- Date Of Birth: May 26, 1924
- Date Of Death: August 7, 2015
- State: Michigan
Michael, age 91, passed away on Friday, August 7, 2015, at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence in Kalamazoo, MI. He was born on May 26, 1924, in Flint, MI., the son of the late Michael and Alma (Ratz) Hanley. Michael was a veteran of the United States Army having served during World War II. Michael started his education at Flint St. Michael’s and continued on to General Motors Institute in Flint, MI, earning a degree in engineering. He was intensely loyal and served a total of 42 years working for General Motors at Fisher Body. In 1967, Michael was transferred to the Kalamazoo Fisher Body Plant as the new Plant Manager.
He retired from this position in 1985. Michael was a person committed to his family, friends, faith, and higher education. He helped his children and grandchildren with both loans and gifts to support their educational endeavors. Mike was a fun friend and relative. He enjoyed traveling with family and friends to Alaska, Russia, Ireland, the Panama Canal, and many parts of the United States. With friends from Kalamazoo, he wintered in Florida for more than 25 years and Cancun, Mexico for more than 20 years. He spent numerous summers on Gravel Lake in Lawton. Michael was a “Mr. Fix-It”, and for many years did most of his own plumbing, construction, repairs, painting, hair-cutting and yard maintenance. He fearlessly approached a job and worked hard until it was done, confident he could accomplish the task.
Though frugal with his finances, he was generous with his gifts. He hosted many holiday gatherings and enjoyed keeping up on family happenings on Facebook. There was always a dish of M&M’s on his table to share with all who entered his home. He was a serious card player and enjoyed much luck throughout his life, including finding two of the loveliest, most amazing women to share his life with. On May 4, 1946 he married the former Elizabeth (Betty) G Sears, who preceded him in death in 1981. He later married Mary Jo Johnson (Hipskind) on December 27, 1985, who preceded him in death in 2011. Michael was preceded in death by his siblings Helen Toups, Mary Ellen Topolinski, Beverly Mansour, Joyce Schnelker and one grandchild.
Surviving are his five children Michael (Lynda) Hanley III of Mansfield, OH; Patrick (Sue) Hanley of Rochester Hills; Dr. Timothy (Sally) Hanley of Traverse City; Kevin (Deborah) Hanley of Kalamazoo; and Maureen (Patrick) Floegel of Winter Park, FL; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 3 step-children.
