Michael "Mike" J. Bray Sr., 66, Escanaba, left us to join his heavenly Father in paradise. on Friday July 9, 2021.
Michael was born in Marquette on September 13, 1954 to the late Kenneth and Joanne (Ourada) 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 4 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, MI, Peter (Stephanie) Bray of Marquette, MI, Timothy (Fiancé, Amanda North) Bray of Cincinnati, OH, and Anne (Matt) Lindbert of Rapid River, MI; Four grandchildren, Madeline and Allison Bray of Oxford, Gavin and Miles Lindbert of Rapid River; One step-granddaughter Kylie Pepin of Marquette; Brother and sisters David (Patt) Bray of Green Bay, WI, Patty (Craig) Woerpel of Escanaba, Mary Jo (Bud) Young of Bolivar, PA, and Kathleen (Steve) Benn of Avon Park, FL. Brothers and sisters-in-law Darlene (Bob) Closs of Show Low, AZ, Gary (Mary) Boudreau of Escanaba, Julie (Francis) Anderson of Jackson, MI, 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 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday July 13, 2021 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.
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"My sincere sympathies to the Bray family. Mike and Jeanne were both classmates of mine and both made my high school days better with their kindnesses. Together again in the universe, soar high my friends!"
-Debra Osier -
"I would like to thank Mike for his service to our country the greatest country this world has ever known. I was fortunate to grow up with a best friend in his son Pete. My brother and Tim were close as was my sister and Annie. The Bray family was always close to my heart. Pete was blessed to have such a great mother and father. They both left this world way too soon. Mike left a mark on his children with his love for music. I think that love for music also influenced me and my brother. I was convinced in his basement one night that he could play any song he ever heard on the guitar or bass. God bless Mike hope he and Jeanie will be together again in the afterlife."
-Michael Morrison -
"Deepest sympathy for your loss. Though we lost touch some time ago when we moved away Mike was a very dear friend. "
-Pat and Kathy Feldhusen -
"Bray family, I am so incredibly sorry to hear about Mike. He was such a character and had a vast knowledge of so many things and always put a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.. Seems like just last month that he and Tim came to the back door of the store (SVDP) and told me about Jeanie.. They are together again to enjoy eternity together and to watch over their loved ones. "
-Cindy Temple -
"Prayers for Mike's Family and friends. He was a special man and will be deeply missed by all who loved Him."
-Dave & Bonnie Closs -
"Your family doesn’t know me but I had a greatest counciling session with your father I still keep him in my prayers a part of my life I will never forget & my husband Sheldon just passed last Aug 23rd the three of us ending in a most joyest ending I feel free to say this after our sessions & my husbands treatment he passed with 49 yrs of sobriety thanks to your dads help & God also your father Very great Catholic man didn’t meet your mom but sure she was one great wife & mother I will never forget Kenny Bray I’m sure u were just as great a man as he was the Brays always in my prayers BevAhola "
-MrsSheldon(Beverly)Ahola -
"Deepest sympathies to the Bray family. You are all in our prayers. Robert and Natalie Bray"
-Robert Bray
