Michael J. Ponzio, 92, originally of Niagara, Wis., passed away Monday, February 21, 2011, at ManorCare Health Services, Kingsford. He was born on December 5, 1918, in Niagara, son of the late Mike and Mary (Boemer) Ponzio. Mike grew up in Niagara and graduated from Niagara High School. He married Mae Trudell on July 1, 1939, in Iron Mountain. They recently celebrated their 70th anniversary together. After being married a few years, Mike joined the United States Navy and served during WWII. Upon his honorable discharge from the service, he moved back to Niagara and worked at the Niagara Paper Mill as maintenance supervisor, working for over 40 years before retiring. After retirement, Mike along with his wife, Mae, moved to Skanee, Mich., to live on Lake Superior where they resided for fourteen years before returning to the area. Mike loved fishing and hunting, and was always available to lend a helping hand to others, especially doing electrical work for many people in need of help. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Mae; four sons, Ray (Sharon) Ponzio, Niagara, Bruce (Deb) Ponzio, The Villages, Fla., Bob Ponzio, Escanaba, Russ (Lisa) Ponzio, Escanaba; five daughters, Sharon (Joe) Vaught, Kansas City, Kansas, Diane (Bill) Gronert, Niagara, Pat (Bob Lee) Carrington, San Francisco, Calif., Debra (Milan) Ponzio-Christi, Denver, Colo., Carol (Jeff) Ballard, Los Angeles, Calif.; one sister, Beatrice Tarperi; fourteen grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by four brothers, Joe Ponzio, Martin "Pope" Ponzio, Gabe Ponzio, Jim Ponzio; one sister, Vivian Harmon. Visitation will be Friday, February 25, 2011, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Niagara. The American Legion Cretton-Tutas Post No. 136 will conduct a Veterans Memorial service Friday, 10:45 a.m. at the church. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday 11:00 a.m. at the church. Rev. Matt Settle will officiate. Burial will be in Niagara Cemetery. You may light a candle in remembrance of Michael or leave a condolence to his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com The Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, is serving the family.