Michael Wayne Hausler

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Michael Wayne Hausler passed on into his eternal life on February 7, 2026. Born July 29, 1950, in Petoskey, Michigan to Vernon and Ruth (Hocquard) Hausler, Mike was the second of four brothers that the couple raised in Boyne City, Michigan.

Mike graduated from Boyne City High School in 1968, where he excelled in basketball and track. Even later in life, Mike still loved to share stories from the high school basketball court, especially the rival victory over Charlevoix.

It was while he was in high school that he met Diane (Kowalske) Hausler, who he married in 1973. The two knew immediately that they were excited to start a family and raise them in the community that they both grew up in.

Mike continued his education at North Central Michigan College and Central Michigan University.

Mike was always passionate about gardening and growing produce. Early in his career, he was the Produce Manager at the local Giant Super Market. This passion of his continued on throughout the rest of his life, including earning Master Gardner status. Mike cultivated his own farm, “Cozy Nook Farms,” where he always had a large field of asparagus, plus tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and more to sell at the Farmer’s Market or give away to loved ones.

Mike embodied the spirit of a local entrepreneur, launching Boyne City’s Farm Bureau Insurance branch from his kitchen table. Together, he and Diane built the business into the cornerstone it was by the time they retired. Mike and Diane also owned a car wash in Boyne City for many years. Mike was driven by a deep passion for service. He believed his most important work was being a steady hand for neighbors during their most stressful moments.

Mike was a man of many passions, most of which he shared with those he loved. He and Diane looked forward to their winters in the Florida sun. Mike was a natural at bringing people together. He was known for always getting a card game started, whether it was a Poker Night or a round of Crazy 8s with his grandkids. An avid outdoorsman, he loved to golf, hunt, and fish.

His annual ‘Fishing Camp’ alongside his son, brothers, and best friends served as a highlight of every year. Mike and his friends also frequented Adam’s Road Deer Camp. While they went for the hunting, they stayed for the camaraderie, spending long evenings playing cards and soaking up the full deer camp experience.

Mike faced a sixteen-year battle with Multiple Myeloma (blood cancer) with a quiet strength that few truly realized. Through years of treatments and trips to the Mayo Clinic, he refused to let his illness define him, serving as an inspiration for all who knew him.

Mike is survived by his wife and lifetime partner, Diane; his two children Theresa (Chuck) Vondra and Luke (Melanie) Hausler; his grandchildren Emma (Adam) Sydow, Sydney (Mark) Tefft, Max Vondra (Brooklyn Fitzpatrick), and Savannah Hausler; his great-grandson Caleb Tefft; his brothers Ron (Jean) Hausler, Keith (Trudy) Hausler, and Scott (Linda) Hausler; his brothers-in-law Mark Kowalske, and Lon (Ruth) Kowalske; sister-in-law Martha (Tom) Donahue; long-time friend Jerry Simpson; plus many nieces and nephews who he loved. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Ruth Hausler, as well as his sister-in-law Jody Kowalske.

A memorial mass officiated by Father Dennis Stilwell will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church on May 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM. A graveside committal will follow after at Maple Lawn Cemetery. 

We are deeply grateful to the staff at Grandvue Medical Care Facility for the incredible care and compassion they showed Mike. For those wishing to make a gesture in his honor, the family suggests donations be directed to either Grandvue or St. Matthew Catholic Church.

Arrangements are in the care of Stackus Funeral Home.