Mike Gasperini

Those who knew Mike Gasperini will have an everlasting image of him standing with a mouth full of chew, a Mountain Dew or sometimes a Diet Coke, and grease on his hands from a hard day's work. But for those who dearly knew Mike, they will remember his love, laughter, and the impact that he made on each of their lives as a son, father, brother, and friend.

Michael Joseph Gasperini was born on May 13, 1968, in Kalamazoo to Robert and G. Kay (Kolander) Gasperini. He joined his big sister Donna Marie and the family grew up on Paddock Road in Kalamazoo. Mike spent a lot of time with his father as he taught Mike the basics of how to turn a wrench. For a boy who was curious about how things worked, this was a great way to keep his mind occupied. They would share many good times hunting and even restoring a 55 Chevy. Though at times they could both be strong-willed in their thinking, their bond would grow stronger over the years as one would mellow and the other one would mature.

Just as Mike learned from his father how to turn a wrench, he taught his son Skyler the same skill. Mike and Skyler also bonded over hunting in the Upper Peninsula at the cabin near Watersmeet and together they built a special pole barn.

Mike didn’t care much for school but did graduate from Loy Norrix High School in 1986. To achieve his goal to be a mechanic he enrolled in a technical school in Lima Ohio. Upon graduation, he came back to the Kalamazoo area and started building his reputation as a good mechanic. One that could fix a broken car and keep an old one running. He was dependable and honest with those who needed his services. Being a good mechanic he was in demand and if a friend or family member was in need, he was there to lend a hand, not only to help fix a vehicle but to help out in whatever way he could.

Besides being a great mechanic, Mike was also an excellent pool player. He played in several local leagues, won numerous leagues and tournaments, and even got a chance to play in a pool tournament in Las Vegas. Mike’s best friend was Chris Haglund. Over the years they shared a special bond and many good times.

Shortly after the birth of his son Skyler, he was diagnosed with diabetes. This eventually led him to stop working. He would still help friends whenever he could until his eyesight deteriorated. It was his uncontrolled diabetes led to his passing on the evening of Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Though Mike is no longer with us in a physical sense, he lives within our hearts, minds, and souls.

Surviving members of his family include his son Skyler; his father Robert; his sister Donna Marie; nieces: Nicole and her husband Jeff Robson and their children Landon, Brayden, and Brooklyn; and his other niece Mariah Duffy. He is also survived by his former wife Nikki Gasperini. He was preceded in death by his mother G. Kay in 2008.

Cremation has taken place and a gathering of friends and family to celebrate his life will be announced. Visit Mike’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Home, 60900 M-40 Hwy; Paw Paw (269) 657-3870.