Michael Henry Walsh

Michael Henry Walsh, born to Henry and Shirlee Walsh on February 23, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on July 2, 2025, in St Joseph, MI. He grew up alongside six siblings, including the late Terrance Walsh and the late Henry (Ellen) Walsh, Gregory (Tina) Walsh, Kevin (Nancy) Walsh, Shirlee (Mike) Mohiuddin, and Sean (Kellie) Walsh. Michael graduated from Lane Tech High School in Chicago, where he developed lifelong friendships. In June of 1969, he married a coal miner's daughter and the love of his life, Stella Mae. Mike and Stella started their lovely family in Chicago with three children, Lori Birdsley, Patrick Walsh, and William Walsh, and in 1972, they relocated to Benton Harbor, Michigan, where they completed their family with their fourth child, Daniel Walsh. Michael's career began at Sandvik Steel in Chicago, where he later transferred to the Benton Harbor location. He also worked as a timekeeper at AEP/DC Cook Plant before enjoying his retirement as a security guard at Lake Michigan College. After 32 beautiful years of marriage, his beloved wife Stella passed away on March 18, 2001. Michael clung to the memories and love they shared. Michael was a simple man with a deep passion for sports. On the weekends, he enjoyed following the PGA Tour and loved Notre Dame football, the Chicago Cubs, and the Chicago Bears. After his knees no longer allowed him to participate in bowling leagues, he dedicated much of his leisure time to being a social butterfly. He loved hanging out with friends at the Moose Lodge and Texas Coral in Benton Harbor, MI, where he cherished the camaraderie and connections with those around him. Additionally, he had a fondness for oldies music and classic movies, which brought him joy and nostalgia throughout his life. Michael is survived by his son, Patrick (Kimberli) Walsh, and their children, Alexandra (Ryan) Ratliff, Autumn (the late Joshua) Vincent, and PJ (Cody) Walsh, and their ten grandchildren; his son William (Rachel) Walsh, their daughters, Jordyn Walsh, Hannah Walsh, and Kelsey Walsh; and son Daniel Walsh, his children, Mercedes Walsh, Danielle Walsh, and Payne Walsh, and his eight grandchildren. His eldest daughter, the late Lori Birdsley, her three children Joshua Jackson, Lisa Birdsley, and Rebekah Sherman, and her seven grandchildren. In total, he is survived by 21 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Shirlee Walsh; his brothers, Terrance and Hank Walsh; his wife, Stella Walsh; his daughter, Lori Birdsley; and his grandson, Joshua Vincent. Michael Henry Walsh's legacy is one of love, dedication, and joyous memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.

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Michael Henry Walsh

February 23, 1947 - July 2, 2025