Michael J. Briney

Michael J. Briney, 60, of Benton Harbor, passed away, Wednesday, July 17, 2013, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Celebration of Life Services will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Msgr. Eugene Sears officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 12:00 until 2:00 P.M. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the family. Those wishing to sign Mike’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mike was born August 24, 1952 in St. Joseph to Harry & Grace (Coffey) Briney. On December 1, 1972, he married the former Jeannie Fulbright in St. Joseph. Mike was employed at Lakeshore Public Schools as Custodian, at Hollywood Elementary and the majority of his career at Lakeshore Middle School, retiring after twenty-four years of service. Mike was a member of the Blossomland Cadets Jr. Drum & Bugle Corp Amvets Post #88 when he was young, a former member of the Benton Harbor Moose Lodge, and member of the Sons of the American Legion VFW Post #105 in Benton Harbor. He enjoyed riding his Harley, camping, fishing, the outdoors, and especially the time spent with his family. Mike is survived by his wife Jeannie; two daughters-Dawn (Fiancee Stan Nalepa) Curley of St. Joseph, Michele (Ron) Ulery of St. Joseph; two grandchildren-Krista & Walker Curley; one great-grandson Anthony Hauweghen; two brothers-Pat (Teresa) Briney of Prattville, Alabama, Jeff (Carol) Briney of St. Joseph; numerous nieces & nephews; and a close family friend Jeffery Dopp of Benton Harbor. He was preceded in death by his parents.