Byron Douglas Porisch, 63, passed from this earth to eternal life, joining his God and Savior on Sunday morning, November 17, 2013 from his home in Ypsilanti Michigan with his family at his side. He was born on February 12, 1950 in Mountain Lake, MN, the second son to Richard and Marie (Allen) Porisch. Byron grew up on a farm, outside on Mountain Lake, MN. He graduated from Mountain Lake High School in 1968. After high school he joined the Navy and served four years during the Vietnam War on the U.S.S. Mahan (DLG 11). He was honorably discharged, achieving the rank of EM2. He received a National Defense Service Medal, a Vietnam Service Medal and a Bronze Star. Byron attended Concordia College, St. Paul, MN graduating in 1977 with a Bachelors of Arts as a Director of Christian Education. He spent the rest of his life serving his Lord as a DCE and Youth Minister. He began his ministry in Rochester MN with a 3 month internship at Trinity and then and extended 6 month internship at Grace Lutheran Church. He and his wife, Michell, then moved to Palm Springs, CA where he served 3 years with Our Savior Lutheran. He then accepted a call to St. John's Lutheran, Orange, CA serving faithfully for 10 years. When he was called by Faith Lutheran, he moved his family to Michigan where he served 10 years. His last call was to St. Luke's, Ann Arbor, MI where he has ministered to the youth and congregation for 13 years. Byron spent his life as an instrument of God, helping young and old alike in their walk with Him and their service to others. He lived his faith daily, through countless mission trips, youth gatherings, service projects, Bible studies, and worship services. Byron married his best friend and soul mate, Michell, on Aug.23, 1975 in Windom, MN. They were happily married for 38 years. His passion was serving his God and Father, loving his family and friends, sharing his faith and supporting others in discovering theirs. He loved a good story, riding his Harley, almost anything having to do with technology, and taking on (although maybe not finishing) remodeling projects that would come his way. Byron was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Marie (Allen) Porisch, His brother Richard Porisch, Jr., and his nephew, Matthew Porisch. Byron is survived by his spouse Michell of Ypsilanti MI; daughter Sarah (Jason) Crowder of St. Charles, MO; daughter Christi (Jeremy) Gerloff of Warrenton, MO; daughter Susie (Alex) Gay of Ypsilanti, MI; brother David (Dee) Porisch of Anoka, MN; sister Pat (Joe) Deklotz of Delafield, WI; sister Pam Porisch of Duluth, MN; and brother Dan (Karen) Porisch of Dodge Center, MN; grandchildren Katie Crowder, Brendan Crowder, and Wyatt Gerloff, and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church youth scholarship mission fund. Condolences may be left on