WILMINGTON — Michael “Mike” R. LaVeine, 73, of Wilmington, North Carolina passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on October 13, 2022. Mike bravely fought a long battle with pancreatic cancer for close to five years.
Mike is survived by his loving wife Janet, stepdaughter Melissa (Chris, Ava & Naomi) of Richmond, Virginia, sister Nancy of DeLand, Florida, nephew Matthew (MaryAnn & Emmaline) of Burlington, Iowa, sister Barbara of Burlington, Iowa, brother Glenn (Colleen, Geoffrey & Scott) of St. Peters, Missouri, and stepmother Iona of Burlington, Iowa, along with extended family and countless friends, all of whom have a special place in their heart for Mike. He also leaves behind his furry best friends Charlie and Daniel.
Mike is a military veteran of the Army branch, where he spent many years in Germany. After the military, he began a fulfilling career managing corporate level lumber yards for commercial and residential construction.
Of Mike’s many interests, he was passionate about Corvettes and was a member of Cape Fear Corvettes. He was also a member of the Buccaneer Gun Club where he spent time gathering with friends. Mike also enjoyed boating, fishing, riding motorcycles and was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan. He held a pilot’s license as well as a captain’s license.
Mike was preceded in death by his mother Joyce, father Robert, brother Patrick, and niece Melissa and many loving long-distance relatives.
The family would like to extend gratitude to the many doctors and nurses at New Hanover Regional Medical Center for their exceptional and compassionate care, and Dr. Belle and team with Zimmer Cancer Center.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Wilmington, and his final resting place will be in Keokuk, Iowa at the National Cemetery.
In honor of Mike, please consider donating to the Lustgarten Foundation: Pancreatic Cancer Research or the Wounded Warrior Project.
