Michael Harris: 1947 – 2024
FTCM (SS/DV/AW) Michael L. Harris
United States Navy (Ret.)
December 24, 1947 – April 1, 2024
Michael Lewis Harris was born on Christmas Eve, in La Grande, Oregon, to Lillus Cannady Harris and Lewis Harris (both deceased). He joined his two sisters, Janet Harris and Judy Perchonock (both deceased). His family was further enhanced to include his stepfather, Irving Bronstein (deceased) and stepsister, Ilonka Britton, and stepbrothers, Troy Bronstein, and Harold Bronstein (deceased).
Mike graduated in 1965 from Vanden High School, Travis Air Force Base in California. Following high school graduation in 1965, he joined the U.S. Navy. After completing Basic Training and Fire Control Technician Class “A” School in San Diego, he volunteered for Submarine Duty. During his tenure in the U.S. Navy, he continued his education with various Navy training schools.
Mike enjoyed many athletic activities over the years. He was an excellent bowler, competitive barefoot water skier, near par golfer, and runner. He was a member of the 100 Mile Club running 100 miles per month.
In 1970, Mike married Lisa Wilson. To this union, two children were born: Michelle Johnston (deceased) and Michelle’s Husband Eric Johnston (deceased), and Brian (Danielle) Harris, and grandsons Brady Harris (Lauren) and Tyler Harris.
In 1980, he married Marlene Quesnel. They had two daughters: Angela Isaac (Randy) and Megan Harris (Scott Dusch), three grandsons: Kiernan Isaac, Shane Isaac, Dean Dusch and one granddaughter, Camryn Dusch.
Mike’s family also includes his service dog, Rudy, and Rudy’s constant companion, Lightening. He loved his dogs and his special friends: Del and Marlene Miles.
In October of 1966, Mike completed Submarine School in New London, Connecticut, and was assigned to the USS Remora (SS 487) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. While assigned to the Remora, he earned his Submarine Warfare (SS Dolphins) specialty designation. Following a successful completion of Navy Diving School, he earned his certification as a Navy Diver (DV). During his tour aboard the Remora, he was assigned various missions in support of operations in Vietnam.
In December of 1971, Mike reported aboard the USS Scamp (SSN 588) in San Diego. During this tour, he was assigned as Ship’s Diver, Special Warfare Trunk Operator, Leading Fire Controlman, and First Lieutenant. The Scamp made three Western Pacific deployments.
In July of 1977, he reported to Human Resource Management School in Millington, Tennessee. Upon graduation, he reported for advanced training at the Recruit Training Command in Orlando, Florida, where he served as a Recruit Company Commander for male recruits.
In November of 1980, Mike reported aboard the USS Bonefish (SS 582) in San Diego. During this tour, he was assigned as Weapons Department Leading Chief Petty Officer and Leading Ship’s Diver. The Bonefish made two Western Pacific deployments and was instrumental in developing procedures interfacing Seal Team Divers and ship’s submerged diving operations.
In November of 1984, he reported to the US Naval Safety Center in Norfolk, Virginia, as a Submarine Diving Safety Analyst. Working closely with Naval Sea Systems Command and Operations Test and Evaluation Command, he traveled the world to submarine ports. During this tour of duty, Mike was the Safety Analyst deployed to evaluate the deadly fire and at sea evacuation of the USS Bonefish (SS 582).
In April of 1989, he reported on board the USS John Marshall (SSN 611) in Norfolk. The John Marshall was a Special Projects Submarine in support of Seal Team operations around the world. While on board, he was the Weapons Department Leading Chief Petty Officer, Leading Ship’s Diver, and First Lieutenant. During this tour, the USS Woodrow Wilson (SSBN 657) completed the first successful Mediterranean deployment of Swimmer Vehicle Capabilities. It was during this tour, Master Chief Harris was ultimately selected for the Chief of the Boat program.
In April of 1990, he was ordered to report to the USS Francis Scott Key (SSBN 657) homeported in Charleston, South Carolina, as Chief of the Boat. During this tour, he made four Fleet Ballistics Missile Deterrent Patrols out of Kings Bay, Georgia. The Francis Scott Key was the first of its class to deploy into the Mediterranean Sea.
July of 1992, upon the decommissioning of the Francis Scott Key (SSBN 657), Master Chief Harris was transferred to the USS Woodrow Wilson (SSN 624) homeported in Charleston as Chief of the Boat. Woodrow Wilson was a Special Projects Submarine and was deployed to the Adriatic Sea in support of the efforts in Bosnia and Yugoslavia.
In August of 1993, Master Chief Harris reported to Fighter Squadron Two One (VF 21) as the Command Master Chief where he qualified for the Aviation Warfare (AW) specialty. Fighter Squadron Two One was forward deployed to Atsugi, Japan, on board the USS Independence (CV 621) During this tour, the Independence completed one Western Pacific deployment, one “Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC)” deployment, and participated in Operation Southern Watch in the Persian Gulf.
