June 19, 1934 – October 15, 2024
Northport, Michigan, Michael Joseph Kearns, age 90, died at his home overlooking Lake Michigan just before sunset – at a time and in the place he loved most.
At his side were his wife, Marilee Milroy, and their combined 15 living children, many of whom were present physically, while others joined their father in spirit.
Michael (Mike, Mickey) Joseph was born June 19, 1934, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Michael Joseph and Florence (Baskel) Kearns. A firstborn son, Mike held a special place in the hearts of his mother, father, three brothers (Pat, Jerry, and Danny) and sister (Maria). From an early age, Mike was charismatic, highly motivated, and energetic.
An honor student at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy, Mike was mentored by his teachers and developed many lifelong friends. He was vice president of the high school art club and an art editor for The Cub, the school’s yearbook. Creative and outgoing, Mike also had a keen interest in sports and politics. He pursued higher education at Wayne State University where he studied architecture.
In 1954, Mike married Julia ( Julie) Mary Tardiff. Over the course of their thirty-year marriage, the family lived in Royal Oak, Michigan where he and Julie brought 10 beautiful children into the world.
Mike excelled in his work as a manufacturer’s representative in the footwear industry. He thoroughly enjoyed traveling the Great Lakes region where he was well known for the trust and strong relationships he built with many small family-owned retailers over his long career. Over time, Mike also developed several large, continuing accounts with many regional and national department stores including Hudson’s, Crowley’s, Jacobson’s, JCPenney, Nieman-Marcus and Macy’s.
Mike was devoted to his family. He loved his children deeply and recognized each for their unique personality with great affection.
In the summer, Mike took time to be with his children, and in July and August, vacationed with them, along the shores of Lake Michigan. He was passionate and awed by the beauty and depth of the lake, the healing qualities and value of nature, and strength of the physical world. He shared and instilled these values in his children.
A great organizer and socializer, Mike often invited his brothers, sisters, close friends and their families to join him and his family. For those he loved and knew, Mike created lasting memories through his resounding laugh, compassion and joie de vivre.
In 1968, Mike found an unfinished home in Leelanau township and worked with local builders to finish it as a small summer cottage for his family. The family returned to the cottage every summer and for many holidays in the fall and winter, inspiring some of his children to reside year-round in the area.
Mike also loved horses and harness racing. He trained, cared for, and raced several horses in the Detroit area and Windsor, Canada for many years. He encouraged his children in their athletic and academic interests, was passionate about politics and a diehard sports fan.
In 1984, Mike married Marilee Milroy and they built a home together, along the ridge of a Lake Michigan dune where they shared great joy, a spectacular beach, and countless sunsets.
In Marilee, Mike found a soulmate and kindred spirit, and his life became larger – as did his family - growing from 10 to 15 children! Together, Mike and Marilee entertained and enjoyed small and large gatherings with their many children, grandchildren, extended family members and friends who visited regularly. He relished long summer days, swimming, sailing and sunbathing down at the beach. Mike loved a good fire, whether on the beach after sunset, or in the fireplace later in the season during the cold days and nights of fall and winter.
He also enjoyed dining and frequented popular restaurants in Northport and nearby communities, where he and Marilee were warmly welcomed. Mike loved to travel, and he and Marilee visited many parts of the U.S. mainland, Alaska, Hawaii and Canada. During their travels, Mike and Marilee explored the history and culture of their destinations, often skied and visited their grown children, family and friends who no longer lived in Michigan. Mike took pride in his Italian heritage, and Italy was among his most treasured trips to Europe.
Mike and Marilee eventually became snowbirds. In late fall, Mike would reluctantly say good-bye to their home on Lake Michigan, before joining new friends and sunshine, poolside in Sarasota, Florida.
The night sky fascinated Mike, and later in life he studied it to find peace and guide his understanding of the beauty and complexity of space and humanity. Before he died, Mike suggested that those he loved look for him in the stars, sharing his belief that the stars would be his new home, along with those who had come and departed the Earth before him, and those who have yet to arrive.
Mike’s Family on Earth Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Marilee Milroy. Also surviving are his 10 children: Michael Joseph (Pauline) Kearns, Elizabeth Marie Kearns, Kathleen Shannon Kearns, Denise Ellen Kearns, Timothy David (Ann) Kearns, Andrea Maria ( John) Sugar, John Francis (Nancy) Kearns, Joseph Daniel (Suzanne) Kearns, Mary Susan (Frank) Lerchen, and Matthew Patrick Kearns; Marilee’s five children: Paul Jerome Stretch (Alicia Richards), Leonmarie Terese Benner (Gregory Mason), Sylvan Ann (Dan) Schulz, Adrienne Felecia Stretch, and Sharon Mary (Kevin) DeVries; his first wife, Julia Mary Tardiff; 23 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren; his surviving siblings are brother Patrick (Lindy) Kearns and sister Maria (Russ) Cousineau-LeCronier. Mike was loved by countless nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is planned for Mike in the Spring, 2025.
Mike’s Family in the Stars His father, Michael Joseph Kearns, Sr. and loving mother, Florence Baskel; his brothers, Gerald Arthur and Daniel Malcolm; and many members of Mike’s extended family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. In the days ahead, we will find your love, comfort and energy in the dazzling display of sparkling stars and spiraling galaxies that surround us.
