Francis “Mike” Walsh, of Prior Lake, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2016 at the age of 83. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at 11:30AM with a visitation beginning at 10:00AM in the Archangels Hall at St. Michael Catholic Church in Prior Lake. Mike will be laid to rest on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 11:15AM. Father Tom Walker will preside. Pallbearers will be Zachary Walsh, Michael Walsh, Johnny Walsh, Joey Savoie, Madison Walsh, Jeremy Sevcik, Alyssa Savoie, and Jessica Sevcik.
In Marshall, Minnesota on July 19, 1932, Francis and Elizabeth Walsh celebrated the birth of their son, Francis “Mike” William Walsh. As a young boy, Mike could always be found playing with his four-legged companion Jimmy, a Rat Terrier . Along with other boys, Mike had his mischievous moments—sleeping on the porch during the summer and sneaking out of the house at night to raid apple trees. In the winter they would catch car bumpers and slide behind them. When he stayed in for the night, he’d often stay up late and listen to The Green Hornet, The Squeaking Door, Lone Ranger, Sky King and Amos and Andy radio programs. As Mike grew, he excelled as a high school athlete, participating in both basketball and track. When Mike wasn’t participating in sports you could find him helping his father, wrenching on cars at Walsh’s Standard Service Station in Milroy Mn.
Following his graduation from Milroy High School in 1950, Mike entered the Air Force. During his enlistment in the Air Force Mike got to issue uniforms to other service members one of whom was Johnny Cash, who was serving at the same time. Mike then went from Colorado Springs to Kessler Air Force Base in Biloxi Mississippi and trained to become a Radio Operator. His remaining time in the service was spent as a Military Police in Iceland. After his time in the service, Mike attended airline school while living in Minneapolis. Mike then went on a blind date and met the love of his life Vonnie. On February 3rd 1955 Mike married Yvonne Benson in Sioux Falls South Dakota. They then had 3 days to get to his new job in Seattle Washington as a steward for West Coast Airlines.
The young couple lived briefly in Seattle before moving to Minneapolis where Mike got a job with the Minneapolis Fire Department. During this time they had 4 wonderful sons and 1 Daughter. And as the years went on they eventually settled in Prior Lake. Mike’s life revolved around his family, his work, and his friends. As his family grew, they took many memorable vacations. They camped in Colorado, ventured on a long road trip to California, and went up north every summer to boat and water ski at Leech Lake. To celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, Mike and Yvonne went on their first vacation to Hawaii without the kids.
When he wasn’t spending time with family, Mike could be found hard at work. He served as a fire fighter with the Minneapolis Fire Department for 35 years. On his days off, Mike worked at Brinks. He did this for 15 years. It was through work that Mike made many lasting friendships. Many summers he would take a trip with fellow fire fighters, Bob and Paul. As a tradition, they were sure to spend the night at The Wishing Well Motel.
Mike retired from the fire department in 1995. This allowed him to spend more time on his hobbies, playing cards with friends, and maintaining his lawn. Mike and Yvonne continued to travel, making many memorable trips to Alaska, Norway, and Canada. In his later years, Mike and Vonnie also spent many winters in Arizona with family. Mike had more time to enjoy being a grandfather and great-grandfather with many trips to there cabin in Hackensack MN where they would hike, and enjoy time around the campfire. He was truly a family man. Mike was hard working, loyal, honest, and humble. He will forever be remembered for his contagious laugh, quick Irish sense of humor, his love for his wife and family and his never ending faith in God.
Mike will be deeply missed by his wife of 61 and a half years, Yvonne Walsh; children, Steven (Darlene) Walsh, Brian Walsh, Jeanne (Gary) Norgaard, Tom (Gabriela) Walsh, John (Victoria) Walsh; grandchildren, Agavnie (Casey) Osbey, Ryan (Val) Adamson, Jessica (Jeremy) Sevcik, Zachary Walsh, Alyssa (Joey) Savoie, Rachel Norgaard, Johnny Walsh, Michael Walsh, Juan Maldonado, Naomi (Cody) Colsch, Madison Walsh; great-grandchildren, Gabriela Calderon, Anolia Osbey, Casey Osbey, Adeline Sevcik, Henry Sevcik, Carter Colsch, Hunter Adamson, Ciri Adamson, Angela Osbey; sisters, Pat Oldaker, Shirley Brooke; sisters-in-law, Betty Jeseritz, Audrey Wells; brothers-in-law, Norman (La Donna) Benson, Lyle (Betty) Benson, Weldon Larson, Elvin (Faye) Benson, Stanley (Virginia) Benson, Harvey (Brenda) Benson, Tom (Dinna) Benson; special nieces, Pam and Mary, and nephew, Chris: many more nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Elizabeth Walsh; infant granddaughter, Yvonne M. Walsh; brothers-in-law, Truman Brooke and Bill Oldaker.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly served the Walsh family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
