Michael David Stansky

He was born in Superior, Wisconsin, on June 6, 1961 and raised in Gwinn. Michael graduated from Gwinn High School in 1979. After graduation, he began working at the BX Store on K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, where he worked for several years before starting a long career with Gwinn Area Community Schools as a school bus driver. For over 20 years, Michael safely guided countless children to and from school, retiring in 2014. He loved driving school bus, and many former students fondly remembered him as the best bus driver they ever had. After retirement, he stayed active delivering newspapers for the Mining Journal for several years.

Michael’s life was filled with simple joys and a love for family. He enjoyed hunting, cheering for the Green Bay Packers, watching westerns, especially Gunsmoke, and camping. He had a special love for the outdoors, Ford pickup trucks, and side-by-side riding. Animals also held a special place in his heart; he adored his chocolate lab Katie, lovingly called ‘Katie Lou’, and over the years adopted several disabled dogs from UPAWS.

Known for his kindness, humor, and easy smile, Michael was a happy-go-lucky man who brought laughter and warmth wherever he went. He was a devoted family man and especially cherished time spent with his grandchildren. Many described him simply as ‘a good man’, a jokester, a friend to all, and someone who always made others feel welcome.

Michael is survived by his mother Myrna; his children Jason (Jessica) Stansky of Little Lake, MI, Tyler (Amy Richter) Stansky of Big Bay, MI, Tamra (Don) Eplett of Gwinn, and Riley (Hallie) Stansky of Central Lake, MI; his grandchildren Carter, Italianna, Zachary, Payton, Tanner, and Hudson; and his brother Lance (Vickie) Stansky; two sisters Jenny Stansky and Debbie Marsh.

He was preceded in death by his father Donald Stansky; a brother Rick Stansky; and his grandparents, Luella and Stanley Mickelson, and Dorothy and Alfred Stansky.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to UPAWS, 815 M-553, Gwinn, MI 49841.

Funeral services for Michael will take place on Friday, August 29, 2025 at the Canale Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm until the time of service at 2:00 pm. Pastor Chad Mager will officiate. A reception will follow at the Forsyth Township Fire Hall.

Canale Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com