September 16th, 1941 ~ January 25th, 2023
Michael John Black of McCloud passed away peacefully at home on January 25, 2023.
A service will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in McCloud on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
A graveside service will be held on April 25, 2023 at theMcCloud Cemetery.
Mike was born on September 16, 1941 in Lincoln, Minnesota. He was the only child of his parents, Anne and Harry Black. He spent his youth in Staples, Minnesota, later moving to California with his mom where he attended Bishop Armstrong Catholic High School in Sacramento. Following high school Mike began a lifelong career with the Southern Pacific Railroad, becoming a conductor. He took a break from railroading to do a tour in the United States Army, serving in Germany. This is where he would receive training and develop a passion for ham radio operations. When his tour of duty was completed he returned to Sacramento where his sons Nick and Mike Jr. and daughter Deanna were born.
Mike decided to move from Sacramento and he relocated to Red Bluff, continuing his employment with Southern Pacific. This move proved to be providential as he would meet and marry his love, Marilyn, on January 16,1982. They continued living in Red Bluff until 1994 when they moved to McCloud. Mike maintained his Southern Pacific employment reporting out of the Dunsmuir station. He eventually retired with 42 years of railroading service.
Some of Mike’s interests included the ham radio operations, and buying up old vehicles and restoring them. Last year he received a trophy at the McCloud Motor the Mountain Car Show with his entry of a 1929 Ford Roadster. Other activities included traveling with their fifth wheel, joining friends at various vacation spots in California and Oregon. These were happy days and Mike enjoyed getting together with their friends.
Mike was a man of high integrity and honor. He had a great sense of humor and people enjoyed his company. He had a vast knowledge on many subjects. Family gatherings were important, he loved spending time with kids and grandkids. Mike was a faithful and loyal husband to Marilyn. He took great care of her, as she did him. They found pleasure in pampering each other. Mike was raised in a Christian home and attended Christian schools. He attended worship services at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in McCloud. When Mike passed away, Jesus was calling him home.
Mike is survived by his wife Marilyn, son Mike Jr., stepchildren Shirley Whitetail, Vicki (Daryl) Peterson, seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and stepbrothers Bob, Craig, and Gary Muma, and stepsister Cynthia Johnson. He is predeceased by his daughter Deanna, son Nick, and stepdaughter Teri Proctor.
