Michael John Ingvalson, 69, of Caledonia, Minn., passed away peacefully at home on October 6, 2026, surrounded by his family. This was following a courageous yearlong battle with esophageal cancer.
Mike was born on December 25, 1956, in Caledonia to Harlan and JoAnn (Stemper) Ingvalson. He grew up in Caledonia and graduated from Caledonia High School. A dairy farmer his entire life, Mike dedicated himself to the land, his work, and the values that came with a life spent farming. The loss of a limb in a farming accident at age seven never deterred his deep passion for the hard-working lifestyle of a farmer. He continued to exhibit a work ethic and sense of perseverance his family remembers fondly.
Among his hobbies he enjoyed golfing, watching the Twins and Vikings, playing cards, traveling to Arizona and Florida several times a year, annual deer camp, and spending time at the campground with his campground family — all times he treasured and enjoyed with those he loved the most. He loved cheering on his kids’ sports teams throughout high school and college, and he especially enjoyed being on the sidelines for his grandchildren’s sporting events. He valued the relationships and friendships those teams fostered and the way they brought families together.
Mike’s greatest pride and joy were his nine grandchildren, his “monkeyshines,” who brought endless happiness to Papa’s life. He especially loved being a goofball with them. They cherished every golf cart ride, push on the swing at the campground, secret sweet treats Papa would share with them and the many memories made along the way.
While his family mourns his passing, they take comfort in knowing Mike is free from pain and at peace. They are deeply grateful for the many visits, calls and messages shared during his hospitalizations and brief hospice admission. His courage and toughness throughout his journey were inspiring.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Michael is survived by his wife, Kris; his children, Laura (Brett) Blaken and their children, Brooks, Clara and Kellen; Joe (Ashley) Ingvalson and their children, Brynn, Sam and Crew; and Tricia (Darren) Solbrack and their children, Mariah, Lettie and Ada; his mother, JoAnn Ingvalson; his siblings, Jeanne Gade, Mary Ellen (Joel) Larson, Tom (Judy) Ingvalson and Steve (Christine) Ingvalson; and brothers-in-law Randy (Robin) Kidder and Bob (Linda) Kidder.
He was preceded in death by his father, Harlan Ingvalson and brother-in-law, Dan Gade.
A celebration in Mike’s honor is planned for October 15, 2026, 4-7:30 p.m. at the MaCal Grove Country Club in Caledonia, Minn. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in his name to St. Mary’s School of Caledonia.
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