Donald M. Michie, aged 81, died at his home on February 1, 2016. He was born April 9, 1934, in Steele, MO, the son of the late Elmo and Maxie (Orton) Michie. On May 31, 1959, he married Mary Alyce Downing in Malden, MO. They moved to Kenosha in 1965. A member of St Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Kenosha, he served as a vestryman, chalice bearer, reader, and an occasional teacher. He taught English at Carthage College for over 50 years, serving as dean of the college for ten of those years. He leaves two children Michael of Pleasant Prairie and Amy (Greg) Parrish of Kenosha, one grandchild Olivia Parrish and a brother Duane in Missouri. His wife Mary Alyce preceded him in death in 1998. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 3rd, at Proko Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Family and friends are asked to meet on Thursday, February 4th, at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church for a Mass at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Donald's Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Kit
February 9, 2016
I am so very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort give you the peace that surpasses all thought during this difficult time. (Philippians 4:6,7)
Dennis Magnuson CC'63
February 7, 2016
Dear Michie Family and Friends,Please accept my deepest condolences and know that I share the sadness that has now engulfed you on the death of your father and friend Don Michie.Although I had only met him once (at the Carthage Library just prior to the October 2015 Homecoming game), that 90 minute meeting remains for me a vivid memory of a consummate professional who devoted himself steadfastly to his students and family.We were meeting to discuss his recollections about his first Carthage mentor and close friend, Dr. Ruth (Anderson) Maxwell (CC 1963-1970). It was she who was given charge of building the English Department on the new Carthage campus in Kenosha. And it was she who successfully persisted to recruit Don Michie as he was completing his doctorate at the Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison.As I am researching the Anderson/Maxwell family history—one in which there are no living descendants—Don MIchie's early years working with Dr Maxwell provided some excellent insights about his colleague.But as important as those are, for me it was Don's pointed but velvet-gloved manner with which he recalled those important first steps with her and other colleagues. As I read other condolences, it is clear that Don Michie was indeed a gentle man who could put one at ease with his serene, tranquil persona. Although his passing has left us all aching, I count myself blessed to have met him and shared some small aspect of his life's story.There is absolutely no doubt but that he and his mentor and colleague Ruth Maxwell laid an especially strong foundation for the Humanities at Carthage College. Moving onward for a half century, Prof Michie touched the lives of many very fortunate young adults as he mentored and enriched them within and beyond the classroom.May he now rest eternal in the arms of the Lord.Dennis MagnusonCC '63/Decorah, IA
Glenn & Phyllis Parsons & family
February 4, 2016
A Gentleman and a Scholar, so true, and demonstrated in so many positive ways - though our interfacing with "cuzzin Don" was primarily with Don the Gentleman! Our scholarly discussions were generally quite one- sided. He was a good friend, relative, father, father- in- law, and of course, Grampa Extraordinaire to Olivia! We enjoyed watching Don enjoy the finer things in life while visiting on the Cape: his evening martini ( just one), lobstah bisque, Seafood Neptune in Plymouth, Sommerset ice cream ( a local favorite), and his obsession with insuring he had just the right kind and brand of strong coffee, and plenty of it.A great story-teller and house guest, we'll miss his conversations and visits.
Bob & Ruth Ann Rauscher
February 3, 2016
Mike and Amy, Please know that we share in your sorrow of the passing of your father, Don. We were privileged to know him through our son, Mark. His kindness and gentle manner served him well, especially at Carthage. We pray that your warm memories will comfort you as you mourn and we pray for the peace that you have in knowing that your father is in heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.Blessings,Bob and Ruth Ann Rauscher
Mark Rauscher
February 2, 2016
To Mike, Amy, and your loved ones:Kathi and I send our heartfelt condolences. We were very sad to learn of Don's passing, and are deeply sorry for your loss. Dr. Michie (I never could quite bring myself to call him Don) was simply one of the wisest, kindest and most significant persons we have ever known. Even through our sadness we are able to feel deeply grateful that we knew him, and I know that this gratitude (along with the sadness) will be shared by the many thousands he taught, guided, inspired, and helped to grow and improve over many years.All of us who were fortunate enough to know Don were blessed by his presence in our lives. He was a wonderful man - none of us will ever forget him. I hope that knowing this comforts you in this difficult time.Kathi and I send our prayers, warmest thoughts, and condolences to you and yours.Regards,Mark and Kathleen Rauscher
Nancy Parsons
February 2, 2016
Dear Amy and Olivia, we are in shock and saddened by the news of Donald's passing. I never dreamed when you all left the Cape this July that we wouldn't see your dad/grandpa again. I so enjoyed my time with Donald; he was one of the nicest, kindest, gentle persons I've ever met, and I say that from the bottom of my heart. He will be missed. We look forward, though, to many more visits from both of you on Cape Cod. Love and peace to you both, Nancy.
Kathy Shackelford
February 1, 2016
There's no words to say how deeply sorry I am for your loss! We will not be able to attend the services but, will be praying for you all!!