In loving memory of

Michael Thomas Stahnke
February 25, 1971 - December 28, 2011

Michael Stahnke
Michael Thomas Stahnke age 40 of Rochester passed away December 28, 2011.

Born February 25, 1971 in Cannon Falls, MN to William and Carol (Johnson) Stahnke.Mike attended elementary school in Cannon Falls where he was active in the hockey and baseball programs.He then moved to Mabel where he attended Mabel-Canton High School and he played football.He graduated in 1989, and went to work for Gjere Construction in Mabel.He then attended RCTC for building maintenance and worked for Samaritan Bethany Heights and later was hired by Mayo Clinic as an HVAC technician where he currently worked for St. Marys Hospital the past 15 years.He also worked part time for Fleet Farm.

He was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.He loved Harley Davidsons, enjoyed fishing and especially loved fishing Mille Lacs with his son, brothers, and father and always looked forward to the annual ice fishing trips to Lake of the Woods. He also enjoyed deer hunting, was an avid golfer, and Minnesota Vikings fan, he was proud to be an American and held a special place in his heart for Veterans.

He had recently become a grandpa and loved spending time with his first grandchild.On June 27, 1998 he married his high school sweetheart, Tracy Meyer, and they had many good times together.

Surviving are his wife: Tracy Stahnke of Rochester, his two children: Zachary and Zabryna Stahnke both of Rochester, a grandchild Jackson Stahnke, his parents: William & Carol Stahnke of Mabel and two brothers: Jon Stahnke (Sheila) of Mabel and Bill Stahnke (Lori) of Stewartville.He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father-in-law.

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Monday January 2, 2012 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 559 20th Street SW Rochester with Pastor Karen Pahl officiating.Burial will immediately follow the services at Etna Cemetery in Spring Valley.

Visitation will be held 2-4 PM Sunday at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home and one hour before the services at the church on Monday.


Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place N.W. Rochester, MN(507)289-3600
Online condolences are welcomebe sent to ranfranzandvinefh.com

Tributes

Roger Sabin wrote on Jan 27, 2012:

"I am so sorry to hear about Mike.  I will always cherish my childhood memories of him.  He was a good friend."

Gina Flink wrote on Jan 3, 2012:

"Tracy,My heart goes out to you n ur kids I feel so bad for you. I''''''''''''m always there rain sleet snow or shine. I have big shoulders girl Love, Gina"

sue blaess wrote on Jan 2, 2012:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with your family."

Kris (Vatland) Hanson wrote on Jan 2, 2012:

"Prayers are with you all as you go through this difficult time.  He will be remembered for his smile and sense of humor.  Thank God for strong families that help hold us up at times like these."

Kristy and Zane Zodrow wrote on Jan 2, 2012:

"We are your neighbors at the top of the hill. Our kids know your children.  We are thinking of you during this difficult time."

Susan Larson wrote on Jan 1, 2012:

"My daughter Danielle played softball on Zabryna's softball team this summer.  We want to let you know that you are all in our prayers at this time of sorrow.  Mike was a parent who stepped up and helped the girls learn the game.  He helped the coach when needed and was always a great support to the girls on the team.  Our hearts hurt for the pain and sadness you are feeling.  May you find comfort in the promises of heaven and that you will be reunited one day.  Blessings to all your loved ones."

Jodi (Husbyn) Strain wrote on Jan 1, 2012:

"Carol & Bill- My thoughts and prayers are will you.  Sorry for your loss but remember he will always be in your heart. Jodi"

The Konkel Family wrote on Jan 1, 2012:

"Tracy, Zakk, Zabryna We are deeply sorry for your loss. May you find the strength in the days ahead and hold onto the memories.  Mike will be deerly missed. "

Ozzie and Sue Landsom wrote on Jan 1, 2012:

"Bill, Carol and all of your family, please know you are in our prayers and you have our deepest sympathy."

Elaine & Spike Powell wrote on Jan 1, 2012:

"Tracy & family, We were so sorry to hear about your loss.   We are Lee''s dad & step-mom.  Please know that God opened his arms wide and Mike stepped into them  and he will be forever in the arms of God. God Bless you and yours.  With sympathy, Elaine and Spike Powell"

Sarah Osterhus and family wrote on Dec 31, 2011:

"So sorry that this happened.  Mike will always be remebered!  Never let the memories fade away.  Lean on others not only during this time but in years and days to come.  Hugs and love to you all."

Janet Stahnke Young wrote on Dec 31, 2011:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.  May you find His peace to help you carry on. Sincerely, Janet Stahnke Young, Jeffrey Young and Jenna Young"

Marcie ( Gaare) Mason wrote on Dec 31, 2011:

"My heart goes out to Mike''s family and parents. Mike was a great guy and always made me smile. My sincere condolences."

Valerie Amdahl Arnold wrote on Dec 30, 2011:

"I am so sorry for loss. My deepest sympathies and prayers at this difficult time"

Michelle Weidemann (Vatland) wrote on Dec 30, 2011:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family - surround yourselves with lots of hugs and sharing those special memories."

Ron and Ann Carr wrote on Dec 30, 2011:

"Aunt Carol and Family, Our deepest sympathies are with you and your family!  We are sending you many thoughts and prayers during this awful time.  Mike will always live on in our hearts and minds with many wonderful memories.  May God bless you all!!"

Kari Justin wrote on Dec 30, 2011:

"Sending my deepest sympathies to your family.  I am so sorry for your loss and will be thinking of your family during this difficult time."

Nate and Tonya (mogren) Groth wrote on Dec 30, 2011:

"Our thoughts are with all of you at this time. Please know we are here if you need us."

Marsha Tollefsrud wrote on Dec 30, 2011:

"So sad to think of all you are going through. Our hearts go out to you. Faith,  family, and friends will help you through until you can see him again. Love Marsha, Ron and family "

Lisa, Kayla and Collin O''''Bieglo wrote on Dec 30, 2011:

"You''re in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time! Hugs to all. May you find the strength in the days ahead and hold onto the memories. I remember his sense of humour and all the visits at Grandma Johnsons!"

Becky Holzwarth wrote on Dec 30, 2011:

"Thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family at this tragic time. Just remember he is always with you everyday."

Steven Johnson wrote on Dec 29, 2011:

"Aunt Carol and Uncle Bill- Words cannot express how badly I feel for you and your family, this is a loss without explanation or understanding.  Lean on your faith and the love of our family in this terribly sad time.  You have been there for so many others.  Lean on, and be supported by those of us that love you and Mike. In my thoughts, Steven Johnson"