Michael James Borowicz

Michael James “Mike” Borowicz, 72, of Cheboygan, Michigan, passed away November 30, 2020, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey.

Mike was born on May 13, 1948, at home, in Burt Lake, Michigan, to Aloysius and Julia (Griswold) Borowicz.

He attended Catholic school in Cheboygan.  When Mike was not in school, he could be found walking the woods, hunting, fishing, running dogs, and making memories with his little brother, Kenny, and many lifelong friends.

In 1968, Mike enlisted in the United States Army. After finishing basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas, he was sent to Vietnam. Mike was a gunner on the dusters and received four bronze stars for valor in combat. His time in Vietnam became a large part of his life. Mike was a proud Vietnam veteran, who served from 1968 until 1969. Forty years after Mike was honorably discharged from the Army, he reconnected with his “brothers”; Mike, John, Jack, and Larry, the “Badger 242 guys”, as he called them. This brotherhood was something Mike cherished with his whole heart and he enjoyed the time he spent with them.

When Mike returned home from Vietnam, he began his life as a carpenter, a career he enjoyed. He loved utilizing his creativity and artistic abilities. After retirement, Mike used his carpentry skills to build unique birdhouses, planters, and yard ornaments for friends and family. Woodworking was a great hobby of his.

In October 1988, Mike married the love of his life, Linda Lalka. They joined in holy matrimony at the Berean Bible Church, in Topinabee, Michigan. Mike and Linda made their home in the peaceful countryside of Cheboygan. During their time together they enjoyed walks through the woods, hunting, fishing, bowling, a night out at the casino, and raising their beautiful girls.

Mike was a fun dad, as he was a big kid himself. He had a great sense of humor and loved pulling pranks. He had a soft heart and was “Doctor Dad” or often the mediator for a house full of girls. Mike was the first to build the best snow forts, play catch, or dive into Douglas Lake on a hot summer day. He walked for hours in the woods teaching his girls about plants, trees, fruits, mushrooms, and animal tracks, and how they could always find peace in nature.

As years passed, Mike’s great qualities never changed. He became the world’s best Papa and was able to pass on his fun-loving spirit and wisdom to his grandchildren and great grandboys.

During Mike’s 72 years on earth, there was not much that he did not do.  He was a member of the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa Indians and enjoyed their reunions, stories, and traditions. He loved the woods, hunting, fishing, firearm collecting, bowling, woodworking, and zipping around on his side-by-side.  He enjoyed being a helping hand, taking trips to see his Badger brothers, being a dad, and most importantly being a Papa.

Mike was proud of his family and loved to brag about them all. On November 30, 2020, this world lost a legend, the most loving husband, father, Papa, son, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be missed by many and forgotten by none.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Linda; and beloved nephew, Todd Borowicz.

He is survived by his daughters, Bonnie (Wade) Morehead of Cheboygan, Brittany (Corey) Gibbs of Topinabee, BaRandi Biskupski of Cheboygan, and Bree (Baxter) Borowicz of Levering; grandchildren, Ryanne, Ashley, Keyontae, Luke, Oliver, Jack, and Hunter; great grandboys, Levi and Lincoln; the best gift his parents ever gave him, his little brother, Ken (Cathy) Borowicz of Cheboygan; sisters-in-law, RuthAnn (James) Andres, and Bonnie (David) Hansen both of Cheboygan; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

As Mike would say, “Badger 242- Out”.

There will be a celebration of life for Mike during the summer of 2021.

Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.