In August of 1995, Master Chief Harris reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) in Lemoore, California, as Command Master Chief. He was the Senior Enlisted at the Naval Air Station. It was during this tour of duty that Master Chief Harris was a finalist in the selection process for the next Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (E-10).
Master Chief Harris was awarded: three Navy Commendation Medals, Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Five Navy Expeditionary Medals, Eight Good Conduct Medals, Armed Force’s Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, United Nations Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait), and several unit and service ribbons.
Mike was very proud of his Navy career and honorably served for more than 33 years, retiring on December 31, 1998. His heart was forever and foremost with the Submarine Community.
Run Silent, Run Deep
He loved this quote from John F. Kennedy on August 1, 1963, at the U.S. Naval Academy:
“I can imagine a no more rewarding career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: ‘I served in the United States Navy’.”
The family of Mike Harris would like to sincerely thank everyone for the care and kindness shown Mike during his extended illness: Cheyenne VA Hospital; VA Home Care Program; Homebound VA RN, Sue, and her team of caregivers.
Also appreciation and thanks to the Caregivers from Synergy of Cheyenne, Cornerstone Caregiving of Cheyenne, and Davis Hospice of Cheyenne. Our heartfelt thanks to Lindsay who took such loving care of our Dad.
Memorials for Mike can be made to your local VFW.
Mary Koritnik: 1939 – 2024
Mary “Snooks” Koritnik, born Mary Van Valkenburg on October 23, 1939, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, passed away on April 2, 2024, in Cheyenne, Wyoming surrounded by her loving family. She married Joe Koritnik on September 25, 1959 and he lovingly nicknamed her Snooks.
She was a dedicated revenue agent in the bankruptcy department of the IRS for over 30 years before retiring. Mary was known for her exceptional kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering love for her family.
In her earlier years, Mary took a bookkeeping class as a housewife and astounded everyone by achieving the highest score amongst a group of accountants. This achievement was just one testament to her intelligence and diligence. Despite her petite frame, Mary was a force to be reckoned with.
Mary’s proudest accomplishment always remained the same – raising her three daughters. She was truly the heart of her family, always there to offer guidance and support whenever needed. Her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched.
Mary found joy in simple pleasures like daisies and sunflowers, writing poetry, reading books, and listening to country music; she would often be found dancing around the house. She cherished moments spent camping with her daughters and grandchildren, creating lasting memories filled with love and laughter.
Mary is reunited in peace with her parents, Galen and Florence Van Valkenburg; sisters, Eva Tolar and Jane Van Valkenburg; and brothers: Albert, Galen, and Robert Van Valkenburg; along with many other loved ones.
She leaves behind her beloved husband, Joseph Koritnik; brother, Howard Van Valkenburg; daughters: Kim (Keith) Wilkins, Ricki (Keith) Rekow, Ronda (Tom) Wilson; grandchildren: Steven (Rebecca), Christopher (Desirae), Kevin (Andrea), Michelle (Mac), Amy (JJ), Antonio (Amanda), Teresa (Andy), Crystal, Joseph (Kelsey), Thomas (Hannah); great-grandchildren: Austin, Kenzie Jo, McKenzie, Chase, Shea, Paige, Brogen, Samuel, Hannah, Austin B, Oliver, Charlie, Addie, Tristan, Catherine, Rachel, Liam and Eli; great-great-grandchild, Clayne.
Mary’s legacy of love and strength will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her absence will be deeply felt but her spirit will continue to shine brightly through the lives she touched. May she rest in eternal peace knowing she was dearly loved and will be profoundly missed.
Douglas Van Kirk: 1948 – 2024
Douglas “Doug” Van Kirk passed away peacefully at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, at the age of 76, surrounded by his beloved family on April 3, 2024. Doug was born on March 30, 1948, in Sparta, Wisconsin to Jim and Jean (Hodgkins) Van Kirk. He attended East High School and later served in the United States Army from February 1968 until February 1970, achieving the rank of SPEC 5 and serving in Germany. He married the love of his life, Mary Lou Harper, on June 24, 1968.
Doug started his career at Plains A-Z Tire Company as a front end alignment tech, where he worked tirelessly from 1967 until 1989. In 1989, he transitioned to working at F. E. Warren Air Force Base in the 90th Trans as a heavy equipment mechanic, focusing on cranes, hummers, and various military vehicles until his well-deserved retirement in May 2012.
Known for his fun-loving personality and penchant for jokes, Doug was cherished by his family and friends. His kind and easy-going nature endeared him to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
In his free time, Doug enjoyed fishing, camping, listening to music, collecting model cars, and always had a joke ready to bring a smile to those around him. He will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and love for his family.
Doug is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lou; children: Troy (Desiree) Van Kirk, Leslie (Brian) Wilson, and Ryan (Amy) Van Kirk, all of Cheyenne; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Dave, Jerry, Judy and Connie.
Doug’s presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace knowing he touched the lives of many with his kindness and laughter.
A viewing will be on Friday, April 12, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and funeral services will be on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Schrader’s Funeral Home with a reception to follow.
