Thomas "Mike" Downey

Thomas Doren “Mike” Downey, 89, of Austin, died Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at Sacred Heart Care Center. He was born on April 18, 1924 in Rose Creek, MN to Thomas J. and Amy (Sargent) Downey. He attended Queen of Angels grade school. Mike served his country during WWII in the US Navy by driving ambulance on Russell Island, in the South Pacific. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Austin to work for Hormel for over 30 years. Mike married Evelyn Kolb on September 30, 1950. To this union, three boys were born; Kenny, Keith and Kim. Evelyn died on March 12, 1977. Mike married Margaret Frank in October of 1979. She died on August 20, 2010. Mike was a very active member in the Austin American Legion Post #91. He joined the Legion in 1944, after his military service. He participated in the funeral escort color guard for over 70 years. He was the Post #91 Commander during the years of 1992-1993, 1993-1994. He was also a member of the Mower County Trailblazers Saddle Club, Mower County Mounted Posse, a Boy Scout Leader, and a member of the color guard drum and bugle corps sponsored by the American Legion during the 1958 Austin Centennial. Mike enjoyed gardening with Margaret and traveling, especially his trip to Ireland in the spring of 1995. Mike loved to state that he “had a good life”. Mike is survived by his children, Kenny Downey of New Richmond, WI; Keith Downey of Austin; Kim (Susan) Downey of Austin; step-children, Ellie Rezabek-Turner of Wahpeton, ND; Adele (Alan) Kimpell of Greenwood; Sandi (Bill) Lynd of Earlville, Ill; Michael (Jolene) Frank of Fort Mill, SC; Margaret (Richard) Hardy of Santa Barbara, Calif. and James (Kristie) Frank of Prior Lake, MN, step-daughter-in-law, Sue Frank of Austin; 26 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 26 step-grandchildren; 27 step-great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, first wife Evelyn, second wife Margaret, brothers Kenneth, Frank, Sheldon “Pat” Downey, sister Mildred Mulholland, daughter-in-law Eunice Downey and a step-son, Allen Frank Jr. Visitation: 10 am until the time of funeral service on Saturday, August 24, 2013 Funeral Service: 11 am, Saturday, August 24, 2013 at Mayer Funeral Home with Ray Waters officiating. Interment: Calvary Cemetery with military graveside rites performed by the Austin American Legion Post #91. Memorials: Mayo Clinic Research and Development

Service Information

Cemetery

Calvary Cemetery
4th Drive SW
Austin MN 55912

Visitation

Saturday, August 24 2013
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Mayer Funeral Home
600 2nd Street NW P.O. Box 27
Austin MN 55912

Service

Saturday, August 24 2013
11:00 AM

Mayer Funeral Home
600 2nd Street NW P.O. Box 27
Austin MN 55912