General Information
Full Name: MIchael Bushlack
Date of Birth: December 4, 1962
Date of Death: September 8, 2013
Mike’s life story
Mike Bushlack
In Wells, Minnesota, Michael Norman was born on Tuesday, December 4, 1962, to parents, James Edward and Lois Louise (Schulz) Bushlack. The middle of three children, Mike’s childhood years were spent growing up in New Richland, MN. With a deep passion for sports, he enjoyed playing all types of ball with the neighborhood kids. Excelling in high school sports, Mike was a multiple All Conference Champion in baseball and football, as a running back. In 1981, he graduated from New Richland-Hartland High School.
Furthering his education, Mike played one year of baseball at Eau Claire, WI. He completed the rest of his studies at Mankato State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Bio-Business with minors in Business and Chemistry. Working various jobs over the years, Mike was hired as Bio-Vascular/Synovis’ 20th employee. For the next 23 years, he held various roles in sales and management. In June of 2012, they were purchased by Baxter. He was goal driven, had a wealth of product knowledge and built strong committed relationships with people nationally and internationally.
Over a phone conversation, fulfilling a purchase order of memory boards, Mike met a young lady, Laurie Emerick. A relationship was formed and in October of 1988, they started dating. Proposing in Vail, CO in the summer of 1991, they declared their love for each other, on July 18, 1992, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie, MN. Living in Eden Prairie for five years, Mike and Laurie moved to Shakopee in 1997. It was here, they were blessed with two children, Brevin in 1998 and Brie in 2000.
As a family, they enjoyed traveling to warmer climates, especially Puerto Rico, Disney cruises, Miami, San Diego, with Hawaii being their favorite destination. Brevin loved to watch sports on TV and play catch in the back yard with his dad. Brie loved to play golf with Mike and treasured the daddy-daughter dances. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, driving the boat around the lake and working in his yard. A Grill Master, Mike loved to cook and entertain family and friends.
A best friend to many, Mike will always be remembered for his quick wit and fun loving personality. He was hard working, intelligent and committed. A big kid at heart, Mike was empathic to others, had a strong moral compass and was a joy to be around. The early evening of Sunday, September 8, 2013, with his loving family at his side, Mike passed away peacefully, at his home, after a short battle with cancer. Mike was only 50 years young.
Deeply missed and remembered always by those who loved Mike, wife, Laurie of Shakopee; son, Brevin; daughter, Brie; parents, James and Lois Bushlack of New Richland; brother, Doug (Mary) Bushlack of New Richland; sister, Lori (Rodney) Born of Waseca; nieces and nephew, Jessica (Adam) Hollerich, Elijah Bushlack, Christine Born, Sean Emerick; father-in-law, Royce Emerick of Brookings, SD; sister-in-law, Linda (Joe) Moser of Milroy; and devoted friends.
Mike is preceded in death by his nephew, Jake Bushlack; mother-in-law, Ruth Emerick; and brother-in-law, Rick Emerick.
All of Mike’s services will be held at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, 3611 North Berens Road NW, Prior Lake. Family will greet guests on Sunday, September 15, from 4-8 pm and on Monday, September 16 starting at 9:30 am with the Celebration of Life Service at 11 am. Pastor Mark K. Holman will preside. Mike will be laid to rest at Valley Cemetery in Shakopee, MN.
The Bushlack family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Prior Lake Chapel. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
Visitation
When: Sunday, September 15, 2013, 4-8 pm
Location: Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church
Address: 3611 North Berens Rd NW
Prior Lake, MN
Service Information
When: Monday, September 16, 2013, 11 AM
Location: Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church
Address: 3611 North Berens Rd NW
Prior Lake, MN
Interment
Valley Cemetery
Shakopee, Minnesota
