Michael Francis Redman, 67, passed away Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009 at his home in Alexandria, La. after a month-long battle with cancer.

Mike was born July 28, 1942 in Niles to the late Harry and Kathleen (Riede) Redman. The eldest of six children, Mike went to work in the dairy industry at a young age for United Dairies in Niles before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force at age 17. As a young man in the service he met Nanette Normand of Mansura, La.  Mike and Nan were married Aug. 3,1963 at Carswell Air Force Base Chapel in Fort Worth, Texas.

Upon completion of his military service, Mike and Nan eventually settled in Alexandria, where he returned to the dairy industry he always enjoyed. Mike worked his way up to become a regional branch manager at Foremost Dairies. Forever putting off retirement, going to work daily gave him the ability to see his customers who became his friends.
Mike was a devoted Catholic. A member St Rita’s Catholic Parish, he often worked with the St. Vincent de Paul Society through donations and repair work. At Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Parish, Mike helped the Knights of Columbus with their weekly meals through donations.  He was the kindest, most generous and caring loving man who could not say “no” to anyone.

Mike was very active in the local community.  He initiated the Neighborhood Watch Association for his neighborhood and was the first president of the Plantation Residents Association; he recently completed the Citizens Police Academy provided by the Alexandria Police Department; and he was recently recognized by the mayor and Alexandria City Council with a Resolution of Appreciation for all of his drainage work on behalf of the city.

As a member of several “coffee groups” in town, Mike thoroughly enjoyed visiting with his friends, where it seems no topic was taboo. He also shared with his friends a special love of old cars, motorcycles and repairing “treasures.”

Mike was dedicated and devoted to his family and friends and will be missed by all who knew him. He treasured his grandchildren and they will greatly miss his presence in their lives.

He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Nanette Normand Redman. In addition to his wife he is survived by his son, Kenneth Joseph Redman, and his wife, Kim Bolton, Redman of Alexandria, La.; a daughter, Rebecca Redman Stein, and her husband, Mark, of Houston, Texas; five grandchildren, Joshua Ian Redman, Cady Morgan Redman, Logan Anthony Redman, Holly Paige Redman and Isabella Reece Redman; five siblings, Terry (Sandi) Redman, of Englewood, Fla.; Ronald (Theresa) Redman of Lawrenceville, Ga., Dennis (Sandra) Redman of Niles, Patricia (Jerry) Gillies, of Kalispell, Mont., and Joseph (Joni) Redman, of Moline, Ill. Mike is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends, who were blessed to know him.

Relatives and friends are invited to call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 at Kramer Funeral Home. Rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9 at St. Rita Catholic Church with the Revs. Craig Scott, Adam Travis and Dan O’Connor officiating.  Entombment will follow in Alexandria Memorial Gardens Mausoleum under the direction of John Kramer & Son.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Redman, Logan Redman, Terry Redman, Ron Redman, Joe Redman and Jerry Gillies. Honorary pallbearers will be Denny Redman, Billy Phillips, Jerry Rachal, Bob Descant, Tom Nash, Harold Jarvis and coffee drinking pals.

In Mike’s memory, the family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Rita or Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Parishes, or by lending a kind hand to those in need.

The family would like to take this opportunity to express their gratitude to the staff of Cabrini Hospital, St Joseph’s Hospice and all the wonderful doctors, nurses and CNAs who treated Mike with compassion over the years, and especially during this past month.
Memorials may be sent to St. Rita Catholic Church, P.O. Box 7056, Alexandria, LA  71306-0056; Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church, 401 21st St., Alexandria, LA  71301-6500 or a helping hand to someone in need.

Online notes of condolences may be sent to the family at kramerfunerals@aol.com.