McPartland, Michael B. Jr.

Michael Bernard McPartland, Jr passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 1, 2021 — a day before his 69th birthday. Michael was born on July 2, 1952, to Anna Margaret (Lainson) and Michael McPartland, Sr. in Council Bluffs, Iowa. In 1967, their family moved north and he attended high school in Sheldon, whose mascot — the Orabs, a combination of their orange and black colors — never failed to amuse him.

After graduating with a degree in business and finance from the University of Minnesota, Mike started his career at Green Giant and Pillsbury before returning to the U of M to get his MBA. Prior to retirement, he worked several years at GLS Companies in Brooklyn Park, where he was proud of the company's growth and the strong friendships he developed.

Mike married the love of his life, Deborah Berquist, on September 29, 1979, in Minnetonka. The two enjoyed their 20s in the west metro before a brief, sunny stint in Orange County, California. They returned to the Twin Cities in 1985 and settled down in Bloomington, where they raised two children, Andrew and Alicia. Mike and Deborah were happily married for more than 41 years, exploring Europe together and taking pride in parenthood. They made Palmer Road their home for more than three decades, hosting celebrations for graduations, engagements, and birthdays.

It seemed easy for Mike to find joy in life. He loved to relax with his dogs, listen to the Beatles, watch golf, and guess puzzles on "Wheel of Fortune" — some even correctly. He was an avid Minnesota sports fan, dutifully cheering for the Gophers in both good and bad times with his college friends Steve and Chris.

During retirement, he liked to escape the cold weather to visit friends and family in California and Arizona. He felt very lucky for the years he had with his three grandchildren — Parker, Lillian, and Malcolm — who couldn't get enough of their silly grandpa.

With an easygoing demeanor and sharp wit, Mike could reliably inject humor into every conversation — especially if the moment did not call for it. His ultimate goal was to get a smile out of you. He had a bright mind, a cheerful personality, a big heart, and a patient soul.

He will be dearly missed, and we're beyond grateful for the memories.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Michael McPartland, and his mother, Anna (Lainson) McPartland.

Mike is survived by his wife, Deborah, son Andrew (Bailey) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and daughter Alicia (Nicholas) Luscier of Faribault, Minnesota. Mike is also survived by siblings Timothy (Susan) of Le Sueur, Minnesota, John (Cathleen) of Cumming, Iowa, Phyllis (John) Teager of Tucson, Arizona, Teresa (Tim) Wiegand of South Bend, Indiana, Christopher (Ann) of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Kelly (Cari) of Ames, Iowa, James (Heidi) of Boone, Iowa, and numerous nieces and nephews. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Assoc.

Published on July 11, 2021