Mike Schubert

All who knew Michael Schubert would agree that he was larger than life. He was kindhearted, compassionate, and generous beyond measure with a tender heart for animals as well. A friend of Mike’s was a friend for life, and they knew that they could count on Mike through thick and thin. Everyone was aware of his love for cars, and his attention to detail was unmatched. A problem solver by nature, he was handy, hardworking, and could spot a bargain like no one else. A blessing in the lives of all who were within his reach, Mike will be forever missed but never forgotten.

It seems only fitting that Mike’s journey began during a time that was as vibrant as he was. It was the 1950s when one in six people worked in the automotive industry in some way, and the industry was booming. The muscle car era was deeply rooted in the 1950s, and the horsepower race centered around the V8 engine. This was also the decade when televisions were becoming part of our homes, and Elvis Presley took the music world by storm with his rock ’n roll music. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1954 when Philip and Geraldine (Miebach) Schubert were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as fall emerged in Hastings, Michigan. The big day finally arrived when the baby boy they named Michael drew his first breath on September 16th. He was the second of four children in his family and the only boy as he was raised alongside his sisters, Elizabeth, Kathryn, and Judy.

In many ways Michael, or Mike as he was usually known, was a young boy of his generation. He was educated primarily through Catholic schools including at St. Augustine School during his primary grades. Mike later attended Barbour Hall, Hackett and Loy Norrix. His love for both music and cars began at an early age. It was also while he was growing up that Mike was always there for his family, and this was something that continued throughout his entire life. He was always taking care of his sisters, and money and time were never as important as helping others whether family or friends.

As a car fanatic, Mike was often busy meticulously cleaning his cars. He never let them get dirty, and he also washed his sisters’ cars. Throughout his life Mike had a series of cars including a classic triple black 442 Cutlass Convertible and was the envy of all those around him. It has been said that his crowning glory was his Harley-Davidson.

There was nothing that was of greater significance in Mike’s life than his relationships with others. He was a reliable friend who was always there when he was needed, and he had a special bond with his friends. Mike liked preparing meals and grilling for his friends and family as he frequently had cookouts including the annual Father’s Day cookout with his Dad. He was also an important part of the lives of his niece and nephews and was there for them in whatever way he could be as well. Mike worked as a property manager and took care of personal property as well. People completely trusted him and in return Mike didn’t let them down.

A man of many interests, Mike was so easy to please. He loved a bargain and had an eye for art and other collectibles with a well decorated home to show for his efforts. Many of Mike’s finds were picked up at a garage sale or an estate sale. Outside his home he took great care of his flower gardens and bedding plants. Mike also bought flowers for his mother and sisters, and he helped them care for them as well. He loved Christmas and always decorated his home, and on Halloween he always dressed up to pass out candy. Mike had a tender heart for animals and had four large aquariums, one of which he gave away to a friend while he was under hospice care simply because he knew his friend would enjoy it. With a lifelong love for music, Mike especially loved hard-rock and metal. He was the master of the grill, but he did enjoy simple things like coffee from the gas station, various desserts and sweets like Moose Track ice cream, cake, lemon bars, and pies, especially banana cream pie.

When reflecting on the life of Michael Schubert, words such as fun-loving, reliable, and hardworking come to mind. However, perhaps the word that paints the most accurate picture of Mike is selfless. He was always looking for ways that he could give of his time and resources, and nothing was too much in Mike’s book. He had a great sense of humor and loved joking around while making others laugh right along with him. Mike’s zest for life was truly contagious. Deeply loved, he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever cherish.

Michael Schubert, of Kalamazoo, died at his home on Sunday, March 6, 2016. Mike’s family includes his mother, Geraldine, 3 sisters: Elizabeth Schubert, Kathryn Schubert, and Judith (Dan Liston) Schubert, all of Kalamazoo; step-mother, Marcia; very dear friends: Jenny, M.L., Susan and Harry, Van, Richard, and Butch; his niece, Kristel Miller; and 3 nephews: Ryan (Rachel) Sweeney, John Sweeney, and Preston (Shiloh) Miller. An open house with a variety of desserts, which were Michael’s favorites, will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 19th at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive (375-2900). Please visit Michael’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign his guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Church Emergency Fund.