Michael L. Cluchey

Boise, Id., Michael E. Cluchey 6/19/47-7/30/25 age 78. Michael completed his Earthly Journey 5:30 P.M. in the presence of his wife, Verna V. Cluchey of 56 years. Their Sons, Ken R. Cluchey, Steven M. Cluchey, Daughter, Melissa A. Hicks, Grandson’s, Dylan J. Hicks and Cody H. Hicks. Michael’s wishes “I want to go home” were met. Thank you to my dearest Daughter Melissa for making that possible. His smile will stay with you…

He was born to Orba J. and Robert K. Cluchey in Albany, California. He was raised and schooled in California. Michael graduated from Bella Vista High School, Fair Oaks, California, June 10, 1965. He attended Sierra College California for 1 year. After he received a Basketball scholarship to M.V.C.C., Albion, Id., for 2 years. While attending M.V.C.C. his second year he met, and later married Verna V. McGowen from Caldwell, Id. they lived in Orangevale, Ca.

Mike then listed into the US Marine Corps and made it his lifetime career retiring after serving 21 years and Served 3 overseas tours in Okinawa, Japan in his earlier years which he always expressed how he loved the culture there. He trained and became a D.I. Instructor in the Paris Island SC.1976-78. He was in the “Hawk System” Marine air control, squadron ‘4’ top-secret assignments, & was an electronic technician - analyst.

During these years, we had our family, met and made many friends throughout our many stations, but coming home to Idaho, and California for vacations and reunions, were the high points in our lives. Staying close to family was important to us. When Michael retired after 21 years’ served, we moved to Boise, Idaho and worked hard to blend into civilian life not so easy at times. He continued to work after he retired never without work, always worked hard to provide for his family and others when he had the opportunity.

He loved helping kids and enjoyed being a Baseball coach always positive and encouraging. Starting with the Expos in Irvine, Ca. with youngest Son Steven’s teammates and finishing here in Boise’s little leagues and getting them to Boise Babe Ruth League Champions in 2000. He also taught Steven the love of the guitar & his passion for music. Then for the love of Basketball, he enjoyed teaching and playing with his Grandson’s Dylan & Cody. Never miss a game.

With Melissa and Ken taking them camping, hiking, travelling to many places, the beaches in California, Went to Angels baseball games in Anaheim Ca., the love for music, learning how to build models airplanes, Shooting rockets in the desert of Rainbow Basin Bartow, Ca. and anything with computers- electronics. So many fun good memories.

Michael, it is preceded in death by his parents Obra J., & Robert K. Cluchey, Ca. 2 brothers, Wendell L. Cluchey, Ak. Ron S. Cluchey, Ca. He is survived by his wife, Verna V. Cluchey Boise, Id. Son, Ken R. Cluchey (Christy) Austin, Tx. Grand-daughter, Liz A. (Chet Geddes) Great Granddaughter, Tilly Jo, Halfway, Or. Grandson, Matthew Z. Cluchey, Houston, Tx. Daughter, Melissa A. Hicks, Grandson Dylan J. and Cody H. Hicks, Meridian, Id. Son Steven M. Cluchey Boise, Id. & Brother, David Cluchey Anchorage, Ak.

So grateful to you, our son, Steven, for helping me with your dad over these 7 1/2 years. Patient, loving, caring, and a jokester to keep your dad uplifted when he most needed it. Your dad gave us a lot of laughter over these years. I learned so much from you son to mother. Love you dearly, our son, Steven. Our daughter, Melissa, and Grandsons were there for Papa Mike always. So many wonderful memories. You’ve shown your love repeatedly. Granddaughter, Liz and grandson, Matthew, thank you for all the photos you sent from Disney World, vacation, etc.... He enjoyed seeing you have fun and the happiness on your faces that truly brought joy to him. The family of Michael would love to convey our deepest gratitude for all the expressions of love and kindness that have shown over these years neighbors of ours. May God bless your goodness towards us.

In Loving Memory: Husband, Grandfather and Our Dad GySgt. - The Gunny- The Clutch - & of course Papa Mike…

Cousin - Twyla Stacy - “Mike has a heart of Gold and always wanted people to be happy”

Mike Cluchey - My Dad considered his brothers - “The ‘4’ musketeers” being the oldest he was like a father to them growing up, trying to guide them and always wanted good things for them- he loved his brothers. Enjoyed playing music with them back in Cali. The youngest brother Ronnie came to Idaho when he got diagnosed with cancer, my dad made sure to take care of him- it was hard to see the youngest brother pass before him.

Melissa Hicks - My Dad always said “Never Say Can’t - turn it into I Can... “and you can always learn. He always told me to stick up for the little person that is alienated, go over and invite them to sit with you to feel included. Which taught me to teach my boys this positive mindset, work hard and never give up. Always turn a negative into a positive in any situation in life. What I got out of this is life teaches you lessons to learn from them. So grateful to learn this! I remember his favorite saying “hey, hey, hey” & “Hey…Sissy ready for a road trip” And mornings of waking up to music and him playing guitar, singing Song Sung Blue, The Beach Boys & La Bamba on the guitar while I was dancing and singing with him.

Cremation is under direction of Bowman Funeral Home, Garden City, Id. / Veterans Administration, Boise, Id. Inurnment will be held at the Idaho State Veteran’s Cemetery September 8, 2025.