In Memoriam ~ Deacon Michael Medley, Past Regent

Father of Fr. Samuel Medley, SOLT, ’93, Sara Riviere ’92, and Father-in-law of Chris Riviere ’92

Deacon Mike Medley, age 75, of South Haven, died unexpectedly on Thursday, February 9, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 17, 2023, at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Maple Lake with Fr. Samuel Medley, SOLT as Celebrant. Fr. John Meyer will Concelebrate the mass. Burial will follow at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery – East Maple Lake. Visitation will be from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday and from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Friday, both at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Maple Lake. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials are preferred to Options for Women-Cornerstone in St. Michael.

Deacon Michael Allen Medley was born on June 3, 1947, at the Air Force Base in Pensacola, Florida, to Thomas and Patricia (Reilly) Medley. He grew up in Minneapolis. As a young man, he served in the first unit of the Blue Berets in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. When he returned home, he fell in love with his longtime friend, Ann Mulcahy. The two were married on December 5, 1970. They had two children, Sara and Samuel.

Mike graduated with highest honors from the University of Minnesota and began his career as a teacher. He taught kindergarten for several years. In later years, when he spoke about his time as a teacher it was clear how much he cared about each and every student.

He went on to be a skilled carpenter and foreman in residential and commercial carpentry, working on many of the skyscrapers in downtown Minneapolis and St Paul, including the World Trade Center.

In 1980, Mike and Ann purchased land in Southside Township, Minnesota and shortly after began the work of building their own home. In the years after, Mike became a staple in the Annandale Community. He volunteered with the Boy Scouts, acted in community theater, was co-president of the Annandale PTA, and helped plan community events.

After a serious back injury, he sold Apple Computers, and earned an engineering certificate to consult in computer-aided drafting. With a partner, he started a printing business as a graphic designer, and even took up farming for a while.

On September 30, 2000, Mike was ordained a Deacon in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. He spent the next 22 years of his life tirelessly dedicated to his service as a deacon at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Annandale, the Church of St. Timothy in Maple Lake, and St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Monticello. Even in his retirement, he continued his diaconal ministry at St. Timothy and St. Ignatius Catholic Churches.

During his first assignment to St. Timothy, he was the Principal of the Catholic school, during which he achieved his Master’s Degree in Education with a special certification in technology. Every morning he stood outside the front of the school to greet each student by name and with a smile.

Deacon Mike was passionate about fighting for the underdog. He was a champion for students during his time as principal and was always ready to uplift and fight for others in his life. He was a man of action and a man of deep faith, love and tenderness.

He was a man of joy and celebration. He loved to laugh and joke, cook, watch movies, listen to upcoming singers, smoke cigars, drink single-malt scotch, ride motorcycles, shoot guns, and traveled the world with his wife, visiting his missionary son.

Deacon Mike beautifully modeled self-giving love to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was always ready to help tow a car, give a ride, pick up groceries, come to a sporting event, play a game, teach a new skill, or just sit and listen. His joy was in his faith and in his family.

Deacon Mike is survived by his wife, Ann Medley; his children, Fr. Samuel Medley, SOLT, and Sara (Chris) Riviere; his grandchildren, Baylyn (Jayce) Wagner, Ivy (Traeton) Kubly, Chloe (Hunter) Manka, Gabriel Riviere, Samuel Riviere, Gianna Riviere, Augustine Riviere, Sean Riviere, and George Riviere; his great-grandchildren, Whitley Wagner, Cora Wagner, Henry Wagner, Kaiser Kubly, Saskia Kubly, and baby Manka on the way; his siblings, Thomas “Tom” (Holly) Medley, Theresa Smith, James “Jimmy” Medley, Joseph “Joe” (Karin) Medley, Robert “Rob” (Cheryl) Medley, Richard “Rich” (Kecia) Medley, and Marie (Daniel) Medley-Levison; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Deacon Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Patricia Medley; his brother, Stephen Medley; his brothers-in-law, Bill Smith and David Schwake; great-grandson, Kolbe Wagner; and his nephew, Adrian Medley.

Chris, Gabe, Sam, Gus, and Sean Riviere, Jayce Wagner, Traeton Kubly, and Hunter Manka will serve as casket bearers. Mary Kline and Krista Elsenpeter will provide music for the service. Arrangements entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services of Maple Lake.