Michael Gordon Genrich, 66, of 106 North Fourth Street in Ontonagon, Mi died April 10, 2012 at Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital after an extended battle with throat and neck cancer.

Michael was born and raised in Wausau, WI, graduating from high school in 1963 and joined the Navy in January of 1964. Early in his Naval career, he was chosen as a candidate and won an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He graduated from the Academy with an Engineering Degree in June of 1969. After attending Nuclear Power school, Michael was the Nuclear Officer on the submarine USN Swordfish.

After serving for ten years in the Navy, Michael went to work for the General Dynamics Electric Boat Company in Groton, Conn.

Michael then came to Michigan where he worked for Consumers Energy until his retirement. While at Consumers he worked at the proposed Midland Nuclear Plant, the Big Rock Point Nuclear Plant, and for more than 10 years at the Palisades Nuclear Plant in Covert, Mi. Michael served in various Engineering Management capacities at the facilities and held a Senior Reactor Operator's license for many years and was a licensed Professional Engineer.

Upon his retirement in 2000, he moved to Iron River, Mi for a brief time before moving to Ontonagon, Mi where he made his home until his death.

Michael worked as a volunteer for the US Forest Service for a number of years. He enjoyed the activities which ranged from fish tagging, eagle observations, turtle counting, and anything else that needed to be done.

An avid fisherman, Michael loved ice fishing at the Ontonagon Marina and fishing for bluegills and brook trout at secret unnamed lakes. Another of his passions was gardening. He loved working in his garden and was known in the neighborhood for his tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers and beans.

Michael served as a member of the Ontonagon County Library Board, the Ontonagon Township Library Board, the Ontonagon Marina Commission, and also served as a member of the Regional Advisory Council for the US Forest Service. Michael was also a member of the Ontonagon County Historical Society and volunteered as a tour guide for the Ontonagon Lighthouse.

Among his other pursuits, Michael wrote a column for the Ontonagon Herald, called "Off the Beaten Path" chronicling his adventures in the Western UP. These articles were gathered into a collection called the "Flatlander Chronicles". Among his proudest accomplishments were the writing and publication of three novels. "Totem," "Megis," and "Interior," which are thrillers, set in Ontonagon County. A fourth novel, "Mill Town," was about half way completed at the time of his death.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Genrich and his sister, Susan Holderrieth.

Michael is survived by his long-time partner, Victoria James; two children, Daniel (Kristen) Genrich, a deputy sheriff for Okaloosa County, Florida and Sarah L. Genrich, a student at U-W Green Bay; his mother, Lorraine Genrich of Wausau, Wi; and two brothers, Kevin (Brenda) and Patrick (Susan). Michael has one grandson, Brandon Genrich. Michael also leaves behind his faithful and constant companion, his dog, Rusty.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, April 14 at 12:00 p.m., with visitation for friends and family at 11:00 am at the Cane Funeral Home in Ontonagon, Mi. A gathering for friends will be held following the service.

In lieu of flowers donations, may be made to the Ontonagon County Cancer Association or the Ontonagon County Historical Society.