Michael Kaleel

A devoted husband, loving father, and joyful grandfather passed away unexpectedly on December 21, 2024, at the age of 87. Born in Detroit, Michigan in 1937, he was the eldest son of Martha and Michael Kaleel. A gifted student and athlete with a great sense of responsibility, he excelled in science, math, and engineering, and played baseball and hockey throughout his youth. Mike enrolled in a work-study program offered through General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) to put himself through college. There, he excelled, graduating at the top of his class with a degree in engineering, later going on to receive an MBA from Wayne State. Intelligent, confident, and competitive – Mike was a natural-born leader in the business world, where he enjoyed a successful career as an engineer and manager, ultimately serving as Director of European Operations for a global manufacturing firm. But his greatest pride was his family. He married Joyce in 1962, moving to Sterling Heights, Michigan where they raised their daughter, Michelle. A devoted family man, known for his humor, energy, warmth, and outgoing presence at every family gathering – he started and carried on traditions, adding meaning to family holidays and vacations. To his grandchildren, Mike was the perfect grandfather – being both a wise mentor and a playful companion, filling their lives with unforgettable adventures, from trips to the Upper Peninsula and Traverse City to vacations around the world, including Hawaii and Europe. He was an avid golfer, champion card player, and savvy real estate investor, constantly seeking new challenges and enjoying life's pursuits. Mike Kaleel was a true family patriarch – strong and protective, yet fun and goofy. An irreplaceable individual whose absence will be forever felt by his loved ones. His energy was seemingly boundless – his enthusiasm for his work and his hobbies, endless. His love for his family, eternal. Mike is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce; his siblings, Iris Uhlar, Joe Kaleel and the late Larry Kaleel; daughter Michelle (Martin) Mordarski; grandchildren Michael and Allison Mordarski, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss him incredibly. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 am with instate at 9:30 am on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 32000 Mound Rd., Warren, MI, with a luncheon to follow at Fern Hill Golf Club.

Michael Kaleel

August 29, 1937 - December 21, 2024