by Park Township Family Survives Devastating Storm That Destroyed Their Home
PARK TWP. — Like many others on the night of Thursday, May 15, Mieke Mutschler of Park Township’s Waukazoo Woods was closely watching the news as rare tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings lit up West Michigan.
As the storm approached, Mieke and her husband, Aaron, faced a difficult choice—wake their sleeping children and rush to the basement, or let them rest and avoid causing fear. But when they heard a clear warning urging people to seek shelter, the decision became obvious. They gathered their three kids and two dogs and made their way to the basement.
Just minutes later, disaster struck. A massive wave of trees came crashing down on their home, destroying the children’s bedrooms and most of the house.
Aaron had run upstairs to grab a sound machine when it happened.
“He watched a huge, massive tree come through the front room,” Mieke told The Sentinel. “From the sound of it, I thought the house was completely crushed. I thought he was gone. I was holding the kids, and the impact woke them up—it sounded like a bomb.”
Miraculously, Aaron was unharmed. As Mieke called his name, he bolted back to the basement, driven by adrenaline.
“Everyone was shaking,” Mieke recalled. “It was just insane.”
The destruction was overwhelming. Rain poured through the roof as the family huddled together in the basement. Then, they smelled gas. With exits blocked by fallen trees, Mieke and Aaron managed to force open a door and escape to safety.
Now, the home is unlivable. The family is staying with in-laws until they can find a rental and begin the long process of rebuilding.
Mieke says the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and they’re waiting for insurance adjusters to visit.
“Our home is worth about $550,000 and likely needs a full rebuild,” she said. “We were quoted $120,000 just for tree removal.”
Despite the devastation, Mieke is focusing on what matters most.
“I just held my kids and cried,” she said. “We were so close to losing everything. But my kids, my husband, and our dogs are safe. That’s all that really matters.”
The emotional aftermath, however, may take longer to heal.
“I’m most worried about the trauma this caused our kids—and us,” Mieke said. “Even our therapist friends are recommending counseling. The kids will definitely be seeing someone to help them through it.”
The National Weather Service has not yet confirmed whether the destruction in Waukazoo Woods was caused by a tornado or powerful straight-line winds.
Even in the darkest moments, the family has seen the light in others. The support from neighbors and the community has been overwhelming.
“People have been so kind, so generous,” Mieke said. “They just want to love and help us—and our neighbors. It’s been amazing to witness.”
The Mutschler family has set up a fundraiser to help with recovery: gofund.me/14673ac2.
