Michael "Mike" Sehy

Even though he was often full of it and pulled the best pranks on people, Mike Sehy was beloved by everyone he met. Although not one to look for causes, he had a heart of gold and would willingly help anyone who asked. Mike’s true interest in people made him a friend to all he encountered. He knew the value of hard work, and was also quite handy. Mike loved the comforts of home and driving around his property brought him much peace and contentment. Although he will be dearly missed, the memories Mike leaves behind will remain a treasure.

The hottest thing on wheels, the '55 Chevy was the shape of things to come for the auto industry while even the mention of the chartbusting hit, “Rock Around the Clock” drew all to the dance floor. Nearly every American home with televisions had their sets dialed to “The Mickey Mouse Club”, and a favorite of young boys everywhere, Davy Crockett films introduced a world of adventure for those wearing his ever popular coonskin cap. In the Michigan city of Kalamazoo, April 23, 1955 marked an especially memorable day for Floyd and Emily (Dolph) Sehy when they celebrated the birth of their son, Michael Otis Sehy.

Mike was the fourth of eventually six children in the Sehy household. His mother remained at home as a homemaker and looked after young Mike and his older siblings, Linda, Floyd Jr. and Nancy. In time he later welcomed younger siblings, Bruce and Karen into their fold. To support their bustling household, Mike’s father worked at the local paper mill. From the start, Mike was a happy and outgoing kid. He relished boyhood adventures, and found more than his share of mischief, too. Nevertheless, he held down a full time job at the paper mill during his senior year of high school.

While continuing to work at the mill, Mike married Frances Raggio. and took Frances’ son, John from a previous relationship and raised him as his own. Together they shared the love of a daughter, Heather. After 20 years, their marriage came to an end, but Mike was forever grateful for the children they shared from their union.

Mike’s passion for old cars showed in his ’57 Chevy, one of his greatest possessions. Mike collected hats for a time and was into model cars as well as trains, and while roaming his property be began collecting small bottles he had found. A true prankster at heart, Mike loved surprising people when they would least expect it. He had a way all his own when it came to joking around and it was always a pleasure to share his company.

When Mike met Paula in the mid nineties, he told his sister, Nancy, that he had found the one for him. Their song was “Shine” by Collective Soul. The words of the song, “Heaven let your light shine down” made them both think they were meant for each other. Mike opened his arms to not only Paula, but her five children. Paula’s son, Paul, says Mike came into his life when he was 15 as his step dad and became his dad through his calm, caring ways. On August 17, 2007, Mike and Paula finally exchanged vows of marriage and began their new journey together as husband and wife.

Eventually, Mike took a job at the Angel’s Crossing Golf Club. His strong work ethic continued to be evident in all he did. Though struggling with repeated bouts of heart failure in the last months of his life, he went to work every day because he didn’t want to leave his boss shorthanded. In his free time over the years, Mike loved playing his bass guitar and took in the casinos where he found luck a time or two. In addition, Mike enjoyed gardening and golfing with Paula. Mike also loved feeding the birds, and especially loved driving around his property. He was very handy around the house, and his goulash was the best. In the last four years of his life, Mike and Paula brought grandson, Nick, into their home to live with them. Mike taught Nick everything he knew about taking care of the yard, the house, and the mowers. In return, Nick did many of the chores that Mike could no longer do with his limited mobility.

Home was where Mike’s heart was, especially when grandchildren, Breeanna, Jenessa, Jaedyn, Nick, Tony, Sylvia, and Elliot came into his life. He also adored his one and only great-grandson, Ashton. The day before he passed, Breeanna brought Ashton to the hospital to see his grampa. With a tube in his lung, Mike reached out and took baby Ashton into his arms Like his father before him, Mike was most comfortable at home surrounded by the things he knew best. He never required much, and preferred living a simple life free from worldly worries. An easygoing man whose kindness and caring had no end, Mike will forever remain a special part of the lives he touched and loved.

Michael O. Sehy, of Vicksburg passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at the age of 60. Mike is survived by his wife, Paula Branch; children: Heather Sehy, of Vicksburg;; six stepchildren: John (Toni) Taylor of WA; D.J. Spence, of FL; Paul Spence, of Mattawan; Joshua (Amber) Spence, of MO; Lea Cross, of South Africa; Julie Cross, of MO; seven grandchildren: Breeanna, Jenessa, Jaedyn, Nick, Tony, Sylvia, Elliot and one great-grandson, Ashton. Mike is also survived by his siblings: Linda (Willard) Mohney, of Vicksburg; Floyd Jr., of Vicksburg; Nancy (Ray) Baughan, of Vicksburg; Bruce Sehy, of Scotts; Karen Coville, of Vicksburg. He is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Emily Sehy.

Mike’s family will receive friends on Friday, from 4 to 7 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, 11:00 AM at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. After a final drive by Mike’s home of many years, burial will follow at Vicksburg Cemetery. Please visit Mike’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, sign his online guestbook, and share a favorite memory and/or photos. Those who wish may make contributions to the Bronson Heart Failure Clinic, where Mike felt loved and cared for over the last year of his life, the West Michigan Cancer Center and/or South County EMS.