Michael William Altenburg was born August 22, 1947 in Great Falls, Montana.
Michael’s love for fishing, hunting and the outdoors was nurtured by his family and friends during his early years in Montana and became a 
lifelong passion. He attended Great Falls High School, where he participated in varsity wrestling and football. The summer before his high school senior year, his family relocated to Bremerton, Washington. Michael quickly made new friends and joined the football and wrestling teams at East Bremerton High.
Michael attended Olympic Junior College for two years and then enlisted in the United States Navy. Following his military service, Michael attended Western Washington University where he received his Business Degree, and met his wife of 40 years, Bonnie (Gabelein).
Michael began his career in the banking industry before opening Northwest Discovery Gallery in Bellevue Square. Together, Michael and Bonnie managed one of the premier galleries in the area, specializing in fine woodwork, blown glass and jewelry. Later, Michael and Bonnie opened Elements Gallery in Bellevue Place which they operated until this past year when they sold the business. Michael also enjoyed his work as a real estate agent serving the Eastside where he made many friends.
One of Michael’s greatest joys was the birth of their son, Jeffrey on July 15, 1983. Michael loved teaching Jeffrey to fish, play guitar and passed on his appreciation for nature and the outdoors.
The Union Hill area of Redmond has been their home for the past 30 years. Michael loved the family pets who were also his faithful hunting companions. Bailey will miss pheasant hunting and playing ball in the backyard with his best buddy.
Michael and Bonnie were happiest spending time fishing, snowmobiling and camping in Montana and Washington. As a couple, they especially enjoyed their annual trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico each year to recover from the retail holiday season, rising daily at 5 AM to surf fish.
Michael was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) less than 1 year ago and faced this challenge with great strength and courage. He passed away peacefully in his sleep May 14, 2013, at his Redmond home. Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Beverlee. He is survived by his wife Bonnie, son Jeffrey, father Walter, brother Bob (Laurie) and a large circle of extended family and friends.
The family wishes to thank Evergreen Hospice, the in-home caregivers, friends and family who showed amazing compassion and support during Michael’s illness. Michael’s brother Bob spent almost every day helping Michael and they enjoyed sharing memories and stories. Michael said many times, “Bob is the best brother anyone could ever have.”
A celebration of Michael’s life will be Saturday, June 29th at 1:30 at Redmond Ridge Community Center, 10735 Cedar Park Crescent NE, Redmond WA . The family requests any memorials be sent to the ALS Association-Evergreen Chapter, 19115 68th Avenue South, Suite H105, Kent, Washington 98032. Their online web page address is www.alsa-ec.org.