MICHAEL T. CONNOR, JR.'s Obituary
MICHAEL T. CONNOR JR., 87, of L’Anse, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at his residence. He was born in L’Anse on January 12, 1925 the son of the late Michael Thomas (Lavinia Helen Adams) Connor, II. Mike attended school in L’Anse and graduated in 1943. He enlisted in the Navy, and served with the Naval Air Corps in the Aleutians until the end of WWII. Mike returned to L’Anse and was employed by the L’Anse Motor Co. In 1948 he married the former Ruth Kangas in Wakefield, MI. As a member of the Naval Reserves, he was called back to active duty, during the Korean War. Mike was stationed in Japan. He returned to the U.S. with the Blue Angels air group and was stationed with them in San Francisco. Ruth and their infant son, Michael, were able to join him there. Upon the end of his duty, they returned to L’Anse where he continued his employment with the L’Anse Motor Co. He later was employed by the Celotex Corp. Vacations were spent traveling throughout the U.S., visiting all 50 states with ventures into Canada and Mexico. Upon retirement from Celotex, he and Ruth began to spend their winters in Florida. Mike was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, L’Anse and the L’Anse American Legion Post #144. He was one of the original Drum Corp Committee who organized the Golden Eagles Junior Drum and Bugle Corps. For many years he also served as the drum instructor for the corps. Mike enjoyed watching sporting events, traveling, gardening, and music. He was often seen with his wife at the summer lakefront concerts and any other community concerts.
Mr. Connor is survived by his wife, one son Dr. Michael (Michelle) Connor of Escanaba, and a daughter, Ruth Anne Connor of L’Anse. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant sisters, as well as his sisters Esther (Bernard) Draeger and Evelyn (Francis) Sullivan.
A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 14, 2013 from Sacred Heart Catholic Church, L’Anse with Father John Longbucco, celebrant. The family greeted friends at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse on Sunday, January 13, 2013 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Pastor Greg Mileski conducted a service at the funeral chapel Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. Spring interment will take place in the L’Anse Evergreen Cemetery.
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