Michael Ferguson

Michael J. Ferguson, 60, of Rochester, passed away Friday, May 13, 2016 at St. Marys Hospital. Mike was born June 29, 1955 in Rochester to Donald and Barbara (Brown) Ferguson. He attended Jefferson Elementary, Kellogg Junior High and graduated from John Marshall in 1973. Mike went on to Winona State University and graduated in 1986. On August 26, 1978, Mike married Kathy Spelhaug at the Root Prairie Lutheran Church in Fountain. Mike was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church, where he was a lifelong member. Mike led an active life. He began bowling at the age of 4. He played baseball growing up and both co-ed and men's softball as an adult. For the last 11 years, Mike played baseball with the Rochester Roosters Vintage Base Ball Club, where he was known as Turf Dog. Mike was proud to be the oldest member on the team this year. Mike suffered a stroke doing one of his favorite things, practicing with his Roosters teammates. Mike loved life and truly enjoyed every minute. He made friends wherever he went and made people laugh. He had a nickname for nearly everyone. He loved to travel, especially to Huatulco, Mexico; Hawaii; and Las Vegas. He especially loved spending time in Whalan, Minnesota where he could often be found on the deck enjoying a good (or not so good) bottle of wine. Mike retired from Mayo Clinic in 2010 after 31 years. He immediately began working at the new Trader Joe's in Rochester, where he continued to work until the time of his death. He never had a bad day at work at Trader Joe's because, after all, it's just groceries. He cared about the Trader Joe's team like they were family. In recent years, he loved spending time with his grandsons and watching them play soccer, T-ball and hockey. Mike is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; daughter, Cristin Kay (Jesse) Sampair of Mahtomedi, MN; son, Andrew Michael Ferguson of Rochester; grandsons, Henry Michael and Dylan Scott Sampair; mother, Barbara Ferguson of Rochester; sister, Sue (Ken) Simon of Rochester; brothers, Tom (Deb) Ferguson of Rochester and Bill (Sue) Ferguson of St. Louis Park, MN. Mike is also survived by his brother-in-law, Mark (Jeanne) Spelhaug of Bethany, MO and 6 nieces and 1 nephew. Those who greeted him with open arms in Heaven include, father, Donald Ferguson; in-laws, Marge and Vern Spelhaug, and brother-in-law, Daryl Odegarden. A memorial service celebrating Mike's life will be held 1:00PM Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at Bethel Lutheran Church, 810 3rd Ave. SE, Rochester. Visitation will be held 5:00-8:00PM Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester and one hour prior to the service at the church. Please feel free to wear your bowling, softball or baseball jerseys to the visitation or the church service. Memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church or to the Rochester Roosters Vintage Base Ball. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com