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Michael FETSCH Obituary

Beloved Husband Father, Grandfather Retired Judge Michael F. Fetsch, age 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in St. Paul on Sept 12, 2013. Mike attended St. Luke's grade school, Nazareth Hall Preparatory Seminary, the St. Paul Seminary, and was a graduate of the William Mitchell College of Law. Mike served as an attorney for Legal Assistance of Ramsey County, was the first Executive Director and Chief Attorney of the Neighborhood Justice Center in Saint Paul, was employed as a Ramsey County public defender, and served in private practice with his good friend, the Honorable Michael T. DeCourcy. Mike then served as a Ramsey County Referee and was appointed Ramsey County District Court Judge until he retired in 2009. His professional activities included serving on the Board of Directors of the Lawyers Professional Responsibility Board and as Secretary and subsequently Vice-President of the Minnesota Public Defender's Association. He was a member of the Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association and the Minnesota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Mike served on the board of directors for multiple community service and improvement initiatives. Mike was voted one of the most courteous lawyers in the October - November 1991 issue of Minnesota Lawyer and was voted one of the "Leading Minnesota Attorneys" for Criminal Law that same year. Mike was also selected as one of the best lawyers in Minnesota by the Law & Politics "Super Lawyers 1994". In 2000 he was voted one of the "100 Who Make a Difference" in the William Mitchell College of Law Centennial Celebration Publication. Mike is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and three children; Anne (Jim Horner) of Fairfax, VA; John (Nancy) of Chicago; Tim (Louise Muth) of Alexandria VA and four grandchildren Maggie , Mary, Jack, and Vince. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Jeanne Fetsch, and three siblings. A funeral Mass for Mike will be held on Thursday, Sep 19th at 7:00 pm at the Church of St. Louis, King of France on 506 Cedar St in Saint Paul. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Minnesotans' Military Appreciation Fund or Saint Mary's Health Clinics. Our family is so grateful to Dr. Douglas Rausch and the entire staff of the Cancer Infusion Center at Hennepin County Medical Center for their skill, care and compassion which provided Mike a full and rich life. 651-698-0796


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Published by Pioneer Press on Sep. 15, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael FETSCH

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Chuck and Betsy Schlaefer Hickok

September 9, 2023

Michael was a marvelous giving individual ~ we were blessed to have him in our lives. God be with you all.

Betsy Schlaefer Hickok

September 9, 2021

Dear Marilyn,
Continued prayers and positive thoughts for you and your Family.Blessings and Love.

Michaelena Seals

December 14, 2020

Wow I am shocked and saddened to hear about this wonderful man passing away. He was a blessing to me and helped me by his words and encouragement. He helped me through my dissolution and was patient and very knowledgeable. Always kind and non judgemental to both parties. If I can find the letter I will upload it later. Sorry for your loss.

marla Kennedy

September 9, 2020

You either make the world a little better or a little worse. i think Mike spent his whole life trying to make it better.

Barbara Castleberry

March 3, 2014

Dear Marilyn and family. I just heard about Mike. I am so very very sorry. As you know, I thought the world of him when we worked together. One of the finest human beings I knew. My heart just breaks for you and your family. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. We know Mike is probably in a better place and in no more pain, but the loss is sometimes so unbearable. Love and prayers to you. Barb Castleberry xo(worked with Mike at Legal Aid back when)

Jocylyn Poehler

October 23, 2013

I just saw this. I am very sorry for your loss. He was a good man and a fair judge.

Chuck & Betsy Schlaefer Hickok

September 28, 2013

Dear Marilyn and Family,
We were sad to hear of Mike's passing.The world is a better place because of his great caring and compassion. He was a remarkable man and will be missed.
Christ's Peace and love be with all of you,
Chuck & Betsy Schlaefer Hickok

David Schlaefer

September 25, 2013

Great guy, greatly missed. Always a smile and full engagement. Thoughts, love, & Prayers from all the Schlaefers.

September 19, 2013

Dear Marilyn,
The mass is starting in two minutes, and I have totally mismanaged.
Mike was such a great addition to our lives. Cancer is such a scourge. It seems to pick out the best people. It certainly did here. Bill sends his best. Joe and his family live on Lake Barcroft. It would be nice if they connected.
We must as well.
Marla

Manny Atwal

September 19, 2013

Wonderful Judge and person. Judge Fetsch will be missed dearly. He was great mentor to me and many other attorneys.

David Palm

September 19, 2013

I had the honor and privilege to clerk for Judge Fetsch the summer after my first year of law school. For a young man from a small city in WI whose parents never went to college this was a big deal. The Judge treated me and everyone he encountered with respect. His constant concerns for fairness and justice for everyone especially those who could not afford a lawyer is a lesson I will never forget. He loved the law, worked hard, but still made it fun. His sense of humor and the things he taught me that summer I will never forget and I am eternally grateful. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family today. He will be missed.

