Michael J. Giroux

He was born on March 18, 1943 in Escanaba, the son of James and Violet (Guindon) Giroux. Mike was raised in Escanaba and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1961. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served until his honorable discharge. Later in life he attended Bay College and received an associate’s degree in automotive.

During his time in the service, Mike had the opportunity to visit France, Spain, and Italy. He was stationed aboard the USS Intrepid, which served as the primary recovery vessel for the astronauts of NASA’s first piloted Gemini mission. Mike was also part of the team that retrieved the capsule from the ocean.

On September 28, 1963, Mike married the love of his life, Sally Ann Chase at St. Patrick’s Church in Escanaba and together shared 59 years of marriage. After Mike’s retirement from the Navy, he and Sally made their home in Spalding and raised their four children.

Mike worked at Harnischfeger for a short time until their closure. He went on to work for St. John’s Trucking as a diesel mechanic, and also later worked at Gardens of Rest Cemetery and Walmart.

He was a talented mechanic and was known by his family as a “Jack of all trades.” Mike spent many years working on model cars and volunteering as a Boy Scouts leader. He was always willing to lend a hand to those who needed his help, and he especially loved spending time with his grandkids. He was a former member of St. John Neumann Church in Spalding.

Listed among survivors are his loving wife, Sally Giroux of Spalding; children, Michael Giroux, Jr. of West Bend, Wis., Michelle (Richard) Tickler of Carney, Andrea (Daniel) Diedrick of Sussex, Wis., and Sallee Giroux of Spalding; grandchildren, Forrest Tickler, Lilly Tickler, Miles Tickler, Brittney (Ben) Fairbanks, Mercedes (Zack) Reed, Daniel Diedrick, Jr., DavidMichael Diedrick, Jaden Bridges, Dakota Bridges, Sierra Bridges, and Allye Severson; great-grandchildren, Bella, Davina, and Kaden Fairbanks and Nova Reed; sister, Nancy (Steve) Van Alstine of Nakossa, Wis.; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, James and Violet Giroux; stillborn son, Jamie Giroux; siblings, Pat Sundstrom, Mary Ann Beauchamp, and Jeffrey Giroux; and son-in-law, Richard Tickler.

Private graveside services will be held at the convenience of the family.

A message of condolence can be shared by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting with the arrangements.