Richard 'Dick' Michael

• 
• 

Michael, Richard "Dick" age 85, died on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, in Madison, WI. He was born on Nov. 23, 1933, in Fullerton, N.D., to Bernard and Iona (Outram) Michael. After some early years in North Dakota, Dick grew up in Minne-sota, mostly in Albany where he graduated from high school in 1951. He was senior class president, all-conference in football, and lettered three years in basketball and baseball. Dick attended St. Cloud State University for one year, where he played on a conference-championship football team. After 13 years of schooling and feeling the need for more adventure, he enlisted in the Air Branch of the U.S. Navy for a four-year hitch. Dick served in transport and fighter squadrons in Hawaii, California, and aboard the aircraft carrier, The U.S.S. Kearsarge. Following the service, he attended the University of North Dakota, while also working as a reporter and later as an editor at the Grand Forks Herald. The next stop was at the Minneapolis Tribune (later the Star Tribune), where he held a variety of editing positions for 30 years. On June 27, 1964, he married Karen Kakela at the family's lake home in northern Minnesota, where they continued to enjoy many summers. During their time in the Twin Cities area, they lived in Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, and Eden Prairie. In 1994, they retired to Sun Lakes, Ariz., where they made many friends and enjoyed golfing, travel, and other activities. Dick is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter, Laura (Mark) McCormick; sister, Eunice Wilson of Winona, Minn.; and one niece and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Roland. Memorials may be gifted in Dick's name to Meriter Hospital Foundation's Palliative Care Team, 202 S. Park St., Madison, WI. 53715, or online at unitypoint.org/madison/…. Condolences: gundersonfh.com Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Rd. (608) 442-5002

Published on May 22, 2019