× Mike was a friend to everyone he met. He greeted you by name, or a chosen nickname, and was quick with a smile, a joke, and an easy laugh. He will be missed dearly.
Mike was born in Watsonville, Calif., on July 28, 1941. In 1963, Mike was set up on a blind date with Renée Hanset of nearby Santa Cruz, Calif. The two were a great match and dated while they each finished college. The couple was married on October 8, 1966. They welcomed their first child, Michelle (Mimi, ‘67), in Watsonville. Mike moved his family to Payette, Idaho, in 1969. Lettunich & Sons Ranch would rise to the pinnacle of purebred Angus and Brangus breeding programs in the country. Mike and Renee added to their family with Suzanne (Suzie, ‘69) and Michael Jr. (Mike, ‘72). While he enjoyed watching and playing tennis later in life, Mike’s first love was always baseball. Despite their ups and downs, he remained loyal to his Seattle Mariners, to the end. Everyone who met Mike was a fast friend. He touched people with his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. If he teased you, he loved you. And if he hugged you, you felt it in your bones.