Michael R. "Mike" Karsnia

Michael Roger Karsnia, 67, passed away at his home on September 16, 2015, surrounded by his loving family, under the care of Lakeland Hospice. He valiantly fought a nine year battle with multiple myeloma and prostate cancer, never wavering to make the most of every day.

Mike was born in Detroit Lakes, MN on August 21, 1948, the 4th of 7 children, to Frank and Kathryn (Muench) Karsnia. He grew up in Frazee, MN, enjoying a small town childhood. He played football, basketball and golf, and graduated from Frazee High School in 1967. He attended Bemidji State University, then transferred to Fergus Falls Community College.

In June 1969, he enlisted in the US Navy and served two tours of duty off the coast of Vietnam on the USS Gridley. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. He received his honorable discharge on February 16, 1973, and returned to Fergus Falls to complete his education, graduating in May 1974.

While in college, Mike met the love of his life, Deborah Fritz, and they married on October 19, 1973. This union was blessed with two sons, Fritz, born in 1975, and Louis, born in 1979. They lived in Fergus Falls while going to school, moving for a short time to Moorhead, then to Brainerd to work at Bergen’s Nursery. He began working for Radio Shack while in Brainerd, cutting his teeth on the then new industry of personal computers.

They returned to Fergus Falls in 1976, where he worked for Radio Shack and Cooper’s Office Supply, before striking out on his own to establish Best Business Systems in 1988, which eventually became Surething Software. He developed accounting software for use in the charitable gambling industry in the State of Minnesota, and spent many years selling computer and software packages to clients. He made many friends during those years of travel all over Minnesota. He retired due to health issues in 2007, and the business carries on, under the direction of his son, Louis. Mike continued to mentor the business when his health permitted him.

Mike was active in a number of organizations in Fergus Falls, including Sertoma, Elks Lodge, serving as ER and working on special projects during his term. He became actively involved with Fergus Falls Hockey Association, serving on the Board of Directors and as President. Mike’s patriotism steered him to the VFW Post 612 in Fergus Falls, where he worked tirelessly to advocate for Veterans issues. He served as Commander at the local and district levels, and was the Quartermaster and Color Guard Captain at the time of his death. He was also a member of American Legion Post 30 in Fergus Falls.

Most important to Mike was his family. Many hours spent at the lake with grandchildren in tow delighted him endlessly. He loved camping, boating, storytelling, grape growing, wine making, pounding tirelessly on his computer and was a Fighting Sioux Hockey fan. He loved his extended families at the campground and at Heilberger Lake, where he and Deb built their dream home, their slice of Heaven. They were blessed to travel to Alaska in 2014, a trip of a lifetime.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Kathryn Karsnia; his mother-in-law, Marlene Hockeborn; his stepfather-in-law, Harl Hockeborn; sister-in-law, Lois Karsnia; and brother-in-law, Larry Bergen.

He is survived by his loving wife, Deb Karsnia of Erhard; his sons, Fritz (Sarah) Karsnia of Fergus Falls and Louis (Jessica) of Underwood; his five precious grandchildren, Vivian, Marilyn, Rome, Zander and Landon Karsnia; his beloved beagle, Emma; his siblings, Mary (Larry Ashkraft) Friesen of Grants Pass, OR, Ruby (Brian) Buchmayer of Pine Springs, Frances Bergen of Detroit Lakes, David (Maureen) Karsnia of Detroit Lakes, Tim (Del) Karsnia of Winthrop and Julie (Jeff) Melville of Sauk Rapids; sisters-in-law, Cathie (Mark) Helland of Fergus Falls, Joyce Fritz (Don Kraft) of Green Bay, WI, Liz (Denny) Miller of Collinsville, IL, Marti Carlson of New London, Patty Jensen of Spicer and Mary (Gordon) Thomas of Mayville, WI; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles, his camping family and his lake family.

Mike’s family wishes to thank the staff of Lake Region Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic Hematology Staff and Lakeland Hospice for their kindnesses and tender care.

Memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice.
Service: 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at Rockin’ K Ranch (27730 310th Avenue, Underwood, MN, 56586) or 14 miles east of Fergus Falls on Co Hwy 1, then South on 310th Avenue. A picnic lunch will be served, with time for sharing and remembrance. Please wear casual attire, no ties. Mike hated ties.
Clergy: Reverend Nancy Hess Eldredge
Military Participation: Fergus Falls VFW Post #612 and American Legion Post #30
Assistance provided by the Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.