Thursday, November 03, 2005

The Hardy Boys

Jim's brother Mike died this week, and his funeral was today. Mike was a big man with a great family, but he died too soon. He was only 61. He had a lovely wife, three sons, and beautiful grandchildren. I know he'll be missed immensely.

We were so sorry that we were unable to attend his funeral, but our thoughts were with his family.

We had a big, big treat when Peter and Melissa dropped in this evening! We were thrilled to see them, and really enjoyed their visit. They are the most fun of anyone - well - near to the top!

Here is Mike's obituary from the Record-Eagle:

Michael Court "Mike" Hardy

Died October 30, 2005

TRAVERSE CITY - Michael Court "Mike" Hardy, 61, of Traverse City, died Sunday, Oct. 30, 2005, at Munson Medical Center. He was born on Nov. 29, 1943, in Alpena, the son of Court Ellis and Rhea Angela (LaCross) Hardy.

Mike grew up in Alpena, where he attended Alpena Catholic Central before graduating with honors from the University of Michigan's School of Social Work.

Mike worked 35 years in the field of social work with the State of Michigan, Community Family and Children's Services, and in private practice prior to his retirement.

Surviving Mike are his wife, Evelyn "Evie" Clare (Schrems), whom he wed on April 22, 1967; and their three sons, John, Tom (Betsy) and Joe (Sarah), all of Traverse City. He was also blessed with five, soon to be 6, surviving and beautiful grandchildren, Olivia, Julia, Thomas, Andrew, Paige, and joining us in January, Sophia. Also surviving are his siblings, Jim (Barb) Hardy of Traverse City, David Hardy of Alpena, Suzanne Hardy of Alpena, Mary Lou (Warner) Glass of Alpena and JoAnn (David) Misel of Alpena; and many nieces and nephews.

A life-long angler, Mike has "gone fishin" on the ultimate fishing trip. Greeting him at heaven's boat dock with a fresh bucket of worms and hot coffee are his parents, Court and Rhea; and brother, Patrick, ready for another mess of perch.

Visitation will be held today, Nov. 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with a Wake service and a time of sharing at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2005, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Father Gerald Micketti will serve as the celebrant. Mike will be laid to rest at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens in Traverse City.

In remembrance of Mike, memorials may be directed to Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools-Scholarship Fund or to the school's counseling department.

Kindly share your memories with the family at their on-line guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Published in the Record-Eagle on 11/2/2005.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------