Michael Clifford Kitchen, age 60, of Lake Station, passed away unexpectedly December 11, 2025. He was born on March 22, 1965, in North Carolina to Clifford and Marcella Kitchen.  Mike was a 1983 graduate of River Forest High School where he was the captain of the wrestling team. In 1985, he graduated from ITT in Fort Wayne with a mechanical degree. Mike was currently employed as a Millwright for Cleveland Cliffs. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hiking and camping. He also enjoyed playing in pool leagues. Above all, he loved his family. Mike will always be remembered as a loving father, son, brother and friend.

He is survived by his sons, Mason (girlfriend, Brooke Sanders) Kitchen, Myles Kitchen; mother, Marcella Kitchen; brothers, Sam (Jennifer) Kitchen, and John (Jennifer) Kitchen.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Kitchen; and brother, Jeff Kitchen.

Visitation for Mike will be held Monday December 22, 2025, from 10:30 am until 1:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, Central Ave., Portage. A funeral service will take place at 1:00 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Mitch Tabla officiating. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.