Michael R. Eaton, 54
Michael R. Eaton, 54, of Rochester, died on July 21, 2008 at his home, of cancer. He had been ill for one year.
Born June 1, 1954, in Norfolk, Neb., he moved to Austin in 1962 with his mother and stepfather, Jack Miller. He was a 1972 graduate of Austin High School. From 1972 to 1974, he lived in Pompano Beach, Fla.
Mr. Eaton had many different jobs during his lifetime. He worked at the Palm-Aire Country Club in Florida as a groundskeeper. In Rochester, he bartended many years at the Elks Lodge, North Star Bar, the Roxy, Tinklers, Popeyes Pub, Pfaffs, the Lantern Lounge and the Eagles Club. He also worked for the Rochester school district for a few years, and his most recent employment was at the Mayo Civic Center.
In February 1980 he married Jane Schmidt of Rochester, and they later divorced. In August 2007 he married Julie VanKirk of Rochester; she survives.
Fishing was Mr. Eaton’s passion. He also played slowpitch softball for many years, enjoyed bowling and was an avid Twins fan.
In addition to his wife, Julie, he is survived by a daughter, Ashley at home; sister, Patty (Tracy) Rathai, Wells, Minn. Other survivors include two nieces, Jamie Clennon (Andy Yokiel), Wells and Lindsay Clennon (Jason Williams), Alden, Minn.; great-niece, Morgan; great-nephew, Logan; and an aunt, Delanie Horn of Norfolk, Neb. He was preceded in death by his father and mother.
A memorial service for Michael R. Eaton will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Macken Colonial Chapel in Rochester, with the Rev. Lester Horntvedt officiating. Friends may call an hour before the service at Macken Funeral Home. Memorials are preferred to a charity of the donor’s choice.