Michael Richard Kushmaul Sr. was born on January 3, 1948 in Jackson, Michigan. He was one of three children born to the union of Nelson Kushmaul and Donna (Sackrider) Kushmaul Gauss.
Michael attended Chelsea High School, graduating in 1966 before enlisting in the United States Air Force in November of 1966, where he served for four years. When he returned from his enlistment, he was gainfully employed by the Chelsea Proving Grounds until retirement.
During his time in the Air Force, he met the love of his life, Rosemarie Vickery, in Bicester, England. They wed on December 13, 1970 in Bicester, England. They spent some time living in Germany before returning to the United States at the end of Michael’s enlistment. They were blessed with one son, Michael Richard Kushmaul Jr.
Together, Mike and Rose enjoyed a life full of lake living, cruising around on their boat, and enjoying beautiful views over tea and coffee on the back deck. They also spent many years camping all over Michigan, making wonderful memories with their son and his family. Michael enjoyed all sports, specifically local Detroit sports. There was never a holiday that he hosted that didn’t have a game on the television.
Michael was a selfless, determined, hard working, and welcoming man. He was an outstanding father and an even better grandfather. Michael always welcomed everyone with open arms and would have done anything for those he loved. Michael would tell stories of his time in the Air Force and all of the skills he learned - from sewing clothes to packing parachutes, and cooking pizzas for his fellow troops. Following Michael’s end of his journey with the Air Force, he worked many years at the Proving Grounds, where he continued his work in fixing things. Michael continued his devotion to fixing things in every aspect of his life by making sure his mother was taken care of. If there was ever anything his family needed fixed, he was there to fix it.
Michael showed a softer side once he became a grandfather and spent countless years creating memories with his granddaughters - from the custom train room, to the lake days, to being there for all the sporting events, to Thanksgivings at his house, there was never a dull moment with Michael. But most importantly, Michael was a loving husband. His wife, Rosemarie, was his everything. There was rarely a day they were apart. Michael was a funny, sarcastic man, and Rosemarie would simply laugh and shake her head at all of his jokes.
Michael Richard Kushmaul Sr. passed away peacefully on November 16, 2024 at Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson, Michigan surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his father, Nelson Kushmaul, his brother, Roger Kushmaul, and several aunts and uncles.
To cherish his memory, Michael leaves his mother, Donna Gauss; wife, Rosemarie; son, Michael (Christina) Kushmaul of Jackson; granddaughters: Chene (Greg) Wainwright of Ferndale, Rachel (Russell) Henry of Jackson, and Amanda (Zachary) Summerville of Monroe; one great-grandson, Roman Henry; and sister, Pam Kushmaul of New Mexico.
Friends may gather from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 N. Main Street, Chelsea, MI. A celebration of Michael’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m., also at Staffan-Mitchell, with Pastor Mike Smith officiating. Procession will follow to Oak Grove East Cemetery for burial.
The family would like to specially thank nurses Nichole and Kelsie of Henry Ford Allegiance Health, 6-West, for their outstanding care and support throughout Michael’s passing.
Lastly, if you have ever met Michael, make sure to keep his memory alive by always having a LifeSaver mint on hand.
