Michael Wayne “Mickey” Hess, 77, of Houghton Lake passed away on Tuesday March 5, 2024 at home.
Mickey was born on July 28, 1946 in Grayling, Michigan to Gordon and Esther (Millar) Hess. He spent most of his life in the Houghton Lake area, graduating from Houghton Lake Community Schools. Mickey served as a Pvt in the Marines from 1966 thru 1968. He spent over one year of his service time in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Marine’s Meritorious Mast on February 7, 1967 for notable and commendable service beyond the usual requirements of a Marine. Mickey worked as a Contractor and was well known and highly respected for his fine craftsmanship. He worked several years for FEMA in Disaster Relief, helping victims and handling of claims. He was Married to Joan Arnold, and she preceded Mickey in death. He was later married to Ethel Howard, and she also preceded him in death. Mickey enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping. His special love was in his workshop using his wood working skills on projects.
Surviving Mr. Hess are his son, Daniel Hess; daughter, Nancy Spoden; brother, Dennis Hess of Traverse City; five sisters, Carol Sue(Dennis) Hess-Castile of Gaylord, Diane Doherty of Traverse City, Bean(Vaughn) Augsburger of Roscommon, Tari Stern of Houghton Lake, and Lori(David) Sikkema of Lake Ann; sister-in-law Bernie Hess of Houghton Lake; nieces and nephews, Ben, Joe, and Annie Hess of Traverse City, Steve Hess of Chicago, Rodney Eggleston of Houghton Lake, Josh Doherty of Sault Ste. Marie, Erin(Andrew) Mars of Fife Lake, and Sarah Lautner of New York City; and Mickey’s good friend, Tom Branam. Mickey was preceded in death by his parents, Esther Phillips and Gordon Hess; Step-mother Jeanne Adams, Step father Wilburn “Taft” Phillips, two brothers, Jerry and Jim; sister-in-law Nancy Hess; and brother-in-law Wayne Stern.
Funeral Services for Michael Wayne Hess will be conducted at 1:00pm Tuesday March 12, 2024 from Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel with Rev. Alfred Bell officiating. Interment will be in Roscommon Township Cemetery, Houghton Lake. Visitation will be held on Tuesday March 12, 2024 from12:00pm until the time of the service at 1:00pm. Memorial contributions in memory of Mickey are asked to be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice. Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com
