Funeral services for Michael Richard Misgen of Ellendale will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010, at First Lutheran Church of Ellendale. The Rev. Arne Halbakken will officiate. The burial will proceed the service at First Lutheran Cemetery in Ellendale. Visitation will be held Monday evening from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday morning.

Michael died late Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010, at the New Richland Care Center after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. He was 63 years of age.

Michael was born March 31, 1947, in Owatonna, the son of Francis and Audrey (Thompson) Misgen. He was a graduate of Ellendale-Geneva High School. He was married Aug. 12, 1967, to Connie (Drager) Misgen; they were married for 30 years. They had five children together, later divorced but maintained a good friendship. Michael lived his entire life in Steele County and was self-employed as an excavator in the surrounding area for many years.

As a devoted member of the First Lutheran Church, he participated as an usher and met with various prayer groups. AA was also an integral part of Michael’s life. He also enjoyed working in his shop on cars, trucks and his excavating equipment. He cherished the time spent with his children and grandchildren and will always be remembered for not taking life too seriously.

Michael is survived by his father, Francis Misgen; children, Jeffry Michael (Tracee) Misgen of Shakopee, Mark Allan (Sara) Misgen of Ellendale, Jennifer Ida Misgen of Minneapolis, and Ashley Elizabeth Misgen of St. Paul; ex-wife, Connie Evenson of Ellendale; grandchildren, Brittni, Alexa, Tess, Payton, Markus, Kenzie, Makota and Sierra; sisters, Sherry Misgen of Chicago, Ill., Susan Misgen of New Richland, and Dawn Meier of Edina; brother, James (Joanne) Misgen of Ellendale; two very special cousins, Lonnie “Doc” Misgen of Ellendale and Renee Ebenhoh of Owatonna; as well as many other family members and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his mother, Audrey (Thompson) Misgen; infant son, Michael James Misgen; special cousins, Tommy “Tucker” Misgen and Mary Ann (Misgen) Tegnor.