2026 House Resolution 336

Whereas, The members of this legislative body were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael A. “Mike” Lahti. He will be remembered for his work ethic, his kind and gentlemanly manner, and his dedication to his constituents in the western Upper Peninsula and to the people of the state of Michigan; and

Whereas, Born on October 10, 1945, in Highland Park, Mike Lahti grew up in West Hancock and graduated from Hancock High School in 1963. He went on to earn degrees in English and political science from Northern Michigan University and married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Pardini, in 1966. In 1968, one year after graduating from college, Mike opened his State Farm Insurance Agency, which he would own for the next 55 years. He became a major developer in the City of Hancock, opening numerous businesses with his wife, building new homes for residents, and helping to rehabilitate and renovate several properties. Mike and Sharon raised six children together, who would go on to have numerous children of their own, all blessed with Mike’s love and attention to their interests. Mike became known for his daily walks from Hancock to Houghton, and many community members fondly remember their conversations with the local leader when they encountered him on the street; and

Whereas, Mike Lahti’s career in public service began in 1994, when he was both elected to the Hancock Board of Education, a position he would hold for six years, and appointed to the Finlandia University Board of Trustees, where he would serve for 13 years. In 2000, Mike was elected to the Houghton County Board of Commissioners, which he chaired for six years. Mike also served on the board of the Keweenaw Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Keweenaw Memorial Hospital, and he was President of the Keweenaw Trail Services; and

Whereas, Mike Lahti first sought election to the Michigan Legislature in 2006, seeking an open seat in the One Hundred-tenth District in the House of Representatives. Winning his seat with overwhelming support, Mike earned a reputation in Lansing as one of the hardest-working legislators, arriving at his office early in the morning and making the 10-hour drive home every week to be with his family and hear from his constituents. He was selected to serve on the House Committee on Appropriations, and during his two terms, he would chair the Subcommittee on Natural Resources and Environment and the Subcommittee on Joint Capital Outlay, serve as vice chair of the Subcommittee on General Government, and sit as a member of the subcommittees on Human Services and Corrections. Mike also served on the Public Employee Health Care Reform Committee during his second term. As a Representative, Mike was known for his focus on his constituents, voting in a manner that reflected their opinions and always paying careful attention to their concerns. He also helped secure funding for the Great Lakes Research Center at Michigan Technological University, once again investing in the future of the Upper Peninsula; and

Whereas, Rather than seeking a third term in the House, Mike Lahti was recruited to seek election to the Senate in 2010. Though he was unsuccessful in his bid for that office, Mike remained a prominent figure in the Hancock community following his legislative service, returning to run his State Farm Insurance Agency until his retirement in 2023; and

Whereas, Mike Lahti leaves behind a legacy as a businessman, a statesman, and a family man, a role model for generations to come. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, his six children, 14 grandchildren, and one great-grandson, as well as a great many family and friends who will remember him fondly. We offer our condolences to his loved ones as they mourn his passing. Humble, stoic, and devoted to his community, Mike Lahti will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Michael A. Lahti, a member of the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2010; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Lahti family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.