Milan Ray “Mike” McCartney passed away August 27, 2020. He was born in June 1937, in Alvo, Nebraska, the son of Theodore J. and Geraldine M. (Schmitt). He attended high school in Lincoln, NE. He graduated in 1956 and soon after enlisted in the United States Navy.
He married Sandra “Sandy” Utsler, May 25, 1963 at the Fort Des Moines Chapel, Des Moines, Iowa. He is survived by his wife Sandy; daughter Robin McCartney; daughter Stacy Welter and fiancée Jeff Wolter; granddaughter Gabrielle Welter and fiancée Nathan Tooley; grandson Andrew Welter; brothers Max and Sid; and sister Gwen.
Mike proudly served in the United States Navy for 20 years, retiring in 1976 in St. Paul, MN. After his military service, he and Sandy and their daughters, made their home on Stony Lake near Hackensack, MN, where he had his own plumbing business. Later he and Sandy moved to Tenstrike, MN and then on to a few places south, once again returning to Minnesota.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Ted and Gene, and sister Joyce.
Mike “Dad” will have his ashes spread privately, when the family is able to travel to family burial plots, as well as to those places we know he enjoyed. In the meantime, feel free to lift a beer to him the next time you sit down at your favorite American Legion, VFW, Muni, or little neighborhood bar. He would find that most fitting a tribute.
Loved him and sandy had wonderful times I hackensack and even when they ventured down to Donna texas to see sonny and I xo sue u
Was sorry to learn of Mike’s death. My thoughts and prayers are with Sabpndy, Robin, Stacy, and Mike’s McCartney family. R.I.P. now my Mike.
Mike was beyond important to me and my family’s life, his influence was pivotal. He took me as a bad attitude kid with him to work and patiently dealt with my inexperience and ingratitude until I came to understand a good many things with his help. Mike and Sandy always treated me very well, helping our little family start out by giving us their advice and help, extra appliances, furniture and building materials. I will never feel like I could reciprocate for all the generosity, and we especially appreciate their wisdom in the timing of that generosity.
I will miss his humor and infectious Irish laugh, his long pointing finger, and his ability to see past other’s defects – if they could drink a beer with him ;). I wish he could’ve tamed that roving spirit and stayed in Hackensack, but he knew people would never stop asking him to help with their plumbing!
We should all live so free, and remember that tomorrow is promised to no one.
Next I hear “The Parting Glass” Mike will be remembered.
God Speed Milan Ray.