Obituaries

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother passed away after a four-year battle with cancer on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at his home, with his family at his side.

The son of the late Don and June Smith, Michael (Mike) Donald Smith was born on January 12, 1948, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He graduated from Sault Ste Marie High School with the Class of 1965. He then graduated with a BS in Metallurgical Engineering from Michigan Tech in 1969 and a MBA from Alabama A&M in 1978. Mike proudly served in the United States Army until he was Honorably Discharged. He was an engineer at GM/Delphi for 39 years of loyal and dedicated service, both in Decatur, Al and Saginaw, MI. After retirement he went on to instruct the next generation of Metallurgists at Saginaw Valley State University. Mike enjoyed skiing, hunting, fishing, training dogs, watching baseball, cooking, playing poker, tinkering on projects, and canning from his garden. Above all, Mike cherished the time spent with his family and his friends, and was often heard repeating, “that’s what I’m saying!”

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen (Kathy) Smith along with a son, daughters, and their spouses, Daniel and Lisa Smith, Amy and Daryl Gaitan, Heather and Jonathan Benoit; step-sons, Chris Grzegorczyk, Scott Grzegorczyk; grandchildren, Emily, Kyle, and Evan Smith; Nina and Everett Gaitan; Lucy and Shelby Benoit; Max and Maddie Grzegorczyk; sister, Catherine Akre; sisters-in-law, Jean Penkala, Carol (Gary) Gerrish, and Ellen (David) Kasper. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Besides his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his aunt, Myrtle Smith.

In accordance with Michael's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to donate to the University of Michigan Hospital’s cancer support or research funds via the Rogel Cancer Center and Forbes Institute for Cancer Discovery Fund.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603. Please share your condolences and memories with the fan the visitation, service, or online at https://www.casefuneralhome.com.