Michael L. Okoren

Michael L. Okoren of Boon passed away Saturday, April 28, 2018 at his home. He was 81. Mike was born April 2, 1937 in Boon to Victor J. and Bertha L. (Kruley) Okoren. He spent most of his life in Boon on the family farm. He attended the Boon Grade School and graduated from Mesick High School in 1955. He continued to college at Ferris State University where he received his Doctor of Motors on March 13, 1959. He was drafted into the United States Army in October 1960 and served his country in Germany during the Berlin Crisis, Bay of Pigs and the start of the Vietnam War. He was a devoted member of the Saint Edward and Saint Ann Catholic Churches. He served as a 4th degree in the Knights of Columbus where he called Bingo for over 20 years. He served as an usher at church and donated his time at the Carmelite Monastery making needed repairs. Mike was a man of service outside of church as well. He was a founding member and served as a volunteer fireman on the Boon Township Fire Department. He was a mechanic with giving heart; donating his services to individuals in need. He was employed by Ford Motors and Midland Parsons of Traverse City, Northwood Manufacturing and Heat Treatment of Cadillac, Novak Construction and the United States Postal Service of Cadillac, retiring after 25 years of service. He spent his retirement working at Quality Farm and Fleet and New Century Homes of Traverse City. On July 9, 1960 in Mapleton, Michigan he married the former Elizabeth A. Pawloski and she survives him along with their children: Sandra Okoren of Cadillac, Debbie (Matt) Black of Boon, Sara (Chuck) Hettich of Cadillac, Michael Okoren of Boon; grandchildren: Kayla (Zack) Williams of Boon, Chris Hettich of Cadillac, Ashley Black of Boon; four great-grandchildren: Hayden Mayhew, Jayda Hettich, Adilynn Williams, Ethan Williams; sisters: Frances Marilyn Okoren of Boon and Bertha Louise Fagerman of Cadillac; and Mike's uncle, Rich Kruley of Boon; and many special nieces, nephews, great-nieces , great-nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Victor J. Okoren, Jr. The memorial mass of Christian burial will be held 10:00 AM, Friday, May 4, 2018 at Saint Ann Catholic Church in Cadillac with Farther Michael Janowski as celebrant. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Boon Westside Cemetery in Wexford County. Memorial contributions may be made to Carmelite Monastery or Hospice of Michigan Cadillac Chapter. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com

Michael L. Okoren

April 2, 1937 - April 28, 2018