Navy
1942-1945

Mike was born on July 6, 1916 in St. Benedict, Iowa. He was raised on a farm where he worked hard and learned how to improvise. These skills would come to serve him well later in life. After his mother’s passing, he left school in the 8th grade to help on the farm.

In 1936, he married Minnetta Molander and they moved to Marion, Iowa. In 1937, their first daughter, Marilyn was born and in 1938, Keith their only son. In early 1942, he began his career as a welder at Iowa Manufacturing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa..

On March 16, 1942 in Des Moines, Iowa he enlisted in the United States Navy as a Petty Officer, 2nd Class Construction Battalion, better known as the Navy Seabees. He served during World War II in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

The Naval Construction Battalion was created after the attack on Pearl Harbor - as it became impractical for the use of civilian labor in war zones. Under international law civilians were not permitted to resist enemy military attack. Resistance meant summary execution as guerrillas.

The Seabees built advanced bases for the Army, Marines, and Allies; airfields, runways, subgrades and other airfield infrastructure; roads across swamps, rivers and mangroves; mobile bridges to repair roads; temporary storage houses for ammunition and equipment; treatment facilities for wounded soldiers and camp areas after the construction work was complete. They were a key factor in securing victory for the U.S. military.
On October 28, 1945 - he was honorably discharged by the Navy as a Chief Shipfitter, 1st Class. Throughout his military career he earned several ribbons and medals including - Navy Good Conduct, American Campaign, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign with three bronze stars, World War II Victory and Navy Occupation Service with Asia clasp.

After returning home, he resumed his job at Iowa Manufacturing. In 1947, their second daughter, Karen was born and made their family complete.

During his career at Iowa Manufacturing - Mike became good friends with co-owner Howard Hall. Howard asked Mike to assist him with several projects on the Brucemore property including wiring electricity into their bomb shelter. This is where Mike’s daughter, Karen began her love for the tropics - after visiting the Tahitian Room. Howard and his wife Margaret (Douglas) were the last to live in the mansion.

In 1979, after 37 years, Mike retired as a designer in the planning department.

Mike and Minnetta were able to travel around the United States for many years after his retirement - occasionally taking a grandchild with them.

After more than a decade of health ailments - he passed away on March 7, 1995.

For a man with only an 8th grade education, he served his country and built an amazing life for himself, his family, his community and countless others.

He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #909, VFW Post #5349 and the Atkins American Legion Post #217.

Minnetta passed away on January 1, 2014.

Together they created a beautiful family!

Honored by: His Loving Family