Michael P. Plourde Sr

MARQUETTE, MI – Michael P. Plourde Sr., age 69, of Marquette, passed away of a sudden illness on Friday, November 11, 2022.

“Big Mike” was born on April 22, 1953, in Detroit, to Lawrence and Concetta (LaRocca) Plourde. Mike met his wife, Rosemary, in high school, and it was love at first sight. After dating for 3 years, they wed and moved to Upper Michigan to attend Northern Michigan University. The lure of the Upper Peninsula was strong, and they set up their forever family home in Marquette.

Mike graduated from NMU with a degree in criminal justice and business administration. He held a three-decade long career with the Michigan Department of Corrections, initially starting off as a corrections officer and eventually retiring as a regional trainer. Training staff across the State of Michigan in self-defense, firearms, CPR and more was something Mike took great pride in, and he often talked about the fine staff he worked with in the prison system.

After retirement, Mike found his passion in radio where he worked as a sports announcer broadcasting prep football, basketball and baseball games. Listeners will always remember his quotes such as “right down Division Street” during Friday night Ishpeming Hematites football games. Mike later joined the morning show where he partnered with Walt Lindala for the award-winning The Sunny Morning Show with Walt and Mike. During his radio shows, he loved to talk, laugh and spread cheer across the U.P.

Mike also took interest in his community by running and serving on the Marquette City Commission, joining the Marquette Blues Society, becoming a member of the Rotary, taking drama and acting classes, singing in a choir, consistently donating blood and so much more. He always wanted to give back to the people of Marquette where he was treated so well.

A devoted and loving father, Big Mike had a special relationship with both his children, Chris and Mike Jr. He offered wisdom, protection, laughs and smiles daily, teaching his offspring the importance of family. The Plourdes took yearly trips to watch the Tigers and Lions play. Mike went on several cross country adventures with each of his children, always making sure every trip ended up with a story or two about something funny that happened, causing great memories for his children which are still talked about today. Ardently devoted to Chris and Mike Jr., he attended every important event in their lives. Also, he had the special quality of being a father-figure and friend to many of his children’s friends.

Mike was a loving grandfather who had a special relationship with each of his grandkids, taking the time to learn and understand their interests which helped to form strong bonds between them. He would sing, dance, play games, talk rocks, converse in various accents, and cook their favorite meals. Grandpa made sure the kids always had what they needed including the occasional secret trip to Jilberts or Donckers.

Always social and cheerful, Mike knew how to light up a room. He loved to talk and make friends wherever he went. Full of life and having lived life to the fullest, Mike was often able to say “I did that” instead of “I wished I did.” He will be greatly missed.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Rosemary, his two children, Christie (Bryan) and Michael (Heather), six grandchildren, his mother Concetta, five siblings, and his two dogs.

His family would like to express their appreciation to the medical staff of Henry Ford Hospital for their kindness and steadfast care during his time of need. They would also like to thank Dr. Cecil Brown and the ICU nursing staff for their compassion and unstoppable dedication to Mike while at Upper Peninsula Health System.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Camp UPeninsulin, Upper Michigan’s only summer camp for children with type 1 diabetes. Mike dedicated his time to assist his daughter, who directs the camp, with ideas, thoughts, and direction behind the scenes. Camp UPeninsulin, c/o Krysti Ostermeyer, 1920 Sugar Loaf Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855. (campupeninsulin.com)

A Celebration of Life will be held at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Saturday, December 3, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm. This will be an informal time for the sharing of memories, conversation, and food. Dress is casual and the wearing of your favorite sports attire encouraged.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com