Obituary
Guest Book

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Tim McQuillan
October 1, 2006
Kathy:
I just heard of Mike's passing and wanted to write and pass on my condolances. I haven't seen Mike much since our days at SBH but the email network seems to keep all of us in loop.
Again, please accept my condolances
Pat Hollund
September 23, 2006
We just returned from vacation and had several emails from folks who know Mike and the family. I knew the time was nearing but had no idea it was that close. Mike took the high road always and illness did not change that. I was so happy to see him at the rally last summer that I hugged and hugged him many times. He graciously accepted my hugs and gave back to help me feel better! Now isn't that just the way he was? Good friends live forever in our hearts. Pat Hollund
Janet Shattuck
September 23, 2006
To Kathy and family of Mike,
Not only has Mike touched the lives of friends, family and co-workers in Minnesota but also those of us in Oregon who had the pleasure to know and work with him since the US Bank merger with First Bank. He was always helpful to anyone, a go-to guy, and a great person to have on your team. Those of you that had the fortune of being nearer to him are truly blessed to have him as a husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, son, or friend. We will all miss him so very much. Take comfort in knowing the incredible outreach he achieved in his life. He is an inspiration to us all.
Margo Fjelstad
September 21, 2006
Kathy and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. I met Mike very early in my life at First Computer. He was kind, helpful and very generous of his time and spirit. May you find comfort in the kind words from his freinds and family. Cherish the memory of his life.
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Gary & Maxine Dalland
September 21, 2006
We were so saddened to hear about the loss of a good friend!
We know he put up a good fight until the very end.
He touched a lot of lives and friends through the years,
And now those friends have shed many tears.
We must remember though, he's in a better place.
Sitting next to God, just full of his grace.
All of us members of Chapter S will remember you Kathy and your family in our prayers.
Chapter Directors
Chapter S
Michele & Ira Shapiro
September 21, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I will miss Mike. He had such a wonderful sense of humor (I keep thinking of the year he asked for the hooters calendar for his desk at work. At first I thought he was serious!! So, to get even I made him one with owls). He always had a gift for making people smile. God must have needed a wonderful angel like Mike. God bless you all.
KAREN ANDERSON
September 21, 2006
PATTI AND FAMILY-
WE WISH TO EXTEND OUR CONDOLENCES ON HEARING OF THE LOSS OF YOUR DAD. I REMEMBER HIM TO HAVE A REAL ZEST FOR LIFE. MAY GOD HELP YOU THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME. LOVE, KAREN, JENI, AND ANNA.
Chris Brown & Family
September 21, 2006
Our families were very close and we did a lot of things together back when I was young. I remember camping at places like Paradise Island (which I have no concept of where this is physically in the state), Camperville, and playing volleyball every time we went over to the Quitters. Of course Mike was a big part of all the activities and I think instigated most of the games. Mike was also a younger “brother” (1st cousin) to my Mom, who says she can’t write anything here because she will cry too hard. It’s hard to believe that Mike ever had cancer; he was much braver than I would ever be in face of death. His faith and relationship with God must be very strong. I remember taking a speech class years ago at Winona State and one of our assignments was to give a speech on what people would say about us after we are gone, and what words would we choose to put on our tombstone. One guy said he would want people to say, “he was a good guy.” Pretty simple, but it says a lot. Now I am 38 years old and each year I think I spend more time thinking about eternity. Our time on Earth is really very short, but Mike is someone who made a difference while he was here and was certainly the best of the “good guys”. We will miss him dearly.
Frank Quitter
September 20, 2006
Dear Kathy and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you. It was wonderful that Mike was able to attend my 80th birthday party. He seemed to have a good time. you know we have loved him since he
was a very little boy. We will miss him terribly. Love, Uncle Frank and Aunt Carmella
Terri Quitter
September 20, 2006
Kathy & Family My heart goes out to you at this time of grief. It was so great you had that party last November and you & Mike were able to be at my Dad's party.I'll always remember his smiling face.
Dick Purvis
September 20, 2006
Dear Family of Mike:
I knew Mike (and Kathy) from St. Bernard's (Class '67) and my wife and I worked with him at Dayton's River Room Restaurant. We had many good times and have many fond memories. We are saddened and offer you our sincere condolences.
Dick and Sue Purvis
Corr Phone Staff -USBANK The Staff
September 20, 2006
Patti, our thoughts goes out to you and your entire family on the recent loss of your dearly beloved father.
Corr Phone Staff -USBANK The Staff
September 20, 2006
Patti, our thoughts goes out to you and your entire family on the recent loss of your dearly beloved father.
Tim Russell
September 19, 2006
Mike was such a special person in my life. At work, he had a knack for being able to focus seriously to come up with solutions and suggestions, but could quickly offer his wit and humor. I will always remember that Mike showed me his special route to Wisconsin. He showed us all the route to heaven by trusting in the Lord with his faith and being such a fine man.
Gerry & Marilyn Heroff
September 19, 2006
Kathy, Patty, Denise, Jeni & David
We are very saddened to hear about Mike. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Anne DeFrang
September 19, 2006
Denise, I just wanted to know my thoughts and prayers are with all of your family. Cherish the memories.
Lisa Brown
September 19, 2006
We feel blessed to have known Mike and our last two visits with him we will cherish always. We will always remember that strong hug every time we would meet and every time we would say goodbye. We will remember his positive personality. He was a genuine person and he will be deeply missed. Love and prayers to all of you- Lisa, Steve and boys
Larry Conley
September 19, 2006
Kathy and family,
You have my deepest sympathy in your time of grief. I know what you are going through. I also know that you have a very large network of friends, don't be afraid to lean on them for support, they will be extremily happy to give all you want.
You and your family will be in my prayers.
