Michael Mickow

Michael “Mike” Dwayne Mickow, 65, of Surprise, AZ and formerly of Rochester, MN died Saturday, March 16, 2024, at his home surrounded by family, after valiantly fighting a 10-month battle with cancer.

Mike was born April 25, 1958, in Rochester to Norman and Ann (Heyn) Mickow. He was raised on a family dairy and hog farm and was taught to drive tractor at a young age. It was here he learned to trap gophers, which was something he continued throughout his life. Mike attended Elba Country School and graduated from St. Charles High School in 1976.

On August 11, 1990, he married Brenda Kemna in Rochester. He  farmed following high school then  worked as an operator/manager in agriculture feed distribution for 30 years.

Mike enjoyed traveling, playing cards, hunting, golfing and throwing competitive horseshoes in retirement.  He also played billiards, darts, softball and snowmobiled throughout his life. He was an avid Twins, Vikings, and Minnesota Gopher fan.

Mike had a wide circle of friends and was always welcoming and outgoing. He cared about people and was willing to help neighbors, friends, and family. And yes, if there was a prank to be pulled, he may have been a part of that too. He liked to tease his nieces and nephews.

Mike was a longtime member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Following retirement, Mike and Brenda spent several winters in Arizona before moving to Surprise in August of 2023.

He is survived by his wife, Brenda; siblings, Jim (Barb) Mickow of St. Charles, Betty (Gary) Pedersen of Dover and Gene Mickow of Rochester; Brenda’s siblings, Ken (Vickie) Kemna, Linda (Barry) Koritza, Sandy (Doug) Williams and Carol (Bob) Fenton; nieces and nephews, Angela Mickow (Brian Klein), Jaime (Dane) Fox, Melinda (Brian) Kieffer, Courtney Pedersen – Louis (Jeff Louis) and Kelly (Steven) Wenzel, Carey (Amy) Kemna, Chris Kemna, Eric (Molly) Kemna, Jennifer (Sean) Beasley, Trevor (Jaime) Koritza, Sara Cornelius, Josh Williams, Katy Williams (Ben Anderson), Tyler Fenton and Derek Fenton (Alesi Hayes); and 24 great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Mike’s family would like to thank Mayo Clinic and Hospice of the Valley Arizona for the loving care they gave Mike as well as family and friends for all  the emotional and in person support during Mike’s illness.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Friday, March 22, 2024, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in St. Charles. Memorial Service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, March 23, 2024, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church with a visitation from 10 a.m., until the time of the service. Memorials are preferred to Saint Matthew Lutheran Church or Rochester Area Special Olympics.

Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service – St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements. www.hofffuneral.com.