Michael Neese – Battle Lake, MN

Michael Neese, 75, of Battle Lake, MN died Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at his home. Michael Dean Neese was born April 4, 1950 in Wahpeton, ND to Jack and Shirley (Ramstad) Neese. His family moved to Battle Lake in 1952, where he attended school through the seventh grade. In 1963, they moved to Westhope, ND where Mike graduated from Westhope High School in 1968. He then went to North Dakota State College of Science until 1972, when he enlisted in the US Air Force. Mike was stationed at Minot Air Base for a time then was transferred to Elmendorf Air Base in Anchorage, AK for the remainder of his five years of service. He loved Alaska where he had time for some hunting and fishing, his two favorite hobbies. He married Sari Young-quist in 1974, they had one daughter. That marriage end-ed. He married Kathy Neese August 28, 1982. There he got two children, and Mike and Kathy had two more children together. They maintained a wonderful blended family. Mike was active with the American Legion. He also belonged to the Eagles for many years and Lutheran Men’s Fellowship. He was employed with Minn-Dak Farmers Co-op for 36 years. He also worked part-time for Ackerman Land Surveying, a job he truly loved. Mike was an avid hockey fan and loved watching his grandson Kellen play. He had also spent many hours watching his sons, David and Tracy play hockey. He en-joyed watching any of his grandchildren play in any sport they chose to participate. His grandchildren were the lights in his eyes. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; children, Kaia (Kyle) Speidel, Jaime Raftevold, David (Amanda Kaufman) Neese, Tracy (Karen Barton) Huizel and Krista (Rod Kraft) Huizel; grandchildren, Megan Stezka, Nichole Hobson, Rylan Speidel, Kellen Spiedel, Grace Reftevold, Waylan Raftevold, Kaiden Reque, Kohan Neese, Wyatt Whipp and Cooper Whipp; brother, Barry (Kris) Neese; sisters, Julie (Bill) Taylor, Jo Duncan and Beth (Lou) Davis; brother-in-law, Jeff (Heidi) Vansteenburg; uncle and aunts, Doug and Verona Betlach and Robyn Neese; and by numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Shirley Neese; grandparents, Vic and Alpha Ramsted, and James and Janice Neese; sister-in-law, Raejean Toledo and brother-in-law, Dan Toledo. Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, April 19, 2025 at First Lutheran Church in Battle Lake with visitation one hour prior to the service. Military Honors will be by U.S. Air Force Honor Guard. Interment will be at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery near Battle Lake. Glende-Nilson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Battle Lake is in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be made online at www.GlendeNilson.com.