Michael Hurchick Jr. passed away on April 29th, 2019 at the age of 98.
Mike was born in Scranton, PA on March 20th, 1921. His parents were the late Michael Hurchick and Mary (Hutsko) Hurchick. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Susan Boyko and Mary "Mamie" Honick, also two brothers, George and Andrew.
Mike is survived by one brother Joe (Jean) Hurchick of Scranton. He is also survived by four children, Michael Hurchick III of Charlevoix, Michigan, Donald (Eva) Hurchick of Talheim, Germany, Mary "Amy" (Frank) Nachazel of Traverse City, Michigan, and John Hurchick of Kingsley, Michigan. Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mike spent part of his childhood working with his father in coal mines around Scranton. He also worked with the Pennsylvania CCC building roads and fire towers. Mike enlisted in the US Army in 1939 retiring in 1965 after a 26 year career. Mike fought in WW2 in North Africa, Sicily, Normandy, and the Battle of the Bulge. He was a tank commander and later a tank squad leader during that war. During the Korean War Mike was an instructor at Fort Knox. Mike was assigned to the US Army Reserve Center in Traverse City in 1958. He was the Army liaison officer until late 1963. In 1963 he was sent to Saigon, South Vietnam where he trained Vietnamese soldiers. He returned to the States in late 1964. Mike finished up his Army career in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
Mike was a Life Member of the VFW as well as a member of the American Legion. Mike became a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels in 1956.
The family would like to thank all of the staff at Traverse Manor for helping Mike and treating him with respect. He loved all of you. Traverse Manor had been Mike's home for the last 6 years. Also the staff at Chronic Care Management for their help. We would also like to thank Hospice of Michigan for their passionate care of our father these last few days.
Cremation has taken place. Mike will be interred near his parents in Scranton, PA at a later date where he will receive full military honors.
Per Mikes wishes there will not be a local memorial service and he asked that no one send flowers or plants.
The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral home and Cremation Services.