Michael Wayne Jochim, age 56, of Prior Lake, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at the University of MN Hospital due to complications from cancer. Just 9 days earlier Mike was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Myelodysplasia Related Changes.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 24 at 11 am, with a time of gathering two hours priors, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee. Guest are also invited to zoom, by visiting the following link: https://zoom.us/j/97139751699?pwd=cDV2RkxKM3MzVS8zazZNR01iOEZzUT09 Meeting ID: 971 3975 1699 / Password: 737612 Masks are required at the service and social distancing maintained. Guests will be encouraged to share a memory of Mike on a note card…so start thinking of your favorite memory of him!
Mike was born on May 2, 1963, in Hazen, North Dakota. He was the youngest of ten children to Joseph John and Margaret Ann (Pfliger) Jochim. Mike attended a one-room schoolhouse through the fourth grade, when the family moved into town. Mike formed a passion for sports, especially for football, basketball and baseball. He participated in these sports during high school and was a proud graduate of Hazen High School in 1981.
At NDSCS in Wahpeton, ND, Mike earned a double major in HVAC and the electrical program. He started his career working as a construction electrician. This opportunity allowed Mike to travel to many states. He worked for various companies, including Jesco Electric, Premier Electric and he spent the last 15 years at Carleton College. Mike was also a member of the IUOE Local 70 and just celebrated 30 years with IBEW Local 343.
While working for the local grocery store in high school, the boss asked the guys if one of them could give his daughter a ride home one night. Mike said they drew straws and his got the short straw. Unbeknownst to him, Brenda Scheer would be the love of his life. They eventually moved to the Twin Cities area. Mike and Brenda finally settled in Lakeville, MN, calling Lakeville home for 23 years. It was three years ago, they moved to Prior Lake. Their love story has spanned almost four decades. Mike and Brenda loved hanging out together and quiet time playing with the dogs. They enjoyed attending Minnesota Twins and Viking games. Brenda was able to get Mike hooked on UND hockey too. It didn’t matter what they did, as long as they were together.
Mike loved life! He had this contagious hardy laugh, that made people smile. Mike enjoyed teasing people, which was all in good fun, yet making them feel special. He had a huge generous heart. Mike was always helping family and friends with projects, especially with his electrical craft. He loved to entertain and cook. If it was a quiet breakfast or pan of lasagna for two; grilling or smoking on the Traeger for family members and friends. Mike was most happy hosting and taking care of everyone. He also loved golf, especially with his buddy, Scott. They were fortunate to travel the United States exploring golf courses. Many vacations for Mike and Brenda also revolved around golf course availability. Life was complete for him, with the companionship of man’s best friend…the dog.
A big gentle teddy bear, Mike always put others needs first before his own. He wanted everyone to have a good time with plenty to eat and drink. Now his family and friends are left to carry on Mike’s legacy!
Forever loved, Mike will be forever missed by fiancée, Brenda Scheer; his girl Lady II (dog); siblings, Sharon (Don) Horning, Bonnie Ziemann, Carol (Dick) Tjaden, Joe (Debi) Jochim, Kathy Myers, Glenda Duhaime, Glenn (Donna) Jochim, Janet Jochim, Jay (Esther Saville) Jochim; 17 nieces and nephews; 20 great nieces and nephews; extended family, Terry (Myrna) Scheer, Todd (Sheila) Scheer; other relatives and devoted friends.
There to greet Mike in heaven are his parents, Joseph and Margaret Jochim; brothers-in-law, Dale Zieman, Terry Myers and great niece, Willow Jochim.
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Barb Huber Finneman
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mike. He was such a great guy. We were classmates and would like to think friends from way back. Just had found a video of our 10 year class reunion which he was a part of and was excited to be able to share this with him at our upcoming All Class reunion coming up this summer. How life has a way of changing courses. Lets us know we are not in charge. May the Lord wrap his arms around you and give you peace. My sincere condolences.
Barb Huber Finneman
Lisa Schwartz
Dear Brenda, We are sorry for your loss, and we know this is a sad time. Your former neighbor on the other side
was kind to let Dick know.
Dick & Lisa Schwartz
952-807-7640
Steve Bernard
So hard to hear about Mike.. We worked together for many years @ Premier Electric. Very good person.
Tim Klein
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. From the Klein family.
Raye Ann
Brenda,
Although I did not know Mike, I know he must have been amazing to hold onto you for so long. I am so sorry you are going through this. If you lonely, lost or just want to talk, I would love to hear from you or zoom with you or whatever. I wish I were there with you to help you get through this, please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. love you ((hugs)) ((hugs)) ((hugs))
Neumann family
The Neumann family Andrea ,Bruce ,Matthew ,Abby,and Laura send our heartfelt condolences. It was just a year ago at Easter that Brenda and Mike joined us for a celebration and we all had a great time eating well and laughing together.Brenda has always been special friend to Andrea and shares the same birthday date with Matthew. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Mary Galvin
Brenda- We’re so sorry to hear of his passing. Mike sounds like a wonderful guy who will surely be missed.
