Gladstone, MI
Mike Brkopac, age 81, of Gladstone, passed away on Thursday, January 26, at UP Health Systems, Mqt., due to injuries sustained from a fall on the ice at home. Mike was surrounded by loving family members at the time of his death.
Mike was born December 14, 1941, in Croatia the son of Mike Sr., and Magdalena (Novogradac) Brkopac. Mike arrived in the United States at the age of 16, he attended and graduated from Escanaba Area Schools.
Following high school, Mike worked at Elmer’s County Market and the Escanaba Paper Mill before serving an electrician apprenticeship program. He spent many years in various locations as a construction electrician up until his retirement from MJ Electric.
Mike was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Lu (Anderson) Miller on August 12, 1978.
Mike loved boating, fishing and animals, he especially adored all his pet dogs over the years. He also enjoyed traveling to Florida with Mary Lu. Mike loved spending time with his family and especially cherished his grandchildren.
In addition to his loving wife, Mary Lu, Mike is survived by:
Children: Sharo (Brian) Murray of Escanaba, MI
John (Nikki) Miller of Gladstone, MI
Jess (Bill) Richards of Green Bay, WI
Sister: Jane (John) Adams of California
Grandchildren: Hunter (Taylor LaFave) Murray, Spencer (Jenna Chenier) Murray, Tanner Murray, Stone Wera, Remington Miller, Jayden (Zac Erickson) Hurkman, Savannah Hurkman, Kyle (Paige) Brkopac and Cory Brkopac.
Great Grandchildren: Tayven and Layla Brkopac and 2 Great Granddaughters on the way
and many Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.
In addition to his Parents, Mike was preceded in death by:
Infant Daughter
Son: Ken Brkopac
and Grandsons: Christopher Brkopac and Parker Murray.
Per Mike’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Brkopac family.
Rosemary Brkopac - Grand Bend, On
Dear Mary Lu, Jane and the extended Brkopac and Adams families,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy on the loss of Mike. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of great sorrow. Please take comfort in knowing Mike is now in The Father’s loving care.
Deepest Condolences from Mary and Rosemary
Cathryn c Stone - Rapid River, MI
So sorry to hear about Mike, it’s a sad day.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mary and your Family….
So sorry
Cathy & Bob Stone
bruce bowden - rapid river, mi
Many great memories working at the mill you were truly a friend……..R.I.P.
Linda Arbour - Escanaba, Mi
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember years ago when he would joke around with me.( great memories) Fly High Mike
Liz Evensen - Crystal Falls, MI
Dear Mary Lu and family,
I’m so very sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Please know you are being thought of and prayed for. May you be comforted by the love of your family. It’s been years since I lived in Gladstone but I will always remember Mike’s smiling face and how kind & neighborly he was. You have my deepest sympathy.
Tim Kositzky - Ludington, MI
Dear Mary Lu and Brkopac family,
Please accept my condolences on your loss. I was a childhood friend of Kenny. I attended Soo Hill Elementary School with him. In fact, Kenny was at my house one time for dinner. My family moved to lower michigan after the 4th grade and I never saw Kenny again but heard of his passing some years back. May God comfort you all in this time of loss of Mike. God bless you all.
Everett D Tietz - cornell, MI
as a fellow union electrician out of # 979 local, many good working years with Mike at the Mill .
Everett an Muriel Tietz
God bless your family
Cynthia McDonough - Gladstone, MI
Mary Lu and family, So sorry to hear about Mike. Our sympathies to all. We had many good memories of fun we had together. Remember the mouse with the gold collar, the cars sinking through the ice, the motel with paper thin walls. Just a few of the many great times. Will miss him. Our thought are with you all. Love and prayers. Cindy and Terry
Angie Wienckowski - Wilson , Mi
So sorry to hear this. He was a great man. Prayers to you all❤️
John & Jeri Krokstad - Marquette , Mi
Dear Marylou and family,
We are so sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. He was always there to help a neighbor when in need. A great friend, excellent snowmobiler, and we had some great times together.
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.
John & Jeri Krokstad
Kelly Mcdonough Pepin - ESCANABA, MI
So Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow. Mary lu, Sharo, John, Jess and family.
Michael Belongie - Rapid River, MI
Mary Lu and Family
Sending Prayers and Condolences to You All on the Passing of Michael!
God Bless You during this difficult time.
We always Thought the World of You Two!
Hopefully Our Paths Will Cross Soon!
Take Care!!!
Love—-Cindy and Mike Belongie
Mary Perry - Escanaba, Mi
Mary Lu,
My heart goes out to you and your family, dear friend…. I am so saddened by your loss.
With deepest sympathy and love,
Mary & Mike Perry
Rick Lorenson - Brampton Bluff, Rapid River, MI
Mary Lu & Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Our prayers go out for you all.
Rick & Pam Lorenson