Obituary of Michael Frederick Halstead

Michael “Mike” Frederick Halstead, age 84, of Bay City, Michigan passed away on November 15, 2025, after a brief illness. A lifelong Bay City resident, Mike was born on July 26, 1941, to Glenn and Maxine (Mulligan) Halstead. His life was devoted to his family and service to his country and community. 

A graduate of Bay City Central High School and Northwood Institute, Mike served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the building of the Berlin Wall. He returned to Bay City to marry his high school sweetheart, Ida Sermon, in December 1962. Through 63 years of marriage, they raised three children and welcomed 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren into the family. 

Though he had a diverse professional career, his public service defined him. He was a member of the Bay City Fire Department for 32 years, as a firefighter and the Fire Marshall prior to retiring. He was elected and served on the Bay County Board of Commissioners for 22 years, including 5 years as chairman. After retiring from these positions, Mike was called back to service, directing the Bay County Animal Control Department for another decade-plus. Mike served on numerous boards and councils, among them, the Bay County Drain Board, Bay Metro Transit Board Authority, Bay-Arenac Behavioral Health Authority, Friends of Bay County Libraries, and the Humane Society of Bay County. 

Mike is survived by his beloved wife Ida; children, Michelle (Ed) Rivet, Scott (Vikki) Halstead, and Michael Halstead Jr. (Susan Janke); grandchildren, Amanda (Nate) King,  Austin (Katie) Rivet, Edward Rivet, Patrick (Brynne) Rivet, Abigail (Camden) Braun, Thomas Rivet, Aidan Halstead, and Lauren Halstead; great-grandchildren, Sophia, Olivia, Jeremy, Henry and Calvin; siblings, Norman (Diana) Halstead, Cynthia (Dennis) Kozlowski, and Jill Dugan; in-laws, Connie Halstead, Judy Halstead, Cindy Halstead, Richard (Barbara) Sermon, and George (Shelly) Sermon; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his siblings, Glenn, Carol (Lionel), James, Leonard, and Steven. 

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 510 N. Lincoln St, Bay City, MI 48708, on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 11:00 am, with Fr. James W.  Bessert officiating. The family will receive visitors at church prior to Mass from 9:30 am to 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Good Samaritan Rescue Mission, 713 Ninth St., Bay City, MI 48708, https://rescuemidmichigan.org/ 

 To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.