Michael James Sowa died at the age of 75 on February 10, 2016. Mike was born March 24, 1940 to Joseph P. and Hazel J. (Hastie) Sowa. He married Mary M. "Margaret" Burpee on February 1, 1964 in Portland, OR. After graduating from University of Portland, Mike served honorably in the U.S. Navy. Returning to Woodburn, he worked alongside his father and brother, Paul, at the family forging and machine shop business. Later in life he worked as machine tool salesman and owned a shipping and copying store.
Mike is survived by his wife, Margaret of St. Helens, OR; brother Paul (Sylvia) of Woodburn; daughter Catherine Sowa of Metairie, LA; son Michael (Mary L.) of Boardman, OR; daughter Mary (Kevin) Launer of Redmond, OR; daughter Victoria (Tim) Hopper of Battleground, WA; and daughter Jeanne (Jim) Olson of Warren, OR; ten grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Marilyn Dee Sowa.
Services will be held at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Woodburn, OR on Monday, February 15, 2016. Rosary will begin at 12:30 P.M., followed by Mass at 1:00 P.M.