Michael Palan

A fun loving guy, who was always the life of the party, and someone that everyone loved are just a few ways to describe Michael Palan. A few things that happened in 1960 were John F. Kennedy won the U.S. Presidential Election, OPEC was created, TIROS-1, the first weather satellite, was launched by the U.S., and on October 25, 1960 Eugene and Verona (Leffler) Palan welcomed the birth of Michael Francis Palan, the fifth of their seven children.
Michael attended Janesville Schools and graduated from Parker High School with the Class of 1979, along with his brothers and sisters. He was always there to defend any of them when the occasion arose.
Michael, who never knew a stranger, met Jill Ann Duranti at a famous half barrel party and beat her in quarters. Their time together was meant to be, and on May 31, 1986 he married Jill in Janesville, Wi.
Michael worked as an assembler at General Motors for 37 years, until his retirement just a few weeks ago, and while there, loved to play basketball with the guys on their lunch break. There were also many pictures taken of him napping at his desk and multiple fur hats were made while he was at work. Another thing Michael was known for was taking in leftovers to the guys at work, mostly roadkill that he cooked. Michael was also a taxidermist on the side for many years.
Family trips to Canada were a hit fishing with the Martins and Letourneaus. All of the holiday gatherings were spent in Wisconsin with family. Michael also enjoyed spending time at his timeshare in Florida and in Richland Center, WI, where he had recently purchased a cabin with land
In his free time, Michael could be found endeavoring into hunting, fishing, making wine, spending time at the lake, hanging out with friends, family, and grandkids.
He loved watching western movies, hunting and fishing shows, and watching football, especially the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers. There were always lots of football parties, complete with plenty of beer to accompany those games.
Michael's favorite karaoke song was Soul Man and his favorite dancing song was Loco-Motion by Grand Funk Railroad, where he could have the whole place dancing the train! He could also sing anything Randy Travis and sound just like him.
Michael's fun and inviting spirit will forever be remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Michael Francis Palan, age 57, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 4:04 am on Friday August 17, 2018 at his residence. Born on October 25, 1960 in Janesville, WI, he was the son of Eugene and Verona (Leffler) Palan.
Survivors include his loving wife Jill Palan of Columbia City; children Katie (Dave) Rosswurm of Albion and Kyle (Heather) Palan of Kimmell; grandchildren Zara and Mabry Palan, Alice Rosswurm, and Lane Rosswurm on the way; siblings Scherise Palan, Dan (Patty) Palan, Shelly Wamboldt, and Lesa (Lee) Chism, all of Janesville, WI, Randy (Linda) Palan of Cumberland, WI, and Julie Spatafore of Evansville, WI; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service for Michael will be held at 7:00 pm on Friday August 24, 2018 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with calling from 3-7 pm at the funeral home.
A celebration of life for Michael will be held in Janesville, WI at the home of his brother Dan Palan on Saturday October 13, 2018.
Memorial contributions in memory of Michael may be made to the American Red Cross.
Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send the family an online condolence.