ForeverMissed
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This memorial website was created in memory of our Dad, Michael Bretsik, 78 years old, born on December 1, 1942, and called home by God on December 15, 2020.   We miss him everyday.   He will remain in our hearts and memories forever.

An interment of ashes service will be held at Noon on Wednesday, May 5th at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Cemetery in Brownstown, MI.   May 5th is our parent’s wedding anniversary, so we plan to bring them back together on that special day.   We will utilize the John Paul Mausoleum and Chapel located at the back of the Cemetery for the service.  There are still restrictions in place due to COVID and currently there are only 25 people allowed inside the Chapel at one time.

We have developed this memorial website to allow everyone to share in his memories with us.   We encourage visitors to share pictures, stories, or leave tributes as we all come together to celebrate the life of our Dad.   Please feel free to share the link to this site with others as it was difficult to ensure that everyone was made aware of his passing.
December 15, 2023
December 15, 2023
It doesn't feel like you've been gone 3 years. I still have a hard time believing it. I love and miss you so much. I hope you knew that you were loved. I feel so bad that we couldn't be there when you passed.  It breaks my heart when I think of you in the hospital.  I know God called you home because he saw how sad you were and how hard those years were after momma passed.  You were a beautiful servant of God and I know he gave you a huge hug when you showed up in HEAVEN. I hope you continue to watch over all of us. This year has been particularly difficult for me for some reason. I am sending a ton of love to heaven today  you are missed poppa.
December 1, 2023
December 1, 2023
Happy Birthday in Heaven Dad. I hope you and Mom are having the times of your lives. I miss you.
December 1, 2023
December 1, 2023
Happy Heavenly birthday poppa. You would have been 81 this year. I hope you found momma in heaven and your mom and dad and are celebrating with them today.  I think of you all the time. I have many pictures in my room of our trip to Mexico. I still feel so bad that I wasn't able to say goodbye and that the last Birthday we had with you we couldn't even hug you.  Please know that I love you so much and that if I could give you one more hug and tell you that you are loved, I would give anything.....I pray that you are happy again.  Sending a ton of love to heaven today. Happy Birthday poppa. Love you.
December 15, 2021
December 15, 2021
A year has passed.  It feels like we just lost you yesterday.  As I look through pictures, I remember the holidays at the house, the hunting trips you took, the vacations we went on. I remember your last birthday and how I wish we were able to celebrate it in person, as we didnt know it would be the last. 
I see all the good things you did in life even though you may not have been able to see them yourself. 
I believe mom is by your side again, and that you were there to welcome Uncle Bob and Aunt Nancy into Heaven. I suspect even Jacob came to greet and welcome you to the most beautiful place one could ever imagine


You were loved by many and are truly missed. Even though my heart feels so sad from losing you and not being able to say goodbye, I know you struggled with your own grief, and now your soul and body are both at rest.
Love you Poppa.
December 1, 2021
December 1, 2021
Happy Birthday in Heaven, Uncle Mike. Tell Aunt Leah, Mom and Dad, we love and miss them. Peace and Love Always until we meet again.
February 15, 2021
February 15, 2021
I met Mr. Bretsik several years ago at the bedside of his beloved wife. We talked for hours at the hospital and it was if I had known him all my life. He always sent me encouraging messages through Laura when my mom's health was failing and it meant the world to me when he blessed me with his presence at my mom's memorial service. Since that time he has been "Daddy Bretsik", a kind, gentle and honorable man, who missed his wife, loved his family, and always walked with the Lord. Forever in our hearts!
February 12, 2021
February 12, 2021
Mike was the best father-in-law one could ask for. When my father passed in 2006 Mike helped fill in that missing piece with all his wisdom. He will be missed but never forgotten . The world is a smaller place without him but we know he will be forever watching over us.
February 10, 2021
February 10, 2021
When I first met your Dad as a teenager he was so scary. He always had the look like.... I know you are up to something! Which 9 times out of 10 we prolly were lol but as I got older I knew him to be such a kind and caring man. He worked so hard for his family. His loss was so sudden but now he can be with his love Leona and watch all of you from Heaven. I know he is proud of each of you. Such a beautiful family. I am blessed to have been a small part of it all these years. I love you all <3
February 9, 2021
February 9, 2021
Many great memories, both growing up and in recent time with Uncle Mike.
Early memories from the families being together at the State Fair, seeing the pets, and a Corndog for the first time in my life! :O

During the early years having aunt Leah watch me when my mom was busy, playing Ozzy records and football games as well as playing with the train when Uncle Mike would come home and the cuckoo clock going off!

The brick grill in the backyard (thou never seen it in use) and stories of kids not getting Christmas gifts on time because someone was staying up or opening them early!

In most recent years, having speghetti dinner with Uncle Mike and Aunt Leah at the KofC off park street and talking about guns, his Kimber (and multiple repairs of it), and potentially becoming a member!

