Michael David Closz's Obituary
On June 23, 2023, Michael David Closz left this earth too soon after a brief battle with cancer. Mike, 44, was born on May 21, 1979 to David and Clare (Lamb) Closz in Muskegon and was a lifelong resident.
Mike attended Mona Shores Schools, where he was a member of the school’s performing arts programs. He sang in the choir, was a member of the Allegros, and played viola in the orchestra. Mike also played guitar and piano. Mike was a boy scout in Troop 1053, where his father and grandfather were leaders, and Mike earned the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout. After high school, Mike attended Western Michigan University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education for English and History. He was a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity. After many years of working in jobs outside of his degree, Mike was able to fulfill his dream of becoming a teacher. Mike had spent the last several years teaching 10th grade English at Muskegon High School, where he was extremely dedicated to his students and colleagues.
On July 11, 2008, Mike married his beloved Melissa “Lissa” Muenstermann. Together they have raised four amazing children Jacob (24), April (19), Finn (13) and Ben (8). They spent many memorable hours together on road trips to Chicago, Myrtle Beach, Washington DC, Boston, Yellowstone National Park, the Wisconsin Dells, and the Upper Peninsula. Mike and Lissa also enjoyed winery tours in Michigan’s wine country.
Mike was a dedicated and loving husband and father. He coached baseball and soccer for his children’s teams, and served as Cubmaster of Pack 4053, where his son, niece and nephews are cub scouts. He had been actively involved in all levels of scouting and watched both Jacob and April achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, continuing the strong family tradition. Mike was also an origami instructor for the M Jr. Wrappers, along with his brother, Rory, and his uncle, Jeff.
Mike was very passionate about music. He and Lissa enjoyed attending concerts of their favorite artists from the time they met. Mike was also a talented lyricist and vocalist, often playing his original songs at open mic nights. Mike was a member of the local cover band, Degrees Don’t Matter, with several of the teachers from his school and he previously performed in the band Orion with his uncle, Jeff. Mike loved playing gigs around town and sharing his gift of music. Mike was also a member of the Cosmopolitan Men’s Choir with his dad, his uncle, Jeff, and his brother, Rory.
Mike had a witty sense of humor and loved to laugh and have fun. He was a proud member of the Flying Gimps and Grub Club with some of his closest high school friends. He enjoyed watching movies and hosting an annual Oscar Awards party. He attended Trivia Cat Team Trivia nights as part of the Titanic Swim Team with Lissa and their friends. Mike also loved playing board games with his friends at the Gaming Annex and attending their annual Cabin-con/Jon-con board gaming weekends. Mike was also a lifelong fan of the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers.
Mike was a kind, gentle soul and a friend to all. Mike was always willing to drop whatever he was doing to help anyone who needed a hand, and he never expected anything in return. Mike brought such joy, laughter, and love to our world and we did not have enough time with him. He will be greatly missed. From his all time favorite and oft quoted film, The Big Lebowski, “The Dude abides. I don't know about you but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there”.
Mike is survived by his wife Lissa; their four children Jacob Bowlin, April Bowlin, Finn Closz and Ben Closz; his parents David and Clare Closz; his younger brothers Sean (Wendy) Closz, Brendan (Joey Burgam) Closz, and Rory Closz (Sidney Long); his niece and nephews Rowyn Closz, Declan Closz, Rion Closz, Porter Closz, Owen Closz, William Guerne, Dean Guerne, and Alexander Miller; along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by both sets of his grandparents, William and Mary Closz and Woodrow and Eileen Lamb.
A casual service to remember Mike’s life will be held Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Custer Park, 1502 Ruddiman Dr., N. Muskegon, beginning at 2:00 PM. The family is requesting the guests bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on for this gathering. A further celebration will be held the same day at 4:00 PM, at St. Gregory's Church, 1200 Seminole Rd., Norton Shores, where there everyone can enjoy food, beverages, games, and music as Mike would have wanted. Contributions in Mike's memory may be made to help his family at the Go Fund Me listed below. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49441. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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