Michael Dennis Downey

About Michael

Michael Dennis Downey, 75, Park Rapids, MN passed away Monday, July 31, 2023 at CHI St. Joseph's Health in Park Rapids.

Michael Downey was born on July 5, 1948 in Northeast Minneapolis, but became a country boy about the time John Denver wrote that song.

He was a true people person. He loved to make people smile and laugh and was a creative master “sniffer” – storyteller. He lived with a passion for corrections and serving people. He was generous to strangers. He loved fishing but was allergic to fish. He was punctual, to a fault. And always kept a full tank of gas.

Despite having health problems through life he never complained and was always positive.

After finishing college at St. Cloud University, he met Debbie Reynolds who became Debbie Downey. Together they raised their beloved son, Evan and dedicated their love to Evan’s wife, Amber and their children Jaxon and Nora.

He loved his dogs – Poppy, Wolfie, Billy Bob Dog, Tammy, Kirby, Harold, Max, and Orson.

He died July 31 at his summer home in Park Rapids, with his beloved wife Debbie, precious puppy Lulu and near his beloved pontoon boat and not far from tennis courts.

He was known by many names, Mike, Mick, Micky McNoodle, Miguel, Newk, Newky Boy, Maximum Mike, Mike, Mikey and Bobo but Dad was his favorite.

Mike has as many friends as there are lakes in Minnesota and mountains in Arizona. He made sure all of us were happy, everywhere, all the time.

memorial service

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home