Michael “Mike” Fruhwirth
WINTHROP–Michael “Mike” Fruhwirth, age 104, of Winthrop passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Bayside Manor in Gaylord. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, January 30, 2026 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm. Pastor Timothy Smith will officiate. Burial will follow in the St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in New Ulm.Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes – South Chapel. Visitation will continue from 10-11 a.m. Friday at the church. To leave an online condolence for the family, or to sign the guestbook, please visit: www.mvfh.org.
Mike is survived by his wife of over 79 years, Lillian Fruhwirth; daughters, Diane (James) LeBrun, Marlys Schimmelpfennig, Linda (Craig) Carlson, Jean (Lowell) Busse, Mary Fruhwirth; son, Michael Fruhwirth, Jr.; thirteen grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kenneth Fruhwirth; and siblings, Leander, Helen, Norbert, and Marcella.
Michael Willard Fruhwirth was born August 21, 1921 to Michael and Anna (Goblirsch) Fruhwirth in West Newton Township. He went to country school and then began farming in rural Winthrop/Gaylord. Mike went on a double date to a movie at the school, where he met Lillian Havemeier. On October 9, 1946, the couple was united in marriage in Brighton Township. Their union was blessed with seven children, whom were raised on the farm. In addition to being a husband and father, Mike continued to farm and became a carpenter. He worked in many locations, such as Zion Lutheran Church in Winthrop and at St. Paul’s School in New Ulm. Outside of work, Mike enjoyed keeping his yard meticulously clean, taking care of all his animals and pets, playing cards – especially Sheephead, usher at church, dancing the polka, and playing his concertina. Many cherished memories were made at the Community Center playing cards, watching the Twins, wrestling, and Westerns, and all the time he was able to spend with all his children and grandchildren. Mike’s quiet, calm, and loving demeanor will be remembered by all who knew him. Blessed be his memory.

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