On Thursday, June 7, Mike Woohams, 2007 Kalkaska County Father of the Year was showered with gifts from local businesses at his home. Joining in the celebration was MikeÕs father, Martin. Photo by Sharyn Susinko

Of the four letters, the one written by his wife, Barb, contained the most detail. We run it, in its entirety, here:

Mike is not only Father of the Year to our family, but he is also Husband of the Year to me. When Mike and met over 16 years ago I had two children (Stephanie and Loren) from previous relationships and was into some things that I am not proud today. Mike encouraged me to better myself and assisted me in raising our three children.

Loren was 18 months old when Mike and I were married. He has raised Loren as if he was his biological father. He has loved, supported, guided and directed Loren into becoming wonderful young man.

Loren was given responsibilities on our farm and learned a lot from Mike about farming, responsibility, quality of work, and doing a job well. Loren graduated this year and will be going off to college in the fall. If Mike had not been such a strong influence in his life I'm sure he would have taken a different path. Mike is not a "do as I say and not as I do" kind of man. He lives by example.

Stephanie lived with her father until she was about 13 and then came to live with Mike and I on our farm. She was full of energy and very outgoing. Mike loved Stephanie. He always wanted a daughter, and if you ask him he will tell you that she was "his daughter."

They shared so much, even their birthdays. Steph had the typical ups and downs of a teenage girl...boys, breakups, girlfriends, cheerleading, school activities, more boys, break ups...and on and on.

Stephanie then became not so typical, she was diagnosed with cancer. There were many trips to Ann Arbor where she was treated over the next two years. Mike was right there by our sides. He would assist the home help nurses when they would come into our home. When she was in the hospital he would put lotion on her feet, help her order her food, and even at times feed her. She wanted "her Dad" there with her and he was. We lost Stephanie November 18, 2006, just six days before her 21st birthday. Mike was strong through this supporting all of us.

Eric came into our lives 10 months after we were married; a healthy little boy. Eric is much like his father, funny, high standards and goals that I am sure he will reach. Mike, as with Loren, has loved, supported, guided and directed Eric into becoming a wonderful young man. Eric follows closely in his father's footsteps. Mike has taught Eric the importance of saving and finances. Eric has held a job at a local restaurant washing dishes since last summer, and has raised beef cattle to help supplement his college when he graduates.

Mike has also been a father figure to many young people who have come into our lives. Currently Mike is mentoring the following young people.

1. Brad is a young man who has lived down the road from us for years. He needed guidance from a man who he could look up to. Once when Brad was about 18 he kept our daughter out late, so consequences were that he had to come down the next day and rake the entire yard; which he did and if you have seen our place that yard was not small. Brad has become a wonderful young man. He continues to look up to Mike daily for support and guidance.

2. Jose was Stephanie's boyfriend for the last 21/2 years of her life. Jose had been in and out of trouble. Mike showed Jose the importance of honesty and following the rules and that there are consequences for your behavior. Jose continues to come to our home and be a part of our family. He goes to church with us every Sunday when he is in town. Jose has seen and learned about the Lord from Mike and the importance of Christ in our lives.

3. Matt and Kim are the most recent additions into our family. They are certainly coming around. They were from the rodeo crowd of drinking, partying and foul language. The foul language has improved substantially and they even correct themselves, and the drinking and partying just doesn't happen anymore. They are busy around the farm and too tired to party, and anyway everyone knows there is church Sunday morning.

4. Ana came into our lives about 11/2 years ago. When you talk to Ana she will tell you that her family lives on Krumlauf Road. Mike gives her fatherly advice that a young woman needs. They laugh and joke daily. He encourages her to go to college and to reach her goals in life.

These are just a few of the lives Mike has touched and changed for the better. We have had many other young people come through our home over the years that needed a home and a family.