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RAPID RIVER -- Michael James Rian, age 70, of Rapid River, Michigan (Stonington), passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Christian Park Village in Escanaba, MI.
Mike was born on May 6, 1956, in Escanaba, MI to Kenneth and Lucille (Wright) Rian. He graduated from Escanaba High School in 1974.
Mike worked for Mead Paper for 40 years as an E&I Technician before retiring in 2015. Throughout his life, he had a passion for anything with a motor and a need for speed for which he got his nickname "M.R. Speed". He enjoyed racing motorcycles and was a well-known mechanic wrenching at many differ shops including E.C. Sports in Escanaba. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed NASCAR and motocross racing. Mike loved his Ski-Doo snowmobiles, Diet Mountain Dew and his Ski-Doo yellow Chevrolet pickup trucks. Mike liked to say, “I’m a Ski-Doo guy, a Diet Dew guy, and a Bowtie guy ’til the day I die.”
Mike was also a devoted Green Bay Packers fan who enjoyed fishing, watching reruns of Hogan’s Heroes, and following WWE wrestling. He especially cherished his home on the lake, where he enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Mike and his wife, Connie, were fortunate to spend five winters in Lake Havasu City, AZ until Mike could no longer travel.
Mike was instrumental in forming the Bay de Noc Bombers, a charitable organization dedicated to giving everyone a chance to play softball. The organization brought families together as strangers and friendships were created and still exist today.
Throughout his battle with Inclusion Body Myositis, a progressive muscle disease, Mike maintained his sense of humor and continued to enjoy the people and interests he loved.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Connie; his children, Matthew (Jen Noel) Rian of Escanaba, Rebecca Rian of Gwinn, Lisa (Andy) Kirt of Green Bay, WI, and Brian (Kelli) Helgemo of Bark River; his grandchildren, Carson and Chase Helgemo, Wyatt and Sophie Kirt, and Hadley and Daxton Rian; his brothers, John (Jodi) Rian of Wells, Jim (Lori) Rian of Escanaba, and Tom (Lisa) Rian of Pine Ridge; mother-in-law Joyce Mattson of Gladstone his sister-in-law, Tina (Mark) Schrader of Thompson; his brothers-in-law, Mike (Marty) Mattson of Alva, FL, and Paul (Cathy Jo) Mattson of Fernandina Beach, FL as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his father-in-law Willard Mattson and his dogs Patches, Rascal, Sadie and Sweetie.
A time of gathering will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, October 26, 2026 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. A celebration of life service in honor of Mike will be held at 4 p.m. Monday at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with. Rev. Mike Markwell officiating. A luncheon with Diet Mountain Dew will be served following the services in the Ludington Room located at the Anderson Funeral Home. Thank you to the staff at Christian Park Village for the loving and kind care they provided to Mike.
The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the Rian family. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.
