Michael Ragland, 69
Mon, 10/14/2024 - 5:21pm
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March 2, 1955 -
October 5, 2024
LA CROSSE - Michael John Ragland, 69, died on Saturday October 5, 2024 in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Mike was born on March 2, 1955 in Rochester, Minnesota to Melvin Lavern and Camilla Jean (Chapman) Ragland. He married Linda Lee Baethke on October 23, 1982 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Together they had 3 children, and lived many happy years on their farm near Ridgeway, Iowa.
Mike enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, taking rides on the Cassville Ferry, riding his John Deere lawn mower and visiting with neighbors as the unofficial “Mayor” of the Eastern Star Assisted Living Facility. Mike loved meeting new people and always had to find out where they were from, so he could remember them. Mike was a man on a mission and loved to fly by the seat of his pants. One of his favorite sayings was “If you’re looking for something to do”.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Linda of 41 years; three children: Michelle (Chris) Daniels of Dubuque, Martha Ragland (John Helgeson) of Cresco and Matt (Deepa) Ragland of Burlington, North Carolina; three brothers: Charles Kinney of Maple Grove, Minnesota, Keith Holm Jr. of Plainview, Minnesota and Dustin (Amy) Ragland of Rochester, Minnesota; four grandchildren: Sam Daniels, Mackenzie Daniels, Camilla Daniels and River Ragland along with many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Camilla Jean Holm and Melvin Lavern Ragland; sister Barbara Jean Ragland; brother Kenneth Alan Holm (Ben) and his mother and father in law Marie and LeRoy Baethke.
Memorial services were held at 10:00am on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at Schmelzer Funeral Home (formerly known as Lindstrom’s) in Cresco. Visitation was held from 4:00-7:00pm on Friday, October 11, 2024 at the funeral home and again one hour prior to services on Saturday morning. Burial will take place at the Orleans Lutheran Cemetery in rural Ridgeway. Schmelzer Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
