Michael Phillip Prezzato

One of the few advantages of dying from Grade 4 glioblastoma is that you have time to write and critique your own obituary. Some other advantages are not having to watch your blood pressure, keep track of how many Two Hearted Ales you’ve had, and - best of all - finally getting the last word (I guess I’ve done that once or twice).

I was born on July 12, 1964, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw, Michigan. I grew up in Hemlock, Michigan, where I graduated from Hemlock High School. Afterward, I attended Delta College, Florida SouthWestern State College, and Northwestern Michigan College. Aside from living in Fort Myers, Florida, I was a lifelong Michigan resident. I loved being active - some would say hyperactive. I enjoyed skiing, hunting, fishing, diving, camping, and pretty much everything you can do outdoors. So many stories of truly living life to the fullest. I know people say that, but I did it. I’m glad I started early in life.

In my professional life, after several trial runs in numerous careers - pilot, title insurance examiner, residential home builder, and even aspiring stuntman - I ended up, along with my business partner Justin Lipscomb, owning and managing two nationwide construction companies: Moltus Building Group (USA) and Moltus Canadian (Canada). Moltus means “great” in Latin. Among my professional honors was being ranked several times among the top 15 metal-building companies nationwide. I retired in 2019 - I didn’t know what work was until then. Most of you have heard me say, “I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.” I guess it’s too late now.

Thanks to the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center for encouraging me to be part of a radiological-oncology trial group, which I am sure played a major role in my longevity and quality of life after brain surgery. Thanks as well to the very talented nurses, physician assistants, doctors, and other staff at the University of Michigan who provided excellent care and support. And thanks to my wife, Wendy, who left no stone unturned in helping me get life-extending treatment.

I was preceded in death by my loving parents, Richard and Janice (Ignash) Prezzato, and my father-in-law, Craig Delaney. I am survived by my beloved wife, Wendy Lynn Prezzato, and our two children, Emily Lynn Prezzato and Nicholas Michael Prezzato. I am also survived by my sisters and their spouses, Christine (Prezzato) and Gregory Stroud, and Stacey (Prezzato) and Jonathan Benemann; my mother-in-law, Sharon Miller; my sister and brother-in-law, Kelly and Roger Myers; and many much-loved nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

I met Wendy Long (now Prezzato) at a Michigan Tech party on October 20, 1984 - the luckiest day of my life (maybe not hers). We were married on June 6, 1987. Wendy, you are my soulmate. Thank you for all your love and for standing by me until the end.

Wendy, I love you more than I can ever describe. Thank you for all the love and adventures; it was never boring. Emily and Nick, I love you so much, and I’m so proud of you. I wish you such good things. I hope that you embrace every day and show the world how wonderful you are.

I was given the gift of a phenomenal life. I was truly blessed in so many ways. It would be hard to imagine it being much better. Now I have to give it back. This is hard, yet I am grateful. Fortunately, I was able to accept my fate in a “positive” way rather than dwell on things I could not control (like terminal cancer). This outlook worked for me - well, most of the time. Good friends, too many hobbies, and some bad habits helped as well.

Wendy, Emily, Nicholas, and all my friends and family - it’s been awesome and a privilege. See you on the other side.

Love,

Mike (Dad)

Mike died at home on September 19, 2025. He was 61 years old.

In lieu of flowers Mike’s family requests donations be made to provide scholarships to students of Hemlock High School entering the Skilled Trades after graduation, the Mike Prezzato Memorial Fund: c/o Moltus Building Group, PO Box 47, Hemlock, MI 48626.

Arrangements are in the care of Stackus Funeral Home.