Michael Joseph Maschmeier
July 29, 1951 – August 2, 2022

Mike was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and moved to Burlingame, California when he was a young boy. Mike was naturally athletic and grew up playing on many sports teams, with basketball being his favorite. Mike would find the best river fishing spots in his youth and fish all day, something that he fully enjoyed and that carried on throughout his life. He also cherished family-time with his parents and his three siblings: Bobby, Gina, and Carol.

Always enjoying adventure, in the early 1970s Mike embarked on a year-long travel and work journey throughout the United States. He visited many mid-west relatives and made many lasting memories. The best was meeting his future wife, Susan, at Mardi Gras.

Mike’s love of the outdoors brought him and Susan to Humboldt County where he studied wildlife at Humboldt State University. He went on to have a career as a California game warden for over 28 years. He had many stories of wild abalone busts, long night stake-outs, and the interesting people he met along the way. He spent many of his days off cheering on his sons at their basketball games and helping at his daughter’s dance productions. He also spent a lot of time hunting, hiking, and rock-picking abalone.

In addition to his career as a warden, he challenged his natural quick wit and pursued stand-up comedy. He advanced on the stage and with audiences quickly. Mike did comedy tours of the Pacific Northwest multiple times and always liked meeting and supporting the other comics.

After Mike retired as a comedian and game warden, he enjoyed the peacefulness of writing, being part of the rose society, volunteering for hospice and spending time on the Mattole River.

Mike even wrote a memoir, “An American Possibility,” that highlighted his many fun adventures and personal reflections.

Mike always treasured time with his friends and family and liked to connect at the holidays by baking and sending his Italian Catellate cookies every year.

Mike is survived by the joys of his life: Susan, his beloved wife of 48 years, children Carrie Badeaux and her husband Daniel, Joseph Maschmeier and his wife Jacqueline, and Michael Maschmeier and his wife Alexis, as well as grandchildren Echolette, Voxelle, and Benjamin. He leaves behind his brother, Robert Maschmeier, sister, Gina Maschmeier and her husband David Jackson, in-laws, John Kinsella, Joan and Richard Grue, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mike was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Helen, sister Carol, and granddaughter Emma.

Mike was fondly known to many as just Masch. His wit, laughter, optimism, intelligence, and loving spirit will be forever missed.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Mike Maschmeier’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.