Michael Welkoske Jr.

One of lifes most difficult unanswered questions is why some are given decades in which to create their lasting legacy while others are given far less days. Although Michael Welkoske, Jr. was with us for such a brief time, the impact he made on the world around him was no less significant. He was a vibrant and fun-loving young man who embraced every moment he was given even those that were so limited by his health struggles. Michael had many interests throughout his lifetime, but there was nothing that was more near and dear to his heart than spending time with the family he treasured. Life will never be the same without Michael here, but all who knew him will be forever grateful for having been given such an exceptional gift in the love he freely gave. The nineties were truly the age of electronics with the birth of the World Wide Web in 1992. This year boasted of great joy for one young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, since they were pleased to announce the birth of their baby boy. Michael John was welcomed into the arms of his parents, Michael Welkoske and Tammy Johnson, at Hackley Hospital on November 24th. Their overwhelming joy was soon dimmed by great concern when baby Michael underwent his first open heart surgery at University of Michigan Hospital when he was just five days old. He was able to come home with his parents when he was three weeks old, but he needed his second open heart surgery when he was six months old. Michael was afflicted with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped. His health required constant care, feeding tubes, and several surgeries as well. Michaels earliest years were spent in Muskegon Heights. After a time Michaels heath turned the corner, and he was able to live the life he had always dreamed of. He kept busy playing soccer, riding mini bikes, and dressing up like a cowboy on a regular basis. Michael loved superheroes and although his health was of concern at times, his social skills were never affected. When he was six years old he became a student at Scottville Elementary, and his education continued at Montague Middle School. Although Michael lived with his mother for many years, his extended family was always a cornerstone in his life. He loved going to Grandma Roses for cookouts and playing in and around Carlton Creek in Rothbury. He was exceptionally close with his Grandpa Sam as the two were often inseparable. Fun filled memories were made with his father when the two of them went out fishing, camping, or riding dirt bikes. Michael spent a lot of time with his Grandpa and Grandma Vrablic, and he was a big fan of his grandpas pickles. It could be said that if it had wheels, Michael was all over it whether it was something he used for work or just plain old fun. He played around with motorcycles and go-karts, and he could plow the driveway on his own by the time he was 14. Michael was in all his glory when he drove a front loader and a city dump truck. His moped was not only how he got wherever he needed to go, but it was also his pride and joy as it brought him so much freedom. If he wasnt buzzing around town, Michael could sometimes be found doing crossword puzzles with his Grandpa Sam or woodworking. He enjoyed tinkering with small engines and helping his dad in the garage with his lawn care buisness. When he was 13 Michaels health necessitated another open heart surgery. He made an excellent recovery with the help of his sister Cheyenne and family, however, and not long after he had the world by its tail yet again. Michael was granted a dream trip through the Make-A-Wish Foundation when he and his family went to Florida where they took in Disney World, Sea World, and Universal Studios. When he was 14 he began living with his father and his wife, Jen, in Holton where Michael attended Holton High School. Michaels health during this time couldnt have been better and when he was 16, they moved to Spring Lake. Sadly his health suffered a setback this past February and began gradually declining from that point on. Michael recieved excellant care at University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor under the care of his cardiologist Dr. Karen Goldberg. Through the life of Michael Welkoske, Jr. we are reminded that it is not through the things we have that we find genuine joy, but that it is through the people we love that we are richly blessed. When Michael loved, he did so with all his heart, and he recognized that there is nothing greater than the relationships that touch our hearts. He was a man of great courage and resilience as life was often less than easy for him. We would have loved more time with Michael, but we find great comfort in knowing that he is no longer struggling with the health challenges that were woven throughout his tapestry of time. Michael J. Welkoske died Thursday, July 14, 2011. Michaels family includes his mother, Tammy Smith of Muskegon; father, Michael Sr. (Jennifer) Welkoske of Spring Lake; stepfather, Shannon Smith of Grand Haven; sister, Cheyenne Smith of Muskegon; grandmothers, Reba Johnson of Muskegon, Rosemary Smith of Pentwater; grandparents, Anthony (Carol) Vrablic of Grand Haven; several aunts, uncles & cousins; his dogs, Hershy & Tyson. Michael was preceded in death by his grandfather, Sam Johnson, Sr. Services will be held on Wednesday, July 20, 2011, 11:00 a.m. at Clock Chapel - Fruitport with Pastor Russell Maurer officiating. Interment at Fruitport Cemetery. Visit with Michaels family and friends on Tuesday, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Fruitport. MEMORIAL: Michael J. Welkoske Jr. Memorial Fund. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook.