Michael Monroe Toews

Michael Monroe Toews was born January 8, 1947, in Merced, California to Monroe and Irene (Mastre) Toews. He peacefully passed away December 11, 2021, in Owosso, Michigan, less than one month from his 75th birthday. Growing up, Mike was a cheerful boy, helping on the family farm, gathering eggs, and working in the feed mill. When Mike was eleven, he moved with his family to Scio, Oregon, living there until his early twenties. During the Vietnam War, Mike, as a conscientious objector, served a term of 1-W service in Reedley, California. Mike spent most of his work career in California, where he fulfilled his passion for trucks and truck driving. It was very important to him to have a clean, well-maintained truck. We as a family also remember his meticulous care of his personal vehicles. In 2010, he moved to Michigan where he spent his retirement years to be close to his sister Diane. Mike was a tenderhearted, caring person always having a loving, compassionate heart for children and the “underdog”. It was common to see children gathered around him at family gatherings. Mike loved deeply, and he frequently told his family, “I love you”. Those left to cherish his memory are one brother, Randall of Salem, Oregon; two sisters: Diane and Ken Haynes of Carson City, MI, Nadine and Warren Unruh of Galva, Kansas; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parent, and one niece, Stephanie Unruh. A private family service was held on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home in Charlotte, Michigan. Burial took place in Winton, California.