Mike Call

Mike Call, age 69, of Atwater, died Sunday afternoon, Feb. 2, at the St. Cloud Hospital.

A prayer service will be held at 4 pm followed by the visitation from 5pm – 7pm on Friday, February 7, at the Peterson Brothers Atwater Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Mike Call was born on June 3rd, 1950 in Madison, MN to LeRoy and Phyllis Call. He was a proud graduate of Madison high school in 1968, where he was active in football, track, sang in the choir, and played the flute in the band (to just “sit by the girls”).  After high school Mike attended Fergus Falls Community College and Moorhead State University.

It was during his time at Madison High School, where Mike met his wife Ann (Storry) Call.  On August 4th, 1973 Mike and Ann were married at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Madison, MN.  After their wedding, Mike and Ann moved to Willmar, MN where Mike began working for Norling Silo and subsequently at the Willmar Regional Treatment Center, where he worked for over 30 years as a Human Services Technician, retiring in 2008.  It was at the Willmar Regional Treatment Center where Mike created several lifelong relationships with co-workers and patients, taking great pride in helping others while making sure all had a laugh along the way.  Mike was recognized multiple times by the Willmar Regional Treatment Center as someone who made a difference in the lives of patients.

In addition to his work, Mike valued many high school friendships over the years which included hunting trips, playing cards, golfing, and talking smart about the good ‘ol days.  “Stud” as he was affectionately nicknamed in high school carried forward many fabled stories from his time in Madison.  Laughing was always at the center of time with friends and family.  In particular, if it were his own joke.

Mike and Ann moved from Willmar to Atwater, MN in 1981 where they raised their three children – Brian, Jessie, and Hannah.  Mike loved to garden, collect a variety of antiques, and was an avid enthusiast at his kids various activities.  Mike also loved his pets who you would find often by his side. He also loved the relationships he had with his neighbors – helping one another out and enjoying each other’s company over the years.

One of Mike’s greatest joys were his grandkids.  He was extremely proud of them and enjoyed spending time watching their various sporting events and activities.  If you happen to come across Mike at Cash Wise with coupons in hand, he might pull your ear for several minutes recounting his grandkids accomplishments.  He enjoyed memorializing their events in scrapbooks, and later in life, on Facebook.

Mike will be best remembered for his sense of humor, his enduring love of Minnesota sports teams, countless hours in his shed watching westerns and political news, and the impact he made on his family that will endure long after his passing.

Mike is survived by his wife, Ann Call of Atwater, MN, children Brian (Annette) Call of Brooklyn Park, MN, Jessie Call (and special friend Andy Paul and daughter Taylor) of Hutchinson, MN and Hannah (Luke) Laidlaw of Hutchinson, MN.  Also by his grandchildren: Brittany (Travis) Thimm, Griffin Roseland, Isaac Call, Alex Call, Lauren Laidlaw, Lilah Laidlaw, and Wyatt Laidlaw.  And further by his sister, Pat (Vern) Berge, brother in law Elmer Sobania, brother in law Alan (Pam) Storry, sister in law Pat (Joseph) Curatolo, and several nephews, nieces, cousins, and special friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Phyllis Call, his sister Mary Call Sobania, and sister in law, Barb (Don) Monroe.