Vernon Michalke

Vernon P. Michalke, 85, of Clinton Township, died Thursday, September 6, 2007.

Mr. Michalke was born in 1922 on Mackinac Island. He moved to Detroit and was graduated from Annunciation High School.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II.

Mr. Michalke attended University of Detroit.

He enjoyed many hobbies, including golf, photography, literature, his cottage in Lexington, and mastering the challenge of flying airplanes. He served as an usher for many years at St. Thecla Catholic Church in Clinton Township. He also served with the Civil Air Patrol at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. His devotion to family and church meant a great deal to him, relatives said, and his most endearing qualities included his intelligence and droll sense of humor.

Mr. Michalke is survived by his wife, Doris (nee Wiseman) of 60 years; his children and their families, Eric Michalke, Anne and Greg Cazara, Carol and David Neirynck, John and Toni Michalke, Janice and Kurt Scherer, and Mary and John Maranzano; 16 grandchildren and their families; three great-grandchildren, and a nephew and his family, Paul and Jo-Ann Michalke.

He was predeceased by his brother, Francis Michalke.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, September 17, at St. Thecla Catholic Church in Clinton Township.

Interment will be in Clinton Grove Cemetery.