Michael Lakatos

Michael Lakatos was a man with an incredible zest for life and a passion for having fun times. He was the happiest with the wind whipping across his face whether he was riding on his motorcycle, his boat, or his quad runner. Michael loved sharing laughter with his friends and family, cherishing their company. Michael knew how to work hard and was well known and respected within his community. The 1950s were a period in our nations history in which families worked together, played together, and vacationed together at family themed entertainment areas like national parks and the new Disneyland. George and Mary Ellen (Hart) Lakatos, of Grand Haven, Michigan were preparing their two daughters for an exciting time within their own family; as Mary Ellen was due to give birth to their third child at any time. They were indeed blessed on August 2, 1959 with the birth of their healthy son, Michael. Michael grew up in Fruitport, Michigan right next door to his grandparents, the Harts, which fostered a close relationship between Michael and his grandparents. The Lakatos family attended First Congregational Church of Fruitport and enjoyed going camping together near Hesperia, located in western Michigan. Mike enjoyed his childhood; he loved the outdoors and playing baseball with the other neighborhood boys. He was mechanically minded and learned about engines from his neighbor at a very young age. At the young age of 14, Mike got a job detailing cars first for Felts Used Cars, and later for Coopers. He attended Fruitport High School where he did some wrestling and was known for pulling pranks with his buddies. This group of buddies were most well known for borrowing For Sale Signs and placing them in the yards of unsuspecting home owners! Upon graduating from high school, Mike found employment with Ken Cooper where he paved roads and ran heavy equipment. While paving a road one fateful day, Mike spied a cute high school girl named Wendy Simonelli while she was getting off the bus. He struck up a conversation with her and soon he asked her out on a date. After getting approval from Wendys parents, the two were off to the races at Marne for their first date. This date was the beginning of a relationship which would span more than 25 years. Mike was no stranger to hard work and had even been referred to as a workaholic. As a young man, he saved the money he earned which allowed him to purchase five acres of land on Hideaway Dr. where he and Wendy built a home from the ground up over a period of a few years. Upon its completion, Mike and Wendy moved into their home and were later married on October 3, 1987 after dating for eight years. At this time in his life, Mike was working for the city of Coopersville where he maintained their trucks and equipment along with various other jobs. Mike eventually worked as a machine operator at Sappi, the world's leading producer of coated fine paper used in annual reports, catalogs, brochures, magazines, and other publications, located in Muskegon, Michigan. When Mike wasnt working at his job, he always seemed to be doing something to help others, setting aside his own needs in the process. With a secure job, Mike felt that the time was right for he and Wendy to start a family and they were blessed with the birth of Adam, in 1991, Sarah, in 1993, and Joshua, in 2001. Together, Michael and Wendy had many good times with their children, creating memories which will be cherished for a lifetime. They owned boats and quad runners which allowed for great times riding together. Mike enjoyed barbequing on the back deck and he often invited friends over for his famous meals and a swim in their pool. He had a hay wagon as well and used to treat friends to great hayrides. When he wasnt working or entertaining his friends or family, Mike found time to pursue things that were of interest to him as well. He and Wendy liked to cruise on back roads, singing to their favorite country songs. Mike had many great times with his friends at Ye Old Tavern, located in Fruitport. Another passion of Mikes was riding motorcycles, embracing the feeling of freedom that the open road brought him. Life was not always easy for Mike, however; in 2001 he was involved in a motorcycle accident in which he almost lost his leg. This injury resulted in multiple surgeries and months of hard work in an attempt to rehabilitate himself. It was important to Mike that he still be able to support his family and for awhile he went back to work at Sappi. Unfortunately, his work proved to be too physically demanding and he had to leave his job. In order to still support his family, he and Wendy started a landscape business called Lawn & Home Maintenance in which Mike handled the landscaping and Wendy took care of the books. Additional challenges that Mike had to face through the years were his battles with anxiety, depression, and alcoholism. With the love and support of his family and friends, Mike sought help through various programs in an attempt to get on top of his issues. For a time, Mikes attempts were successful, he even continued to ride his motorcycle, but complete recovery was not to be for Mike; he just couldnt beat the illnesses that were plaguing him. Michael Lakatos was a hard working man who often set aside his own needs to tend to the needs of others. Providing for his family was of the utmost importance to Mike, even running his own business with his wife for four years. Mike was known as a prompt and honorable man who enjoyed having fun as well. Mike was a member of First Congregational Church of Fruitport and he created memories which will be forever etched on the hearts of those he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed. Michael Lakatos died on Saturday, December 27, 2008. Mikes family includes his wife, Wendy; two sons, Adam & Joshua; 1 daughter Sarah; Father George Lakatos; two sisters, Diane (Don) Anderson, Marlene (Ron) Becklin. He was preceded in death by his mother in 2006. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2008, 1:00 PM at First Congregational Church of Fruitport with Rev David Hulings officiating. Please visit Mikes memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory, sign the online guest book, or make a memorial contribution to Every Womans Place.