Michael J. Koren, 91, of Clearfield died Monday, Oct. 22, 2012 at the Mountain Laurel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Clearfield. He was born April 6, 1921 in Osceola Mills, a son of the late George and Veronica (Hollis) Koren.
Mr. Koren retired from Penelec in 1984 as a control operator at the Shawville Power Plant after 32 years of employment. He was a member of the St. Francis Catholic Church, Clearfield.
He was also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge #540, Clearfield, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5020, Osceola and a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus Lodge #409, Clearfield.
Mr. Koren was also a member of the Internal Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
He graduated from Osceola High School in 1940. He was also a 1948 graduate of Coyne Electrical School, Chicago. A veteran of World War II, Mr. Koren served with the U.S. Air Force.
Mr. Koren loved spending time with his family, especially enjoying outings with his wife, Helen when they would enjoy picking berries, attending social events or just simply taking a walk.
He also had a love for the outdoors and spent much time gardening, hunting and fishing with friends and family. Above all else, he will leave a legacy of selflessness, always putting the ‘other person’ first and foremost.
He is survived by three children, Susan Vigne and her husband, Michael of Johnstown, Dr. Larry Koren and his wife, Linda of Ginter and Ronald J. Koren and his wife, Sandra of Treasure Lake; five grandchildren, Shawn, Ryan and Rachel Vigne and Madison and Zachary Koren; and one brother, Joseph Koren of Osceola Mills.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen R. (Russin) Koren on July 11, 2012 and whom he wed July 28, 1951 in Ramey. He was also preceded in death by four sisters, Ann Koren, Susan Haugan, Mary Kovelec and Verone Patrick; and five brothers, John, Paul, George Jr., Albert and William Koren.
A Mass of Christian burial will be said at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the St. Timothy Catholic Church, Curwensville, with Msgr. H. Desmond McGee Jr. as celebrant. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery, Clearfield.
Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Monday at the Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield.
A Christian Vigil service will be held at 1:45 p.m. and the Rosary will be recited at 5:45 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Saint Francis Educational Endowment Fund, 212 S. Front St., Clearfield.
To sign the online guestbook, go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.
