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MICHAEL E. MURCH

Michael E. Murch, 81, of Alpena died Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at Turning Brook.

Mike was born Feb. 24, 1936, to Orville and Mamie (Boilore) Murch. He graduated from Alpena Catholic Central High School in 1953. After initially attending the University of Notre Dame, Mike served in the United States Coast Guard from 1955-58, and Coast Guard Reserve from 1958-64. He married Billi Ann Conklin on July 9, 1960, and together they raised three children. She preceded him in death on March 3, 2015. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University in 1963. He later earned his master’s degree from Central Michigan University.

Mike began his teaching career in Charlotte, where he also coached wrestling, before moving to Caseville in 1966, where he taught mathematics and coached football. He later became the principal and then superintendent in Caseville. In 1973, he took the position of superintendent of Mancelona Public Schools where he helped the struggling school district pass millages for additions to buildings and then later a new elementary building and vocation arts building for the district. He was superintendent until 1982, when Mike and Billi, and Mike’s father Orville, purchased the Best Western Motel, bringing Mike and Billi back to their hometown. In 1984, Mike returned to education when he became superintendent of Posen Consolidating Schools, retiring in 1999.

Mike is survived by his children, son Steve of Alpena; son Cary and his wife Libby and their children Nick, Hannah and Natalie of Mount Pleasant; and daughter Kathy Himes and her husband Darin and their son Ethan of Long Rapids.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother Thomas.

Visitation will take place at the Bannan Funeral Home on Monday from 2 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 7 p.m. with The Very Reverend William J. McClure, Jr. officiating.

Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery

Memorials: Alpena Lions Club Memorial Foundation.