Michael Arlan Pahl

Michael Arlan Pahl   December 19, 1946 - May 5, 2023   Michael Arlan Pahl, age 76, of Adrian, MI, formerly of Plymouth, MI passed away on May 5, 2023. Mike was the son of William and Arla (Eyer) Pahl and was born on December 19, 1946. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dr. Diane Pitak, daughters, Olivia Pahl, Caitlin (Brandon) Belknap, Lisa Hatmaker, grandchildren, Lyle and Laine Belknap, Cullen, Kelsey and Shelby Pancak, brother, William Pahl, sister, Pam (Doug) Stadtmiller, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Arla Pahl, sister, Julie Condit, brother, John Pahl and sister- in-law, Haydee Pahl. Mike attended Oakland University where he earned a Bachelors in Education and a Masters in Counseling. A lifelong reader and beloved educator, Mike taught at Spain Elementary-Middle School in the city of Detroit for over 40 years. Mike shared his love for science by making learning come to life for his students. His hands on interactive science lessons made him a favorite at his school. He participated in the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP) where he mentored students with their projects. Many of his students became finalists and had the opportunity to present their projects in Toronto, Ontario at the end of the school year. Mike was an avid hunter, fisherman, and sailor. He kept up the family tradition of opening day for trout season with his brother John, on Sugar Creek on the family property in Gladwin. He was so proud of his deer blind, which he built. It stands twelve feet high, giving him an excellent view of the property. He loved walking the property as his father, uncles, and grandparents did before him, seeing the view change with the seasons. When he wasn't in the woods, he wanted to be on the water. He enjoyed sailing the Great Lakes, Tawas Bay and visiting Charity Island. Mike could build anything and he did. He started with the renovation of Diane's dental office, then the remodel of the bathrooms, kitchen, flooring, and more at the Plymouth house and the total reno of the cottage on Wamplers Lake in the Irish Hills. Diane being addicted to HGTV and Pinterest would get an idea and he would make it happen. They worked well together during these projects, which is a true testament to their similar work ethic and love for each other. Mike, however, had a few choice words for the promoters of shiplap. Family meant more to Mike than anything in the world. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend to many. He was loved and will be dearly missed. Contributions in memory of Mike can be made to the Hospice of Lenawee in Adrian, MI and the Sky Foundation which funds research and early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Arrangements entrusted to J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Adrian, MI. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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