Michael “Mike” Kevin Ochs, 54, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, at his home in Lake Stevens, WA.
Inurnment with military honors will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 21. A celebration of life will be held at the American Legion in Morrisonville, following the service.
Mr. Ochs was born on July 4, 1967, in Springfield, to Michael Henry Ochs and Lenora Kay (Brinson) Brown. His parents share that he was a firecracker from day one, and he always made life more interesting (and amusing) for the people around him. He grew up in Riverton, where he enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping.
After graduating from Riverton High School in 1985, he studied at DeVry University in Chicago before joining the United States Navy. He served in the Navy from Jan. 2, 1992, to Jan. 1, 2001, achieving the rank of BM2.
After a decade in the Navy, Mr. Ochs spent several years repairing appliances and exploring his creative side by carving artistic signs from wood. He was twice married and divorced, but found his tribe with his stepdaughter, Strawberry Fields, her partner James Baldwin, and their children Hailey, Jacob, and Olivia Baldwin with whom he lived until he died.
He was an amazing “grandfather” to the three kids, and he was happiest when he was spending time with them. Mr. Ochs will be fondly remembered for his unique and creatively worded stories, his dry wit, his hilarious sense of humor, his sharp mind and his kind smile.
Mr. Ochs is survived by his parents and stepparents, Michael Henry Ochs and his wife Mary Ellen of Pawnee and Lenora Kay Brown and her husband Dave of Morrisonville; two sisters and their spouses, Marla Kay (Ochs) Rhutasel and her husband Lance of St. Louis, MO, and Jessica Lyn (Brown) Armentrout and her husband David of Morrisonville; two nieces, Sabrina Rhutasel and Josie Armentrout; two nephews, Aiden Rhutasel and Mack Armentrout; his beloved chihuahua, Mort, and the rest of his extended family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 or Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306.
