Michael Kelly Courteau

Michael Kelly Courteau, 66, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away unexpectedly on August 29, 2026.

Mike was born on March 17, 1960, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to Doris and Ronald Courteau Sr. He spent his life working hard, loving his family, and making himself useful to the people around him - usually with a solution to whatever problem needed solving and a smile not far behind.

Mike shared 37 years of marriage with his wife, Dagmar. He adored her, spoiled her whenever he could, and took great pleasure in taking care of her. He was a devoted father to his three children, Carleigh Courteau-Bush, Ronald Courteau III, and Erik Courteau. His children were among the greatest joys of his life, and he loved being involved in their lives and celebrating their accomplishments. He cherished being a grandfather to Samantha Bush and Sienna Bush, always eager to spend time with them, help with whatever they had going on, and simply be part of their lives.

For more than 40 years, Mike worked as a Toyota Master Technician before retiring. A fixer by both trade and nature, there wasn’t much he couldn’t figure out, and his skills were rarely confined to the garage. Family could always count on Mike when something broke, a project needed doing, or an extra set of capable hands was needed.

Mike loved good food and cooking, especially making wings or firing up the smoker or outdoor griddle. He loved music and listening to his old vinyl records, cheering on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Alabama football, and fishing on Lake Erie with his brother, Brian. A lifelong dog lover, Mike shared an especially close bond with his German shepherd, Bella Nyx, who held a very special place in his heart.

Mike was funny and loving, with a quick smile and a fondness for needling the people he loved. He could be a bit of a curmudgeon from time to time, but rarely for long. More often than not, there was a joke, a little teasing, or a smile just around the corner.

Above all, Mike loved his family deeply. He showed that love not only in words, but in a lifetime of showing up, lending a hand, and taking care of the people who mattered most to him.

Mike is survived by his wife, Dagmar; his children, Carleigh, Ronald, and Erik; his granddaughters, Samantha and Sienna; his mother, Doris Courteau; and his siblings, Linda Fiolek, Ronald Courteau Jr., Brian Courteau, and Laurie Space. He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Courteau Sr.

Mike will be cremated, and his family will bring him back to Erie, where they will gather again to celebrate his life. His ashes will ultimately be scattered on Lake Erie - a place where he spent many happy days fishing and making memories with family.

For those wishing to send flowers, please have them delivered to A Wise Choice Funeral Home in Mesa, AZ, by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 4th. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial donation to K9s For Warriors, an organization whose mission would have been especially meaningful to Mike. K9s For Warriors - Service Dogs for Veterans