Michael “Irish Mike” Moran, of Blanchard, Michigan, passed away peacefully at the Comfort Home in Reed City with his loving family by his side on September 22, 2026. Born July 10, 1962, in Cahirsiveen Co. Kerry, Ireland, to John “Jackie “and Noreen Moran, Mike lived a life defined by hard work, family, horses, friendship, and a wonderful Irish sense of humor.

Mike also proudly served in Ireland’s National Guard for two years as a member of the FCA (Fórsa Cosanta Aitiuil), meaning the Local Defense Force in Irish.

At the age of 25, Mike came to America while on vacation and, as the story goes, decided to stay because of his friendship with his “American” parents Don and Ruthie Marckum. His journey brought him from Boston, Massachusetts, to New York, then to Dallas, Texas, before ultimately making Blanchard, Michigan, his home. Although America became his home, Ireland was always a piece of his heart. He treasured his trips back home and remained deeply connected to his family and his Irish roots.

Mike was a hardworking truck driver and spent much of his career behind the wheel of a semi. If you knew Mike, you knew his sense of humor about himself. His trucking handle was “Scale Runner,” a nickname that came from his lifelong tendency to avoid scales whenever possible – mostly because he was usually on the heavier side and preferred that number remain a mystery! He worked for Hollenbeck, ETV and TQI, among others, and was known as someone who could always be counted on to get the job done.

His greatest passion, however, was horses. Mike grew up around horses in Ireland and spent countless hours riding, working with, and caring for them. As a young man, he drove a truck and transported animals for people throughout Ireland, taking them to fairs and markets. He was an exceptional equestrian and an accomplished horseman—someone who truly understood horses and loved every part of being around them.

Mike’s family described him as quiet, sincere, kind, and incredibly hardworking. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a way of making people laugh without ever needing to be the loudest person in the room. He loved the outdoors and cherished the simple things in life.

Mike also thoroughly enjoyed his time at the gym, also known as the Blanchard Bar, where he met countless friends throughout the years. Many of those friendships became much more than friendships—they became family. Mike had a gift for making connections and leaving an impression on the people fortunate enough to know him.

Above all, Mike loved his family and siblings dearly. They shared that he was the best brother they could ever have wished for. His Irish spirit, quiet kindness, hard work, humor, and love for horses and people will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Mike predeceased by his father Jackie Moran and survived by his mother, Noreen Moran nee O’Shea of Waterville, sisters, brothers, sister in law and brothers in law, Máire Moran and Vincent Rogan, Waterville, Séamus Moran, California, Bríd Moran and John O’Shea, Caherdaniel, Emer Moran and Colm O’Shea, Boston, Áine Moran and Frank O’ Sullivan, Limerick, Seán and Elaine Moran, Waterville, nieces and nephews, Enda, Aoife and Maeve (Boston), Iarla and Síofra (Caherdaniel), Fintan, Darragh, Sarah and Aisling (Limerick) and Edel (Waterville) four aunts; one uncle; numerous cousins; extended family in Ireland; and his many treasured friends.

A memorial service celebrating Irish Mike's life will take place at Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Remus, Michigan, on November 14, 2026 at 11 a.m. with family receiving friends one hour prior to service. Patti Hicks to officiate.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that all memorial contributions be made to the Comfort House, for their care.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Remus, Michigan.

Michael may have crossed an ocean to make America his home, but he never left Ireland behind. His heart remained with his family, his horses, and the people he loved. Slán go fóill, Irish Mike. You will be missed more than words can say.