Michael K. “Mike” Brion, age 62 of Durand, died Sunday, November 2, 2014 at the Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Eau Claire after a massive stroke, with his family by his side.

Mike was born on February 7, 1952 in Durand. He was the son of Francis and Norma (Bauer) Brion. Mike grew up in the Canton Township and graduated from Mondovi High School. After high school, Mike joined the U.S. Army Reserves and he served for six years. Mike married Rosy Bauer on May 5, 1973 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima in Durand. While farming, Mike worked at the Co-op in Durand for several years. In 1980 they purchased Rosy’s family farm in Lima where they farmed and raised their family.

Mike was a life-long member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church. He was well respected in the farming community. Mike served on the Pepin County Farm Management Board, the Co-op boards and the finance committee at Holy Rosary Church. Mike received many awards from Pepin County Farm Management, including Farmer of the Year in 1998. He and his family hosted two Pepin County Dairy Breakfasts, the most recent one in June.

Mike liked being around and getting to know people. He enjoyed collecting coins, traveling and playing cards. Mike loved tricks, jokes and mind games. He was well known as being loyal, genuine, honest and fair. His passions in life were his grandchildren and combining. Mike was happiest taking someone around the field in the combine.

Mike is survived by his wife of 41 years; Rosy, three children; Curt (Lisa) of Durand, Kim (Gary) Pickering of Arkansaw and Cory (Hannah) of Durand. Mike loved spending time with his grandchildren; Kelci, McKenzie, Kaylee, Ashley and Nicholas. He is also survived by his four brothers; Kenny (Brenda) of Nelson, Bob (Kathy) of Hudson, Rod (Lynn) of Lewiston, MN and Rick (Patty) of Lakeville, MN, five sisters; Kathy (Larry) Becker of Mondovi, Judy (Jeff) Laehn of Gilmanton, Becky (Randy) Lindstrom of Durand, Emmy (Brent) Bauer of Durand and Carol (Larry) Deetz of Mondovi, mother-in-law; Lorena Bauer of Durand, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law; Alfred Bauer and grandson; Dustin in infancy.

Even in death, Mike blessed others with the gift of life through organ donation.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Friday, November 7, 2014 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church-Lima in Durand. Rev. Paul Bosco will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Durand American Legion Post #181 of Durand. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Thursday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mike’s name to the Critical Care Unit at Mayo Clinic Health Systems-Eau Claire or the Durand Ambulance Service.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Diana and Dan Bauer November 7, 2014, at 9:20pm

   Condolences to Rosy, Kurt, Kim, and Cory and grandkids at the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. I was Cory's kg teacher at Grandview and Kaylee's third grade teacher. I am a distant relation to Rosy. Your wonderful family will be a comfort to each other at the days ahead.

2. Vicki Olufson Stone November 7, 2014, at 1:18pm

   Kathy, My thoughts as prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time. God Bless.

3. Doug & Donna Gruber November 7, 2014, at 7:18am

   Mike was a great person and wonderful neighbor. Our visits together will be dearly missed. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayer. God bless.

4. N perez November 6, 2014, at 8:50am

   I am so sorry to have read of your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. Something that I have personally found to be of great comfort is what the Bible says at John 5:28, 29 as well as Revelation 21:4. These verses show us that soon God is going to bring about a resurrection of our loved ones as well as do away with all causes we have for suffering including sickness and death. Knowing this has always comforted me and it is my sincere hope that these thoughts comfort your family as well. Again I am so sorry for your loss.

5. Dan & Jeanette Richardson November 6, 2014, at 8:15am

   To Mike's Family:
   We send our sympathy, love and prayers. Your father was an excellent mentor and so in love with his family. Our hearts are sadden by our community's loss.
   His smile will not be forgotten.
   Peace.

6. John and Beth Bauer and Family November 5, 2014, at 9:12pm

   To the Family of Mike Brion - Curt, Lisa, Kelci, and McKenzie

   You will be in our thoughts and prayers!

7. Dave & Kris Polzer November 5, 2014, at 8:14pm

   Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time of loss.

