Michael Theodore Rzanca

Michael T. Rzanca, age 72, of Munising, died early Saturday evening, August 3, 2019 at UP Health System Marquette.  He was born on July 15, 1947 in Munising, Michigan to the late August “Red” and Helen (Woodaz) Rzanca.  Mike was raised in Munising and graduated from Sacred Heart School and then Wm. G. Mather High School in 1965.  Mike served in the U.S. Air Force from April 19, 1966 until February 11, 1970.  During that time, he served in Vietnam and at the Nellis AFB in Vegas.  After his discharge from the Air Force, he returned home and married Anne R. Kivela on October 17, 1970 and together raised their daughter.  Mike went to work in October of 1973 at Kimberly Clark and worked in the Machine Room, Finishing Room and in Service Ops as the Mill Receiver.  Mike retired from the mill on August 31, 2004.  He was a former member of the American Legion and Vietnam Veterans of America.  Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding in the woods.  He was an avid Detroit Lions football fan.

Mike is survived by his wife of over forty-eight years – Anne Rzanca of Munising; their daughter and son-in-law – Carol and Dan Palluconi; granddaughter – Kayla (Kyle) Chiamulera; brothers – Rick (Elaine) Rzanca of Taylor and Ken (JoJo) Rzanca of Munising; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents Red and Helen and his brother Jacob “Jake” Rzanca.

Services will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Saturday, August 10, 2019.  Visiting time with family and friends will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.  Mike’s memorial service will begin at 12:00 noon with military honors being conducted by the American Legion and Vietnam Veterans Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mike’s name are requested to be made to the U.P. Honor Flight, 7480 J Rd, Gladstone, MI 49837 (www.upperpeninsulahonorflight.org)