Michael Frederick Kirby, age 78, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at home. He was born on January 3, 1947, in Breckenridge, MI to the late Fred and Helen (Overla) Kirby and married Gertie Giddings on June 25, 1983, and they cherished 42 years of marriage.

Mike graduated from Harrison High School and proudly went on to serve in the United States Navy from 1967 to 1970. He was a longtime attendee of Lakeshore Baptist Church and a member of American Legion Post #28. Michael was a sports fan, playing baseball in his younger years, and throughout his life he enjoyed golfing and rooting for the Detroit Tigers. He also loved to travel to Gulf Shores, Alabama with his wife, Gertie.

Mike is survived by his wife, Gertie; children, Sherry Mares, Heather (Tom) Genron, Tiffany Molter, Scott (Ellen) Rusco, Tony Rusco, Timothy (Lilly) Rusco, and Michael Rusco; several grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.
 

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Phyllis.

A funeral service for Mike will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, at Klaassen Family Funeral Home, with Pastor Doug Bytwerk officiating. Full Military Honors will be provided by the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Legion, Charles A. Conklin Post 28.

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