Michael Laehn

Michael Thomas Laehn, 63, of Winona died Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at his home.

Mike was born July 19, 1960, in Mondovi, WI to Darold and Irene (Klopp) Laehn. He graduated from Cochrane-Fountain City High School in 1978. He also attended UW-La Crosse and Winona State University.

Mike worked at many different companies in Winona and Minneapolis including Badger Foundry, Gorman Foundry, RTP and Behrens Manufacturing. Mike finished his work career in 2021 at Hal Leonard Publishing, where he worked as a distribution specialist.

Mike loved sports and played basketball and football at Cochrane- Fountain City High School. Upon graduation, he played slow-pitch softball for many years in the Fountain City and Winona area and was a phenomenal pitcher who threw the best "skyball" in the area. He was an avid Green Bay Packer's fan and cheered on the Packers through the lean years (1980's) and the great years (1990's to the present). He loved going to work in Winona and Minneapolis after all the Packer's wins over the Vikings and ribbing all his Viking friends and co-workers.

Mike's other love was music, especially hard rock music. He attended many concerts and enjoyed the energy and atmosphere of those live events. He was the biggest Led Zeppelin fan of all time, and you could still find his Led Zeppelin clothing, from t-shirts to sweatshirts in his closet. He said that never went out of style.

Mike's pride and joy were his grandchildren. He talked all the time of how proud of them he was, and bragged about them being on the honor roll at C-FC and how fun they were to watch when they were on the volleyball or basketball courts or the softball diamond. Most of all he was proud of the type of people they have become -- caring, kind and respectful of everyone. In that respect, they were like Grandpa, because Mike was one of the most kind, respectful and gentle people you would ever meet.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Amanda (Brian) Lacey, five grandchildren, Addy, Emmie, Vada, Brenden, and Bella Turnmire; brothers Gary Laehn, Dan (Rachel) Laehn, Dave (Sheryl) Laehn, and Steve Laehn; sister-in-law Judy Laehn, brother-in-law Nick Slawatyniec; and many nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Terry Laehn and three sisters, Sharon Laehn, Carol Slawatyniec, and Cheryl Menting.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 5:00 - 6:00 PM at the Hoff Funeral Home, 3480 Service Drive, Goodview, MN. A Celebration of his life will follow at 6:00 PM led by Funeral Celebrant Becca Pomeroy.