IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
Mike Hurtig
Farewell services for Ralph Michael “Mike” Hurtig, 69, of Parkville, Missouri, who died Monday after a long illness, will be 1 p.m. Friday at Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Interment for Mike, formerly of Marion, will be at Mount Auburn Cemetery in St. Joseph.
He was born June 11, 1951, in Concordia, Kansas, to Patricia A. (Butcher) Hurtig Duncan and Ronald L. Hurtig.
Mike attended Wathena Grade School and Troy Grade School and was a 1970 graduate of Troy High School in Troy, Kansas.
He was a proud veteran and served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1980. He was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, before being stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was a staff sergeant, earned many commendation medals, and was highly respected in his field of expertise. He worked as a tactical field wireman, wire team chief, chief of howitzer, and assistance platoon sergeant, and was the recommended for noncommissioned officer academy.
Mike enjoyed many outdoor hobbies such as camping, fishing, hunting, and traveling with his family and friends. He often was known for giving the shirt off his back or his last dollar to help strangers or those who were in need.
He was preceded in death by his birth father, Ronald L. Hurtig; stepfather Earl G. Duncan, sister Susan (Hurtig) Burkhart, and stepbrother Tim Hassenplug.
Survivors include mother Patricia A. Duncan of Parkville, Missouri; siblings Kathy Silvey (and husband Carl) of Decatur, Texas; Debbie Watson (and husband Craig) of Parkville; and Randy Duncan of Salina. He also is survived by several nieces and nephews, Patricia Christine (Burkhart) Griffin (and husband Bill), Michael “Cody” Silvey, Tanya and Phillip Silvey, Rayna (Rush) Barker (and husband Kevin), Randi (Rush) Roodman (and husband Alex), Renee Rush, Grant Bess, Saxton Watson, Navy seaman Zachary Watson, naval officer Alex Watson; and step-family Pam Hurtig, Pat Kaspar-Lazzers, Julie Aycock, Jody Wheeler, Alan Hassenplug, Matthew Loveless, Michelle Roble, and Brandi Williams.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to St. Joseph County Commission on Aging. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com