Michael "Mike" Bleifus

Mike Bleifus, 62, a lifelong Simpson, MN, resident, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday (May 27, 2025) at Mayo Clinic Rochester – St. Mary's Campus.

Michael Allan Bleifus was born on May 4, 1963 in Rochester, MN to Tony and Betty Ann (Jones) Bleifus. He grew up in Simpson, MN and attended Rochester schools, graduating from Mayo HS in 1981. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the U.S Army, serving four years. During this time, he spent two years in Germany serving as a Tank Commander. After his discharge he returned to Rochester and was employed as a carpenter with Olympic Wall Systems. Mike was married on March 22, 1996 in Rochester to Valerie Quandt. They resided in Simpson, where they raised their children and have continued to make their home. Mike was employed for 37 years with Olympic Companies, as a union carpenter and foreman until his retirement in 2022. Valerie is employed at Dunlap & Seeger, P.A. in Rochester and part-time at Fat Willy's restaurant in Rochester. Mike was a member of the Carpenters Union Local 68 in the Twin Cities and the Stewartville American Legion Post 164. He always had a great interest in NASA, rocket launches, the moon landings and all things space. He was a major history buff and would often spend time watching war movies in the Garage. Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, trivia, reading the newspaper and was an avid Vikings fan (when they won). He enjoyed camping with his family in Cumberland, WI, splitting wood, and having bonfires. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Mike is survived by his wife – Valerie, three daughters and one son – Jarrod (Amanda) Kintzi of Rochester; Jilann (Kyle) Timmerman of Rochester; Jackie (Elliot) Chapman of Simpson and Charlie (Brandon) Hoth of Rochester; six grandchildren – Ellie, Serra, Lucy, Violet, Bea, and Tommy Michael; his mother – Betty Bleifus and sister – Dawn Bleifus (Mark O’Connell) both of Simpson; two brothers - Rick Bleifus of Cumberland,WI and Russ (Kimberly) Bleifus of Dexter, MN and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father – Tony, two infant brothers – Dale and Gary, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends will take place from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on Saturday (May 31, 2025) at St. Bridget's Church Fellowship Hall ( 2123 Cty Rd 16 SE / Rochester) with Military Honors at 4:00pm. Light lunch will be served. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray F.H. in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Mike are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com

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