Tribute & Message From The Family
Michael Joseph Karlewski, age 65 of Clinton Township, Michigan, passed away April 27, 2014. He will be remembered for his zest for life and love of family and friends.
"Mike" or "Fred," as he was known affectionately, is survived by his daughter, Mary-Jo (Christopher) Boice; grandchildren, Julie and John Boice; mother, Mary Karlewski; siblings, Sue (Nick) Janoski, Christine (Gary) Ivany, Kenneth (Arlene) Karlewski and William (Kelly) Karlewski; special friend, Denise LaRowe; former wife, Jeanette Alcorn and many extended loved ones and friends.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Karlewski and sister, Patti-Jo Nicoli.
A more personal tribute is being written by Mike's family. Please check back periodically for his life story.
Thank you.
Condolence & Memory Journal
I can't believe it's been 4 years. I think and pray for you often. Miss our conversations, playing cards with you. You were a good teacher at Pinnacle. I know your in heaven because of the person you were, kind, funny, and just an all around good guy. I regret not knowing soon enough of your passing. I will always keep you in my prayers, you were a special kind of person to me. God Bless you Mike and I know your dancing with the Angels. Until we meet again,
Darlene
Posted by
Darlene Kleist (Houghton - Macomb, MI - Friend April 26, 2018
Im not sure what to say here, I have know Mike for many years, He gave me my 1st DJ Job at Macomb Skating Rink when I was very young, of course we became good friends and later were business partners with our Dj company Sound on the Runn, I remember bouncing Mary Jo on my knee when Mike and I watched MTV - and MJ was singing to Duran Duran, Mike and I had a chemistry when we worked, and we had some great times. Im so proud to call Mike my friend...We all had some great times with his family Jeannette, Mary Jo, his Mom.....everyone..........Mike favorite time was Christmas and I loved the way he decorated his home.........there is so much I can say.....I miss him and will always keep him in my heart, Cant wait to see you again Mike...We can hit the White Castle in Heaven.........love ya Brother
Posted by
Kenny Bodin - Mt. Juliet, TN - Close Friend & Business Partner August 25, 2014
Sorry for your loss, one thing I remember of him is his always ready smile for everyone. it made you smile just seeing his. He always had a helping hand for anyone. He will be missed.
Posted by
Susan (Schwartz) Urban - Holiday, FL - classmate June 25, 2014
Dear Aunt Mary and family - please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. Your loving memories will warm your hearts as time goes on.
Claude and Kathy and the boys
Posted by
Kathy Thibault - Detroit, MI - cousin May 09, 2014
I'LL NEVER FORGET PLAYING FOOT BALL & BASEBALL IN OUR SIDE LOTS MISS YOU ALL PAULY !
Posted by
Paul Defer - s.c.s., MI - very old friend & play buddy May 08, 2014
Mary Karlewski, (his dear mother), I was the girl that lived on Thomson Drive, just behind you a few. I knew Mike for many many years, I am sorry that I didn't know his passing. I sincerely would have been there. He was a dear friend back when I was 16 thru our graduation. Then a few times I ran into him shopping with his wife. He actually taught me how to play cards, back in the day. We seen each other at the reunion and it was like old times. So sorry for his passing, he will be deeply missed.
Posted by
Darlene Houghton Kleist - Macomb, MI - Good Friend May 01, 2014
So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. Have fond memories of Mike. Will keep Mike and family in my prayers.
Posted by
Karen (Socia) Gilbert - Utica, MI - classmate May 01, 2014
Heaven has another Angel and he is watching over all of you. My thoughts and Prayers are with you.
"When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure".
Posted by
Tammy Marcoux - St. Clair Shores, MI - Friend of Mike's Sister Chris May 01, 2014
My heart goes out to all in the family for your profound loss. No one could ask for a better neighbor. Rest well Mike.
Posted by
Edie Cressy - Roseville, MI - Friend and Neighbor May 01, 2014
I Wish I could travel to Michigan to be there with All of my family. Know that my Heart & Thoughts are with All Of You.
Two nights ago, I had a dream, Douglas, and "Mikey",and someone else, I never saw a face of, were running around, and around, on the very green grass lawn, in a field, like at a Hennigan Reunion, with a little White Church in the background. All the adults were laughing because, they weren't running they were Flying with my Mom, Marge in the led. There was Doug, and Mike, and Mom, and a whole bunch of people, maybe old relatives ? and animals. Bright beautiful lights, and smiles, laughter, without any apparent pains, or .injuries or health concerns. Just Pure Happiness. I felt weightless throughout the dream, myself being without pain ( very nice, since I have forgotten those days myself, just ask my Sisters, Becci and Mary, who also suffer from Chronic Daily pain)
We always looked up to our older cousins, as like Who Didn't, Right ? Thank you cousin Susie, and cousin Mike, and cousin Vince. They Always got to do Everything First.
We a shall Miss You Mike, John and I had some Great conversations with you these last couple of family Reunions. I always held you high up on a pedestal for the adversity you faced in your life. You were a Hell of A Man
To All The Karlewski's
Angel's On Your Pillow's
Bobbi & John
Love, Bobbie
Posted by
Bobbi Powers Eschbach - Palm Desert, CA - Cousin May 01, 2014
Michael will be missed by so many! At different times when my health was in peril I would think of Mike and remind myself of his spirt and actually hear him laugh.
Posted by
Cousin Becci - Chesterfield, MI - Cousin May 01, 2014
My condolences to mike's family and friends. My the Lord be with you in your time of sorrow. love always,jerry and Lori Wimbrow
Posted by
Jerry and Lori wimbrow - chesterfield, MI - kelly and bill's friend May 01, 2014
Cousin Mike, you will forever be in my heart and always remembered. My prayers reach out to the whole family in this sad time. I love you and you will truly be missed.
