Linnan, Michael J.

Michael J. Linnan, 88, of Cottage Grove Place, died at St. Luke's Hospital on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Monday at All Saints Catholic Church, by the Rev. David O'Connor. Entombment: Mount Calvary Cemetery, with military honors. A vigil service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, where friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. Friends may also call after 9:30 a.m. Monday at the church.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley; daughters, Margaret (David) Kegel and Jeralyn (Raymond) Marsalli, both of Hiawatha; grandchildren, Michael and Allyson Kegel and Annette Marsalli; two stepgrandchildren, Abigail (Ben) Walsh and Samuel Kegel; a stepgreat-grandchild, Ryan Kegel; brothers, Frank (Colleen) Linnan of Eagan, Minn., and Thomas (Donna) Linnan of Lutherville, Md.; sister-in-law, Zita Waschkat of Waterloo; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James; and a sister, Dorothy Danner.

Michael was born March 15, 1923, to Charles and Agnes (Walsh) Linnan in rural Pocahontas, Iowa. He attended a country school through eighth grade and graduated from Laurens High School in 1941. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 and was assigned to the 305th Bombardment Group, 422nd Squadron of the 8th Air Force as a right waist gunner on a B-17. After his honorable discharge he attended the University of Iowa, studying economics in the College of Commerce. Michael married Shirley Moran on Nov. 29, 1958, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Cedar Rapids. He was employed by Merchants Motor Freight and then at Cryovac Co. of W.R. Grace in the purchasing field for 37 years, retiring in 1989.

Michael has been an active member of All Saints Catholic Church since 1958. He volunteered for Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and Greene Square Meals. He was a member of American Legion Post 298.

His hobbies included Hawkeye football and basketball, playing golf, traveling, and his family, especially his grandchildren.

Michael was a loving and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. We will forever cherish his unselfish love and service to his family. The lessons he taught us will live in our hearts forever.

Memorials may be directed to All Saints Catholic Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

The family would like to thank the Rev. David O'Connor, the Rev. David Ambrosy, Linda Stavropoulos, the parishioners of All Saints Catholic Church, and Dr. Mary Anne Nelson for their special and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be sent to  under obituaries.

Published Nov. 11, 2011, in The Gazette