Michael Anthony Walt, age 65 of Big Rapids, was the third of six children born to Elgen and Dorothy (McGill) Walt in Traverse City. With many children, its not surprising his favorite childhood memories involved family game nights and teasing his sisters. Although he never enjoyed swimming, he loved walking along Lake Michigan, and he would later take his wife and children up to the dunes at least once every summer. Mike became a Christian in his junior year at Michigan State University after his roommate shared the gospel with him, which he considered the defining moment of his life. He enjoyed church so much he said Sunday was his favorite day of the week. He loved to sing songs like Great is Thy Faithfulness and When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. He read books on theology to learn more about God. Throughout all of his life, Mike made it his aim to live for Jesus Christ. Mike met Sharon Green at a church Sunday school class in 1976. Soon after they became engaged and were married a year after meeting on August 13, 1977 and together they raised their daughters in Big Rapids. They made memories out of hiking nature trails and eating pizza in the park. They played practical jokes on each other and didnt go long without laughing. Sharon faithfully cared for Mike in his later years of illness. They shared almost 40 years of loving marriage together. He tried social work for seven years before returning to school. He chose a career as a chiropractor so he could help others at his practice right here in Big Rapids for 20 years. Mike was a fun dad, giving his 2 daughters piggyback rides during the toddler years, teaching them to kick and throw a ball as they grew older, and walking them down the aisle at each daughters wedding. He faithfully read them Bible stories and prayed with them each night during their formative years. Even when Mikes body and mind were weakened by illness, he still managed to save a smile for each of his four grandchildren. Mikes hope in Christ and love for God carried him home to the Lord on May 17, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Walt of Big Rapids; two daughters, Hannah (Andrew) Wencl of Williamsville, New York and Deborah (Aaron) Swain of Benson, Minnesota; four grandchildren; mother, Dorothy Walt of Traverse City; five siblings, Therese (Thomas) Brinson of Lansing, Thomas Walt of Traverse City, Cynthia (Alan) Robords of Mt. Pleasant, Mary (William) Becker of Traverse City, and Daniel (Lara) Walt of Alexandria, Virginia; many nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Elgen on June 28, 2016. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 20, 2017 at the Trinity Fellowship Evangelical Free Church in Big Rapids, where he was a member, with Pastor Gary deBock officiating. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 19th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Mike will be laid to rest at Highland View Cemetery in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made in Mikes name to Life Resources of Northern Michigan, 419 North Lake Street, Cadillac, MI 49601. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family by clicking our guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Funeral Service Saturday, May 20, 2017 11:00 AM Trinity Fellowship Evangelical Free Church 15085 220th Avenue Big Rapids,MI 49307