Mike was born January 8, 1948 to Agnes and Harold Battleson in Minneapolis. Mike passed away from a short battle with esophageal cancer on February 16, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loved ones. A Celebration of Life will be at the home of Jon and Kris Battleson on Sunday, July 14 from 1:00-4:00. (1822 Viking Ave, Albert Lea, MN)

Michael John Battleson

Mike was a lover of all animals and small children. He considered himself a biker, but those that knew him, saw a much gentler side than one would think of when they think of bikers. He was raised by his grandparents on their farm in Emmons. When he was 14 he moved back to Osceola, Iowa to live with his mother and siblings. He spent many years working at Fleetguard in Lake Mills, Iowa. He also loved to work for Paul Kleinschrodt on his farm in Conger. Mike was a farmer at heart and  loved to drive the big tractors and combines on the farm.  He moved north to God’s country in 2005 with his wife Suzi. They cleared land and built a home from the ground up with plans Suzi made herself. After retirement, Mike became a Supervisor for Wuori Township where he excelled at public relations.

Mike had four children, Jon and Mary with his first wife, Linda and Justin and Heather with his second wife, Shelby. Mike and Suzi were married in 1999 and were together until he passed.

Mike loved motorcycles, old tractors, living in the north woods, anything Lake Superior, big ships, cooking over and sitting by a campfire, being outdoors, building things with Suzi, most people and telling stories about his life. He would talk about everything from growing up on farm to driving semi truck across the country with Suzi.  Which is how he got his nickname “Windy”

Mike is survived by Suzi, his wife of 25 years.  Children Jon (Kris) Battleson, and Mary Allen, Grandchildren Zach (Shyann Olson) Battleson, Dillan Turvold, Alexis Bush, Christopher Renchin and Cory Renchin, Great granddaughter Lily Turvold, Siblings Mary Jo Valdez, Terry Battleson and Kim (Mike) Wyant, Dave Battleson and Dan Battleson.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes and Harold, grandparents, and two of his children, Justin and Heather.

Mike always had a cold beer ready whenever anyone would stop in to visit.  He loved company and talking to everyone. No matter where he went, he met someone he knew from the past or at least made a new friend. Anyone that knew Mike was touched by the man with a big heart in a pair of bib overalls.