Lawrence "Mike" Pettengill

Lawrence "Mike" Pettengill, 77, of Fergus Falls, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at the MN Veterans Home in Fergus Falls surrounded by his family.

Mike, as he was known by his friends, was born May 22, 1947, the fourth of eight children, to L.E. "Jiggs" and Maretta (Watts) Pettengill in Del Norte, CO. He was baptized, made his First Communion and was confirmed at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in Del Norte, CO. He served as altar boy until he left for his military service. He was a Boy Scout and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. On his 17th birthday, he signed up with the 121-day plan with the US Navy. He was in his senior year at school when his 121-day arrived. He finished his GED with the Navy and returned to Montrose, CO, to graduate with his class in 1965.

Mike was inducted into the Navy on October 28, 1964. He was in the Navy Aviation as a jet mechanic and did photo reconnaissance while in Vietnam. He was stationed in Spain, Iceland, France, Germany, Hawaii, Guam, Philippines, Vietnam besides the continental US. He was discharged on May 21, 1968. He also earned the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. While he spent four years in the US Navy, he was never on-board ship once since he flew everywhere.

After returning from the military, he was employed by Art's Mobile Home, Montrose, CO, transporting homes to various locations. In 1970 he was married to which a son and daughter were born. In 1971 he moved to Minnesota to work on jet planes at the Minneapolis airport. Later he moved to Fergus Falls, where he met Donna (Golombiecki) Andreasen on a blind date, the love of his life, and they married April 2, 1983. They vacationed to Hawaii for their 25th anniversary where they renewed their wedding vows on Waikiki Beach. He was also employed by Floyd Duenow Incorporated as foreman and employed with Otter Tail Power for over 33 years in various positions all in Fergus Falls. During this time, he also owned and operated Mike's Repair for over 40 years.

After retirement, Mike and Donna enjoyed traveling to Branson, MO for veterans' time, Baton Rouge, LA to visit their daughter and family and then on to Baffin Bay, TX, for the winter months where they made many friends from across the country and Canada.

Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, was a MN Twins baseball and MN Vikings football fan, Underwood Lions ice racing, traveling and wintering in Texas. He was a car buff that could tell you anything you wanted to know about any vehicle. Mike appreciated life to the fullest and was a natural extraordinary mechanic. Most of all he loved to spend time with his family and friends.

Mike suffered a debilitating stroke in July 2018 that rendered him partially paralyzed. He moved into the MN Veterans Home in Fergus Falls in 2019 where they found a second family amidst the residents, their families and the staff. We will be forever grateful for the wonderful loving care that Mike received from the amazing staff there.

Mike was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, life-member of VFW #612, American Legion Post #489, Underwood Lions Club where he held various offices, DAV walk of Flags and served on various boards. While they were in Texas, they volunteered with the Kingsville Noon Lions. Mike was also a member of the MN Veterans Home Choir.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Jiggs and Maretta; father and mother-in-law, Peter and Veronica Golombiecki; infant brother, Rodger; sisters, Becky Pettengill, Sheron Fletcher, and Myrna Chuchuru, and brother-in-law, Ed Saunders.

Survivors include: his wife, Donna; children, Angie (David) Henke of Glenwood, James Pettengill of Fergus Falls, Stacie (Bill Rodier) Caldwell of Baton Rouge, LA, and Debra Shol of Prior Lake; five grandchildren, Cody (Hayley) Pettengill, Hunter (Amanda) Pettengill, Aiden Wills, Caroline Caldwell, and Brady Caldwell; two great-grandchildren on the way; siblings, Ann Saunders, Retta (Ron) Sanchez, Steve (Judy) Pettengill, and Dana Pettengill all of Montrose, CO; brother-in-law, Dick Fletcher of Farmington, NM; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and special caregivers at the Vets Home.

Mike's family would like to thank the staff of the MN Veterans Home for the exceptional care, affection and honor provided to him. We were truly fortunate to have Mike spend his last days here. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the MN Veterans Home Recreation Fund in Fergus Falls, Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Fergus Falls or American Heart Association.

Visitation: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2025 at Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls, with prayer service at 4:30 p.m. Visitation will resume one-hour prior to the service.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 3, 2025 at Olson Funeral and Cremation Chapel in Fergus Falls.

Clergy: Father Lucho Palomino and Deacon Chuck Kampa

Interment: Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND at a later date

Military Participation: Underwood American Legion Post #489 and Fergus Falls VFW Post #612 

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com