Michael J. Havig

Michael J. “Mike” Havig, 906 S. 15th St., Clear Lake, died Wednesday, July 6, 2016, at his home surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous 16 year battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 9, 2016, at the Clear Lake United Methodist Church, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Thompson officiating.  Burial was in the Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake, with military honors provided by the Clear Lake V.F.W.  Family suggests memorials to the Michael J. Havig Memorial Fund or Hospice of North Iowa.

Mike was born Aug. 24, 1943, in Mason City, Iowa, the son of A.F. “Sweed” and Barbara (Rutan) Havig.  He graduated from Mason City High School in 1961. Following graduation from high school he enlisted in the United States Army and was in the 69th Armory division serving in Germany.

After returning from serving his country, Mike came back to Mason City and started working for Curries Manufacturing in quality control for 38 years until he retired.

He married Penny Olsen on May 13, 1978, at the Little Brown Church, Nashua, Iowa, and they just celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary.

Mike enjoyed traveling with his wife, Penny, and spending the winters out west, and spending time with his grandchildren.  He had numerous hobbies, including  riding motorcycles across the country with his friends, making kinetic wind sculptures and one of a kind  lapidary jewelry, with which he freely blessed others.  He was a jack of all trades and built four houses by himself during his lifetime. Mike enjoyed spending time outside visiting with his neighbors. He especially loved sharing his knowledge with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Penny Havig, Clear Lake; two daughters, Trish Johnson, St. Augustine, Fla. and Shannon (Don) Edwards, Tucson, Az.; four grandchildren, Zachary Johnson, Waterloo, Iowa, Courtney Edwards, Alexis Edwards and Justus Edwards, all of Tucson; two brothers, Stephen Havig, Cape Coral, Fla. and James (Judy) Havig, Mason City, Iowa; mother-in-law, Bonnie Rodberg, Mason City; in-laws, Connie Ubben, Mason City, Robert (Melody) Olsen, Lansing, Iowa, Cathy (Gene) Vorland, Clear Lake, Sherrie Murphy, Mason City, Judy Rose, Mason City, Barb (Duff) Juhl, Mason City, and Rhonda (Charlie) Bohn, Ventura, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, William Havig.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.