Nancy (Maloney) Williams

September 19, 2013

Marilyn, I am sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I know he will be missed. It was always fun to be around your family when we gathered with the Flynn's. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

September 18, 2013

They don't make them like that anymore. Great guy, Great Judge will miss him. Our thoughts with you Marilyn and family. Kevin Moore / SPPD retired

Kelly MacGregor

September 18, 2013

I'm so sorry to hear about Michael's death. I knew Tim in high school, and know what a wonderful family he had. Having lost my own father to cancer last year, my heart goes out to you and your family.

September 17, 2013

It was always such a pleasure to serve you and your wife and sometimes friends. I even ran into you at the St. Paul farmer's market one day and you and Marilyn were just as friendly out side of the coffee shop. I no longer work there but remember you fondly. All my best to your family.

September 17, 2013

Rest in Peace , Mike. A Classmate from the diocese of Green Bay - Rev Ted Hendricks

Shannon Bambery

September 17, 2013

Mr. and Mrs. Fetsch: No matter how many times he told me to just call him Mike I could never do it. I always considered it a sign of respect for a man and family that I have long looked up to. My heart is saddened by your loss. Trying to sum up the measure of a man in a few short paragraphs is a daunting task more most and impossible for Mike. His social advocacy, community leadership and strength of character are a testament to just want a warm and thoughtful spirit he is. It's small wonder Mike and Marilyn were such an amazing pair and evidenced by such a truly special family in Anne, John and Tim.

While I am so very saddened by his passing I will have nothing but happy thoughts and a smile on my face from his memory. God Bless

Ally Koenig

September 17, 2013

It was certainly a somber day at Starbucks when we heard the news. Mike you were such a delight to have as a guest. Always happy and always smilIng!! You will be greatly missed. I'll let God know just how you like your Venti nonfat extra hot no foam latte ; ) Mer, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love you!

- Snelling and Selby Starbucks

September 17, 2013

I am deeply sadded by the loss of such a fine man.I got to know him through my daughter Kate-I only hope my contributions to my community come close to his! Hon. Donald R.Zuidmulder Chief Judge 8th Judical District State of Wisconsin

Stephanie Nienow

September 16, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with Marilyn and the entire family. He was so proud, sharing pictures of the family each and every time we were together. I am blessed to have known him.

Shari

September 16, 2013

I would see Mike at the gym and sometimes at the coffee shop. He was always greeted me in a kind, gracious and unassuming manner. I had no idea he was a retired District Court judge, a testament to his humility. I was so sorry to hear of his passing, and my condolences go out to his wife, family and friends.

Irene Zon

September 16, 2013

As a per diem court reporter that used to fill in quite a bit with Judge Fetsch he always made me feel welcome and special. He was very professional and a super nice and caring person I really enhoyed working with

September 16, 2013

I am going to miss our talks about the wild life when he cme to his appointments. sMy prayers and thoughts are with you. Janet M 50

Susie Montpetit

September 16, 2013

Judge Fetsch is going to be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife and family at this time. God Bless.

Lori Southward-Matson

September 16, 2013

Just wanted to extend my condolences and sympathies to you, John, and your family. My parents told me today that your father passed away. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Wish you peace.

Jim Toner

September 15, 2013

It was an honor to be Mike's classmate for two years at Nazareth Hall and two years at the St. Paul Seminary. When Father Tim Kernan was alive I saw Mike on return visits to St. Paul. I was delighted when Mike became a Judge, and was happy to see him when he journeyed to the National Judicial College in Reno. My prayers and condolences to you Marilyn, and your family.

Jim Kaston

September 15, 2013

My prayers and sympathy to all the family. He was a great classmate for many years, a good friend and obviously destined for great things. May he rest in peace, well done good and faithful servant.

Elizabeth Flynn - Gatti

September 15, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss Marilyn. Mike was a great guy.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Elizabeth Flynn Gatti

Barbara Austin

September 15, 2013

You are in our thoughts and prayers - Barbara Austin and family

Tracy Bowe

September 15, 2013

Dear Fetsch Family,
Mike was a man with such a big heart and such a bright light. We will all miss his warmth, his smile, and his genuine interest in and compassion for people. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. The lives of the Flynn family were all enriched by our long relationship with Mike and your family.

Gregory Koltes

September 15, 2013

Michael was a true gentleman. Very, very cordial. I usher at the 5pm Sat. mass at St. Louis and got to know him there. What a nice guy. RIP

Neal Lloyd

September 15, 2013

You all were the best of neighbors in the days we lived on Princeton Ave. Accept my sympathy on Mike's passing and may God's Spirit of Peace bring you all comfort.

Sheilah Hurley

September 15, 2013

Dear Marylin
I'm just heartbroken for you and your family. I just saw Mike a couple of years ago at my brothere's funeral. What a dear,sweet, funny man. To this day, I think of you both with great fondness. Your's was my favorite family to babysit.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.

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