In Memoriam ~ Michael John Ives

Michael John Ives
Father to Michelle Ives Carlson ’86
Former Board of Regents Member

Michael J. Ives, age 80, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota passed away Monday, September 2, 2024, at his home on Pokegama Lake. He was born to Roy and Mary E. Ives on March 7, 1944, in Albert Lea, MN while his father was serving as a military flight instructor for pilots in WW II. Mike grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota in an entrepreneurial family, where he learned the importance of working hard. 

Mike attended St. Thomas Academy, a military high school on the St. Thomas College campus. Mike went on to the University of Minnesota for an associate degree in politics. On November 27, 1965, he was united in marriage to Mary Francis Girard in St. Louis, Missouri. Mike and Mary met on a cruise with their parents when they were freshmen in high school and married at age 21. They made their first home in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and raised two children, Michael “Burl” and Michelle.

Being an entrepreneur, Mike started his first business in 1965, selling affordable manufactured homes. He expanded to developing and managing land-leased communities and operating a Real Estate brokerage. He proudly served in leadership positions in the Minnesota Manufactured Housing Association for over 55 years. An avid radio listener all his life, he purchased a radio station in Grand Rapids and eventually moved to the community in 1987. In 1996 he joined other partners and built a hotel in Duluth, Minnesota. This was the start of his involvement in the Hospitality Industry. 

Mike had a passion for worldwide travel and had many adventures with Mary. He loved snowmobiling, riding a motorcycle and was an avid fisherman. He was a mentor to many, a leader in the community, a good listener, a loving father, and compassionate to all.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Roy Jr., Richard, and John Ives. He is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, Mary; his son, Michael “Burl” (Kristine) Ives; his daughter, Michelle (Guy) Carlson; all from Grand Rapids, Minnesota; one sister, Susan Ives of Delray Beach, Florida; three grandchildren, Marissa Louise Rossi, Samantha Marie Ives, and Thomas Michael Ives, and other relatives.

A visitation will be held Monday, September 16, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. It will continue at the church on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 10:00 am until the 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Fr. Jerry Weiss and Fr. Blake Rozier will concelebrate the mass. Burial will be in Itasca-Calvary Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Minnesota. A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow.