Michael (Mike) Andrew Grounds passed away suddenly at his home at the age of 53 on May 26, 2024. He leaves behind memories of smiles, hugs and handshakes.

Mike, born August 4, 1970, in Ann Arbor, MI, was known for his passion for University of Michigan Football and NASCAR. He found joy in cheering for his teams. His love for animals was evident in his gentle demeanor and caring nature towards all creatures, big and small. Throughout his life, the Monroe County Fair Parade was his favorite event of the year. He was a graduate of Monroe County Intermediate School District. Mike was a proud member of Boy Scouts Troop 504, Knights of Columbus #1266, and St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish.

Mike held deep respect for the men and women who served our nation in the military and our community's first responders. His admiration for their selfless dedication and bravery was unwavering.

In his passing, Mike is survived by his mother, Judith Grounds of Monroe; father, Kenneth Grounds of Ft. Myers, FL; sister, Kelly Grounds, brother-in-law, Christian Lauber and niece Eleanor Sophia Grounds-Lauber of Hilliard, OH; uncle Robert Kehres and aunt Marsha Woods of Bloomfield Hills, MI; cousin Matthew Kehres of Kensington, MD and cousin Dr. Stephen Kehres of Troy, MI. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Raymond and Eleanor Kehres and Norman and June Grounds.

Mike's family is deeply indebted to his caregivers from CHS Group who were devoted to meeting his daily needs and being a great support system. The family also expresses appreciation for the first responders of the Monroe County Sheriff's Department and the Frenchtown Fire Department for their efforts on May 26.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 30th at Bacarella Funeral Home where a Scripture Service will be held at 6 p.m. Mike will lie in state at 10 a.m. Friday at St. St. Mary Catholic Church. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery.

His family and friends remember Mike fondly for his warm, friendly nature. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to The Mon-Arc of Monroe, Inc., 6021 Parkside St., Monroe, MI 48161; St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish, 127 N. Monroe St., Monroe MI 48162 or the Community Foundation of Monroe, Kehres Fund, 9 Washington St., Monroe, MI 48161.

Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .