Michael James O'Rourke

Michael James O’Rourke “TBHI” The Bald Headed Irishman, age 75, passed away peacefully at his home in Walker, MN. A beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother and friend, Mike was one of the good ones.

Born July 30, 1949, he was the second child of Jim and Muriel O’Rourke and grew up in South Mpls with his seven siblings. He attended Annunciation and DeLaSalle, President of Class of ’67.

Mike enlisted in the U.S. Air Force; he was trained as a Korean linguist and completed two tours as a member of 6903 Skivvy Nine, Able Company.

Upon returning to Mpls, he met and married Mari Povroznik, with whom he shared two wonderful children, Cap and Molli. Mike was a devoted father, passing his kindness and life lessons to them. When his four grandchildren came along he was generous with his hugs, wisdom and laughter. A natural salesman, he built a career selling everything from suits to insurance to hearth products.

A self-proclaimed “jockaholic,” Mike was a lifelong MN sports fan and avid athlete. His greatest love was fastpitch softball, playing for numerous local and national teams. Later in life, he shared his love for the game by coaching the Nevis HS softball team.

Mike moved to Nevis, MN with his second wife, Leah Larson, where they built a life on 10 acres in the woods—just as he had dreamed. He made fast friends up north, embracing the beauty of nature and the warmth of his community.

Mike’s humor, generosity, and competitive spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love, laughter, and sportsmanship lives on in his family and friends.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife Leah, his children Cap (Sara) and Molli, his grandchildren Audri, Parker, Mason and Paige, his four sisters Anne Bartel (Greg), Liz Staples (Mike (d)), Patty Freeman (Dave), Joan Oyaas (Mark), and his three brothers, who he regularly beat at cribbage, David (Carol), Tim and Bob (Tammy).

His Celebration of Life will be on Feb 22 From 2-5pm (Program at 3pm) at 1114 American Blvd, Bloomington. A second gathering will happen this spring in Walker for his friends up north. 

In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to your local youth athletic association in Mike’s name.

Mike’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home, Walker MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael James O'Rourke, please visit our floral store.