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Michael Gee LeMense, 80, passed away on Sunday, March 4, 2018. He was born April 11, 1938, son of Howard and Helen LeMense in Three Rivers.
Mike graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1957 and from Michigan State University in 1962, 1966 and 1976. It was at MSU in 1962 where Mike met his wife, Carol, and upon meeting they became Spartans together forever! A committed educator and learning advocate, Mike began his successful thirty-five year professional career in Waterford School District as a teacher and later as a secondary school administrator, spending the final nineteen years as the principal of Stevens T. Mason Junior High School (Mason Middle School).
After his retirement, Mike and Carol moved to East Lansing, where together they enjoyed the many social, cultural and educational opportunities available on the banks of the Red Cedar River. Mike and Carol were season ticket holders and regular attendees of MSU School of Music events and Spartan Women’s Basketball games. In his later years, Mike enjoyed volunteering as a docent at the Michigan Historical Museum and the Michigan Hall of Justice in Lansing.
Mike was an avid golfer since his childhood. As a young man, he developed a passion for fine woodworking. Mike was a lifelong learner and always enjoyed reading. He and Carol enjoyed traveling and had many adventures around the world. When they were home, anyone visiting Mike and Carol would be greeted by a Bassett hound.
Mike’s wife Carol preceded him in death in 2015. He is survived by his son Thomas and grandsons Robert and Ryan of Farmington, his daughter Julia of New York City, and his sister Anne Walker and nephew William Walker of San Diego, Cali.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 24, 11 a.m., at St. John Church and Student Center, 327 M A C Ave., East Lansing, with Rev. Fr. Mark Inglot as celebrant. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Carol A. and Michael G. LeMense Endowed Graduate Fellowship at MSU, with checks made payable to Michigan State University, sent to the attention of the fellowship name at Director of Development, 535 Chestnut Road, Room 300, East Lansing, Mich. 48824 or Bassett Hound Rescue of Michigan (bhrom.com), or the Waterford Foundation for Public Education (waterford.k12.mi.us/pages/51216/waterford-foundation). Friends may send a condolence to the family at www.palmerbush.com.
