Service Information
Michael Paul Wanous, age 65, of Winfield, Illinois, formerly of Excelsior, Minnesota passed away on Monday, July 26, 2021, at his home in Winfield, Illinois.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 2, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Silver Lake, Minnesota.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Sunday, August 1, 2021, from 4:00-6:00 P.M. at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel with a prayer service beginning at 6:00 P.M.
Military Honors by Silver Lake Legion Honor Guard Post 141.
Obituary
Michael Paul Wanous, 65, of Winfield, Illinois, formerly of Excelsior, Minnesota, passed away on July 26, 2021, at his home surrounded by his children and partner after a brave fight with cancer.
He is survived by partner Jill Robin Reed; his children, Kristina "Kay" Nicole Avila (Leandro), Kimberly Renee Wanous, and Steven Michael Wanous (Marzi); his granddaughter, Juniper Ann Wanous, and future grandson, Grant Michael Wanous; his mother, Betty LaDonna Wanous; sister Lavonne Marie Kucera (Jim), and brother Duane Leslie Wanous (Jennifer). He is preceded in death by father Merlyn Henry Wanous.
Michael was born in Hutchinson, MN, and was raised in Excelsior. Michael worked hard on his family farm, and built a loyal customer base for his “‘Mike’s Market” farm stand selling fruits & vegetables. He attended Minnetonka High School and graduated in 1974. A big milestone for Michael was buying his 1966 Chevrolet Corvair, which he loved to drive people around in and kept in his garage in Winfield through his life. Michael also loved his Yamaha 350 and felt he was “hell on wheels” on that motorcycle.
Michael joined the US Army through the ROTC program at University of Minnesota, and after graduating with a BS degree in food technology in 1978, he went on to serve proudly as a decorated Army officer. He was stationed in Germany and traveled throughout Europe, collecting many souvenirs and memories. Michael returned to the United States to complete his PhD in food technology at Iowa State, as well as an MBA through the Illinois Institute of Technology. He married former wife Suzanne Christianson (née Fryer) and they had three children together, raising them in Winfield, Illinois.
In his next stage in life, he found love and joy with his partner, Jill, and together they shared a lot of laughs, affection, and silliness. They loved to spend evenings cooking out together, riding in their convertible, and watching shows about cars. Before his death, Michael fulfilled his bucket list goal of owning a big screen TV.
Michael had a love of classic cars and enjoyed going to car shows, and both loved and hated working on his multiple Subaru’s. His convertible brought him immense joy, and the ability to drive around with the “wind in our hair.” He had the ability to fix just about everything, doing it “his way” and often with the help of PVC pipe. His spirituality was very important to him and remained a source of strength for him throughout his life.
Michael fought cancer the way he lived: with immense energy, determination, and aggressive optimism. He will be remembered for his gregarious presence and his love, dedication, and pride for his family.
Bonnie Foglesong says
Jill and family, I only knew Mike for a short time; working remotely this past year our interactions were only by phone. But I could tell he was a special person and valued his family above all, as he mentioned you every time we spoke…”my partner Jill” was mentioned many times, as well as visits he was expecting with his kids, his Minnesota roots and his service in the army.
My condolences to you all and may your memories of him bring you peace. God Bless!
Jill REED says
Thank you so much for your kind words
Darlene Johnson says
My deepest sympathy jill and family.
Jill REED says
Thank you
Dr. Leopold G. Enriquez says
I was a work colleague of Michael. I heard of his passing through a mutual friend at work. Whenever I met Mike he was very nice to me and always helpful. I will remember his contagious smile and laughter.
Rest in peace Mike and I will always remember you as a kind person and helpful colleague. You will be missed.
My deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones.
Leo
Kay Avila says
Thank you for the kind words. We appreciate you writing in. He will be missed.
Bob McHugh says
I worked with Mike when we were serving in the same small unit in Germany during the early 1980’s. We lived in the same off post apartment building during our time in Pirmasens. He was my coworker and neighbor, but more importantly, he was my friend. I’ll never forget his laugh. With his deep voice and serious nature, people might have been a bit intimidated at first, but once you heard that laugh…. it was uh-oh something funny is about to happen. We last saw Mike when his Army Reserve duty brought him east and he stopped at our house in Philadelphia. It was great re-telling stories and reliving memories that we shared in our younger days. Mike, gone too soon. You’ll be missed.
Bob Sorenson says
So sad to hear the news. Mike talked me into joining the Army. We were in ROTC together at the U of Mn. We were in Germany at the same time. We met a few times. He would come out from Pirmasens and help us do maintenance. Hoisted a lot of beers. Met in Iowa once as well, ate some of his “school mistakes”. In high school Mike was the student manager of the wrestling team. I was manager in basketball, so we hung around nearly every day. Mike always had a big smile and a booming laugh. A great guy and even greater friend.