Michael Edward Stonecypher

Lifelong Butte Valley resident, Michael Edward Stonecypher, passed away unexpectedly on November 14, 2025 at his Macdoel home. He was 72 years old.

Michael was born on April 16, 1953 to Chester “Chet” and Patricia (Knoll) Stonecypher in Klamath Falls, Oregon. As a child, his family owned The Mallard waterfowl processing facility in Tulelake. Michael spent many years plucking and cleaning ducks and geese as well as farming. Michael was the quintessential Siskiyou County outdoorsman. He spent 35+ years as a timber faller in the logging industry. He also spent years as a wildland firefighter, protecting the woods he loved so much. In 1986, Michael won the privilege to cut down the Christmas tree for the United States Capital, it was the first tree for the capital harvested west of the Mississippi. Michael spent his down time in the woods hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and shooting. He also enjoyed many years watching God paint the most beautiful sunsets. 

Michael was a wonderful story teller and jokester, always entertaining his friends and family. His children will remember Michael as a teacher, providing lessons on the outdoors, navigation, falling trees, hunting, fishing, and how to be hard workers. In each of his stories there was a lesson to be learned.

Michael is survived by his wife, Ruth (Martin) Stonecypher; his children: Naomi, Kacy and his wife Jennifer, Paul, and Toni; 11 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; and by his siblings, George, Mary, and Carol.

A memorial service will be held at Orr Lake California on May 16, 2026 at Noon. Please join us in remembering Michael. We look forward to hearing all of your stories. Also if you have any photos we would love to see them. We will be doing a pot luck lunch please bring your favorite dish. Thank you, we look forward to seeing all of you. 

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