Mary Galvin & family
Melanie Zieman Smith
Brenda,
A very beautifully written obituary. You may have a void in your heart but what a wonderful life you have shared. Embrace those fond memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Much love.
Marcus and Melanie Smith
Rose Gitter
The Oberlander family is so sorry for your loss. Wonderful memories of the Jochim family on the farm, country school Christmas programs and mock weddings. Prayers for your family
Carol Keller
Brenda I feel like I know you as am the mother of Scott Keller. He always talked so highly of Mike. So sorry to hear of Mikes death. My DEEPEST sympathy. Carol Keller
June Mramor
Dear Brenda, we haven’t seen each other in several years but I can feel the pain you have with losing Mike so suddenly. My deepest sympathy to you and the family.
Connie Slinde smSims
Sorry for your loss Brenda my condolence to all his brothers and sisters he surely will be missed being the youngest of the family I didn’t get to know him very well I am thesame age Glen and Glenda we are cousins.
Virginia Doll-DeCoteau
Condolences to all of his brothers and sisters. I knew Mike and his family as a young child, as our farm was several miles away from their farm. Sincerely Mrs.Ed Doll, Rob and Jane Doll
Shon Kaelberer Hastings
Brenda, Mike’s family and friends,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mike and I had lockers beside each other for most of our junior high and high school days. I remember lots of laughs. I also enjoyed visiting with Mike and Brenda during class reunions. He will be missed. My heart hearts for Mike’s family and friends. You are in my thoughts.
Shon
Kim Wilker
Brenda, my condolences to you and your family. I didn’t know Mike but he sounds like he was a wonderman man. If there’s anything you need, please let me know.
Barbara Stendahl
Dear Brenda,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Stendahl
Connie Kotke
Brenda and family: My sincere and heartfelt wishes for peace during this very difficult time. After nearly four decades of love and good times, it must be nearly impossible right now to face the day without Mike’s big smile. You are strong and resilient, and you will pull through this. Your fellow master gardeners are right behind you every step of the way. Let us know how we can make the path a bit smoother. Much love.
Gail Maifeld
Brenda,
Nothing I can say will fill the void in your life right now. Just know that you are in my thoughts. I have enjoyed working with you in the Master Gardener program. Looking forward to seeing you at MG activities when you are ready.
Heartfelt sympathy at this time.
Gail Maifeld
Carolyn A Plank
Brenda – I am so so sorry to hear about the loss of your fiance, Mike. I know it’s hard to lose someone in such a short period of time. Even though I never met him, I’m sure he was a fabulous person. I wish I could give you a great big hug right now, but know you are being hugged at a distance. We are all here behind you and can’t wait til we get to see one another again. My sincere and heartfelt wishes to you and your family in this very difficult time. My sincere wishes to you and your family in this difficult and sad time. Bless you!
Joy Johnson
Dear Brenda, my heart goes out to you at the loss of the love of your life. He sounds like he was a delightful person. I wish I could give you a hug at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheri Fox
Brenda, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It sounds like you have many great memories and that smile was a wonderful guy.
Dean Davis
Brenda! The searing pain we feel when a loved one has gone home to Our Lord is the deep price we pay for loving so deeply here on earth. Blessings and peace to you as you learn to live with Michael held close in your heart. Cry as you must and will; remember as often as possible his love and life with you; share your joys and sadness with other; smile and laugh when you can and always keep him close to your heart. Time will soften your loss. Rely on loved ones and friends to help you ease your sorrow. Blessings always, Dean Davis
Kay Schutte
Brenda,
What a wonderful man you shared in life! May your many memories of life together flood through you on days when you need them.
God bless you and your loved ones!
Peace He will give to you.
Love,
Kay Schutte
Master Gardener
Suzanne Hamann
Dear Brenda,
My heart and love go out to you at this time of your loss. Please know that you are loved and prayed for as you go through this new transition in your life. I am available to you if you would like to visit as our paths are very similar with our loss of our loved one from AML.
Hugs,
Suzanne Hamann
MG friend
Wayne Eisenhuth
Just heard about Mike’s passing since I haven’t worked at Carleton since April, 2018. Mike was a gentle giant and could always be counted on to get the job done quickly and correctly. I kidded around with him quite a bit. He was a throw-back to what Carleton employees used to be and one a of a very few that I miss. My sincere condolences to Mike’s family.
Lisa Shirleen Stanfield
Brenda I did not know you but Mike knew me we were cousins thru my dad John Jochim. If I only knew you guys were this close to me because I live in Montrose Minnesota. But it also worked in Prior Lake that’s little six casino. Mike and I had such a great time with playing and getting to know each other. JJ and and I and Mike would literally get a lot of trouble. My kind of smile tha Mike had a smile that would light up a room and a personality that was so warm kind and around him he always felt loved I wish I got to see him more. We were close but my dad John and mother Lila divorced and we grew apart. I always wondered how Mike and DJ were doing? If I only knew Mike was only like 30 miles away from me. I would have came and visited wow. He will be missed. Love Lisa Shirleen Stanfield aka Shirleen Lisa Stanfield ( John Jochim Step Daughter from Beulah ND now resides in Montrose MN . My prayers to the Jochim family and his fiance Brenda.