To view the recording of the Mass of the Christian Burial, please go to: https://youtu.be/y8qFBmHhyGo

John Michael "Mike" McGurran, 89, of Grand Forks, ND passed away Friday, November 11, 2022, at his son, Tom's home near Detroit Lakes, MN.

Mike was born on March 27, 1933, in Cavalier, ND, the son of William "Bill" and Grace (Brown) McGurran.  He was raised in Cavalier and Grand Forks, as a part of a large family.  As a child, Mike attended the Cranley School near Cavalier, one of the last one room schoolhouses in North Dakota.  Mike graduated from St. James Catholic High School, Grand Forks in 1950.  Mike enlisted in the United States Navy in 1952.   During the Korean War, he served aboard the U.S.S. Twining 540 as a 1 ^st Class Petty Officer.  He was honorably discharged from active military service in 1956.

Upon leaving the Navy, Mike returned to Grand Forks.  On February 1, 1958, Mike was united in marriage with Rae Ann Newark at St. Mary's Catholic Church.  Mike and Rae Ann made their lives in Grand Forks where they raised their nine children.  Rae Ann preceded Mike in death on December 22, 2012.

Mike worked with his father and brothers as a Journeyman plumber at Economy Plumbing before becoming a letter carrier at the Grand Forks Post Office.  He retired from the Post Office January 1, 1990, after 28 years of service.

In his retirement, Mike dedicated himself to his family and the organizations that meant so much to his life.  He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus, 1260 Grand Forks; North East Heritage Association, Cavalier; Disabled American Veterans, Grand Forks; and the National Association of Letter Carriers, Washington, D.C.  A great lover of history, Mike was a lifelong collector of coins and trade tokens representing national and local history. An avid reader, Mike would frequently be found with a  history book of any sort.

Mike's faith in God guided him throughout his life and always provided comfort during times of need.  As a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and St. Mike's Catholic Church, Mike was active in many groups supporting missions of the Church.

Mike was united in marriage to Elizabeth Jane Majkrzak on August 11, 2017, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Grand Forks.  Mike often expressed how blessed he was to have Elizabeth as a part of his life.  Together, Mike and Elizabeth nurtured their faith and enriched their own lives, as well as the lives of those around them.

It was Mike's wish to spend his last days with family.  Mike's son and daughter-in-law, Tom and Jean McGurran, brought Mike to their home, so that this wish could be respected.  The time and care that Mike was given while with Tom, Jean and their family during his last days will always be remembered with gratitude and thanks by all of Mike's family and friends.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth; his children: Tim, Tom (Jean), Kevin (Amy Swenson), Martha Awes, Joseph (Lora Werre), Richard (Rebecca), Mary (Johnathan) Dittmer, and Molly (Roy August); his sisters, Charis Brossart, Rita Devine and Maureen (Gary) Sylling; brothers, Dennis (Geri), Gerald (Robbi), and David (Delaine); and sister-in-law, Barb McGurran; twenty-eight  grandchildren and twenty-six great-grandchildren will also miss their grandfather greatly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rae Ann; daughter, Bridget Ann Hayes; daughter-in-law, Laura McGurran; son-in-law, Randy Awes; grandsons, Jerrod Hillard and Jeremy McGurran; brothers, Tim and Patrick; sisters, Sr. Michelle (Colleen) McGurran, O.S.B., Marjorie Bergum and Mary Vonasek; brothers-in-law, Joe Brossart, Ronald Bergum, George Vonasek, Don Devine and sister-in-law, Sue McGurran.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to St Gianna's Maternity Home, 15605 Co Rd 15, Minto, ND 58261.

Mass of the Christian Burial: 11:30 a.m. Thursday, November 17, 2022, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Grand Forks, ND.
Visitation: One hour prior to the liturgy in the Church on Thursday.
Burial: Calvary North Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.
Knights of Columbus Honor Guard : Bishop Provencher Assembly 1578.
Military Honors: Accorded by members of the American Legion Post 157, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817, The Disabled American Veterans, and the United States Navy Reserve.