Michael O’Donnell

February 17, 1954 - June 26, 2021

St. James Lutheran Church

800 Cincinnati St

Lafayette, IN 47904

Saturday 7/3, 11:00 am

Michael O’Donnell, 67, passed away unexpectedly on June 26, 2021, at his home in Lafayette, Ind. He was born in New York City to Joseph and Mary O’Donnell. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on an ROTC scholarship, graduating with a bachelor of science in chemistry. He spent eight years in the U.S. Navy, serving out of Norfolk, Va., on the USS Peterson and with the Sixth Fleet Battle Force in the Mediterranean. He finished his time in the Navy as an administrator/instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis. In 2004, he married Mary Martin, and in 2008, they moved to Tromsø, Norway, where he obtained a master of science in chemistry. He taught general and organic chemistry at IVY Tech Community College in Lafayette, Ind. A life-long Lutheran, Michael was a member of St. James Lutheran Church, serving on the board of elders for five years and as head elder for the past four years. Michael loved God and loved his family. He loved to tell stories and loved to laugh. He is survived by his wife; his sister, Christine Miller, nephew Nick Miller, niece, Kara Kramer (husband, Jeff, children: Faith and Cordelia), and nephew Peter Hulme (fiancée, Kendall); his step-son, Scott Catey (wife, Misty) and step-daughter, Julie Huser (husband, Matthew), and seven grandchildren: Alec and Drew Catey, Kyler, Chase and Taya Green, and Reed and Laurel Huser. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 3 at St. James Lutheran Church in Lafayette. Those wishing may contribute in Michael’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association at 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL. https://act.alz.org/donate

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

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St. James Lutheran Church

800 Cincinnati St

Lafayette, IN 47904

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Saturday 7/3, 11:00 am

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I nor my Ivy tech classmates that took organic chemistry with MIchael and Doc. Moder will ever forget him. Michael was such a great instructor and every single student in that class had so much respect for him. He was a very funny, caring, and understanding professor. A life taken too soon most definitely and will be missed by the whole Ivy Tech family. May Michael's whole family find comfort and peace in such a difficult time Much love, Katrina

I recently learned of Mike's passing and send my condolences to wife Mary and his family. I was the USS PETERSON Commissioning Executive Officer (XO), a couple of layers up the food chain from Mike as a Division Officer. That never interfered with the spirited relationship I enjoyed and hope Mike enjoyed during our time together. A short Sea Story... On a Sea Detail into Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, we heavily rubbed the pier pilings coming into port. The ship was covered with creosote from the pilings so I went to the only chemist on the ship, Mike, to come up with a concoction to rid the ship's starboard side of the dreaded creosote. Mike went into a deep research mode. Chemistry books and formulas to decompose the creosote covered the Wardroom table. To his everlasting credit he won the battle and the side was cleaned in Bristol Fashion. I always admired Mike's dogged pursuit of a challenge and his unfailing sense of humor. I will miss him. Dick Pearsall XO

To Chris and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember you telling me of Sunday phone calls and tales of his students and of his enjoyment of Norway. I pray for comfort in the promise of the Resurrection. Love, Lisa

RIP Shipmate. Wishing fair winds and following seas for eternity

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.