tributes

When I first started dating Scott, I was very nervous around Mike.  After some time, I learned that the way to Mike’s heart was in helping wash the cars.  He taught me how to quickly wash the car and get it dried before it began to spot.  I followed his directions and not only learned how to wash a car in the correct Piereson fashion but I also learned that Mike respected people that worked hard.  From that time on, it was official that I was a member of the family as witnessed by my taking over brother Brad’s room and having it be renamed Tricia’s room.  After some time, Scott and I were married and had two bouncing baby boys.  Mike adored his grandsons.  He would play legos with them, build cardboard forts, and watch many soccer and basketball games.  He especially loved going to watch Connor’s robotics team and was very excited about supporting him and cheering for the robotics team.  Mike was very proud of his family including his daughter-in-law and that it made me happy to know that.  We are going to miss our dad, father-in-law and grandpa.  You are in our hearts forever.

-Tricia Piereson

One of my earliest and favorite memories of Mike was at my wedding where he was speaking to my mom, Bonnie, and was explaining to her how he had gained another daughter.  He went on to say that there was no such thing as a “daughter in law” and that I was now part of his family, period. 

This exemplifies Mike’s dedication and love for his family.  Simply put, there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his family.  A stoic man, not one for outwardly expressions, one of his own never doubted where his loyalty lied.

I am humbled and honored to be part of his family and forever grateful for the life lessons he has taught each of us in his own way.

Mike was an artist and while his works were mostly of boats, seascapes and water, he painted a tribute to our dog Bogey after he passed away (you will see it on the website).  I was touched beyond belief and hold this painting as a treasure that will hang in our home forever.

While Mike battled arthritis in his knees, it always warmed my heart how he would drop to his knees every time our dog, Lily, entered his home.  He would play with her as if he had no pain at all.  She enjoyed every minute of it.  Every time we visited, she would seek him out for their play time.

-Christine Piereson

 

I have known Mike for most of my life and one thing I have learned about him is his love for children. From plopping down on the floor to make a creative project or just taking time to enjoy kids antics, he always beamed with delight. 

 
I was just a little tyke when he and my sister Suzanne were married. Times were tough back then and the bank account slim for my parents. But every Christmas and birthday I was spoiled with special gifts. It wasn’t until my adult years that I found out it was Actually Mike who purchased many (if not most) of my gifts! Tho he and Suzanne struggled themselves to make ends meet while raising two young boys, they never let me go without. 
I’m sure Mike is in heaven leading the way like the pied piper, with a whole line of children following behind!

-Andrea Shagene

I was very sorry to hear about Mike. We already miss him at the shop. You have our deepest sympathy.

Mike was the first person I talked to in the boat club as he was sitting at the TSCA table for 2014 South Haven Boat Show. He suggested that I should stop by and see what the shop was about. He was, therefore, initially responsible for the many enjoyable hours I have wasted in Otsego or at messabouts.

-George Alheid

(thank you for all the pictures George)

His artistic talent appeared when he was about 12 years old.  Ray and I drove to Michigan in our green and white Ford.  He surprised us by painting a flaming design in white wash all over the front of the car.  We thought it was pretty cool.

Mike was a smart, energetic, hard working, unique man with many talents.  He was an interesting person to converse with.  He kept you alert because you didn’t know what he might say or ask.  He loved and admired his wife Suzanne.  He expected the best from his two sons Brad and Scott.  I’m sorry that we haven’t spent more time together in the past years.

-Sharleen Piereson

I cant say I spent any amount of time with your dad, but feel like I know him. I really enjoyed looking at the pictures of him with you, brad, Andrew and Connor. He was obviously so proud of his family.

-Karen Hotz

Very nice memorial. My 1st and lasting memory of Mike is from our high school swim meets. When Brad was swimming breast stroke, some guy was walking up and down the side of the pool yelling something everytime Brads head came out of the water…. I still don’t know what the hell he was saying but it was clear that he was loving every minute of it.

I love the last quote and “Mike’s Rule” 😂😂😂
What isn’t for sale… The painting of Kirby or Kirby?

-Nick Hotz

I am so sorry for the loss of your Father. The memorial shows the great life he had with a close, loving family! I loved the pics of him and your mom at their wedding; such an adorable couple! Your dad raised two great boys, one of which, became a great father himself! You and your family are in our prayers as you find peace with the loss of your father! I just know he and Andrew are sailing the endless ocean in heaven together ❤️

-Chrissy Bremmer

Wow. That was a very nice memorial website. I too only was able to briefly enjoy conversation with Mike. Mostly about Ford but a little on boating/sailing. He even mentioned he would like to to take you and your friends out for a cruise if the opportunity presented itself. I really enjoyed all the pictures, art and quotes associated with him and I’m sorry to hear of his passing. May you and your family find peace in remembering him for all the great things attributed to him.

-John Bremmer

Mike and I frequently exchanged comments regarding our work experiences in the years before our retirements.  One such event involved Mike making a trip to Germany to make a requested presentation regarding his work to improve aspects of a Ford engineering data records system to enable improved access to useful information.  After preparing for this presentation he traveled to Germany.  He met with the planned audience of German engineers and managers and proceeded to deliver his presentation.  He then invited questions from the audience.  There was a sudden and unexpected response involving the audience members pounding their fists on the tables.  Mike was initially surprised by this activity.  One of the German audience members quickly explained that the response was intended to powerfully display that they were impressed by the fine quality of Mike’s presentation.
A job well done. 
– Ray
Dear Suzanne and family,
 
The pierzoo.com website is a brilliant and fabulous tribute to Mike. I love all the photos, the care taken to honor different parts of his life, and the joy that is apparent in so many photos. Plus, he was very photogenic!
 
You have had a tremendously full life together, which makes his loss harder, but so glad you have family to share this time and go forward with together.
 
I wish, of course, that I could have had many lives, and that one would have continued on with you guys.
 
Love,
Marnie

   Mike sailed with the Epic Team for over 10 years starting back in the mid nineties.  He was always looking for novel ways to sail the boat and make it more efficient (faster).  He and Ken Morrison started sailing with us at the same time as we picked them up off the dock for race where they had missed a ride on another boat.  That was fortunate for us since they both became valuable crew members for many years to come.  

 
     We remember celebrating our back to back Mackinac Victories in 1998 in the Chippewa Hotel pool with Mike.  What a great time we had.  There were many victories during the following years and we became good friends.  We still use an old car T-Top cover to protect our hatchboard from getting marked up.  Mike donated the cover to the boat when Epic was new.  We had a great time when we were invited to stay with Mike and Sue at their new home on the West side of the state.  We also made a trip with Mike and Sue to Chicago to attend a boat show.  We always had a good time when Mike was around.  He had a great sense of humor.  We will remember him fondly when we think about our Epic Adventure of purchasing a new Beneteau 42s7 and chartering an NA40 for a year while it was being built.  May the wind and seas be at your back Mike.        
 
Ray & Winnie Adams
Mike was such a big part of our wonderful experience in the Hidden Lake neighborhood.  He was talented, well researched about many subjects and a great presence at neighborhood events.  We remember well the fun games he planned for some of our New Year’s Eve gatherings and the soups were amazing!  We also remember his impressive artistic ability and his great woodworking skills as he gradually improved their lovely home.
 
We already miss Mike and are grateful to have known him.
 
With Love,
Tom and Viv Burt