Michael "Mike" David Hess, 64, left this earth way too soon on Dec 31, 2019. Mike was born in East Lansing on Nov 23, 1955 to Robert A (Shirley) Hess and Barbara Zaiss Hess (Roger) Bolden, and brought home to the great Michigan State University campus. Mike was the oldest of what turned out to be nine overall siblings who include Margery (Terry) Loree, of Traverse City, Scott (Teresa) Hess of Roscommon, Wendi (Brett) Barber of Traverse City, Bobbi (Chuck) Palmer of Sault St Marie, Amy (Coy) Vaughn of Chelsea, Elizabeth Hess, Debbie (Ron) Johnson, of Northport, Melanie (Ed) Perfetto, and Scott (Jennifer) Bolden, all of NC.
Mike grew up in Detroit, Berkley and Royal Oak and graduated from Shrine of the Little Flower High School in 1973. He moved to Roscommon in 1974 and attended Kirtland Community College for a short time, where he studied theater and the arts, earning lead roles in multiple musical productions.
After a short venture as co-owner of The Roadhouse Tavern in Higgins Lake, he discovered his love for selling cars and earned his indisputable work ethic of "always being there," which lasted more than 35 years. In his capacity as salesman and sales manager, first wit the Grand Traverse Auto Group and the last 26 years at Williams Auto Group family, he mentored more young men and women than one can imagine. Everyone who knew him respected him as one of the hardest working, dedicated men in the automobile sales industry.
While he loved to work, nothing was more important to him than his family. Mike was born with a heart of gold and was a loving husband, wonderful father and incredible grandfather. His love for his wife, Diahn Miller-Hess, and five children was surely what made his heart beat each day. Mike always said his greatest joy was watching his family grow.
Mike also had a love and loyalty to all the friends he made over the years. Mike knew almost everyone in Traverse City and people loved to be around him. With his open arms and contagious smile every Hess-Fest was sure to be a great time.
Mike had an avid love for football (Go Raiders!), the Michigan State Spartans and NASCAR. He also enjoyed listening to all kinds of music, spending time with his family and friends and beign with his beloved wife, Diahn Miller-Hess.
Mike was preceded in death by his father and best friend, Robert Hess; stepsister, Elizabeth Hess; and mother and father in law, Bernie and Deanna Miller.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Diahn Miller-Hess; all five of his beautiful children; daughter, Brittany and son in law, Scott Musselman, of Traverse City; son, J.R. and daughter in law, Mariah Hess, of Traverse City; daughter, Delany Miller (Lucas Little); son, Anthony Miller; daughter, Makennah Miller; and the most recent spark in his life, his only grandchild, Izabella Hess.
Mike is also survived by his mother, Barbara Bolden; and stepfather, Roger Bolden; entire Hess, Zaiss and Bolden families, including nieces and nephews; the Wolf-Miller family; the Williams family; the Stinson family; the Musselman family; his colleagues at Williams Auto; and many many friends.
Mike was his family's rock, who provided unconditional love, wisdom and support. He was a truly amazing man, son, husband, father, brother, and friend. His love, quick wit, humor, intelligence and magnanimous personality was known and will be forever missed, not only by his family but by everyone who was blessed to have known him.
A celebration of life, in true Mike Hess fashion, will be held on Sat, Jan 11, 2020 at the VFW Cherryland Post 2780, 3400 Veterans Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684. Visitation will begin at noon with a brief ceremony at 1 pm. Afterwards, visitation will continue until 5 pm.
Mike and his family are in the care of Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
