Michael MacLean

Published 12:00 am Thursday, April 9, 2009

Michael G. MacLean, 67
Michael Galleher MacLean, 67, of Austin, passed away suddenly on March 31, 2009 in Tucson, Ariz.
Mike was born in May 11, 1941 in Lincoln, Neb., to Mary Gavin and Harry Norman Galleher. On Aug. 10, 1963, he married his Celtic soul mate, Patricia Mullen, with whom he shared 45 blessed years. Mike graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, and he later obtained a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota. Mike served in the U.S. Army for three years, including two years stationed in Munich, Germany, and was honorably discharged at the rank of captain.
In 2004, Mike retired from Hormel Foods at the corporate office in Austin after 33 years in labor relations and human resources. He was respected for his integrity, insight and mentoring skills. During retirement, he consulted for Hormel and other local businesses and taught at Riverland Community College.
Mike was an enthusiastic supporter of the Ronald McDonald House in Rochester, where he volunteered weekly and served on various communities. He was also actively involved in a variety of other civic organizations. He served as president of the Austin Symphony Orchestra and twice as president of the Cedar Valley Services Board. Mike had just completed his term as president of the congregation at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
Mike was greatly loved as husband, father, grandfather and brother.  He adored his family. His greatest pleasure came from spending time with his wife, Pat, his sons and their families. His other favorite pastimes included: Traveling, reading; walking with their poodle; Braveheart; rooting for the Nebraska Cornhuskers; swimming; and studying photography, anthropology and history. For many years he enjoyed officiating high school football. Mike was proud of his Irish heritage and his early years growing up in the Sandhills of Nebraska. He was also well-known for his storytelling talents, his keen intellectual curiosity and his marvelous sense of humor. Mike always had a smile and a joke to brighten the day. He touched the lives of many, and he will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Pat, and two children, Michael, Jr. (Lisa) MacLean, Buffalo, N.Y., Mark (Lynn) MacLean, Duluth, Minn.; three brothers, Harry MacLean, Denver, Colo., James F. (Sherry) MacLean, Sr., Des Moines, Iowa, Jack MacLean of Lincoln, Neb.; niece, Megan MacLean, Des Moines; four grandchildren, Madeleine, Gavin, Payton and Sophie MacLean, as well as many dear friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, James F. MacLean; and sister, Sharon Galleher.
Visitation will be from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, April 13 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Austin with memorial services on Tuesday, April 14 at 11 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
Worlein Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s honor to the Ronald McDonald House at 850 Second St. S.W., Rochester, MN  55902.

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