Michael Maurice Bird of Nekoosa, WI passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2020, at the age of 70. After several months of declining health, Michael died peacefully with his beloved wife Linda by his side.  Michael was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on February 9, 1950, to father Maurice Bird and mother Christine VerBerg. The youngest of three children, Michael liked to live on the wild side riding motorcycle, frequently travelling and working maintenance jobs most his life. Michael enjoyed fishing, metal detecting and spending time with friends and family. In 1977 he met his wife Linda while in the hospital where she took care of him as his nursing assistant. They were married in Burnett, Wisconsin January 7, 1978. They built a beautiful family including two daughters and a son. Michael was overjoyed to become a grandfather in 2013 with the birth of his first granddaughter Eliana Jo and a year later a grandson Emmett Justin. Just recently, Michael was able to meet his newest granddaughter Kendall Anne. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, by his brother Russell Bird and his sister Loretta Ganjai. He is survived by his wife Linda Bird; sister Marilyn Breeland; children Jennifer (Justin) Shermo; Anne (Justin) Fink; Jason (Alicia) Bird and three grandchildren.   A visitation for Michael is planned for Thursday, September 24th, from 9 am – 11 am. The visitation will be at John J. Buettgen Funeral Home on 631 E Grand Ave, Wisconsin Rapids, WI. All are invited to attend. The funeral service will follow immediately at 11am officiated by Pastor Beth Rohn-Habhegger. "May love be what you remember most" – Darcie Sims