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God brought Mike to Roger and Eleanor on July 12, 1955. For the next 68 years he enhanced the Smith family with treasured memories and antics.
Mike will always be remembered when a ‘delightful surprise that he created’ was discovered by his family. He lived a quiet and private life, that was embellished as he floated on his pontoon boat with a fishing pole and snack -‘Living the Good Life’- as he would say with a big smile on his face.
He was born in Butte, Montana, and at age 2 his family moved to Germany. Upon returning to America, they settled in Charles City, Iowa, for his elementary and middle school years. The next stop was in North Saint Paul, Minnesota where he graduated from high school. He received a Fire Science Degree from Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Mike served in the Air Force at Homestead AFB in Florida as a Fire Protection Specialist. After returning to Civilian Life, he joined the Risk Management Department at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, then extended his knowledge to serve as Fire Marshall at University of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff, Arizona.
Upon early retirement he moved back to the Midwest and continued his love of the ‘outdoors’. A lot of his time was spent camping and caring about nature. This love led him to Gun Flint Lodge Resort in the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota, and he worked for several years. As an avid skier he was lured to Lutsen Ski Resort on Lake Superior, and worked there two years. To truly retire he purchased a home at Loch Lomond Resort, Birchwood, Wisconsin, and loved watching the animals in his woods.
He is survived by his parents, Roger and Eleanor Smith: Sister, Michelle (Randy) Palaoro: Nieces, Kristina Gloeb and Andrea (Brandon) Riley: Cousins Timothy (Michele) Stiles, Mark (Jodie) Stiles and Mathew (Erin) Stiles.
Mike will be dearly missed, and while our hearts mourn his loss, we take comfort in knowing the Good Lord brought him home.
A private family memorial service was held at St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Mahtomedi, MN with Randy Palaoro, Brandon Riley, Timothy Stiles, Mark Stiles and Matthew Stiles serving as honorary pallbearers. Following services interment was held in Sumner, IA at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
Click here to watch the recording of Michael’s service
3 Comments
Dear Family of Mike,
We are Mike’s neighbors in Birchwood and want to send our sympathies to all his family. Mike was always so kind and we will miss him. God bless you all and we pray for your hurting hearts as you grieve his passing.
Sincerely, Brent and Marianne Welch
Thank and you Marianne and Brent. Your kind words are comforting to our family. Mike talked about how much he appreciated your friendship. The devotional book was frequently read by Mike.
The candle was so very thoughtful and touched my heart. Thank you.
Lawn service is scheduled next week, so please enjoy the raspberries!
Sincerely,
Michelle and Randy Palaoro and Roger and Eleanor Smith
Thank you Marianne and Brent. Your kind words are comforting to our family. Mike talked about how much he appreciated your friendship. The devotional book was frequently read by Mike.
The candle was so very thoughtful and touched my heart. Thank you.
Lawn service is scheduled next week, so please enjoy the raspberries!
Sincerely,
Michelle and Randy Palaoro and Roger and Eleanor Smith
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