Obituary for Michael H. Simkins
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands…”
(I Thessalonians 4:11)
Michael H. Simkins, 80, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away at home early Tuesday morning, March 15, 2022. Mike was born in Lakeview, Michigan on October 14, 1941, to Marcus and Alice (Stadtfeld) Simkins. Growing up on a farm, Mike learned what hard work was, and this shaped the man he became. He graduated from Remus High School in 1959, earned an Associate’s Degree at Ferris State University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University. He worked for the Central Michigan Health Department for many years, and then at Central Michigan University, from where he retired in 2001.
Mike married Arlene Carpenter in 1965 in Boon, Michigan. He and Arlene raised two children, Julie and Matthew, and were life-long residents of Mt. Pleasant. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Community Church. He volunteered at church and at Woodland Hospice.
If you knew Mike, you knew he loved to work. He took pride in his careers at the health department and the university, but projects outside of the 9:00-5:00 workday were his favorite. After retirement, he ran a successful cleaning and lawn maintenance service, often with the help of his son, Matt. He built three houses in his “spare time,” mowed lawns, worked in the woods and made the property beautiful around the retirement home he and Arlene built on Broomfield Road. He volunteered his time, talent, and tools for any project his family had. More than anything, he loved his family.
Michael is survived by his loving wife, Arlene, his children Julie (Don) O’Brien and Matthew (Dee) Simkins, grandchildren Patti (Aaron) Reed, Jennifer (Dave) Douglas, Nicole (Josh) Rickett, Jacob O’Brien, Jack O’Brien, and Ryan Simkins. He is also survived by seven brothers and sisters, brothers and sisters-in-law, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, brother Fred, parents-in-law, and brother-in-law Doug.
Per Mike’s wishes, the family is not planning services.
(I Thessalonians 4:11)
Michael H. Simkins, 80, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away at home early Tuesday morning, March 15, 2022. Mike was born in Lakeview, Michigan on October 14, 1941, to Marcus and Alice (Stadtfeld) Simkins. Growing up on a farm, Mike learned what hard work was, and this shaped the man he became. He graduated from Remus High School in 1959, earned an Associate’s Degree at Ferris State University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University. He worked for the Central Michigan Health Department for many years, and then at Central Michigan University, from where he retired in 2001.
Mike married Arlene Carpenter in 1965 in Boon, Michigan. He and Arlene raised two children, Julie and Matthew, and were life-long residents of Mt. Pleasant. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Community Church. He volunteered at church and at Woodland Hospice.
If you knew Mike, you knew he loved to work. He took pride in his careers at the health department and the university, but projects outside of the 9:00-5:00 workday were his favorite. After retirement, he ran a successful cleaning and lawn maintenance service, often with the help of his son, Matt. He built three houses in his “spare time,” mowed lawns, worked in the woods and made the property beautiful around the retirement home he and Arlene built on Broomfield Road. He volunteered his time, talent, and tools for any project his family had. More than anything, he loved his family.
Michael is survived by his loving wife, Arlene, his children Julie (Don) O’Brien and Matthew (Dee) Simkins, grandchildren Patti (Aaron) Reed, Jennifer (Dave) Douglas, Nicole (Josh) Rickett, Jacob O’Brien, Jack O’Brien, and Ryan Simkins. He is also survived by seven brothers and sisters, brothers and sisters-in-law, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, brother Fred, parents-in-law, and brother-in-law Doug.
Per Mike’s wishes, the family is not planning services.