Michael J. Tijan

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Michael J. Tijan, 58, of Pence, Wis., died Sunday evening, Dec. 24, 2017, at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, surrounded by his loving family, following a lengthy illness.

Mike was born June 16, 1959, in Kenosha, Wis., son of the late Anthony and Connie (Sivula) Tijan, and grew up in Hurley, Wis., where he attended St. Mary's Grade School and graduated from J.E. Murphy High School in 1977. He worked at Hurley Aeronautics, in Texas and Wausau, Wis., for the Loram Co. in railroad track maintenance, and as a machinist at various machine shops. He then was employed at Bretting Mfg. in Ashland, Wis. for 18 years, retiring due to ill health in 2012.

Mike was a big Green Bay Packer fan. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved his dogs, Riley, Lucy and Boo. He possessed a great sense of humor and loved his family dearly. He will be deeply missed.

On Sept. 3, 1988, he was united in marriage to Lynn M. Raarup at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley by the late Rev. Vincent Lynch. Lynn survives.

Also surviving are a daughter, Grace (John) Swartz, Saxon, Wis, .; twin grandchildren, Parker and Elsie Swartz; a sister, Teresa (Randy) Vitovsky, Hurley; eight brothers, Tony (Shirley), Kimball, Andy (Mary), Phil (Jodi), and Chris, all of Hurley, Tim, Oklahoma, Fred, Kimball, Wis., Paul (Deb), Gile, Wis., and Joe (Danielle), Montreal, Wis .; father-and mother-in-law, Edward and Diana Raarup, Ashland; brothers-in-law, Ed (Scott) Raarup, Florida, and Michael (Beth) Raarup, Wyoming, Minn .; sister-in-law, Julie Raarup, Los Angeles, Calif .; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Out of respect for Mike's wishes, cremation has taken place.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, Dec. 29, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at St. Mary's Church in Hurley, with the Rev. Frank Kordek OFM, celebrant.

Luncheon will follow in the parish hall.

Rite of Committal and interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hurley, in the spring.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Condolences may be expressed online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.