Michael Lawrence Thole

Michael Lawrence Thole (Mike), 82, passed away at his home near Swift Falls, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 27, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson. Burial will follow the visitation at St. Bridget Catholic Cemetery in DeGraff, Minnesota.

Mike was born on November 10, 1942, to Lawrence and Ardena Thole in National City California. On October 8Th 1965, Mike was united in marriage to Victoria Ann Thole (Sharshel). This union was blessed with more than 51 years of marriage, 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren all of which he loved to no end. Mike’s occupations involved working at Loral Manufacturing, Future Products and ran a dairy farm for 19 years near Swift Falls, MN. On this farm you would find cows and horses, the occasional mule and dogs… MANY dogs. Mike loved watching his bird dogs hold on point till the pheasant was flushed and listening to his coon hounds work a track through the night sky. This passion not only helped pay the bills but led Mike to hunting competitions where he earned the title of Night Champion. Fishing was another of his passions and he took the opportunity every chance he had. If he wasn’t in his boat fishing the local lakes you could find him standing on one of the local bridges trying to find a catfish. Mike also loved trips to his Canadian paradise (Cabin) where the fish were plentiful and the views breathtaking- it was his heaven on earth.

Mike was called from this life on Wednesday October 22, 2025 at his home with his daughters by his side. He attained 82 years, 11 months and 19 days of age. Mike is survived by his children: Michele (Scott) Reese of New London, Cathy (Jeff) Hart of Benson, Steven Thole of Benson, Randy (Jenny) Thole of Redwood Falls and Scott (Lindsey) Thole of Bertha; grandchildren: Nicholas Reese, Savanna Farber, Morgan Hickerson, Carlos Picotte, Diamond Picotte, Haden Thole, Drake Thole, Jack Thole, Victoria Thole, Isaac Thole; great-grandchildren: Adalynn, Sienna and Freyja Farber. Siblings: Butch, Terry, Mary and Pat,

Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Vickie; parents, Lawrence and Ardena Thole; father and mother in law, Lloyd and Olinda Sharshel; brothers, Leo, Jim, Mark, Dan and David Thole. Blessed be his memory.