Michael “Mike” J. Bray Sr.

Michael was born in Marquette on September 13, 1954 to the late Kenneth and Joanne (Orada) Bray. He attended Holy Name High School in Escanaba until its closure, graduated from Escanaba High School in 1972, after which he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving for four years aboard the USS Constellation. He married the late Jeanne M. (Boudreau) Bray, daughter of the late Hubert (“Swede”) and Helenjoy (“Honey”) Boudreau, at St. Anne’s Church in Escanaba on June 28, 1975. Following their marriage, Michael and Jeanne travelled extensively and enjoyed living in various locations along the West Coast while Michael was a member of the U.S. Navy. They eventually returned to, and made their home in, Escanaba.

Michael was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who led by example, always putting everyone else’s needs ahead of his own. He was a very proud military veteran, embracing the ideals he learned through his service to his country. Michael was a loyal friend to many and loved playing and listening to music, touring as a bass guitar player in his younger years with “The Works” band.

Michael is survived by his children Michael (Kelly) Bray II of Oxford, Mich., Peter (Stephanie) Bray of Marquette, Mich., Timothy (fiance, Amanda North) Bray of Cincinnati, Ohio, and Anne (Matt) Lindbert of Rapid River, Mich.; four grandchildren, Madeline and Allison Bray of Oxford, Gavin and Miles Lindbert of Rapid River; one step-granddaughter Kylie Pepin of Marquette; crother and sisters David (Patt) Bray of Green Bay, Wis., Patty (Craig) Woerpel of Escanaba, Mary Jo (Bud) Young of Bolivar, Pa., and Kathleen (Steve) Benn of Avon Park, Fla.; brothers and sisters-in-law Darlene (Bob) Closs of Show Low, Ariz., Gary (Mary) Boudreau of Escanaba, Julie (Francis) Anderson of Jackson, Mich., Peter (Irma) Boudreau of Escanaba, and Sue Boudreau of Escanaba; And numerous nieces and nephews.

Michael was preceded in death by his wife and parents.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday July 13, at St. Joseph & St. Patrick parish with Fr. Tim Ferguson officiating. Mike will be laid to rest next to his wife in the Holy Cross Cemetery. A luncheon will follow burial in the church parish hall.

The Allo Coolman Funeral Homes are assisting the Bray family.

Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to his family.