Obituaries

Michael “Mike” John Tazelaar, age 61, of Sault Ste. Marie, died June 19, 2025, at the Ball Hospice House in Sault Ste. Marie. He was born February 11, 1964, in Mariemont, Ohio, to Paul and Barbara (Dietz) Steinkohl.

Michael grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne. He was a car hauler truck driver for many years. Mike was happiest when surrounded by his family and friends. He never met a stranger—his generous spirit and kind heart left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Always willing to lend a hand, he loved helping others and bringing joy to those around him. Mike had a knack for fixing just about anything. Over the years, he worked as a plumber, carpenter, and semi-truck mechanic. He especially enjoyed restoring old cars, riding his motorcycle, and casting a line to fish whenever he had the chance.

Michael was a proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. His family and friends will miss him and his bigger-than-life personality.

He is survived by his wife, Alicia Tazelaar, of Sault Ste. Marie.; mother, Barbara Dietz of Sault Ste. Marie; children, Nicole (Denzel Hampton) Steinkohl of Kennesaw, Georgia, Michael Tazelaar Jr., and Miles Tazelaar of Mahwah, of New Jersey; stepson, Takoda Hauri of Sault Ste. Marie; stepdaughters; grandchildren, Joshua Sanchez of Las Vegas, Nevada, Silverio Sanchez of Kennesaw, Georgia, Isabella Hampton, of Kennesaw, Georgia; siblings, Paul (Charity Zimmerman) Steinkohl, Sherrie (Allen) Lucas, Roger (Heidi) Steinkohl, Anthony Rogers, Barbara (Kyle Slater) Rogers, Jay (Cara) Tazelaar, and Paul Rogers, all of Sault Ste. Marie, and Michel Steinkohl of North Carolina; aunts and uncles, Hon. Elisabeth (Harvey Bell) Dietz of Sault Ste. Marie, Leah (Tom) VanAman of Ohio, Howard Steinkohl of New Jersey, Richard Steinkohl of New York; special nephews, Michael McLeod and Allie Rogers; his many nieces, nephews, great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins, dear friends from New Jersey; and the many friends he met trucking across the country.

Michael was preceded in death by his son, Michael Steinkohl Jr.; father, Paul Steinkohl; sister, Dawn Steinkohl; grandparents, Orval and Delphine Dietz; and aunts and uncles, Elvin "Sonny" (Margaret) Dietz, Elizabeth (Alford) Clark, Mary (Forrest) Poole, Orval Dietz, Rita (Bill) Dale, William Dietz and Anita Steinkohl.

A Memorial Service will be held at Family Life Funeral Home at 4951 S. M-129, Sault Ste. Marie MI 49783, Friday, June 27, 2025, at 2:30 PM. Friends may gather at the funeral home between 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM until the time of the service.

The family would like to thank the Ball Hospice House and McLaren Hospice for their care of Michael.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ball Hospice House, 308 West 12th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.