As a true Irishman, Big Mike blazed his own trail in life. He worked at UPS in Minneapolis for 17 years. At various times, he sold life insurance, real estate and investment securities, and he worked for Teamsters Local 638 in the film industry when many motion pictures were filming in Minnesota during the 90’s. His fondest memory was driving around The Mighty Ducks hockey team during the filming of that Disney movie in Minneapolis.
Throughout his life he was an avid coin collector and got his sons and grandchildren involved in the hobby. He travelled all over the United States buying and selling coins, paper money and collectibles.
He was affectionately called the “Sandman” in the 70’s, as he delivered fresh sand and hand-built and painted sand boxes to hundreds of kids in the Metro area during the summer for many years.
He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Luonne, as they made it to all 50 states, along with many countries in Europe and Asia. In many trips they were accompanied by various children and grandchildren, who all continue their own travels today.
Big Mike is survived by his wife of 62 years, Luonne; daughters Holly Kennedy, Joy (Tatsushi) Kamano, and Ivy (Steve) Carroll; sons, Patrick (Shelley) Kennedy and Kris (Jill) Kennedy; grandchildren, Keegan, Kyler, Taylor, Sean, Michael, Ryan, Clare, Maggie, Sam, Jake, Walker, Becca, Hannah, Emma, Ava; great-grandchildren, Sophia, Oliver, and baby girl due in May; brother, Gerald (Bonnie) Kennedy. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Saturday at St Thomas The Apostle Church in Corcoran, MN on March 29, 2025. Visitation 10 A.M until time of mass. Private interment at a future date. Memorials to Sharing & Caring Hands in Minneapolis. Special thank you to Don at Gentiva Hospice and our Visiting Angel friend, Joel.
Kapala Glodek-Malone (763) 535-4112
www.KapalaGlodekMalone.com
