 2008
jorabamama@yahoo.com
Mike has been my favorite person for over 20 years. Whenever terrible things were happening in the world, my mom and I would always remind ourselves of "Big Mike" to help us feel like there was hope for the world. Mike was the kindest, most gentle person I have ever known. My life was blessed by his presence. I am so thankful that my children had the opportunity to get to know him, so they too can have his memory to help them look at the world in a positive light. Mike and I have been sports watchin buddies for over 20 years. We met at Branns where we both enjoyed having a cold beer and watching a Pistons game. We became fast friends, and our friendship has lasted the tests of time. He has always come to all our gatherings and parties and was always so appreciative of being invited. He didn't know how much of a blessing his presence was. We loved to have him around. Mike will be so sorely missed. The football pools just won't be the same without "Big Mike"s name. Every football party, you could rely on Mike to bring the sausage and cheese. You could rely on Mike for anything. I can't believe the world has lost such a wonderful human being. I know he is in heaven, and bringing a smile to everyones face there. He is with his beloved niece Tanya and someday we will all see his wonderful smiling face again. You are loved and will be missed Mike!
Jeff Boes
May 13th 2008
The summer of 08 has really been hard on me so far
my friend is gone.I have not received any garage sale
items from Mike.I think about him often we miss him
so much I look at this site from time to time and I look
at his picture and I just ask him why he had to go,the
thoughts & memories everyone shares help me to
remember this gentle giant but I still miss him so much
Just had to write again
I still miss you Mike
LOVE JEFF
Cathie Gifford
January 27th 2008
cathgifford@aol.com
I met Mike while working as a server at Cracker Barrel in Grandville. Mike, Linda and Tanya became a part of the Cracker Barrel family and we were all devastated by the loss of Tanya. The loss of Mike is another tragic blow to the Cracker Barrel family. Linda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope to see you soon--we all share in your time of grief and are praying for you.
Cathie
Michelle Beyer
January 25th 2008
powertumbling1468@hotmail.com
I first met Mike when I worked at Cracker Barrel in Grandville as a hostess. Mike was absolutely the kindest man I have ever met. I will forever be sorry for not keeping in touch like I should have, but when I did see Mike I know that he understood how much I loved him and what a fantastic place he made this earth be to every person who he touched along the way. Mike and Tanya are two people who were taken quicker than we liked, but they have made such an impact that they will never really be gone. I love you Mike, I love you Tanya.
Tanja Kelly
January 21st 2008
realsten@yahoo.com
After reading Jamie's remarks that his favorite memory of Mike is of Mike singing the "Bear" songs, the Backpack Tree in particualr, I must say that is my favorite memory, also. I can still see him and my son, Brendan, sitting in the van singing! What a duo and how much fun they were having and how they were making us laugh! We will miss you, Mike, and your love of life and big smile.
Tanja and family
Rob Gort
January 16th 2008
Mike was the nicest ,most friendly person i ever met!
I will miss you BUDDY!
Hank and Lynne Sybesma
January 10th 2008
hank@sybesmas.com
We just returned from a trip to find the news of Mike's passing. We find it hard to believe that such a fine person has passed away. Whenever Mike came to our shop he made it feel more like a visit from an old friend rather than business. We will miss Mike dearly. Every time we ran into Mike his warmth and love came out to us. Such a wonderful person who will be so sorely missed by all who had the priviledge to know him. We love you Mike!
Jerry and Gay Wallinga
January 9th 2008
gwallinga@hollandchristian.org
We met Mike through Crazy Horse Steakhouse. We go there often as 3 of our daughters are servers there (pus the food is great!) He was there after work almost as often as we were! We became acquainted, and really enjoyed talking with him. He had such a genuine interest in people, and treated everyone with kindness and respect - our daughters loved him like all of the servers did. We became close enough friends to be able to receive those wonderful hugs. My husband really enjoyed talking sports with him. After reading all of the memories, I see that many people were blessed to know Mike - I know we were. We hadn't seen him for quite awhile, then ran into him at Mario's and it was like old times. I'm so thankful to have had that one last chat with him. I'm also thankful that he knew Jesus as His Lord and Savior, and is so happy to be with Him now; even though his time with us was all too short. He was a blessed man, and a blessing to so many. Love ya, Mike!
Jerry and Gay Wallinga
Darrell Zang
January 9th 2008
dzang13@sprintpcs.com
To Jennifer Hammond,
Although I didn't know Mike, learning of his selfless regard for you and your family, plus reading other's memories of him, make it clear he was about as noble as any man gets in this life.....A rare gift indeed.
-Darrell-
Jamie Krupka
January 8th 2008
jkrupka@oaisd.org
My first vivid memory of Mike was in the Grand Haven Meijer store. I was going to be going on a trip with him and Linda to the Great Smokey Mountains and I needed to pack some road food. As I was checking out with all sorts of goodies I looked over to see Mike smiling as he watched Tanya ride the mechanical purple dinosaur found near the exit. We spoke for several minutes and he commented how he and Tanya loved coming there to ride the penny dinosaur! He made it sound like they just wandered up for the day to Grand Haven.
He was a great travel companion. On multiple occassions during those nature tours where I was priveledged enough to have him and Linda as travel companions, I would find myself talking about some flower or bird or something. At some point in the coversation there would be a "Isn't that somethin'." or other Mike-ism.
No matter what restaurant we went in, he had a way of making quick friends with the server. In his ever so polite conversation he could make any waitress blush with his niceties. You would think they had served him the best of any other customer. Most of them saw his gentle smile and easy-going attitude and rewarded him with a farewel hug. He could make anyone who was having a tough day realize that it really wasn't that bad.
