Michael Cyriel “Mike” Aarssen of Wallaceburg passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the CKHA in Chatham on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the age of 80.
Mike was the son of the late Art and Bertha (Seys) Aarssen. Beloved husband of Linda (Lozon). Loving father of Leah McArthur (Doug), Colleen Lewis (Colin), Matthew Aarssen (Lisa Murphy), Michelle Theroux (Dan), Jackie Aarssen (Craig Schultz), and the late Jennifer and Michael Nemeth. Dear grandfather of Lucas (Kelsey), Colin (Brittany), Taylor, Avery (Jordan), Sydney, Malcolm, Shawn (Cobie), Ally, Alicia, Jacob, Drew, Carter, Meagan (Frank), Isabelle, Alexandre, and Claire. Great grandfather to Addison, Tatum, Caleb, and Beau. Brother of Jim Aarssen, Cindy Nottley (Paul), Carol Dauw (Dave), and brother-in-law to Mary Catherine Aarssen and Marg Aarssen. He is predeceased by siblings Ron Aarssen, Dick Aarssen, Marjorie Dupon (Bob), Mary Susan Bechard (Al), and Chris Aarssen. Brother-in-law of Elaine Kilbride, Kay Lozon, Jeanette Poissant and Jeff Lozon (Jennifer). Predeceased by in laws Bill and Bonnie Lozon, Bill Kilbride and Pat and Joe Turner.
Mike met the love of his life, Linda, in 1964, and the two shared their first date on New Year’s Eve — it was the beginning of a lifetime of unconditional love. They were married in 1966 and began their life together in Wallaceburg, renting an apartment next door to Dick and Marg Aarssen, where they welcomed their first daughter, Leah in 1966. Mike and Linda purchased their first home on Dufferin Avenue. With the help of Ron Lozon and Bill Kilbride, the house was lovingly renovated, and it was here that they grew their family adding a second daughter, Jennifer in 1967 and then another daughter Colleen in 1973.
Mike began his first career as a Tool & Die Maker, first with H.E. Vannatter and later with AarKel. It was in 1974 when he added his second career as a farmer. Drawn to rural life and following Mike’s desire to farm, the family moved to Sombra. Here their son, Matt, was born in 1975, followed by the birth of their daughters Michelle in 1979 and Jackie in 1981. In 1984, Mike and Linda moved to the Aarssen homestead farm, where they spent many meaningful years raising their family and building a lifetime of memories.
In 2012, Mike and Linda made their final move to his Uncle Mike Cogghe’s home along the Snye River. There, Mike found great joy in life’s simple pleasures — taking in the river views, spending time on the pontoon boat and fishing, tending to his chickens, bees and gardens, playing cards with friends, and enjoying visits with family.
A private family visitation will be held at the Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home, 409 Nelson Street, Wallaceburg. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on February 14th, 2026 from 1:00pm – 5:00pm at the C.B.D., 1342 Dufferin Ave, Wallaceburg. If desired, donations to ROCK Missions, Terry Fox Foundation or the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation may be left at the funeral home (519-627-3231). Cherished stories and tributes may be shared with the family at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca.
