"Ecclesiastes 3:12-13: "I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man."

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Michael Robert Leyrer announces his unexpected passing on Dec.10th. He passed peacefully in his sleep at 57 years of age. Born on November 25, 1968 in Hamilton, Ohio, he was the youngest child of Dr. Ralph and Violet Nunnevillier Leyrer's six children. He was a beloved son, brother, godfather, cousin, uncle, friend, neighbor and dog dad. He was baptized into the Christian Faith and attended Sunday School at Immanuel Lutheran Church. As a young boy, he was an adorable, energetic child. He attended Monroe Elementary School. Teachers often knew when his big brothers and sister were back home from college without anyone saying a word. He reveled in the role of the baby of the family and could hardly contain his joy when at school. He was an excellent soccer player and later enjoyed playing in the band at Harding Junior High. He graduated from Taft High School and then graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Business Degree. He worked as an Accountant for Ohio Casualty among several other companies. He won the Ohio Casualty Credit Union Volunteer of the Year in 1999, and the President's Award- Direct Bill Balancing Team-1997. In addition, he owned, renovated, and managed some apartment complexes. He most recently worked for a local community college and had his own LLC, MICADON. He had incredible integrity and work ethic, was a huge fan of Ohio State sports, and enjoyed spending time with the extended family at Cousin Jim and Joyce's farm. He loved his mother dearly, moved back to the family home to help her, and faithfully visited her at the nursing home. His ultimate happy place was always Alanson, Michigan, and all his Ohio friends knew this is where his heart was. He had many adventures on Crooked Lake with his family in the early years and continued with his up-north childhood friends to this day. He had dreamed of residing fully in Michigan upon retirement and loved to go out to see the lot where he planned to build. He had a big, jovial personality which magnified when he was out on the water in his boat or around a bonfire with his Ponshewaing Michigan friends, his up-north family. He was always talking about his family and about Michigan on a daily basis. He was generous, and those who spent time with him knew they were loved. He was a big guy with a big heart: sentimental, loyal, and had the gift of being present to his family, friends, and neighbors. So many people recall fondly, he loved to sit and visit on a weekly basis with friends for hours and especially enjoyed offering to walk his neighbor's dogs being the animal lover that he was. He was generous to those in need and always willing to help others when asked, known for initiating assistance with whatever tasks were at hand. He was a giver with no expectation of receiving. He believed in big hugs, sharing a good beer with friends, family fellowship, and his eyes lit up at the idea of all things in Northern Michigan. He will be missed and leaves an unbelievable void for those who loved him, including numerous dogs missing those extra walks and playtime with Mike. His loved ones will miss the sound of his chuckle on the other end of the phone line, him sneaking up behind people to give the biggest bear hug as your typical greeting, sharing funny stories around the bonfire, his dry wit, his surprise long drives to make it to important events and the endless supply of corny jokes. He would recite lines from favorite movies we have grown accustomed to hearing. His loved ones will remember and carry forward Mike's joyful spirit when they are out on the lake enjoying the cool breeze, boating with 90's music blaring, playing with their pets, fishing, laughing, attending the Sunday picnics at Ryde Marina, when taking time to just sit and chat with friends and basically  forever at  all the future special family events. "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he be embraced and reunited with his loved ones in heaven. Until we see you again, Mike. We lift a good beer to you from now until forever!"

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr Ralph H. Leyrer, Violet Nunnevillier Leyrer; siblings, Ralph H. Leyrer, Jr., Barbara Leyrer Hedric and Donald C. Leyrer. Michael is survived by his two brothers, Charles E. Leyrer of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and David W. Leyrer (Gina)  of Zachary, LA. He had nine nephews and nieces, C. Marc Leyrer, Samuel Leyrer, Kathryn Leyrer, Jeffrey Leyrer, Stephanie Leyrer, Grace Leyrer, Matthew Hedric, Jacqueline Leyrer, and Anna Leyrer in addition to numerous cousins, great nieces, and nephews. He is also preceded by his furry, loyal dogs, Goomba and Leia.
A graveside service will be held at the family's request in 2026 pending arrangements in Hamilton, Ohio with  an additional Celebration of his life in Michigan this summer.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pickerel-Crooked Lakes Association, Immanuel Lutheran Church or time spent walking a friend's dog/donations to the animal shelter of your choice.