Michael J. Byrnes V's Obituary
Michael Joseph Byrnes V, age 25, passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly after a fall at his home on Wednesday, September 12, 2018. Michael will be remembered by his enormous smile, bellowing laugh and consistently witty jokes. Born and raised in Muskegon, MI on December 3, 1992 to Michael Joseph Byrnes IV and Cindy Lou Fuhrman, Michael graduated from Mona Shores High School in 2011 with honors. In 2015, Michael received his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL and has since worked as an Engineer at Automatic Spring Products Corp. of Grand Haven. He was proud to have maintained perfect attendance throughout his entire education while maintaining a near perfect GPA. Michael was a member of St. Jeans Parish in his early life and later, became a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Some of his hobbies included camping, hiking, paintball and traveling. He was self-taught in reading sheet music and playing the harmonica, electric guitar, bass guitar and drums. In the fall, he watched Notre Dame Football game every Saturday and Detroit Lions games every Sunday. He and his family traditionally attended the Thanksgiving Day Game at Ford Field. Michael was also promoted to “6th Kyu” Orange Belt in Aiki Jujutsu and will be awarded a “1st Dan” Black Belt at his funeral service by his instructor, Bill Sias. He was especially close to his dog, “Merle”. SURVIVORS include his father and step-mother, Michael J. (Karla Sue) Byrnes IV of Norton Shores; his brother and sisters, Teresa Marie (Cornelius Edwards) Kowalski, Thomas Joseph Byrnes II, Melissa Eileen Byrnes all of Muskegon; step-siblings, William (Lindsey Dutkiewicz) Kuczmera, Krystal (Adam) Wiseman, Karl (Katelyn) Kuczmera; aunts and uncles, Thomas Joseph (Susan) Byrnes, Jr. of Muskegon, Michele (David) Moe of Punta Gorda, FL, Diane Byrnes of Orlando, FL, Kelly (Ronald Byrnes) Byrnes of Moriches, NY; cousins, Emily Moe, Geoffrey (Lauren) Moe, Nikohl (Jimmy) White, Rebekka Byrnes; his mother, Cindy Slade of Muskegon; aunts and uncles, Donna (Aman) Dada of Lapeer, MI, Debbie Furhman, Barbara (Fred) Gatlin of Muskegon, MI; cousins Mike (Kim) and Javid (Pa) Dada of Lapeer, MI, Rochelle Johnston of Roosevelt Park, MI, Kim (Miguel) Ramirez of Muskegon, MI; and Godparents, Duane & Mary Frazine, and Jim & Debbie Bisson, all of Muskegon, MI. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas J. & Mona-Eileen Byrnes, Sr., and Emil & Helen Fuhrman. Since the first days at Lincoln Park Elementary School, Michael became inseparable from Bobby Burch and Jake Abbott; their friendship has remained as strong as ever to this date. This circle of friends grew throughout middle and high school to a band of brothers. Michael held special relationships with several honorable young men including (but not limited to) Daniel Dennis, Jeremy Fredrickson, Mike Gangwar, Kyle Schaab, Joe Sirianni, Andy Steinhauer and Mike Vischer. Michael always remained grateful for the effect that these relationships had on his life and he constantly spoke of the sense of fulfillment achieved through having such strong support system within his friends. This group of friends is still envied by many, disliked by none and has always held each other accountable, expecting nothing less than the best from each other. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated 10:30 AM Thursday, September 20, 2018 at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (239 W. Clay Ave.) with the Rev. Fr. Edwin C. Carreno presiding. VISITATION will be held 5-8 PM Wednesday with a Time of Remembrance at 7:00 PM at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., (231) 798-1100. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Sign the guestbook online at www.sytsemafh.com
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