Joy & Scott Mattson
September 19, 2006
We will truly miss Mike. He was always ready with a smile and gave great words of advice when asked for. Our thoughts are with you, Kathy, and the rest of your family at this time of deepest sorrow.
Norma Macdonald
September 19, 2006
Mike was a pleasure to work with at the Bank. He always had such a positive attitude and a great smile! He will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
John & Cece Stafford
September 19, 2006
We will miss Mike. His dignity and strength were quite apparent as he guided us along the way toward the end of his journey. We wil never forget his testament to faith and inner strength. But, we will also remember that through all of the years that we were friends and co-workers, he always had a positive attitude and a kind word. He always seemed to know the right path to take and ways always brave enough to take it. He lived the moto 'Saints, Scholars, Laides and Gentlemen'
Connie Riemers
September 19, 2006
I am so sorry for your loss. Mike was such a wonderful person. So great to be around. Kathy, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
John and Jane Gray
September 19, 2006
We will miss you Mike
Mike & Jan Buzick
September 19, 2006
Kathy and family of Mike, the news of Mike's passing has deeply saddened our hearts and has left a empty space in our circle of friends. The few years that we knew Mike and you, enriched our lives. I can remember the first time meeting Mike at Moorehead, energetic and willing to help out anyway possible with the Medic First Aid Program. His dedication to GWRRA and the MFA program will be missed, But, never forgotten.
What a great example he set for mankind. If only we had more Michael Quitters, he will truely be missed. Mike, my brother, until we meet again.
Mike and Jan Region E MFA Coordinators
Cathy Cullen
September 19, 2006
Mike was a great co-worker and man of faith. He will be missed. Mike is now in a wonderful place. My sympathy is with the family.
Nancy Gonsioroski
September 19, 2006
Mikey was one of the kindest most humble people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was always smiling and happy even when faced with the challenges he was given. People always ask why does this always happen to the good guys, well I feel God has much bigger plans for Mikey. I know I am a better person for just having known him. He will be missed by all.
Sue, Rick & Jessica Rowell
September 19, 2006
Our prayers are with your family.
Peggy and Bob Beck
September 19, 2006
The family of our dearest Mike has our deepest condolences. I worked with Mike for many years. I did have the honor to visit with he and Kathy last fall. He was an inspiration. He was a soldier of God's while on earth and now I am sure he is an angel of God's looking over all of us. Our deepest sympathy.
TOM EKBOM
September 19, 2006
NOT SURE WHAT TOOK MIKE SO EARLY BUT HE WAS A GREAT GUY; HAVE NOT SEEM HIM IN ABOUT 10 YEARS BUT HAVE GREAT MEMORIES OF THE TIMES WE SPENT AT FIRST COMPUTER WHERE WE BOTH WORKED AND THE TIMES WE WENT TO MASS TOGETHER ON MONDAYS
MY SYMPATHIES GO OUT TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY
Carol Lee Folsom
September 19, 2006
kathy and Famly, Our hearts and Prayers go out to you all. we met you and Mike 30 some years ago and then again in GWRRS. Mike always had a Smile and a Friendly greeting for everyone he met. Stand strong Kathy, god is watching over you and the Kids and Mike is standing right there, next to him, making sure he does a good job. Love & Hugs
Carol Lee & Emil Folsom
Dennis Cummings
September 19, 2006
Mike always kept us updated on the latest software news and wit at the bank. He has been a strong co-worker and friend these past 8 years, tending to others' needs/goals and looking for no reciprocity.
I'll miss that next-cubicle neighbor at work, especially his signature phrase on e-mail memos "Have a Great Day...unless you have other plans.".
Joan Isakson
September 19, 2006
So sorry to hear of your loss. He was a great person and well liked by everybody at the bank.
Chuck Harvey
September 19, 2006
May he rest in peace.
Chapter FL2-E

Mike & Kathy Sept 2005
September 18, 2006
Earl & Sandy Slack
September 18, 2006
Still one of the bravest people we've ever known. He always had a smile and never felt sorry for himself. He lived with pride and dignity, humor and love. We'll miss you, Mike.
John Kersich
September 18, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Kevin Heap
September 18, 2006
I have no profound words or elequent quotes to share. I can only offer our most heartfelt sympathies to Kathy and their children. We will all miss a good friend.
I will always be thankful to Mike as both a friend and a mentor that taught me to do the job as District Educator for GWRRA. His support and offers to help were unwavering and the example he gave by sharing his genuine caring and passion to help his motorcycling friends and see to their safety was infectious.
Mike's attitude and demeanor in the face of his disease was the ultimate mark of courage and grace.
We'll miss you until we all meet again. God speed, Mike.
Ron and Karen Knudtson
September 18, 2006
Mike was a great Educator for the GWRRA District of Minnesota. In the time that we knew him, we marveled at his strengh and ability to be positive. Our prayers and thoughts go to his family.
Ron and Karen, GWRRA Region "E" Direcctors
Bruce and Susan Hemphill
September 18, 2006
Our hearts are heavy as we remember Mike. We know that he is in a better place to watch over all of his family and friends.
Mike has touched so many people in his life. His memory and spirt will live long in our hearts. His kindness and smiles, his heart and his passion.
We will remember him with gladness and smiles.
Lots of Love!
Mary Jane Burket
September 18, 2006
After reading the first page of this guest book I cannot find any words that could express the feelings we all have at the loss of Mike. Actually when I started reading it I thought Mike had wrote it as it is exactly how he felt about everything.
My heart goes out to him and his family at this time. My prayers and thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow. Always remember that Mike was loved by everyone he touched in his life. He especailly was so proud of his family.
God bless you all.
Mike & Mary Erlandson
September 18, 2006
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006
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