Posted by
Cindy P - Nashville, TN - Cousin April 30, 2014
There are many fond memories of long ago that he had a part in. My wife and I send our condolences to his family.
Dennis and Pat
Posted by
Dennis Adams - Jacksonville, FL - Classmate/friend April 30, 2014
So sad to hear of Mike's passing. He was one of my high school classmates. My fondest memories of Mike were from the summer after we graduated. We spent almost every night with a group of high school friends just hanging out and having fun. Rest in peace Mike.
Posted by
Jan Wilt Kohler - Harrison Township, MI - friend April 30, 2014
My dear friend, Fred. You brought out the best in everyone, especially me. Some of the best days of my life included those spent with the guys at the Roseville Inn. I never would have made it through high school without you You kept me on the right track. I think you would be proud of the result. I've missed you through the years. You are the cream of the crop, the best of the best. Thank you for touching my life in such a special way. Keep spinnin' those records in heaven!
Posted by
Suzanne Harper-Labadie - Washington, MI - Friend April 30, 2014
I cannot count how many hours I spent with Mike on the phone and in person talking about life. He was such a great listener, with great advice. He watched the kids and always kept them laughing. He was a great step dad and friend. He was my first life line when I needed an answer for anything(before Google & cell phones). Mr. Trivia. We will all miss you! Go Spartans.
Posted by
Dawn Penn - Clinton Twp, MI - former step daughter April 30, 2014
To:Mary and Family, You hold a special place in my heart. So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will be happy to make a donation to charity in your son's name. He is now an Angel up in Heaven and in our hearts.
Posted by
Cathy Bennett - warren, MI - Friend from IMA April 30, 2014
I am sure Mike will be missed. We use to play chess in High School. Sometimes during class. The Challenge was not to get caught. He had a sharp wit and was a good friend.
Posted by
Dwight Halstead - Ocala, FL - High School Friend April 30, 2014
Mike had one of the best senses of humor of anyone I have ever met. Add that to his way with words and timing and you had one of the most witty and enjoyable people ever. I am proud to say I knew him and proud to have been a classmate of his. God rest his soul and my heartfelt prayers for his family, you were blessed with him and he is gone too soon.
Posted by
Mike Bauer - Commerce Township, MI - Friend April 30, 2014
So sad to hear about Mike's passing. My thoughts & prayers are with the Karlewski family. Mike & I graduated together.
Posted by
Pam Hendershot-Kaczanowski - Clinton Township, MI - Friend April 30, 2014
Sending my deepest sympathy to Mikes family!! We graduated together and I have fond memories of Mike!!
Posted by
Margaret Gordon - St.Clair, MI - Classmate April 30, 2014
Hey Brother. I'm going to miss the many visits Gary and I had with you. To know your with God and not in pain brings my heavy heart comfort. Heaven has a DJ now, so now the party really wiil get started. I'm very comforted that your with Patty and Dad. I'll greatly miss the homemade cards we received, knowing the time, effort and love put into those, as well as your nieces and nephews. Thank you for blessing our family with your amazing daughter, who makes us just as proud as you were. Some day we'll all be together again.
Love you
Chris
Posted by
Chris - Chesterfield, MI - sister April 30, 2014
Hey Brother. I'm going to miss the many visits Gary and I had with you. To know your with God and not in pain brings my heavy heart comfort. Heaven has a DJ now, so now the party really wiil get started. I'm very comforted that your with Patty and Dad. I'll greatly miss the homemade cards we received, knowing the time, effort and love put into those, as well as your nieces and nephews. Thank you for blessing our family with your amazing daughter, who makes us just as proud as you were. Some day we'll all be together again.
Love you
Chris
Posted by
C - Chesterfield, MI - sister April 30, 2014
A very special person will be greatly missed. I have some very fond memories with Fred back in our Jr. High days in Fraser. As well as some additional fond memories with our connection through Clintondale. My condolences to the family and may he rest in peace.
Posted by
Mitch Ritter - Macomb, MI - Friend April 30, 2014
Mikey, you will ALWAYS be in our hearts and prayers. You will be missed!
Posted by
Becci Biliti - Chesterfield, MI - Cousin April 30, 2014
So sorry to hear such sad news....Bill...Kelly ...and family...my heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all <3>
Posted by
Tina Marie Fileccia - Eastpointe, MI - Friend of Bill & Kelly April 30, 2014
Our sympathy is extended to the Karlewski family at this difficult time.
Posted by
Barbara & Dayle O'Brien - Saint Clair Shores, MI - His brother Bill's in-laws April 30, 2014
Mike,,,you will be missed,,you always had a smile on your face when we saw you,,I always got a kick out of your look when xmas time came around,,would had you cookie tray,,you are a special man,very loved by your family and friends,,thanks for making me feel welcome into this family,,,i pray that you are at peace,,that your time in heaven will continue to be blessed with your sister and father there with you,,we will keep mj in our thoughts and prayers and she knows we will always be there for her,,your family has your daughter in the palm of our hands,,we love and miss you,,,i lite a green candle for your love of Michigan State,,bill always would tell me how much you loved state,,and he does to,,we will make sure to keep you in the football squares,,,,love you mike...
Posted by
Kelly Karlewski - roseville, MI - sister in law April 30, 2014
My heart goes out to all of you. Rest in Heavenly Peace, Mike.
Posted by
Sue Oresky - Armada, MI - Friend of Family April 30, 2014