Obituaries

Michael John Kinney, age 79, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on November 5, 2025, at Medilodge in Sault Ste. Marie, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on October 29, 1946, to Walter and Elizabeth (Joseph) Kinney.

Michael was a proud elder of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He graduated from Sault Area High School and went on to serve his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1968.

Michael enjoyed attending Soo Indians hockey games with his brother and cousin, Ed Cook. He was an avid fan of the Detroit Lions and loved watching D.W.R. games. In his free time, he could often be found on his computer, reading, or listening to music.

Michael is survived by his lifelong partner of fifty-five years, Susan “Tota”; daughter, Deborah Spoiala of Windsor, Ontario; grandchildren, Alisha Carins of Sault Ste. Marie, Courtney Spoiala of Windsor, Douglas Kinney of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Amber Owll of Sudbury, Ontario, and Kamryn Akre of Houston, Texas; brothers, Phillip Kinney of Munising, Michigan, Harold “Dooder”(Julie) Kinney of Sugar Island, Michigan; four great grandchildren; and many nephew and nieces.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Elizabeth; son, Lucas Kinney; grandson, Brandon Kinney; granddaughter, Danielle Spoiala; brother, Kenneth Kinney; sister, Evelyn Johndrow; nephews, Todd Shannon and Jody Johndrow; niece, Becky Kinney; and sister-in-law, Cindy Kinney.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Niigaanagiizhik Cultural Building, 11 Ice Circle Chi Mukwa, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Michael’s final resting place will be at Wilwalk Cemetery on Sugar Island, Michigan.

A special thank you to all the staff at Medilodge and Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Michael.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to his sister-in-law, Julie Kinney, for her unwavering support, compassion, and strength. She has truly been our rock during this difficult time.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.