Mitchell Vranich

Mitchell Vranich, 99, of Kalkaska, died Wed. Feb. 17, 2010 at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center-Long Term Care. He was born August 15, 1910 in Koch, Serbia, the son of Gavra and Zivka (Marich) Vranich. Mitch proudly served in the United States Navy during WWII. He was a lifelong welder in the Detroit area and was still teaching welding at Wayne County Community College when he was in his 80's. In between his welding jobs, Mitch worked as a barber. Mitch loved railroads, trains, fishing and reading. He frequently drew pictures of steam locomotives and railway stations from his earlier memories. He loved being "up north" watching the starry northern night skies. On June 4, 1938, in Ecorse, Michigan, he married Wanda Lanczynski who preceded him in death. Together they enjoyed 70 years of marriage and many years of dancing; ballroom, polka and Serbian folk. He was also preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. Mitch is survived by his children Sylvia Walworth of Eastport, Vivian Wanless of Grosse Ile, and Mick Vranich of Detroit. He is also survived by five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 10 a.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes with Fr. Lakovos Olechnowicz officiating. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Torch Lake Twp. Memorials may be directed to the Kalkaska Memorial Health Center-Eden Center Long Term Care or Traverse City Archangel Gabriel Greek Orthodox Church. Please sign our online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.