Hayes, Michael Age 61 of Bloomington, died unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, January 19, 2019. Michael was born June 17, 1957 to John "Jack" and Dorothea (Kelly) Hayes in Brooklyn, NY. He moved with his family to Minnesota in 1965, attending St Kevin's Catholic School until 1971, and then graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1975. After graduation, Michael attended Minneapolis Vo-Tech for cabinetry and mill working. His constant perfectionism and attention to detail was the perfect match for woodworking. He produced multiple pieces of furniture for his family, including his grandchildren, and was always working on projects. With a desire for adventure, Michael travelled all across the United States- hitchhiking all the way to Alaska even! He relied on the kindness of strangers and made friends wherever he went. Michael was always willing to help anyone out, repaying his Karma ten-fold. He met his wife, Jodell, while in Big Sky, MT and asked her to dance. Their love began in those first moments and the two had recently entered their 38th year of marriage. They moved their family to Minnesota in 1984 where Michael worked at the Star Tribune for many years before taking early retirement in 2009. Michael had too many hobbies to list, but enjoyed vacations to Montana, motorcycle rides, music, playing cards, and most importantly, spending time with his family. He was such an amazing provider and always brought his family on adventures. We feel so fortunate to have shared in so many of his favorite trips, skiing down Lone Peak and hiking the trails through Gallatin County. Tom Petty's You and I Will Meet Again keeps playing through our hearts and minds: You and I will Meet Again When We're Least Expecting It / Somewhere in Some Far-Off Place I Will Recognize Your Face / I Won't Say Goodbye My Friend For You And I Will Meet Again. Michael had many sayings, and lived life to the fullest. From "you only live once" to "Life is good"; he always wanted everyone to "go for it." He saw the best in people and was always seeing the silver lining. Lucky to share their lives with Michael include his wife, Jodell, daughter, Kelly (Jeremy) Hayes Erickson, son Nate (Ashley), Madeleine (Matthew) Engen; grandchildren Jett and Piper Engen, Kora and Kennedy Erickson, brother John (Jennifer), Sisters Nora Winther and Teddi Hayes, sister-in-law Laura Rohde, brother-in-law Tim (Judy) Rohde, and many nieces, nephews, and friends that were like family. Michael is proceeded in death by his parents, Dorothea and John Hayes, parents-in-law Jim and Beulah Rohde, brother Jamie, sister Mary, brother-in-law James Rohde (Paula), and grandbaby Erickson. A celebration of Michael's life will take place Thursday, January 24, 2019 at Washburn-McReavy Bloomington Funeral Home 4-7pm. A prayer service will be held at 5:30, with a dinner to follow at the Richfield American Legion Post 435.

Published on January 23, 2019