Michael Laurence Supalla

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Michael "Mike" Laurence Supalla, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend who touched countless lives with his warmth, generosity, and extraordinary work ethic. Mike left us too soon, following a tragic farm accident, but his legacy of love, dedication, and faith will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him.

Mike was born on February 27, 1950, to Laurence and Irene (Ignaszewski) Supalla. From a young age, he farmed alongside his parents, learning dedication, responsibility, and perseverance. He also learned that success isn’t measured in single seasons but in generations of careful tending.

As a mischievous young lad, he loved playing pranks and spent countless hours playing baseball with neighboring farm friends and cousins. He attended New Richland-Hartland High School, where he gained recognition in football, wrestling, and baseball. He married his high school sweetheart, Gretchen Tukua, on June 21, 1969.

As a young adult, he re-established the New Richland Reds baseball team and co-founded the Minnesota Waxy Corn Growers Association (MWCGA). He took great pride in teaching a ‘city’ girl to become one heck-uva tractor driver, and together they were honored as the 1984 Waseca County Young Farmers of the Year. They owned and operated Supalla Trucking Company, where they formed lasting friendships along the way.

His greatest joy was his family. For 56 beautiful years, he and Gretchen built a life rooted in love and hard work. Together, they raised their family and nurtured their farm, through challenges and triumphs. Their bond was the foundation of everything they grew—both in the land and in their family. Mike (or “Rotz” as his family called him) poured his heart into his wife, three daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was their biggest champion, always encouraging their dreams and celebrating successes. His pride in them was immeasurable, and his love was unconditional. Whether offering quiet wisdom or a reassuring presence, “Rotz” led by example—teaching his family the importance of responsibility, kindness, and taking pride in a job well done.

Mike enjoyed checking on fields, picking rocks (not so much), cheering on his grandkids, spending time at the lake, side-by-side riding with friends, golfing, fishing, vacationing with friends and family, warm winters in Nuevo Vallarta, and dreaming the Minnesota Vikings were Superbowl Champs.

Mike’s absence leaves an immeasurable void, but his spirit will live on in the fields he tended, the lessons he imparted, and the love he gave so freely.

Mike is survived by his wife Gretchen, three daughters: Sharra (Scott) Hagenbrock of Celina, TX, Raquel (Todd) Hansen of Owatonna, MN, Lynsey (Matt) Heim of Owatonna, MN; Eight grandchildren: Lindsey Hansen (special friend Buzz Pool), Eric (Amanda) Hansen, Michael, Tyler, and Madison Hagenbrock, Caleb, Kade, and Paige Hullopeter; and 6 great-grandchildren: Ethan, Abigail, and Noah McGurran and Taitym, Zoey, and Rylinn Hansen; siblings Chris (Kevin) Johnson, Barb (Dave) Lyndgaard, Randy (Sue) Supalla, brother-in-law Elliott (Nancy) Tukua; Aunts Anne Theder and Marian Mithun; Uncle Bernard (Eleanor) Ignaszewski; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was proceeded in death by his parents Laurence and Irene Supalla, and siblings and in-laws: Betty and Reuben Woitas, Georgene and Tom Lenort, and Jolene and Roger Buchholtz.

A visitation for Mike will be from 4:00-7:00 PM on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca. A Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of All Saints in New Richland on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in New Richland. In his honor, the family kindly requests donations to the Church of All Saints or to the New Richland Fire Department.

The family is deeply grateful for the swift response of the New Richland, Waseca, and Ellendale First Responders. They are truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity and support from friends, family, and neighbors.

Rest in peace, Rotz. You were truly one of a kind.