Mike was a passionate person, he openly shared his affection with anyone he met. He loved Linda, Tanya and the rest of his family unconditionally. He is one of those people that will live with you for the rest of your days. You are better for knowing Mike.
One of my favorite memories of Mike was of him singing his "Bear Tunes" during one of our nature tours together. "Backpack Tree" will forever remind me of Mike. It fit him well. His big bear-hugs were just right for anyone that received one too.
You will be missed Mike but I know now that Tanya has a friend to take her to the purple dinosaur in the sky. Good birding!
Isaac Boes
January 7th 2008
Mike was like a second father to me. He always had a smile on his face. When he came over to watch football with us my face would just light up because he was coming over. Even though he was a MSU fan we were still best pals. He would always give me a hug before he left. He's in a better place now. Heaven is the place for him. I know he's happy there.
Jeff Boes
January 7th 2008
jbc367@yahoo.com
Mike My BEST FRIEND in the whole world,
left me to go DANCE ON THE GOLDEN STREETS
OF HEAVEN.I think God wanted the man with
the BIGGEST SMILE at the gates of heaven
to welcome everyone home.I will miss are
times of watching sports together.Sharing
a meal and just listening to him talk about
the love he had for all his friends and family
for as friends we felt like his family.My son
called him Uncle Mike,he always was there for
both of us.he gave me a plate that said
(One loyal friend is worth more than 10,000
relatives) I'm going to miss you Mike see you
in HEAVEN LOVE JEFF
Donna Wyngarden
January 7th 2008
donnaonline@charter.net
Reading through all the lovely memories of Mike, certain words show up in every one.....gentle, kind, humble, sweet, reliable and fun. If you wanted to describe the very best kind of friend, those are the words you would use, and those words truly do describe Mike. To know him was to love him. Those of us who were fortunate enough to call him our friend were truly blessed because we have felt the wonderful warmth of a Big MIke hug, and the joy of a smile as big as his heart. He valued his friends as much as we all valued him. He made us feel special. When you are missing him...just remember how you felt when you were with him. He would want us all to keep feeling that warmth and love. He would want us to toast him at the Super Bowl party....and have fun remembering our wonderful friend, Big Mile. Here's to you MIke....we miss you.
Mike Karas
January 7th 2008
mike@crazyhorsesteakhouse.com
Unfortunately we had not seen Mike much after he left IHS. He was one of everybodys favorites. He used to come in several times a week after finishing work and eat then stay and keep our staff company. I could ALWAYS count on a big smile and firm handshake. And the rest of the staff loved his infectious smile, big laughs and of course great hugs. Several years he stayed and celebrated New Years eve with us. We even exchanged christmas gifts with Mike and we still have the Illinois jacket he gave us and the Mike Ackerberg autographed Cubs baseball bat hanging up. He was the kindest, most gentle person I know. The world needs more Michael "big mike" Ackerbergs. Heaven is where he is now with Tanya whom he adored and loved. You will be missed by many my friend. May god rest his soul.
Cindie
January 7th 2008
cindie.erwin@kv.com
"Big Mike" - as everyone has already mentioned, was one of the kindest, humblest souls any of us ever had the privelege to know.
I did not get to see Mike as regularly as we used to see each other 20 years ago, but each time I saw him - it would light up my day and I knew I would get a lovely hug and big smile. He never changed and was always as gentle and sweet as ever.
I know he is in Heaven and has taken his place among the angels who watch over us.
He will be missed down here by anyone and everyone who ever met him.
Janet Hunter
January 6th 2008
ladyhunterorange@gmail.com
I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Mike at Providence Church. I've only known him a few years, but know that having met him was one of the true gifts that God has shared with me. As in the other memories shared, Mike was the kindest, gentlest being I've ever known. I will dearly miss his genuine smile and warmth along with the hug and kiss I was lucky enough to receive every time he was present. I am sad that I will not be able to talk to him in this physical world of ours, hug him or tell him how happy I was to know him, which thankfully I did so long before his passing. I am sure he is hugging and kissing his parents still.....he is with them now.
I will miss Mike greatly....
With undying love for my friend Mike.....Janet
Kathi
January 6th 2008
Big Mike-the biggest hearted person I can imagine! He was the most gentle person I know with the sweetest soul. Mike and I met nearly 20 years ago when I delivered for UPS and he signed for deliveries. We started a friendship that was very special and sweet. We also had a riot at concerts---esp. Mellencamp in the 3rd row!!!! I could always count on a huge hug when we saw each other---I will miss him and his gentle way with this world.
Wendy Griffin
January 6th 2008
jorabamama@yahoo.com
Mike has been my favorite person for over 20 years. Whenever terrible things were happening in the world, my mom and I would always remind ourselves of "Big Mike" to help us feel like there was hope for the world. Mike was the kindest, most gentle person I have ever known. My life was blessed by his presence. I am so thankful that my children had the opportunity to get to know him, so they too can have his memory to help them look at the world in a positive light. Mike and I have been sports watchin buddies for over 20 years. We met at Branns where we both enjoyed having a cold beer and watching a Pistons game. We became fast friends, and our friendship has lasted the tests of time. He has always come to all our gatherings and parties and was always so appreciative of being invited. He didn't know how much of a blessing his presence was. We loved to have him around. Mike will be so sorely missed. The football pools just won't be the same without "Big Mike"s name. Every football party, you could rely on Mike to bring the sausage and cheese. You could rely on Mike for anything. I can't believe the world has lost such a wonderful human being. I know he is in heaven, and bringing a smile to everyones face there. He is with his beloved niece Tanya and someday we will all see his wonderful smiling face again. You are loved and will be missed Mike!
