Michael Grant Cochran

In Loving Memory of Michael Grant Cochran

July 31, 1959 – September 27, 2025 

With heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of Michael G. Cochran (Mike), age 66, of Prescott, WI. Mike passed away on Saturday, September 27th, at Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury, MN, after a five-month battle with glioblastoma brain cancer.

Mike was born on July 31st, 1959, in Minneapolis, MN, to Les and Monna Cochran. He was one of four brothers and affectionately known as "the big guy" among them. Mike graduated from Burnsville High School in 1977, where he enjoyed playing water polo and loved being part of the school band. A highlight of his high school years was a memorable band trip to Europe. Mike worked at Dairy Queen throughout high school to help pay for that special trip. He attended college at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls for two years before deciding to pursue a job at Unisys. During those years, he enjoyed the bachelor life and especially loved time on his fishing boat. 

Mike met Debbie Linder and married at the age of 29. Debbie had two children already, Adam and Alisa, who quickly became Mike’s children by heart. Together, Mike and Debbie had two more children, Justin and Courtney. Although the couple separated when Justin and Courtney were little, Mike always remained a devoted father to all four children. He raised Justin and Courtney as a single father for much of their lives and continued to be a consistent, loving presence in all their lives. 

In 2006, Mike met Patti at Broadstreet Bar in Prescott through a mutual friend. The two met every Wednesday for three months until Mike finally asked her on their first official date on New Year’s Eve. They married five years later, on July 16, 2011, surrounded by their families, marking one of the best days of their lives. Their blended family included Mike’s four children and Patti’s three: Kate, Jason, and Chelsea—whom Mike also loved as his own. Together, they built a joyful life that eventually grew to include 12 grandchildren, with another grandchild on the way. 

Mike was a patient, kind, and devoted husband, Dad, and Papa. He loved spending time with family in the backyard, pushing grandkids on the swings, BBQing, making pepper jelly and Christmas candy, and attending grandkids’ performances and sporting events. He loved motorcycles, fishing, and annual trips to Leech Lake every August. He enjoyed family vacations to Lake Koronis in Paynesville, MN, long scenic drives along Highway 35 with stops at orchards and vineyards, and sharing a Budweiser with friends in downtown Prescott. Mike played in a Monday night dart league and during a recent trip to Mexico found great joy in sipping fine tequila with friends. 

Mike is survived by his wife Patti Cochran, and their children: Adam Linder (Amber), Alisa Price, Justin Cochran (Alex Lehner), Courtney Cochran (Tyler Driscoll), Kate Magnuson (Adam), Jason Snyder (Jacque), Chelsea Snyder. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Isaac, Daisee Mae, Meggan, Carter, Layla, Lydia Linder; Zoey Magnuson; Asher and Sienna Snyder; Jayden and Landon Snyder; and soon-to-arrive baby boy Cochran (Justin and Alex). Surviving family also includes his mother Monna Cochran, brothers Randy, Dave, and Steve (Nicole), and Patti’s siblings: Vern, Dave, Gary, Tom, Darlene, Dennis, Mike, Jan, Glenn, and Dan Meier, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Leslie Leland Cochran.

Mike Cochran will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous heart, and the unwavering love he gave to his family and friends. He will be dearly missed. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at: Crossroads Church 5900 Woodbury Drive Woodbury, MN 55129 Visitation: 9:30 AM, Service: 10:30 AM.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Woodwinds Infusion and Cancer Center, St. Croix Hospice, and Woodwinds Hospital for their compassionate and outstanding care during Mike’s journey.

Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Prescott. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-262-5404.