Michael Stanley Mace

Michael Stanley Mace passed away on Monday, February 17, 2014 at his home in Pocatello, from natural causes. Mike was born May 17, 1946 at St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Pocatello.
Mike was a proud and loving brother to little sisters Peggy Jo, Shannon, Kim, and little brother Kelly. He also a well loved nephew of his Aunt Peggy and Uncle Pat and Aunt Ruth. Mike spent his early years in Blackfoot with his grandparents, Fred and Alma Robinson. He graduated from Blackfoot High School where he was a superb athlete primarily in Baseball. After high school, Mike entered the U.S. Navy, serving as a corpsman and medic under assignment with the Marines in Viet Nam. Upon his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Idaho and continued his schooling, earning a bachelor's and master's degree, and doing significant work toward his doctorate degree before deciding to try new challenges.
Mike had great times playing fast pitch and had much fun and memorable times with his team members at the ball park. He loved his many friends and enjoyed being with them, having great stories about all of them; some more than a little unbelievable.
Mike began his career working in human resources for the State of Idaho Department of Employment, for Zurn-Nepco in Seattle, Washington, and finally returning to Idaho where he worked for a local school district before retiring. He took great joy in finding jobs for others, and in giving people a chance. Mike earned state and national awards for his significant efforts to find jobs for American Veterans. He was a fair and even handed employer who always tried to bring out the best in others. He was a proud member of the American Legion and the VFW where he had many lifelong friends.
Mike met and married Deon Stanford. Together they had a son, Sean Michael. Mike was also a wonderful step-father to Aaron. Some of his proudest moments were watching Sean and Aaron grow up with both playing hockey and soccer, and Sean playing basketball and football.
Mike loved spending time with his family and friends and rooting for Notre Dame and the Seahawks. He was a loving son, father, brother and friend, his huge personality and love of life will be deeply missed by all of us who love him dearly.
Mike is survived by his son, Sean Mace of Chubbuck, sisters, Peggy Jo Hammel (John), of Moscow, Idaho, Shannon Lindell (Hal), and brother, Kelly of The Dalles, Oregon. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews including Niki, Josh, Sean, John, Cody, Leslie, Lester and Aimee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorenzo "Tack" and Joan Kimball, his grandparents, Fred and Alma Robinson, his sister, Kim, and his son, Aaron Grinnell.
Funeral services will be Friday, February 21, 2014 at 11:00 a.m., at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road. Military Rites will be provided by the Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard at the funeral home. Interment will be at the Ashton Pineview Cemetery.