Michael John Lanasa, Jr., age 60, of 7609 South Lake Bluff 0.5 Drive Gladstone (Escanaba Twp.) passed away at home on Saturday, January 19th, 2008 following a lengthy illness.

Michael was born June 29th, 1947 in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of Michael John Lanasa, Sr. and the former Ruth Ward and was raised in Baltimore. Mike attained the status of Eagle Scout in Essex, Maryland during his formative years. After graduating Kenwood High School in 1965, he received his BA Degree in Forestry in1969 from the University of West Virginia. In 1971, Mike received his Masters Degree in Forestry and land management from the same university. In addition, while in college he was a member of ROTC. On August 23rd, 1969, Mike married the former Linda D. Devett in Baltimore and together raised two children. From October of 1971 through October of 1973, Mike served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged as 1st Lieutenant.

Michael began his career with the United States Forest Service in West Virginia in 1973  and he later took a transfer with the U.S. Forest Service in 1974 to Delta County where he was employed and has resided since.

Mike Lanasa was an active member of the Memorial United Methodist Church of Delta County, the committee for the “Gladstone Run-Walk for Hunger”, and the Society of American Foresters. During his years with the Forest Service, he proudly volunteered as a fire-fighter where needed in numerous locations in the United States.

Being an outdoorsman, Mike enjoyed camping, hiking, canoeing, and cross-country skiing. Photography was another favorite past-time, however, his family including his grandchildren were his greatest source of joy.

In addition to his wife of 39 years, Linda, Michael Lanasa’s survivors include:

a son, Matt (Shanon) Lanasa of Eden Prairie, MN

a daughter, Holly (Cory) Way of Manistique, MI

his mother, Ruth Lanasa, of Baltimore, MD

2 Sisters-Linda (Rev. Earl) Mason of Lutherville, MD; Nancy (Tom) Hensler of Fork, MD

Mother-in-law, Loretta Devett, of Nottingham, MD

Sister-in-law, Bonnie (Dennis) Cullop, of Nottingham, MD

5 grandchildren; Jordan and Josh Lanasa, of the Soo Hill area; Alyssa Loredo of Eden Prairie, MN; Jude and Linnea Way of Manistique.

Mike also leaves to survive nieces; Cheryl (Bill) Wilk, Alicia Mason, and Leah Hensler, and by a special friend, Dewey (Avis) Fairchild, of Gladstone.

In addition to his father, Michael was preceded in death by a brother, Rev. Tommie (Earlene) Lanasa and by a nephew, Jonathan Lanasa.

The family of Michael J. Lanasa, Jr. will receive friends on Tuesday at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Gladstone from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Services celebrating Mike’s life will follow on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. at the Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Jackie Roe officiating. Luncheon will follow services in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorials be directed to the “Gift of Life Transplant House” in Rochester, Minnesota or the Memorial United Methodist Church. Envelopes will be available at the Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County who are assisting the Lanasa family or at the church during the visitation.