Michael Valvoda

Mike passed away December 7, 2013 at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth, MN.  He was born July 6, 1962 to George and Barbara (Bell) Valvoda in Rush City, MN.  He attended Pine City Schools and lived in Pine City all of his life.  From a young age Mike worked on the family farm and was a very talented mechanic.  He went to work for Tony Prussien as a mechanic and then for Greden Equipment.  The majority of his mechanic years were spent at Cummings Chrysler in Pine City where he worked for 16 years.  He later went on to open his own mechanic shop east of Pine City. On January 4, 1996, Mike's son Shane Michael Valvoda was born and on February 15, 1999, his daughter Devon Jean Valvoda was born.  His children were the light of his life.  When they were young it was rare to see Mike without his children by his side. From the time Shane could walk he could turn a wrench better than most 15 year olds.  He spent many hours working with his dad on different projects, whether it be putting an engine together for someone in need or building lawnmowers for ice racing.  He taught Shane to hunt and enjoyed doing that with him.  Devon was daddy's little girl and he was always more than happy to be holding her while he was working on his projects and always had a soft heart when she wanted to bring home kittens or puppies.  Mike spent many weekends camping with the children and their mom LeAnne, in McGrath, MN.  In addition to his love for mechanics, Mike also enjoyed hunting, fishing and dancing.  He was an excellent mechanic and throughout the years made many friendships with the people he worked with and shared interests with.  He was a very kind-hearted man who would do anything for anyone.  When asked for a favor or helping hand, Mike could not say "no".  He would help anyone who was in need.  He will be greatly missed by his children and his family along with all of the other lives he touched throughout his life. Mike was preceded in death by his parents George and Barbara (Bell) Valvoda.  He is survived by his children: Shane and Devon Valvoda;  siblings: George Valvoda and his wife Judy, Sharon Toman and her husband Bob, Tom Valvoda and his wife Michelle, Steve Valvoda, all of Pine City and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.  Funeral services are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Thursday, December 12th at the Pine City Evangelical Free Church Lighthouse with Pastor Bruce Thompson of the Hustletown Church officiating.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Swanson Funeral Chapel and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.  Interment will be in the Hustletown Union Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Michael A. Valvoda memorial fund. Arrangements for Michael Valvoda are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service - Swanson Chapel of Pine City. www.funeralandcremationservice.com