Jerry Lanigan's Dad

Michael James Lanigan, 93, died Thursday, June 7, 2012 at Bethany Home in Alexandria.

Michael was born June 17, 1918 in Leaf Valley Township, the son of Michael and Susan (Hart) Lanigan. He attended country school and farmed with his parents. Mike moved to Indiana for a couple of years to farm and he also worked for the Conservation Corps before enlisting into the United States Army during WWII.

Mike married the love of his life, Marie Doebber on November 19, 1941 in Spokane Washington. To this union eight children were born: Lyle, Jerry, Pat, Darrell, John, Marilyn, Kevin and Cindy. Mike and Marie purchased a farm southeast of Alexandria in 1951. Mike worked hard on his farm but always had time for his children. He loved to play games and throw a ball around with them. Mike retired from farming in 1980 and then moved to Alexandria.

Mike was known for helping his neighbors with farm work, attending auction sales and card playing. He loved to play 66, 13, and 500 card games. Mike held a special place in his heart for all of his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Mike made special toys for them and also benches for friends in his woodworking shop. Mike was also involved in his community as a board member of the school board and St. Mary’s Cemetery board. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Marie Lanigan of Alexandria; sons, Lyle (Carol) Lanigan of Alexandria, Jerry Lanigan and friend Luann Hammerschmidt of Alexandria, and Kevin (Barb) Lanigan of Alexandria; daughters, Patricia (Tom) Heidelberger of Minneapolis, Marilyn (Steve) Honebrink of St. Cloud, and Cindy (Duey) Jantzen of Alexandria; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sister, Lucille Peterson of Sauk Rapids; sisters-in-law, Bernie Lanigan of Loves Park, IL and Sister Patricia Doebber of Frankford, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Darrell Lanigan and John Lanigan; grandson, Jeremy Lanigan; and brothers, Eugene, Bill, Ben and Tom.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, June 11 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria with Father Mark Ostendorf officiating. Entombment was at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers were Michael Peterson, Sarah Sterns, Lyle Lanigan Jr., Christopher Heidelberger, Cody Jantzen, Jody Schumacher and Patrick Berg. Honorary casket bearers were Ann Heath, Sherry Brown, Katie Heidelberger, Jesse Lanigan, Justin Lanigan, Meghan Berg, Kelly Berg and Connor Jantzen.