Michael Wilhelmi

michael wilhelmi

Michael G. Wilhelmi, 98, Horace passed away Monday, May 23 at Essentia Health, Fargo.

Michael was born April 8, 1913 to John and Elizabeth (Mack) Wilhelmi in Loma, North Dakota. Michael grew up and attended school there. In 1940, Michael married Inez Anderson of Edmore, ND. Michael was drafted into the Army where he served as a Cannoneer in Heavy Artillery throughout WWII. Michael was part of the invasion at Normandy Beach and took part in the Battle of the Bulge. Michael earned a Purple Heart while serving in WWII.

Upon returning from the war, Michael later moved to Fargo where he worked at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Fargo until 1950. Michael worked for the Fargo Post Office as a mail carrier until his retirement in January, 1977.

Michael married Debbie (Kann) on December 2, 1984.

Michael enjoyed fishing and tending to his garden. He was an avid fan of both the NDSU Bison and the Minnesota Twins.  He especially enjoyed his dog "Oliver."

Michael is survived by his wife Debbie, Horace, ND; sons, Gene (Elaine), Fargo, ND, Michael, 29 Palms, CA, Alex, Horace, ND; daughters, Carol (Dan) Jensen, Dakota Dunes, SD, Melanie (Dennis) Correll, West Fargo, ND, Larissa Boe, Fargo, ND; sisters, Jen, Devils Lake, ND, Katherine, Fountain Hills, AZ; 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Joe, Tony, John, Ralph, Frank and Hank, and sisters, Aileen and Ann.

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  1. Horace ND
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your good memories of your husband/dad/grandpa/great-grandpa comfort you in this sad time.

  2. Bismarck ND
    Debbie and family,

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I remember Michael always being very kind to others around him and willing to help wherever needed. I recall the first time Michael and myself met. I was visiting some friends (the Helgeson’s) in Horace who happened to be his next door neighbor. I didn’t realize just protective Michael was of his neighbors and his neighborhood for that matter. I didn’t know Michael kept a close eye on everyone any everything going on around him. Anyway, I had a tendency of just walking into the Helgeson’s home invited or not without knocking. I think for awhile Michael thought this 12 year old kid was breaking into his neighbor’s house. I recall Michael yelling from the back porch at me more than once, “Hey kid, what are you doing!” I remember being quite frightened the first time or two, but after that Michael would just smile and wave me over for a quick discussion on life. I really admired Michael for the father he was to Mike and Alex. I remember Michael watching us play basketball in his driveway and teaching Mike how to defend against the bigger kids. I also remember Michael showing Alex how to swing a baseball bat and watching him [Alex] skateboard in the driveway on Saturday afternoons. I remember seeing Michael pull into the driveway many times after going grocery shopping with Debbie on Saturday’s. I also know that you didn’t want to be playing basketball in the driveway when Michael pulled in with the groceries..he took those corners pretty sharp! I hope these stories will bring out more good memories of Michael because he will be missed.

    I know we were all better to have known Michael and may your faith in GOD help you through this most difficult time!

  3. I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Mike. I hadn’t seen him in years but my mom, Catherine Kelly and my sibings, Peter, Sheila and Heidi shared great stories about him. He was such a positive person who loved his family and life. I will keep you in my prayers.

    Kathy

  4. Horace ND
    We are so sorry to hear of your loss — keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers!

  5. I am the granddaughter of Kathy Kelly. I never met Great Uncle Michael, but I know he was loved by my grandma very much. God Bless him and his family. Rest in Peace Great Uncle Michael.

  6. Thompson ND
    We are saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. He was such a nice man. We were just visiting with him at Dad’s funeral about when your family would come out on Sunday afternoons and visit. I took a picture of him with our little granddaughter at the dinner following the funeral because he was the oldest one (97 yrs.) there and she was the youngest (3 months). We will be praying for him and all of you through this tough time.

    Mick & Rod


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