Mr. Michael (Mick) James Shaheen

Mr. Michael (Mick) James Shaheen, age 67, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away Tuesday night, October 3, 2023 after a decades long battle with diabetes and its resulting complications. He is preceded in death by parents John and Hannah (Corey) Shaheen and sisters Sally Zick and Catherine Shaheen. Surviving are wife Karen (Quick) Shaheen, daughter Angela Shaheen, son Michael (Tracey) Shaheen, daughter Maria (Jonathan) Szostak and their children Gabriel, Emily, Adelina, and Caleb, son David (Amanda) Shaheen and their children Jamal, Chiara, Mercedes, and Serra, and siblings Albert Shaheen and Mary Shaheen. Those who met Mick were always treated like family, whether that meant an invitation to the next party or an invitation to help with the yardwork or cleaning out the basement. He had a passion for food and woodworking and was happy to share his extensive knowledge and opinions with all who would listen. Mick was born July 24, 1956 to John and Hannah Shaheen and grew up in a close-knit Syrian family on the westside of Grand Rapids, MI. His relationships and friendships with his four older siblings and their spouses were always a cherished part of his life. He always received great joy and comfort from his time spent with them and was greatful for their support throughout his life. Their commitment to each other set a beautiful example for his children. Mick attended West Catholic High School (Class of 1974). He and his friends started a band (The Music Men) in which he was the drummer. Even after the members moved on, he continued drumming at home as well as playing at Church. He passed on his love of music to his family. Mick met his wife, Karen (Quick), while both were attending Grand Rapids Junior College (now GRCC). While their four children were growing up, Mick provided for his family by working at Smith's Industries where he worked on parts for Missile Guidance Systems. He also created his own side business, Shaheen Construction Co., doing woodworking. He was very involved with his children's various sports and activities, coaching several of their soccer and baseball teams throughout the years. Some of his favorite family memories included trips to the beach, Cedar Point, Michigan's Adventure and Niagara Falls. He always enjoyed being in and near the water. His favorite beach was Grand Haven. His perfect day would include going on the pier, watching the big ships coming in, and stopping for ice cream and a Pronto Pup. There was nothing Mick loved more than spending time with family. He would host big parties at his home, inviting all the extended family and friends for birthdays, graduations, and other celebrations. He could be found behind the grill, or putting out another batch of Potatoes Deluxe or his famous Baked Beans. He also loved baking and would bake a wide variety of cookies every Christmas to share at all the family gatherings. In recent years Mick and Karen have spent their free time together going out to eat, seeing movies, and taking day trips and "color tours" to Duck Lake, Dow Gardens, and Frederick Meijer Gardens. Their trips would often include an impromptu stop at the nearest Casino. They were also able to take some bigger getaways to Alabama, Sedona, California, and Mackinaw Island. The highlight trip being three weeks spent in Hawaii, a trip which was gifted to them by their family and friends for their 30th Wedding Anniversary. Mick and Karen recently celebrated their 46th Wedding Anniversary on September 3. Mick was a member of St. Francis Xavier and St. Dominic Catholic Church. His faith had grown over the past several years and he found comfort praying with his wife and from the incredible outpouring of love and prayers from his Church Community. He was so encouraged by all the family and friends that visited him, sent messages, and prayed for him as his health declined and during his final days at the hospital. A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 8, from 5-7pm with a Rosary at 6:30 at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534 A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, October 9, at 11am at St. Francis Xavier Church, 250 Brown St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 where his family will receive visitors one hour priot. A luncheon will follow the funeral at 1pm at St. Dominic in the basement cafeteria, 50 Bellevue St. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548 Interment at 3pm at Resurrection Cemetery, 4100 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509

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Mr. Michael (Mick) James Shaheen

July 24, 1956 - October 3, 2023