Michael Oscar Anthes

Michael Oscar Anthes, age 77, of Grand Haven, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family, on Friday, October 24, 2025. After courageously facing complications from Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, Michael was called home to the Lord. He was born on February 11, 1948, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to the late Oscar and Mary (Thomson) Anthes.

Michael married his college sweetheart, JoAnn Dostal, on November 8, 1969, in Detroit, Michigan. They built a life centered on faith, family, and service, raising their two children in Grand Haven and sharing nearly 56 wonderful years of marriage.

Michael graduated from Coopersville High School and continued his education at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, and later, at the University of Detroit where he earned a master's degree in business and finance. He started his professional career at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan, moving to executive roles at Howmet and The Challenge Machinery Company until he founded Anthes & Associates, where he worked for over 25 years as a business and financial consultant.

Michael was a man of great character, known for his integrity, wisdom, and unwavering kindness. People trusted him for many reasons, most of all his compassionate approach to life and others. Whether offering guidance, lending a helping hand, or simply listening, Michael made everyone feel seen and valued.

Michael was a life-long student and an avid non-fiction reader, as well as an amateur photographer and a member of the Tulip City Camera Club. He had a passion for vehicles - especially MGs in the 1970s and later his prized Porsches - and always kept a meticulously clean Volkswagen as his daily driver.

Michael was a sailor at heart and enjoyed time on Lake Michigan on his own boats and others. He also cherished boating and spending time on Torch and Elk Lakes with family and friends.

Michael was well-known for keeping an immaculate yard but found even greater joy in helping his neighbors with his Cub Cadet tractor.

Michael's faith guided every aspect of his life. He served as a longtime financial advisor to the West Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church, sat on the board of Clark Methodist Retirement Home, and was a dedicated member of United Methodist Church of the Dunes in Grand Haven, where he humbly filled roles ranging from Sunday School teacher to chair of the finance committee.

Michael will be lovingly remembered and missed by his devoted wife, JoAnn Anthes; his son, Todd (Michelle) Anthes; and daughter, Kathryn (Jeremy) Drake; his four cherished grandchildren: Maxmilan (Adayla) Anthes, Lillian Anthes, Jonah Drake, and Julia Drake; sister, Arlene (Charles) Smith; and brother, Paul (Cindie) Anthes; brother-in-law, Jon (Judy) Dostal; several nieces and nephews; and two great nephews; and one great-niece.

A Celebration of Life for Michael will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at United Methodist Church of the Dunes with Pastor Lou Grettenberger officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at United Methodist Church of the Dunes Memorial Garden.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church of the Dunes or the Alpha-1 Foundation at www.alpha1.org 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Oscar Anthes, please visit our floral store.