Michael Josef Maschmeier
July 29, 1951 – August 2, 2022
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mike moved to Burlingame, California as a young boy. Athletic by nature, Mike grew up on many sports teams, with basketball being his favorite. Mike found the best river fishing spots when he was young and would fish all day, something he thoroughly enjoyed and continued throughout his life. He also valued family time with his parents and his three siblings: Bobby, Gina, and Carol.
Always looking for adventure, Mike embarked on a year-long travel and work trip across the United States in the early 1970’s. He visited many relatives in the Midwest and made many lasting memories. The best part was meeting his future wife Susan on Shrove Tuesday.
Mike’s love of the outdoors brought him and Susan to Humboldt County, where he studied wildlife at Humboldt State University. He then served as a California game warden for over 28 years. He had many stories about wild abalone busts, long night stakeouts, and the interesting people he met along the way. He spent many of his days off cheering on his sons at their basketball games and helping out with his daughter’s dance productions. He also spent a lot of time hunting, hiking, and picking abalone.
In addition to his career as a supervisor, he challenged his natural quick wits and pursued stand-up comedy. He made rapid progress on stage and with the audience. Mike has done comedy tours throughout the Pacific Northwest on a number of occasions and has always enjoyed meeting and supporting the other comics.
After Mike retired as a comedian and gamekeeper, he enjoyed the quiet of writing, was part of the Rose Society, volunteered at the hospice, and spent time on the Mattole River.
Mike even wrote a memoir called “An American Possibility” that highlighted his many fun adventures and personal reflections.
Mike always valued spending time with his friends and family and enjoyed bonding over the holidays by baking and mailing his Catellate Italian biscuits each year.
Mike leaves behind the joys of his life: Susan, his beloved wife of 48, children Carrie Badeaux and her husband Daniel, Joseph Maschmeier and his wife Jacqueline, and Michael Maschmeier and his wife Alexis, and grandchildren Echolette, Voxelle, and Benjamin. He is survived by his brother Robert Maschmeier, his sister Gina Maschmeier and her husband David Jackson, in-laws John Kinsella, Joan and Richard Grue and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Before Mike died, his parents Robert and Helen, his sister Carol and his granddaughter Emma.
Mike was known to many only as Masch. His wit, laughter, optimism, intelligence and loving spirit will be missed forever.
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The above obituary was submitted on behalf of Mike Maschmeier Lover. That Lost coastal outpost conducts free obituaries for Humboldt County residents. See guidelines here. Email to [email protected]
