Michael John Byrne, 75, died November 17, 2013 in Superior, Wis.

The eldest child of Noreen (Milroy) Byrne and John Francis Byrne, Mike was born January 16, 1938 in Long Beach, CA.

He was a graduate of St. Francis grade School and Superior East High School. Mike served honorably in the Air National Guard. He also sailed for two years on the Great Lakes before attending UW-S.

In 1959 Mike moved to California where he worked as an iron worker for 10years; he then moved to Las Vegas, NV and worked 10 years as a meat cutter. Mike returned to Superior, WI in 1979 where he completed training as a chemical dependency counselor, and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Alcohol and Drug Counseling.

Mike served in chemical dependency counseling positions with Douglas County, WI and then worked as a chemical dependency program director at the Duluth Bethel Society for 7 years. He then became a chemical dependency program director at Lakeview Memorial Hospital in Two Harbors, MN. He retired in 1998. During his career in chemical dependency counseling Mike worked with hundreds of clients, many of whom were able to achieve and maintain sobriety. Mike passed away with 33 years of sobriety.

Extremely dear to Mike's heart was his beloved wife of 21 years, Patty Jo, who preceded him in death. Mike also loved his little dog, Teddy. Mike was deeply grateful for the peace and serenity he found weekly while attending mass at St. Francis Xavier Church.

Mike loved retirement and could be found daily at Nemadji Golf Couse during the season. He was fond of card games with his golf buddies and the weekly Smear leagues at the Senior Center, Belgium Club, Elks Club and the Wentworth Town Hall. He was also an avid Green Bay Packer Fan.

Mike is survived by his brother, Terrence Robert Byrne of San Antonio, TX; his sisters, Maureen (David) Tostrud of Onalaska, WI and Kathleen (Michael) Cohen of Hermantown, MN; several beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and many loving friends. He is also survived by his beloved wife's three children: son, Patrick (Pam) Nelson of Superior, daughters, Paula Mackey of Brainerd, MN and Tomi-jo Nelson of Green Bay; as well as Patty Jo's seven grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Wed. Nov. 20 from 4-7pm at Downs Funeral Home, corner of 19th and Ogden Ave., with a wake service at 5pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 11:00am at St. Francis Xavier Church with Rev. Fr. James Tobolski as celebrant. Private burial will take place in St. Francis Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Michael Stranko, Jack Milroy, Phil Milroy, Dave Gotelaere, Craig Peterson and Joe Metzinger.

Memorials may be made in Mike's name to St. Francis Xavier Church, 2316 E 4th Street, Superior, WI or to Superior Senior Center, 1527 Tower Ave, C/O Jan Ledin, Superior, WI 54880.