Michael McMasters

Michael P. McMasters, 71 of Gaylord died suddenly, Sun. Oct. 19, 2014 at McLaren Northern Hospital in Petoskey. He was born May 8, 1943 in Royal Oak the son of Robert L. and Katherine (Mickalich) McMasters. Michael graduated with his associate's degree and entered the Michigan State Police Academy in 1965. He worked in South Haven, Erie, Alpena, Bridgeport and retired out of the Gaylord post in 1990 as a polygraph specialist. Michael received a bravery medal in 1974 after being involved in a shoot out where his partner Trooper Larry Forreider was killed. He was a member of the Trooper's Association. Michael enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved to play golf and his John Deere tractors. He loved going up north to his hunting camp in Tapiola; busying himself with the land, tractors and projects. Michael loved a good garage sale and collecting "junk". He could often be found with his coffee buddies at the Sugarbowl and was a proud member of the Doctor's club in Alpena. On Dec. 9, 1970 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Alpena he married Donna Kay Froberg who survives. Also surviving are his children Christopher Michael of Gaylord, Gabriel Joseph of Minneapolis, MN, and Katherine Ellen (Deron Green) of Gaylord; his brothers Robert (Leverne) McMasters of Royal Oak, Timothy (Diane) McMasters of Troy, sisters Anne "Mitsy" Burns of Big Rapids, Helen Druillard of Tapiola, Beverly Rowe of Birmingham, many nieces and nephews and a wonderful group of friends in Tapiola, Alpena and Gaylord. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held Fri. Oct. 24 at 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Gaylord with Pastor Todd Brunworth officiating. The family will receive friends Thurs. Oct. 23, from 3 to 7 p.m. and again Friday starting at noon, all at the church. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Gabriel or Robert McMasters for the Love Mike and Donna Fund, c/o First Merit Bank, 100 E. Main Street, Gaylord, MI 49735 or the Trinity Lutheran Church, 1354 S. otsego Ave., Gaylord, MI 49622. Envelopes will be available at the church. Arrangements have been handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.