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Most sincere condolences to Mike's family and loved-ones.  I have been a musician for almost 60 years (Drums), and it was through music I came to know Mike when I joined my first band in which Mike played bass in 1968.  I'll never forget the focus he put into his playing; intensity and feeling are cornerstones of a great musician, and Mike had both.  We lost touch when he graduated high school, but the spirit of his friendship and his musicianship has always stayed with me; even to this day, when I return to the Chicago area and drive around my old neighborhood in Des Plaines, I drive by Mike's house where we used to practice and re-kindle great memories.

Rest in Peace Mike.

Sending my sincerest condolences to the family.  I didn’t know Michael well, but I did have the chance to work with him briefly on a CD of music and Native American stories.  Michael really brought the stories to life.  His voice was amazing and he was always trying to make his reading better.  He was always prepared and I truly enjoyed working with him.  He was always upbeat and wanting to do his best.  So many people have heard his voice around the globe.  I play the CD in my art gallery in Mackinaw City and thousands get to hear him tell the stories.  Michael was an amazing person and I was blessed to work with him and know him.
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Our families were lifelong friends. We spent every holiday together, countless dinners and our mothers were together every day. Mike became my sister and my chosen brother.

Mike’s mom endured 3 years in a concentration camp during World War II before escaping with Mike’s father. She was told that she would never carry a child as a result. Mike was truly a miracle. He will forever be in my heart. Jane Campbell Groblewski 

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I’m so glad that I got to know Maxa at NIU!  It was also nice to reconnect in Tampa with Rosa & Maxa!  I am honored to have one of Maxa’s CD’s He was very talented & will be missed by many people❣️

We were so sorry to hear the news of Mike’s sudden passing.   I first met  Mike during the Mid-Continent days and worked closely with him for many years.  I will always remember him smiling.   He was always such a positive, happy person to be around and he had such a gentle spirit.   We went to see him play in  Woodstock with my sister and brother-in-law, Deb and Bert, awhile back and it was great to see him and watch him doing something he loved so much.  

Our deepest sympathies,

Tim and Darlene Heinz

Having Mike play and sing in our living room in Colorado Springs (9/17/23), 50 years after NIU, is a memory we will cherish forever.

And we met each other for the 1st time in Mike's dorm room on the 8th floor!

Kate and Paul Samek

9

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2023, Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
2023, Helen Hunt Falls, Colorado, USA
Mike and Rosa's 1st Time To R…
2023, Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, West Alameda Parkway, Morrison, CO, USA
Mike and Rosa's 1st Time To Red Rocks

Mike was such a wonderful father, grandfather, man and a really great friend. He has always been a special person for us and he will be truly missed. Linda, Josh and family, as long as we all keep Mike in our hearts he will always be with us. 

Bert & Deb Watson

Dear Linda, We are very sad to hear about your loss.  God bless, Edwina and John
After seeing Mike perform at open mics over the years, I had the great pleasure of working with him in the recording studio on 2 projects: his album, "Legacy", and one for Flutist Vicki Logan on which he narrated traditional Native American folk tales. His rich baritone voice was equally impactful while singing or reading. I really enjoyed the unique perspective of his song lyrics, which were quirky and often touching. He was so easy to work with and conversation with Mike was fun and interesting. In our talks, it was always evident how much his family meant to him, and what a kind-hearted person he was. A few days ago when I saw his number flash on my phone screen, I assumed he had a new song to record, but instead it was Josh sharing the sad news. Mike will surely be missed. I am grateful I got to know him and his music better through our work together. Rest in peace, Mike.
What a loss of a beautiful, talented man. He will be missed.
Mike and Linda
Mike and Linda
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Michael "Max" Maxa