Michael D. Laechelt was born October 27, 1956, at the Clarkfield Hospital in Clarkfield, MN, to Merlyn and Alice Laechelt.  Michael was one of 6 children.  As the oldest of the boys, he, Mark, and his little brother, Merle, were the best of friends.  As anyone would tell you he always had an outstretched hand to shake and a "How are you?" shortly to follow. And if you asked him, it was always "Fine!"

Michael was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in rural Boyd.  Mike entered Vasa Lutheran Home before the age of 5 and remained there until he moved into a REM home in Hoffman, MN.  Mike worked at the DAC in Hoffman recycling Christmas Lights and bubble wrap, making money to support his obsession with cars, monster trucks and farm equipment.  He was always ready to go to work and ready for lunch and coffee.  Mike was loved by many caretakers, especially Karen and S-S-S-Sue at the Hoffman REM home.

In December 2006, Mike attended Mark and Natalie's wedding.  It was a blessing when Mark and Natalie moved to the farm, as they were able to spend many weekends with "The Kids."  There were many weekends when Mark and Natalie hosted the family at the farm.  Natalie would cook, while Mark made the rounds to pick up June (in Willmar), Mike (in Hoffman) and Merle (in Canby) and then to the farm.  There were many get togethers for birthdays, holidays and sometimes just for a fun weekend with family.  It was always a good time for a ride in the car with Mark.  There was always 70s music playing, tickling and giggling, and an exchange of caps and gloves on the ride to and from the farm.

In December 2019, Michael was transferred to REM Boulder in Canby, MN, after Merle went to be with Jesus.  It was a blessing to have Mike so close.  Jon and staff at REM made many trips to visit the farm during the very busy summer/gardening months. Mike loved riding and especially loved shopping. Weekly shopping trips for supplies was one of Mike's favorite pastimes. And as he told Mark and Natalie every weekend, he "went to work at the DAC recycling" and "shopping!"

After a critical medical episode in September 2022, Mike was transferred to Sylvan Court in Canby, MN.  It was getting harder to get Mike to the farm, so June and Natalie spent weekends with Mike.  There was nothing greater than sharing a meal and, of course, coffee and cookies for afternoon lunch.

Mike spent hours in activities painting and coloring.  Mike loved family visits and when Natalie was working, there were many hours of FaceTime to talk about cars and lots of "weeeeeing" and giggling.  He was always giggling and laughing when Natalie asked him if he was "her man."  He spent many hours rolling up and down the halls visiting with staff who were so good to take care of all of Mike's needs.  He had family visits and several special play dates with Whitney and the Stock Boys (Chase, Avery and Kobe) who colored and played trucks with Mike.  At first, Mike wasn't sure about sharing but got better as he spent more time with his playmates.

Mike was so special to his family as he had many challenges in his life.  He loved playing with his trucks and cars.  And most of all he loved stealing Mark's caps.  There was always a cap or two missing when Mark took the kids home after a weekend celebration and you could bet there would be at least two caps on Mike's head.  There were many hours of negotiation for who would get what cap.

There is no doubt that Mike was met at the pearly gates by Mark and Merle, with a hand ready to shake and a big smile welcoming him home to be with Jesus. And of course, Mike with the Monster Truck—an orange one! His fun-loving nature will be missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Merlyn and Alice Laechelt; brothers, Mark and Merle Laechelt; grandparents, Walter and Julia Laechelt, Anton and Mable Wick; aunts and uncles, Rose and Edward Wick, Solvieg and Floyd Belseth, Juliana and Everett Belseth, Clifford and Barb Wick, and Phyllis and Sylvester Kockleman.

Mike is survived by his Guardian/Sister-in-Law, Natalie (Mark) Laechelt; siblings, Julie (Bill) Ward of Norfolk, VA, Janet (Alfred) Pierce of Clarkfield, MN, and June Laechelt of Willmar, MN, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

A memorial service honoring Michael's life will be held at the Granite Falls Assembly of God Church on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 10 AM, with visitation beginning at 9 AM. Interment following the service will be in the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, Tyro Township.