Traverse City Record-Eagle

Archive: Wednesday

November 14, 2012

Michael E. Halligan

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TRAVERSE CITY — Michael Edward "Mike" Halligan, 70, of Traverse City passed away Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.

Mike was born on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 1942, to the late John and Frances (Warner) Halligan in Vienna Township, Clio. He married Gloria A. Schriner on Saturday, June 27, 1964, in Mt. Morris.

A husband, father and grandfather (papa), he was surrounded with love from his family and friends. He was known for his quiet ways with many moments of dry wit. His desire as a young man was to have a family; he and his wife of 48 years had four children, Joe, Jack, Jill and John (deceased); and six grandchildren, with another granddaughter expected in March. Being born at home, having polio and paralysis at the age of 10, and living often in poor conditions with six brothers and sisters, his life's journey was exciting, from being a supervisor in the oil and gas fields and traveling on the job, hunting for 35 years in Wyoming, a fishing trip with his sons to Alaska, and traveling the U.S. with his wife and eventually settling with a second home in Arizona even surprised him. But ultimately it did come down to his family and his faith, and his friends — settling in that they are the most important gifts in life. Having experienced several heart problems, his unexpected death from cancer is devastating to his family.

He leaves behind his wife Gloria; children, Joseph (Jennifer) of Rockford, Jack M. (Janette) of Traverse City and Jill (Scott) Gregor of Ada; grandchildren, Madisyn and Clayton Halligan, Hillary Witkop, Ivy and Ella Halligan, Carson and Baby Girl Gregor; his father-in-law, William Schriner of Mt. Morris; siblings, Margaret (Joe) French, Susan (Reynold) Weiss, Daniel (Cindy) Halligan and Brian (Diane) Halligan; brothers-in-law, Bob Wolfe and Bob VanTol; and nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his son, John, who died in infancy; a granddaughter, Taylor Halligan; his parents; and his sisters, Mary Ann Wolfe and Judith VanTol.

Visitation for friends and family will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with the Rosary being prayed at 5 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 19, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Inurnment will be in the Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Columbarium.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Father Fred Heat Assistance Program or to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Please share your memories, thoughts and photos on Mike's tribute wall/guestbook page found at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

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