Michael Wayne Jochim , age 56, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 9 , 2020 at the University of MN Hospital due to complications from cancer . J ust 9 days earlier Mike was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Myelodysplasia Related Changes.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 24 at 11 am, with a time of gathering two hours priors, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee. Guest are also invited to zoom, by visiting the following link: https://zoom.us/j/97139751699?pwd=cDV2RkxKM3MzVS8zazZNR01iOEZzUT09 Meeting ID: 971 3975 1699 / Password: 737612 Masks are required at the service and social distancing maintained. Guests will be encouraged to share a memory of Mike on a note card…so start thinking of your favorite memory of him!
Mike was born on May 2, 1963 , in Haze n , North Dakota . He was the youngest of ten children to Joseph John and Margaret Ann ( Pfliger ) Jochim . Mike attended a one-room schoolhouse through the fourth grade, when the family moved into town. Mike form ed a passion for sports, especially for football, basketball and baseball. He participate d in these sports during high school and was a proud graduate of Hazen High School in 1981.
A t NDSCS in Wahpeton, ND, Mike earned a double major in HVAC and the electrical program. He started his career working as a construction electrician . This opportunity allowed Mike to travel to many states. H e worked for various compan ies , including Jesco Electric , Premier Electr ic and he spent the last 15 years at Ca rleton College . Mike was also a member of the IUOE Local 70 and just celebrated 30 years with IBEW Local 343 .
While working for the local grocery store in high school, the boss asked the guys if one of them could give his daughter a ride home one night. Mike said they drew straws and his got the short straw. Unbekno wn st to him, Brenda Scheer w oul d be the love of his life. They eventual ly moved to the Twin Citie s area . Mike and Brenda finally settled in Lakeville, MN, call ing Lakeville home for 23 years . It was three years ago, they moved to Prior Lake . Their love story has spanned almost four decades . Mike and Brenda loved hanging out together and quiet time playing with the dog s . They enjoyed attending Minnesota Twins and Viking games . Brenda was able to get Mike hooked on UND hockey too. It didn’t matter what they did, as long as they were together .
Mike loved life! He had this contagious hardy laugh , that made people smile . Mike enjoyed teasing people , which was all in good fun , yet making them feel special. He had a huge generous heart . Mike was always helping family and friends with projects , especially with his electrical craft. He loved to entertain and cook. If it was a quiet breakfast or pan of lasagna for two ; grilling or smoking on the Traeger for family members and friends. Mike was most happy hosting and taking care of everyone. He also loved golf, especially with his buddy, Scott. They were fortunate to travel the United States exploring golf courses . Many vacations for Mike and Brenda also revolved around golf course availability. Life was complete for him , with the companionship of man’s best friend… the dog.
A big gentle teddy bear , Mike always put others needs first before his own. He wanted everyone to have a good time with plenty to eat and drink. Now his family and friends are left to carry on Mike’s legacy!
Forever loved , Mike will be forever missed by fiancée, Brenda Scheer; his girl Lady II (dog); siblings, Sharon (Don) Horning, Bonnie Ziemann , Carol (Dick) Tjaden , Joe (Debi) Jochim , Kathy Myers, Glenda Duhaime , Glenn (Donna) Jochim , Janet Jochim , Jay (Esther Saville) Jochim ; 17 nieces and nephews ; 20 great nieces and nephews ; extended family , Terry (Myrna) Scheer , Todd (Sheila) Scheer; other relatives and devoted friends .
There to greet Mi ke in heaven are his parents , Joseph and Margaret Jochim ; brother s -in-law, Dale Zieman , Terry Myers and great niece, Willow Jochim .
