Michael Karp, Chandler resident, died of congestive heart failure on December 29, 2014 surrounded by his loving family members. He was 86 years old and lucid, funny and courageous right up to the moment of death. Mike was born in Preston, Minnesota on January 31, 1928 to Russian and Lithuanian immigrants, Michael and Sarah Karp. He was the youngest of five brothers. Though the family suffered great hardships Mike graduated from Preston High School with honors in 1945 and then joined the Navy where he served for three years. In 1952 Mike settled in Janesville, Wisconsin where he became a partner in a small residential heating and air conditioning company called Central Heating. It flourished in the post-war economy under Mike's leadership and eventually became Cenco Corp, a commercial and industrial shop that worked on the Alaskan pipeline for the US Corp of Engineers and was at one time the third largest mechanical contractor in the country. In 1955 Mike was married in St. Mary's Church in Janesville. Together they raised a family of five children, whose diversity of interests and careers are a testament to the loving and open-minded home they created. In 1972 the family moved to Arizona where Mike became a business consultant and later owned and managed several small businesses, including the Mesquite Bar and Grill. A self-made man who created a rich life from humble and challenging beginnings, Mike was known for his generosity, astute intelligence, pragmatism and sense of humor. He was an important mentor to many people as he had a remarkable ability to bring out the best in other people and give them a sense of dignity and importance. He placed a high value on hard work and had a deep love for working people of all kinds. He loved children, music, pets, poetry, the Packers, books, golf, and nature. Most of all he loved and cherished his family. Survivors include: his wife of 59 years; his children and their spouses; his 9 grandchildren and his one great grandchild. His son John Karp died in 1989 in a tragic plane crash. Burial at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 1562 E. Baseline Rd., Mesa, AZ.