Walter R. (Mike) Michael

Walter R. (Mike) Michael of Boca Grande, Florida and formerly of Bucyrus, Ohio passed away on February 19, 2011 at the age of 87.

He was born to the late Walter J. and Cecil (Roelle) Michael on December 3, 1923, in Bucyrus, Ohio. He was a graduate of the Bucyrus High School Class of 1941 and the University of Michigan, Sigma Chi Fraternity. Before retirement from the Ohio Locomotive Crane Company, as President Emeritus, he presided on the Boards of Bucyrus City Hospital, Bucyrus City Schools, and the Farmers Citizens Bank. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bucyrus, the Masons, Elks, Moose, American Legion, Sons of the American Revolution, and the Boca Grande Club.

Mike Michael is survived by his wife, Jane (Smith) Michael, of Boca Grande, FL; his former wife, Beverly (Boyd) Ruhl of Bucyrus, OH and two children, Jeffrey Boyd Michael of Bucyrus, OH and Jean Michael (Tim) Eagan of Spring Lake, MI; two grandsons, Patrick M. Eagan of Greenwich, CT and William J. Eagan of Ann Arbor, MI; and a brother Dr. Charles R. Michael and wife Cynthia of Woodbridge, CT. Surviving nephews and nieces include William Boyd Michael of Bucyrus, OH, Mary Michael Haver, Susan Secrest Deluca, and Mark and Eric Michael.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Walter and Cecil Michael, stepmother Mary (Reid) Michael, and brother and sister in law James S. and Ann B. Michael.

Mr. Michael served with Motor Torpedo Squadron 12 during WWII, patrolling off the New Guinea Beaches in the South Pacific. The much decorated Squadron 12 became so noted and received the Presidential Citation, and a letter of commendation by the Secretary of the Navy, James Forestal. "Mike" personally received the Bronze Star for "outstanding initiative and gallantry in the face of danger."

Mike was Captain of the Bucyrus Redmen's Championship Basketball team of 1940-1941 which led to the existence of the Michael Trophy which has since become a permanent feature of the Bucyrus Redmen Athletic Program for basketball and football MVP honors. He was a great outdoorsman, avid fisherman, Big Game hunter, and Kodiak Bear Record Holder. He built and stocked the private Michael Pond on West Southern Avenue in the 1950's.

Services will be private at a later date in Ohio. Lemon Bay Funeral Home in Englewood, Florida and Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus, Ohio are in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the organization of your choice through the funeral home.