Michael C. Willavize

Michael C. Willavize, 76, of Battle Creek, died September 29, 2026. Michael was born December 3, 1949 in Battle Creek to Jack and Lois (Bretz) Willavize.

He married the former Sherry Walkinshaw on November 17, 1978. They were married for 42 years until her passing in 2021. Michael was a big Detroit Tigers and NASCAR fan. He loved woodworking, camping, gardening and classic cars. He was a jack of all trades and always willing to help out those he loved. The most important thing in Michael’s life was his family and spending time with them.

Michael is survived by his children, Tina Zeeryp, Becky (Brian) Vinyard and Michael Willavize; his father, Jack Willavize; several brothers and sisters, James Willavize, John (Terry) Willavize, Randy (Nancy) Willavize, Penny (Larry) Leonard and Marcey (Greg) Little; 5 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Ann Phillips; Donna (Melivn) Parker and several nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sherry; his mother, Lois Willavize; a brother, Thomas (Donna) Willavize; two sisters-in-law, Billie Willavize and Vicky Bowling; his step-Mother, Mary Cuyler and a son-in-law, David Zeeryp.

Visitation will be Friday, October 9, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where funeral service to celebrate Michael’s life will be 12:00 p.m., Saturday, October 10. Interment will follow at Newbre Cemetery. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.