Michael David Tatjes

On September 20, 2023, Michael David Tatjes, passed away at age 63, after a valiant but short struggle with metastatic lung, bone and liver cancer. Mike was a patriot, proud of his military service in the United States Air Force working with nuclear bombs. He was particularly proud of his stepfather’s military career as a fighter pilot. Mike was a master mechanic and his love was working on personal watercraft as well as racing them. He was passionate about his service as a volunteer firefighter at Destin Station 10 and was elected twice to serve as Fire Commissioner in the Destin Fire District, Destin, Florida.

Mike is survived by his close friend and previous wife, Jackie Vitalich Tatjes; they had no children. Mike is also survived by his mother, Lynn Bowling; brother, Glenn Tatjes (Janeen); nieces, Alexis Tatjes Bravard, Jourdan Tatjes Alfarone, Kara Tatjes; and his best friend and Service Dog, Bella. Mike was preceded in death by his stepfather, Lt. Col. George K. Bowling, just two days earlier on September 18, 2023.

Mike was blessed to have been cared for by Emerald Coast Hospice as he faced his last hours. Mike's Celebration of Life will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the conference room at the Destin Army Recreational Area at 557 Calhoun Avenue in Destin, Florida on Thursday, November 9, 2023. Mike will be buried at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 2:30 p.m., following his stepfather's interment at 2:00 p.m.