   Dave and Kris Polzer

8. T.J. and Sarah Poeschel November 5, 2014, at 7:34pm

   Rose, Curt, Kim, Cory and family, no words can express the loss of a true neighbor he was. I am speechless as they get know over this. I know what you are going through in these tough times. always try and keep your head up and talk about the good memories you have of your dad. There is one thing my dad (AL) and know yours will always have the better corn to combine and always keep an eye on ours. I wonder if Mike will give him a ride in the combine up above? Hang in there and stay strong. that is what dads would want.

9. Dick & Jan Bates November 5, 2014, at 6:48pm

   Family of Mike Brion:
   So sorry to hear of your loss. We will remember Mike in our prayers.

   Dick & Jan

10. Paula Smith November 5, 2014, at 3:43pm

    Lisa. And. Curt so. Sorry. For your loss. Of. Your. Dad and. Father I keep the. Family. In. My. Prayers

11. Christine & Brent Bauer November 5, 2014, at 1:04pm

    Sympathy, Thoughts & Prayers to the Mike Brion Family. He will be missed, But never forgotten.

12. Donna Mulheron November 5, 2014, at 7:31am

    My sincere condolences to the family and the loss of Michael. I am the sister of Pat Brion and her mother and I send our deepest sympathy. From Rick, I know how loved he was as a brother, father and husband... Remember, don't be sad that he's gone, be glad that you had that time with him.

13. Cathy & Jerry McEathron November 5, 2014, at 6:29am

    To Rosy and family and my best friend Emmy,

    Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for all of you in losing your husband, father, "grandpa" and brother. Hold tight to memories of Michael for comfort and his charisma will be in your hearts and in family dialogs forever.

    May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead, Lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you are cared about. Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow but God bless you for giving others hope and life through organ donation – Michael’s honor remains.

14. Cindy Vold November 5, 2014, at 5:46am

    I'm so sorry for your loss. We are Becky and Randy's next door neighbor at the lake. We met with all of you the week of vacation and the Farm Breakfast. Mike was a very nice man, looking forward to all of you next summer. God Bless.

15. Johnjudy parr November 5, 2014, at 5:03am

    Our sympathy is with the.prayers with you all

16. Ken and Kathy Arndt November 5, 2014, at 4:03am

    Mike will be sadly missed by Ken, because Mike was a good man, good farmer, and best friend anyone could ask for.
    You all are in our prayers

17. Pam LaPean November 4, 2014, at 8:11pm

    I would like to send my sympathy to Michael's family. Michael was truly an amazing person, Always thinking of others. I will keep you all in my prayers. God Bless Pam and Larry LaPean

18. JEFF & KATHY BAUER November 4, 2014, at 8:09pm

    So saddened by the passing of a great guy and friend. Far too soon for a young man with much to still live for.
    Forever in our hearts and prayers.

19. Nancy Bauer November 4, 2014, at 6:45pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Gary and Nancy Bauer

20. Marge Shoger. (FEDIE) November 4, 2014, at 6:36pm

    I am so sorry for your loss of a son, brother, husband, father and uncle. May GOD comfort all of you and know that he is now with our Lord..you are all in my prays. Your childhood neighbor Marge Fedie (Shoger)

21. Tom & Rita Lyon November 4, 2014, at 5:50pm

    With Deepest Sympathy to Rosy and all the family.It is with heavy hearts and sorrow that we say goodbye to a great business partner and true friend. Mikes attitude and drive made our everyday tasks so much easier and enjoyable. We were grateful to share his friendship , no one could ask for a better neighbor.

22. Crystal Poeschel November 4, 2014, at 5:06pm

    I'm So Sorry For Your Loss ! Mike Brions Family He Was And Is An Awesome Man !

23. Dana Bauer November 4, 2014, at 4:34pm

    God has a special place for Mike. We willed him back once and he was able to enjoy life with us, make people laugh and spend time doing some fun family stuff. He will be missed! Now we have a special soul to keep watchful eye over the harvest team from above. I will always remember that laugh and smile.

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