Rest in Peace and Love Always (and with Aunt Leah) and thanks for them memories! :)
February 8, 2021
February 8, 2021
Loved being around your Dad. Be it a St Albert's Ushering or on the altar serving the Lord or at the Knights of Columbus events He was always a true Gentleman of Honor and Truth! I had the highest respect for him. He is missed greatly. Your family will remain in my prayers.
February 5, 2021
February 5, 2021
Dad...It's still difficult for me to believe you are gone. There was no opportunity for a goodbye, an I love you, or a simple hug. My last memory of you was on your birthday where we stood on your porch with cupcakes and gifts unable to come inside while you “celebrated” with us from the other side of the glass of your storm door. COVID took that day, that moment, that opportunity. Little did I know that it would be the last interaction I would have with you. The last three years of your life were certainly filled with trials and tribulations. You always told me God will never give you more than you can handle, however I question in your case if that statement held true. I need to continue to remind myself however, that was not your life. Your life was so much more than that. My Dad…. The hunter, the pilot, the diver, the football player, the coach, the boxer, the veteran, and Grandpa. Although you never shared with us your “bucket list” I must believe that you checked off most if not all the items. I’ll never forget all the hunting memories we shared and I’m thankful that Evan was able to build those same memories with you. He will always remember his Grandpa. I will always remember how hard you worked to provide for our family. Many times, you worked two or even three jobs to make ends meet and you did so without complaint. I know when God called you home that you were reunited with the woman you so loved and the two of you are young again and in perfect health. I am also certain that Grandma and Grandpa were standing there waiting to welcome you home. I find peace in knowing that you can finally relax and enjoy your eternal life with Mom. I will always miss the both of you and I know that we will be reunited someday. Until then, I will hold onto our memories. Love you always.
February 4, 2021
February 4, 2021
Dad..your life was filled with challenges, but you always trudged on. You went on great adventures and were never afraid to try something new. From big game hunting, flying lessons and scuba diving, you lived life to its fullest. When mom became ill, you bore the responsibility of caregiver. God has finally released you of your burdens, and you are free. I take great comfort in that.
February 4, 2021
February 4, 2021
Dad, I miss you and think of you every single day. I'll always remember that even in the toughest of times, you forged ahead no matter the obstacles you faced. You worked so hard every single day of your life and never took the easy road.  We take comfort that you are now with Mom, and that your heart and soul are finally at peace.  We lost you suddenly, and that part we are still struggling with. But, we know it was in God's plan to finally give you what you wanted most in life, to finally be reunited with Mom in heaven and to feel her love surround you.  Sending love and hugs to heaven.  God now has gained another beautiful angel to have at his side.

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Recent Tributes
December 15, 2023
December 15, 2023
It doesn't feel like you've been gone 3 years. I still have a hard time believing it. I love and miss you so much. I hope you knew that you were loved. I feel so bad that we couldn't be there when you passed.  It breaks my heart when I think of you in the hospital.  I know God called you home because he saw how sad you were and how hard those years were after momma passed.  You were a beautiful servant of God and I know he gave you a huge hug when you showed up in HEAVEN. I hope you continue to watch over all of us. This year has been particularly difficult for me for some reason. I am sending a ton of love to heaven today  you are missed poppa.
December 1, 2023
December 1, 2023
Happy Birthday in Heaven Dad. I hope you and Mom are having the times of your lives. I miss you.
December 1, 2023
December 1, 2023
Happy Heavenly birthday poppa. You would have been 81 this year. I hope you found momma in heaven and your mom and dad and are celebrating with them today.  I think of you all the time. I have many pictures in my room of our trip to Mexico. I still feel so bad that I wasn't able to say goodbye and that the last Birthday we had with you we couldn't even hug you.  Please know that I love you so much and that if I could give you one more hug and tell you that you are loved, I would give anything.....I pray that you are happy again.  Sending a ton of love to heaven today. Happy Birthday poppa. Love you.
His Life

My Life - Michael Laurence Bretsik

February 5, 2021
Born December 1, 1942 in Wyandotte, Michigan to Mildred Alice Sinkovits of Alma, Michigan and Michael Bretsik of Elkhorn, West Virginia.  He was an only child and was spoiled by his two Aunts, Dorothy and Violet.  In 1962 he married the love of his life, Leona, and they had three children together, Michael, Susan and Laura. His biggest pride and joy was his only grandson, Evan, who he shared all his hunting tips and expertise with.  In 2005, he gained a son-in-law, Joe Perkett, who he admired greatly, and who he counted on for all his IT matters.  In October 2021 he will gain a daughter-in-law, Wendy Garriott Martin, who he considered a blessing to not only his son and grandson's lives, but a blessing to the entire family.  We are sure he will be there at the wedding to celebrate with us.  He loved hunting, fishing, bowling, coaching/watching football, woodworking and, of course, his family.  Later on in life, he actively pursued getting his pilots license, was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, and also received a scuba divers certification.  He was also fortunate to take many trips, including Newfoundland and Costa Rica.  He was an extremely hard worker, devoted to God, and will be greatly missed by many.
Recent stories

Trip to Carolina

February 4, 2021
Dad and I always shared a love for football, and he would always tease me about my obsession with the Carolina Panthers. In 2019, he surprised me with a weekend trip to North Carolina to see the Panthers in action. He was not at all comfortable with crowds but he braved that day in the stadium just for me. He knew how happy it made me, and it was a day I'll never forget

Trip to Mexico

February 4, 2021
In 2018, my Dad took me on a "surprise trip" to Mexico.  He had called my boss in advance to make sure I could get the time off, and called my husband to get my passport information......I had absolutely no idea.....and I cried when he gave me a card with a plane ticket in it.....

It was a beautiful trip with many fun memories.  He did everything in his power to make sure it was special. And, I'll always remember the sign on the door when we got to our room.  It was a "VIP" banner..... and of course, he did not hesitate to mention his "VIP" status many times throughout the trip.   He was, of course, a very important person!   I remember sitting with him one night we talked about everything from work, to my mom, about his grandson, Evan, and about my brother and sister.  We had not talked heart to heart like that for a long time... I don't know that I truly appreciated that when it was actually happening, but I do now.   I am thankful we were able to spend that time together.  

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