Michael George Tate passed away December 1st, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Howard Lake, MN.

He was born January 24, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, the eldest son of the late Pearl (Grovender) and George Tate.

He grew up in Crosby, MN. Mike spoke often of the wonderful times he had growing up on Mission Lake, catching fish and taking care of raccoons, deer and even a bear cub. He attended Crosby Ironton High School, graduating in 1964. Mike enlisted in the US Navy in 1966, serving in the Vietnam War in the Seabees Unit until 1968. After returning from the war, Mike attended the University of MN-Duluth, graduating in 1973 with a degree in criminology. Mike worked as a probation officer for St. Louis County from 1975 to 1998. On June 10, 1989, he married Kathy Forslund in Duluth, MN and they would be inseparable for the next 32 years. After Mike’s retirement, Kathy & Mike left Duluth and built a beautiful home in Iron River, WI where they enjoyed hunting, fishing, and exploring the nearby National Forest. In 2005, they moved to the warm weather of Ingleside on the Bay, TX, and built another home. They returned to Wisconsin in 2008, settling for good in Eau Claire where they spent their time gardening and enjoying the abundant wildlife around their home. Kathy devoted her last few years to caring for Mike after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. When Kathy was diagnosed with cancer, Mike was moved into memory care. Kathy passed away on January 15th, 2022.

Mike is survived by his ex-wife Gail Tate, daughter and son-in-law, LeAnne & Scott Zaske of Rochester, MN; son and daughter-in-law, Eric & Kelly Tate of Greenfield, MN; son and daughter-in-law, Randall & Beth Tate of Friday Harbor, WA; grandchildren, Danielle & Nate Zaske, Kayla Kuehn, Henry & Ethan Tate and Riggs & Juna Tate; great grandchildren Max & Addie Krienbring.

His family will hold a small, private service for close family in Mike and Kathy’s honor, followed by a Celebration of Life at Round Man Brewing Co (234 Walnut St) in Spooner, WI from 1-3pm on Wednesday, December 6th.

Last Update: Dec 03, 2023 5:34 pm CST