The funeral service for Michael Ray Probst, of Albert Lea, will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 5, at St. Theodore Catholic Church. The Rev. Jim Berning, the Rev. Vern Trocinski and Deacon Mike Ellis will officiate. Interment will be in St. Theodore’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Bonnerup Funeral Service, Albert Lea, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. and one hour before the service at the church.

Michael passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2006, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 54 years old.

Michael was born Dec. 2, 1951, in Worthington, to Joseph G. and Marcella (Hebig) Probst. He resided in Albert Lea for 40 years after moving from Wilmont, Minn. in 1965. Michael graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1969 and then DeVry Institute of Technology, Chicago, Ill., in 1971. Michael married Wanda Gray on May 19, 1973, in Rolling Meadows, Ill. Michael was a member of St. Theodore Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He worked as an electronic engineer for Itron in Waseca for 30 years. Michael enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, golfing, traveling, gardening and taking pictures of his family. Michael especially enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and family. He always had a smile and a positive attitude. He had a mischievous laugh and loved to play practical jokes.

Michael is survived by his wife Wanda Probst of Albert Lea; two children: Douglas Ray Probst and his wife Jenny of Albert Lea and Meredith Anne Probst and special friend, G. G. Gonzalez, of Albert Lea; two grandchildren: Noah Douglas Probst and Griffin Michael Gonzalez; three brothers: Joseph (Butch) Probst

of Albert Lea, Richard L. Probst and his wife Mary of Rosemount, and Robert Probst and his wife Connie of Albert Lea; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.

Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, mother and father-in-law, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Michael will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to Crossroads Community Hospice.