Michael (Mel) John Etienne Obituary (1951 - 2024)

Born Mar 13, 1951, Michael (Mel) John Etienne attended Charlevoix High School in Charlevoix, MI. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Michael (mel) John Etienne.

Graduation Year	Class of 1969
Date of Birth	Mar 13, 1951
Date of Passing	Nov 23, 2024
About	Michael (Mel) John Etienne, 73, loving husband, father and brother passed away Saturday, November 23rd, 2024. Born on March 13th, 1951 in Loraine, OH to his loving parents, Joseph and Katherine Etienne. Michael had 5 siblings, Joseph, Donnie, Kathleen, Robert and Jeanine. He was raised and grew up in Charleviox, MI, where he graduated from Charlevoix High School. Michael is survived by his wife, Norma Etienne. His son and daughter in law, Nicholas and Sylvia Etienne; his son Tyler Etienne and his beloved Grandson Andrew Etienne. Michael showed an interest in music, specifically drums in his earlier ages. He was the drummer in “The Lickety Split Blues Band” where he played a number of local shows throughout MI. After that, Michael traveled the country to California a couple times before finally settling in Naples, FL in 1976. He began his career in culinary cuisine, working for many high end country clubs and restaurants. Michael married Dianne Karpinski in 1978 where they had two children that he cared so deeply for. Michael was a talented chef, winning many awards in cooking competitions including the highly coveted American Culinary Federation (ACF) Chef Of The Year in 1989. From there, he started the Caxambas chapter for the ACF for SWFL. He stayed busy as an Executive Chef creating and preparing amazing meals for everyone around him before retiring after 30 years. Even after he retired, he selflessly went over to Argentina to help the locals learn how to make exquisite culinary cuisine. He then opened up his own business called “Helping Hand’s Handyman Services” for a number of years displaying his amazing talent…and where he wouldn’t mind strapping a “Helper” hat on his favorite dog, Bosco, and take him out for a leisurely drive. Michael was a big animal and dog lover. After leaving his home in Golden Gate City, he and his wife moved to Estero where they enjoyed their time together with their dog, Buddy. When Michael wasn’t busy helping his family and friends, he enjoyed boating, fishing, woodworking, faux painting, playing cards, spending time with family, all while sipping on his favorite cocktail, Rum and Diet Coke but don’t forget the lime and cocktail napkins. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to your local humane society.

Classmate Memories

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Kathy Drewa '73 said:

Our families were good friends and whenever he came over to the house you could find him where the comic books were. He loved reading them.

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