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Major Micheal (Mike) Armstrong

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Mike, age 71, died peacefully in his sleep at home on Saturday, January 9, 2021. He was born on August 11, 1949 to Roger and Phyllis Armstrong. He was the oldest of five children. He grew up and spent his working life in Duluth, Minnesota.
After graduating from East High School, Mike enlisted in the US Marine Corps on his 18th birthday. He arrived in Vietnam on his 19th birthday where he served for fifteen and a half months. He was transferred to USMC Reserve and released from active duty in 1971, he then enlisted in the MN Army National Guard in 1972. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in 1974. He served in a variety of capacities rising through the ranks from Tank Platoon leader to Division Inspector General, a job he loved. He retired as a major in the MN Army National Guard in 1991.He held the following awards and decorations: Honor Graduate Armor Basic Course and Officer Maintenance Course, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross & Gallantry Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Naval Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon.
He worked for the Duluth Public School System for 34 years and that’s where he met his wife, Cathy Lindquist Armstrong. They both were able to retire at age 56 to enjoy their many common interests: traveling to Poland, Ireland, and the Czech Republic on religious pilgrimages, Hawaii, and several different cruises. They enjoyed going to Broadway plays in both MN and in AZ. In the summers, they liked to camp and had a travel trailer in Hinckley, MN. They retired in 2006 and moved from Duluth to Sun City West, Arizona.
Charitable giving was very important to Mike, and both he and Cathy were involved in the food drive ministry at church for several years.
Mike was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and served in both the Honor Guard and the Color Guard for many years.
He worked the concession booth for bingo, raising money for various charities and supporting the church. He also served on the Buildings and Properties committee at church.
Mike’s unrelenting faith, positive attitude, and sense of humor got him through ten years of struggling with various effects of Agent Orange ending with acute renal failure.
He is survived by his wife, Cathy; son, Anthony; sister, Colleen; and brothers, Jim and Charlie. He had several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews including his special buddy and light of his life, Jackson Lugo. Mike always said that Jack was the best medicine you could ask for. He was preceded in death by sister, Joan.
Funeral services will be held at Prince of Peace Church, 14818 W. Deer Valley Dr., SCW at 10:00 A.M., Monday, January 25, 2021.