Michael Thomas Kerzka

Michael T. Kerzka, 73 of Petoskey, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025, at McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey with his daughter Heather by his side.

Born February 12, 1952, in Detroit, he was the son of Leonard J. and Eleanor B. (Darga) Kerzka. He grew up in Detroit and attended Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic School where he enjoyed playing basketball.

After graduating from high school , Michael traveled for several years, before settling back in Detroit and starting a family. He worked in Detroit as a welder for Jervis B Webb.

Later he moved to Petoskey to take a job as manager of Big Boy Restaurant and then owned Michael T. Kerzka Construction Inc.

It was in Petoskey that he met Betty L. Small. They were married in Indian River on June 18, 2005. Michael and Betty purchased property where they have operated their farm, Mini’s By The Creek, for several years, raising dairy goats, chickens, miniature horses and donkeys. This was his “little piece of paradise.”

Michael loved his farm, and it kept him busy, but in his spare time, he was an avid fisherman, enjoying fishing for Muskie on the Tahquamenon River in the upper peninsula. He also enjoyed hunting.

Michael is survived by Betty, his wife of 20 years; daughters, Heather (Todd) Slocum of Pellston, Natalie Graham of St. Clair Shores, and Karee Wiley of Marine City, grandchildren Natasha, Koryn and Jonathyn; two great grandchildren; step children, Scott Athey of Newark, Delaware, Miranda Athey of Petoskey, and Chelsea (Christopher) Mills of Charlevoix; one step-grandchild; and his brother, Robert C. Kerzka of Indian River.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM Friday, June 20, 2025, at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service, where visitation with the family will begin at 2:00 PM.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com/obituaries/michael-kerzka.