Obituary of Michael Hatala

Michael William Hatala was born on September 15, 1961 in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of the late Richard Steven Hatala and Diane Faye (Carroll) Hatala. Michael graduated in 1980 from Lincoln Park High School. Michael married the former Lisa Marie Brunt on October 10, 1989 in Toledo. From this union came the birth of two children. The young family made their home in Monroe and Michael would take employment with the Steel Industry eventually becoming a crane operator. For the past six years he had been employed by Gerdau Special Steel Monroe Mill. He was a proud member of the United Auto Workers Local 723. Through thick and thin, Michael was an avid Detroit Lions fan. He enjoyed attending games, but was just as satisfied sitting at home on the couch. He proudly wore his Lions hats and shirts, and displayed blankets, vehicle decals, and even trailer hitch covers. He was a member of the Monroe Fraternal Order of the Eagles. Michael enjoyed games of chance and was often found with a scratch off ticket. He was skilled with his hands and was a hard worker. When not at the plant, Michael was usually working on the home or fishing at Sterling State Park with Lisa. Michael had a great sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh with his sarcasm. He loved conversation, cherished his family, and was especially fond of his puppies: Dolly the Boston Terrier and Maggie the Boxer. Michael also enjoyed music and singing along as loud as he could. Michael, age 51 of Monroe, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2013 at home under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice. Michael leaves to cherish his memory a wife: Lisa of Monroe; mother: Diane Faye Hatala of Wyandotte; two children: Jeremy of Alpena and Sara of Monroe; brother: James (Tunde) Hatala of Lincoln Park; two sisters: Deborah (Frank) Douglas of Brownstown and Christine (Jeff) Lassen of Southgate; two nieces: Michele (Zolton) Maksai and Molly Harte; nephew: Martin Lassen; and great niece: Ava Maksai. Friends may gather from 1:00pm-8:00pm, Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070 (formerly Bennett Funeral Services). In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the family to assist with education expenses. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes.