Byron D. Porisch

Great Lakes, IL (1968); aboard USS Mahan / Vietnam
  • Military specialty: Electrician's Mate
  • Awards: National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Bronze Star

b. 12 Feb 1950; d. 17 Nov 2013.  Byron Douglas Porisch, son of Richard and Marie (Allen) Porisch of Mountain Lake, MN, was born in Mountain Lake.  He grew up on a farm outside of Mountain Lake and graduated from Mountain Lake High School in 1968.

After high school, Byron 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.

On 23 Aug 1975, he married Michelle.

Byron attended Concordia College, St. Paul, MN, graduating in 1977 with a Bachelors of Arts degree 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, followed by an extended 6 month internship at Grace Lutheran Church.  He and his wife, Michelle, 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 ministered to the youth and congregation for 13 years.

Reverend Byron Porisch died in 2013 at his home in Ypsilanti, MI.   He is buried at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Alpha, Jackson County, MN.

  • Obituary: Yes