Birth date: May 14, 1950 Death date: Jun 11, 2026
Michael Lee Kitchka, age 76, passed away on June 11, 2026. Mike was born on May 14, 1950, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Charles and Gladys (Baldwin) Kitchka. He graduated from Fruitport High School in 1968. Mike was a devoted fan of Read Obituary
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Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The Lee Chapel
6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores MI 49444
I started working with Mike at Performance Chevrolet (currently Betten Chevy) back in 1983. I was the new kid on the block back then, but he always treated me with respect and was happy to help out whenever I needed it. We both moved our careers from Performance Chevrolet to Miller Chevrolet in Grand Haven a year later. He stayed at that same location until he retired, although there were a few different dealership name changes. He was bar none, THE best truck manager around and highly respected amongst his peers. His product knowledge was second to none and his customers could always rely on his expertise when they needed a guy they could trust to put them in the right vehicle for their needs. Great guy, funny and always treated his customers, co-workers and friends right! RIP old friend
Mike worked at the same store for many decades. Like, longer than anyone else! He would often tell stories of the other previous owners and what it was like back in those days. I got along great with Mike and we talked about all kinds of things. Boy, we did have fun back in the good days of the car business! He loved his Fat boy big time and was a real deal biker. Often talking about all the biker events going on. He went to "blessing of the bikes" religiously, and we always talked about bike time. We knew some of the same guys.
As a Chevy Sales Manager, I loved working car deals with him. He had his own style. A straight forward approach,with tips and comments about how things went down. If you were off for a day, he would cover your 6 and help your customer. He had a personality where others were incapable of having one.
Sorry to learn of his passing and much like all the other "old school" men that have passed on.... They don't make them like that anymore!
Mike White
I worked for mike back when he worked for gage chevrolet he knew alot about the car business and what it took to sell vehicles even though I was still young in the business and involved with the cleanup aspect of it all I always respected his leadership he was a stand up guy rest in peace mike.
I will never forget sharing Mike’s intense excitement at the birth of his son (my grandson) Seth. Mike genuinely cared for his family.
Mike and my husband, Bob, knew each other for years. They both loved cars, motorcycles and the Lions. After motorcycling stopped, their Lions Sunday game gatherings with Mike's brother, Bob, was something he looked forward to weekly. Mike kept his circle small and meaningful.
Mike checked in on me after my husband passed and always made sure I was okay. We didn't talk often; but it was meaningful. I will always cherish the day he helped me surprise Bob with his Harley Fat Boy on our 25th Anniversary; a bike Bob loved.
I have been honored to watch Seth and Justin grow up to be the great men they are today and know they will keep their Dad's memory alive.
Mike, you are pain-free, in your forever home. Catch up with the family and friends that went before you; we will see you when God calls us home. In the meantime, we will keep you love strong down here on earth.
RIDE IN THE HEAVENS, MY FRIEND, RIDE!
All my Love, Moggie's Wife 💜🙏🏻💜🙏💜
