Michael James Dewey, 69, of Watervliet passed away March 1, 2016 at Hanson Hospice Center of Stevensville.

A wake will be held at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet Thursday, March 3, 2016 between the hours of 5-8pm with Rosary at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, March 4, 2016 at 11am at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware Avenue, Benton Harbor; viewing at the church one hour prior. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or St. Bernard's Church. A celebration of life will follow the funeral at Chief's Bar, 4790 Territorial Rd, Benton Harbor. Please bring a story or memory to share.

On September 29, 1946, Michael was born to his loving parents, Walter and Mary Dewey. He spent his childhood in Benton Harbor and attended both St. John's and Sorter Schools. His family eventually moved to Bridgman where he graduated. He was blessed with a son, Michael Scott Dewey, and daughter Candace Lynn Dewey. He was a supportive, loving family man. His love of football made him one of the area's most ardent Michigan State football fans. He was also a huge Cubs baseball fan. Michael loved following NASCAR especially Jeff Gordon. He spent two years in Vietnam where he was stationed in Pleiku. Over the years he was an avid golfer, enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, bowling, collecting antique cars and trucks while often showing them at car shows and parades.

In 2003 Michael married Susan M. (Sila) Yetzke blending two more children, Jonathan Thomas Yetzke and Jana Lynn Yetzke into the family. Together they shared four children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Michael and Susan traveled extensively. Many of their trips included traveling with their children and grandchildren.

Working hard to provide for his family, Michael was very ambitious often holding two jobs at once and even farming part time. He was employed at Clark Equipment, Farmer's Country Club, Chief's Bar and was the successful owner of Dewey's Bar and Grill in Watervliet. He was known for his famous "Dewey" burger and made many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the little ones that were brought in by his customers. Over the years he raised money for many charitable projects including Leader Dog and Sight First Programs and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Michael loved people and having fun. He will be remembered for his gentleness, his generosity, his kindness and his laughter. He had a life well lived and well loved.

Michael was an active member of Stevensville American Legion (Post 568) for over 40 years and served as commander in 1978, a member of Blossomland FOP 100, VFW (Post 1137), a member of the Michigan Snowmobile Association and the Watervliet Lion's Club where he thoroughly enjoyed helping with all of the Blossomtime events.

Over the years Michael dealt with a variety of health problems due to the effects of Agent Orange. He was blessed to have the constant support of his family, many friends and the VA. The family also wishes to thank Medic I for all of their help because it allowed Michael to continue to live life to it's fullest.

Michael was preceded in death by his infant brother Thomas Henry Dewey in 1951, his father Walter James Dewey in 1976, his step-father Rex V. Baker in 1994 and his brother Douglas Alan Dewey in 2009. Michael is survived by his mother Mary J. Baker and wife Susan M. Dewey; his children Michael Scott (Sahnia) Dewey, Candace (Steve) Seawood, Jonathan (Stacey) Yetzke, and Jana Yetzke (Elizabeth Kohler); his grandchildren Michael David and Rebecca Dewey, Andrew and Nathan Seawood, Ian, Drew and Colin Yetzke; and five great-grandchildren.

Michael's wishes were to be cremated. He will be laid to rest in a private, family ceremony in the Veteran's section of Graceland Cemetery in Bridgman.