Michael Joseph Pettelle Sr., born Feb. 15, 1947, took his first breath of heaven on Feb. 2, 2024, just days short of his 78th birthday. Michael was loving called Big Mike by his family and friends. Michael was the 5th child of Paul and Jean Pettelle. He is survived by his brothers Richard and Stephen. He is pre-deceased by his brother Gary and his sister Charline. They grew up in the Seattle WA area and spent lots of time on Vashon Island at the homes of his grandparents Bert and Grace Swatrz, and Paul and Cuma Pettelle. Mike joined the US Marine Corp where he received the purple heart medal for injury while serving the country he loved so much. Many silly discussions happed around the table concerning which branch of the military was the best to serve in and who was the most bad ass. Mike had a capacity to love beyond measure, he had an extra dose of this ability. No matter what the situation, he always found his way to love and giving of himself. He had two biological children Michael Jr. and Mathew, and his love for children didn't stop there. He adopted his beautiful daughter Courtney who was a constant source of pride. He had two step children, Tobi and Tara along with nieces and nephews that considered him their dad as well. Even the children of friends he considered his family. He was loved and adored by his grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews, he would do anything for any one of them. If a child was around they were naturally drawn to him, rather they needed a hug or playing around he was their go to. At his time of death he had a love, Joanne, who he told everyone he wished had met sooner. Joanne became his wife and blessed him with a love of giving just as big as him. She brought him joy and made him smile. The two of them together were full of life and had many adventures. They traveled between Washington, Wyoming, and Arizona. Mike died peacefully after a 3 week battle in the hospital fighting heart/kidney failure, and pneumonia. His daughter Courtney was able to spend time with him for several days, while his love, Joanne, was by his side every day. He was able to hear the voices of his children and grandchildren saying how much they loved him by phone prior to his death. His niece Lisa and Joanne were holding his hands as he took one last breath, looked up, and joined those who had gone before him.