Mike’s father passed away in September 1960, a loss that Mike never forgot. Colene remarried after Deryle’s passing, and Mike was blessed with a stepfather, Juleen Distad. He graduated from Fairfax High School in 1973.

On April 18, 1977, he married Cynthia Pfarr in Watertown, South Dakota. Michael and Cynthia were blessed with three daughters. They divorced in 2000.

On June 6, 2014, he married Nancy Ahern in Mandan, North Dakota. They had been together for 21 years at the time of his passing.

In 1974, Michael entered the U.S. Navy as a Seabee. He was proud of his more than 24 years of military service in both active and reserve duty. He retired as an E-6 Petty Officer First Class. Michael worked as an over-the-road truck driver and construction worker, and he finished his career driving a live-bottom semi for Central Specialties in Alexandria.

In his spare time, he loved traveling throughout the United States with his wife, Nancy, and wintering in the South. Mike and Nancy enjoyed motorcycling during the summer and attending ABATE rallies. He lovingly restored Nancy’s grandfather’s 1957 Ford tractor because she had so many wonderful memories of riding with her grandfather and father, and he always strove to make her happy.

Michael is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters, Joy (Corey) Gruendemann of Franklin, Tara (Daniel) Duering of Montgomery, and Ashley Juracek of New Ulm; and nine grandchildren: Carole, Samantha, and Corey Jr. Gruendemann; Morgan, Peyton, and Hunter Duering; and John Sondag, Ziva, and Maverick Juracek. He is also survived by his sister, Linda (Michael) Berntson of Glenwood; half-sister, Nancy (Mark) Stanley of Rochester; and half-brother, David Distad of Franklin; sister-in-law Cynthia Hintz of St. Paul, brothers-in law Scot Ahern of Madelia, Robert (Elizabeth) Ahern of Rochester, Richard Ahern of Madelia. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, many cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Deryle Nesburg; his mother and stepfather, Colene and Juleen Distad; his parents-in-law, Albert and Carole Ahern; former father-in-law Merlin Pfarr and his grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Michael requested no visitation and a private family service, which will take place at a later date.

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