Michael P. Zachow

Michael Paul Zachow, age 78, passed away on Friday, December 23, 2022 after being hospitalized for the last week with pneumonia and complications from his ongoing heart related issues. His cherished wife Sarah was by his side the entire time and he went to be with the Lord on his own terms, unwilling to be kept alive by a machine. He was able to say goodbye to most of his children and many of his grandchildren before he passed. He told them he loved them all and was ready to go home. Mike was an amazing man who loved being a grandparent and took joy in seeing his grandkids any time he could. He always wanted a hug from his grandkids every time he saw them, both when arriving and leaving. He and Grandma made sure to attend at least one event for each grandchild every season, regardless of what sport or activity it was. He was a very proud and supportive grandparent. Mike enjoyed living on the lake, even though he didn’t really fish and rarely had a working boat to enjoy. He loved the view out his picture window and enjoyed watching the birds frolic in the bird feeder he had located right in front of it. He loved having the kids and grandkids over in the summer to play on the lake and sit together on the deck swapping stories. He was also a voracious reader and loved going to the library and getting new books each week. Mike was also very active in his church after retirement. He sang in the choir, organized and served monthly meals, and even ran the sound board from time to time. He loved singing worship music and loved listening to it as well. He spent many years volunteering at the Cedar Springs Community Food Pantry and loved serving others, even when he broke the rules about how much food each family was supposed to get! Mike enjoyed life as much as he was able to in his later years. Even though he had significant health issues, he was always happy to see you, always glad to spend time with you, and always in good spirits, even at the hospital in the days before he passed. Mike is survived by his loving wife Sarah, his older sister Catherine, six children, Jeff, Ed (Tina), Jennifer (Joe), Danelle (Jon), Chris (Janelle), and Adam as well as fifteen grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Cedar Springs Community Food Pantry, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or The Shriners Children's Hospital, all organizations he cared for deeply and supported. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at East Nelson United Methodist Church in Cedar Springs. The family will greet friends at 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow the service at church. Arrangements by K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.