Michael James O’Leary died on Tuesday October 11 at Bickford of Marshaltown, in Marshaltown,lowa, after a long battle with Alzheimers.
Mike was born on December 3,1940 in International Falls, Minnesota to Vincent (Mike) and Vivian ( Ferguson) O’Leary. He graduated from Falls Senior High school in 1959. Mike was married to Jeri Lynn Larsen on April 3, 1959. They had two children, Dawn Marie (Thompson), and Traci James. They were married for 37 years. Jeri died in 1997. Mike married Dorothy Johnson Sutherland in April 1999. With that marriage he became step father to Tammy, Traci, and Mike Sutherland. They were married for 18 years. Dorothy died in 2017.
After graduating from high school Mike worked as an auto mechanic for a couple of years and then became an apprentice Pipefitter. After getting his journeyman Pipefitting card he worked construction through the Pipefitters Union, for several years, traveling much of that time, and seeing many areas in the midwest. After so much time away he decided he would rather work for himself so that he could be home with his family and friends. Mike founded O’Leary Construction in 1980 and operated it for approximately 25 years. Mostly the company worked for Boise Cascade as one of their mechanical contractors. Mike was known as a fair and respectful boss who expected a good days work for a good days pay. In 2004 Mike retired so that he and Dorothy could travel and enjoy life without the worry of running a business. They spent many winters in Arizona, mostly in the Yuma area, and made many friends while enjoying the warm winters south.
Mike loved to tell stories and enjoyed a good joke or prank, and teaching friends and family how to fix things, or just have fun. He enjoyed spending time at the “shack” but rarely hunted, preferring to ride wheelers, watch wildlife and entertain friends and family. He loved boating on Rainy Lake and occasionally even fishing. He loved living in Ranier and knew nearly everyone in town. Always generous, fun and welcoming. His smile was infectious and the twinkle in his eyes warned everyone he was up to mischief. We will forever miss it.
Mike was preceded in death by his Parents, Vincent and Vivian, Wives, Jeri and Dorothy, his Son, Tracy O’Leary, his brother, Robert “Bob” (Theresa) O’Leary, Sister, Shirley (David) Auran, Sister, Barbara Parkin (Alex), Father in Law, Verne Larsen, Mother in Law, Audrey Larsen, Sisters in Law, Nancy Blazina (Jon) and Mary Larsen and Nephew Matthew Larson. He was also preceded in death by step siblings: Kenneth (Corky) Morff; Phyllis More Meredith; and Julie Morff Lyons.
He is survived by his daughter, Dawn Thompson (Phil), Grandson, Blair Thompson, Great grandson, Easton Thompson, Stepchildren: Tammy Paulson (Kurt), granddaughter Brea Paulson and grandson, Andrew Paulson; Traci Saari (Chuck), granddaughter, Emily Saari, and grandson, Anthony Saari; Mike Sutherland, and granddaughter, Mariah Taschuk. Brother, Thomas (Kathy) O’Leary, Sisters: Joyce Jarivan, Kathy Larson (John) Patricia O’Leary, Marilyn Olsen (Ted), Sisters in Law, Becky Larsen-Griffin (Roger) and Kally Herman, Brother in Law, Lyndon Larsen (Sue), Many nieces, and nephews who he loved helping out, teaching, and playing jokes on, and his circle of long time close friends.
According to Mike’s wishes there will be no funeral.. A memorial gathering will be at the Ranier Community Building on October 23, 2022 from 1-4 pm. If desired memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
