Inkster, MI, formerly of Lincoln Park, MI, age 65, died Saturday, June 30, 2018 at Garden City Hospital. He was born June 30, 1953 in Michigan, and grew up in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. He was a son of George William & Mary Jo (Schmidt) Erlacher.

Michael grew up attending the Episcopalian Church and graduated from Aquinas High School in Southgate in 1971, where he excelled on the swim team. His love for water carried over into adulthood. He enjoyed swimming any chance he could get and often did so at the YMCA, campgrounds and water parks around Michigan with his family. He raised his two daughters in Lincoln Park where his wife grew up and had family close by. After 30 years, he retired from General Motors at the Willow Run plant in Ypsilanti. During his career Michael was active in the Union as a Union Steward. He was passionate about making sure everyone was treated fairly and equally in the workplace. He even participated in a few marches such as the Detroit Free Press Strike.
 
Michael was a kind, giving and understanding soul. He believed that everyone deserved a second chance and often times would give someone else the last dollar he had. Michael was artistic and creative. He always thought outside the box. When his daughters were growing up he liked to help them with their science experiments and encouraged them to be creative too. He had a great sense of humor and was easy going. Michael was quick to laugh at life's nuisances and find the silver lining in most situations. When his oldest daughter had a car accident just days after getting her license he was not mad at all, just happy she was okay. He appreciated the simple things in life and forgave easily.  
 
In March of 1983, he married Debra “Debbie” Ciotti in Ann Arbor, and she preceded him in death on March 6, 2015. Survivors include 2 daughters, Nicole (William “Will” James) Erlacher of Honolulu, Hawai'i, Michelle (Dave) Porter of Commerce City, Colorado; 1 granddaughter, Brianna Autumn; a brother, John (Marilyn Likins) Erlacher of Salt Lake City, Utah; two sisters, Mary (Jack) Phelps of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Kathy (Marc) Morhous of Dexter, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.
 
A celebration of Michael’s life will be held Sunday, July 8, 2018, from 2-4 pm at the Garden City Park located at 150 Pavilion Road. Burial at Woodmere Cemetery, Detroit, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to Carrie Arnold (Homes/Treatment Center) LLC, 995 N. Pontiac Trail #801 Walled Lake, MI 48390. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.
 
Click here to view or sign Mike's online guestbook