Michael D. Gembarski, 68, of Kinde, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2018 surrounded by his family at Scheurer Hospital in Pigeon under the care of Dr. Reiter, after a long battle with cancer.

He was born on February 3, 1950 in Bad Axe to the late Joseph and Bernice (Horetski) Gembarski.

Michael graduated from Port Austin High School in 1968.

On August 23, 1969, he married Virginia Leavine at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin.

He was a past member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin and also a past Lions Club member.

Mike loved animals of all shapes and sizes.   He took great pride in raising his tropical fish, and loved his dog, Tucker.   He enjoyed gardening, and just being outdoors in general.   He was a very giving, loving person.   During his life, he donated over 50 gallons of blood and was an organ donor at the very end.  He would give up his shirt off his back without any hesitation.   Mike loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids.

Michael is survived by his wife of 48 years, Virginia Gembarski of Kinde; his children: Melissa Horn of Caseville, Chad Gembarski of Kinde and Tonya McIlhargie and her husband, Dan, of Kinde; his grandchildren: Chelsea Kirkpatrick and her husband, Sean, Mikayla Horn and her special friend, Justin, Zachary Horn, Dylan, Hunter and Grace Gembarski and Bayley and Payton McIlhargie.  He is also survived by his brothers:  Julius Gembarski and his special friend, Betty, of Warren, Ed Gembarski and his wife, Dianne, of Chicago, Illinois and Mark Gembarski and his wife, Linda, of Port Austin; his sisters-in-law: Marie (Arthur) Osantoski, Helen Davis, Marcie (Grover) Whitenack, Josie (Richard) Szymanski, Cathy (Gordon) Miller, Linda (Walter) Reimann, Sharon Gisel, Tara, Darlene, and Mary; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph (Donna) Gembarski, Bob Gembarski, Nickolas Gembarski, James Gembarski and infant brother, Paul Gembarski; his brothers-in-law, Dale Davis and Dave Gisel.

Funeral service for Michael will be 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at the MacAlpine Gage Chapel in Kinde with Fr. Robert Pare officiating.    Burial will take place at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. till 8 p.m. on Monday, April 23, 2018 at the MacAlpine Gage Chapel in Kinde and also on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until time of service.

Memorials may be offered to the Thumb Animal Shelter (2260 S. Elkton Rd., Elkton, MI 48731) or to the Kinde Food Pantry (P.O. Box 8, Kinde, MI 48445).

Condolences can be shared at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com