Michael Douglass Linnell
Sept. 15, 1947 — Dec. 1, 2023
Mike was born in Santa Monica, California to Albert and Rosanne Linnell, the middle child of three boys: Warren, Mike and Brad, and spent most of his childhood being raised in Calistoga, California.
He played baseball, basketball and football through the years and had many great friends who had endless adventures and laughs to chat about right up to the end. He loved reminiscing about his childhood antics in small town Calistoga.
He graduated from Calistoga High School in 1965. Toward the end of high school he was taken in by Dr. Burton Hall and his wife Virginia and their children: Steve, Sue, Dick, Judy and Margie. He would consider these people his family from then on, and he appreciated their generosity of taking him in as one of their own.
As a young adult Mike married Joan Cardoza, also of Calistoga, and eventually settled in Kelseyville, California in the spring of 1979 with their two small children Jeremy and Lindsay.
He had two job offers at different newspaper companies, one in Lake County and one in Alaska. His sense of adventure wanted to take the family to Alaska, however Joan wasn’t on board, so Lake County it was!
He soon started his own business out of his garage in Kelseyville, Linnell Printing, and shortly after moved the business downtown where he ran it for over 37 years. He and Joan eventually parted ways but stayed in Kelseyville to raise their kids and live out their lives.
He was involved in many community events over the years while being part of the Big Valley Lions Club and Kelseyville Business Association.
Mike had a sense of adventure! He enjoyed taking his kids camping and doing anything outdoors. He eventually made it to Alaska on a cruise with his brother Warren and others. He loved racing his modified at Lakeport Speedway and coaching and attending any and all sporting events for his kids throughout the years. He loved to drive around and knew every back road in Lake County.
He is survived by his brothers, Warren (Kathe) Linnell of Idaho and Brad (Karen) Linnell of Oregon; his longtime partner, Barbara Green; his children, Jeremy (Mary) Linnell and Lindsay (Steve) Bushey, all of Kelseyville; his bonus children, Jake (Sara) Green of Middletown and Tyler Green of Sacramento; his grandchildren, Marissa, Rachael, Tyler, Olivia and Owen; and his bonus grandchildren, Dylan, Gavin, Abigail and Emma.
If you would like to come honor Mike and meet up with friends and family to reminisce and pay tribute, there will be a celebration of life on Jan. 21 at 2 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Kelseyville, 5005 Second St. All are welcome!
Arrangements by Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary, 707-263-0357 or 707-994-5611, or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.
