Michael J. Goraczkowski

Michael J. Goraczkowski, age 64 of Glenwood, died Monday, February 17, 2025 at Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 24th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glenwood with Father Joe Vanderberg officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. 

Michael James Goraczkowski, known affectionately as Mike or Mikey to his friends and family, was born in Staples, Minnesota, on January 19, 1961. He was one of the twin boys and one of six children, born to Joseph and Madelain (Hansen) Goraczkowski. Growing up on a farm in Hewitt, Minnesota, Mike attended Bertha-Hewitt High School, where he graduated in 1979. He was a hardworking individual who spent six years building rafters at the saw mill in Wadena, followed by 16 years at Clydes Machines in Glenwood. He then worked at Menards in Belgrade for six years, a job he held until his health no longer permitted due to a lower bowel cancer diagnosis in 2013.

Mike's personal life was as rich and fulfilling as his professional one. On October 16, 1982, he married Victoria Marquardt in Long Prairie, Minnesota. The couple settled on a farm in Oylen, Minnesota, and were blessed with three children: Krystal, Kyle, and Dustin. They later moved to New York Mills for two years, before settling in Glenwood. Although Mike and Victoria later divorced in 1997, they shared a deep commitment to their family. Mike was a devoted father and an active and wonderful grandpa. His love for his children was only surpassed by the adoration he had for his grandchildren.

A man of faith, Mike was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. His interests were as diverse as they were engaging. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, and gardening. His love for the outdoors was evident in the way he lived his life, always finding joy in the natural world around him. His life was filled with love, hard work, and the simple pleasures that make each day worthwhile. Despite the challenges he faced, particularly with his health in later years, Mike's spirit remained unbroken. He fought courageously against cancer, showing the same resilience and strength that characterized his entire life. He died Monday, February 17, 2025 at Sanford Health in Fargo, North Dakota.

Mike is survived by his loving children: Krystal (Jacob) Dohlen of Morris, Kyle (Laura) Goraczkowski of Alexandria, and Dustin (Ann) Goraczkowski of Glenwood; his cherished grandchildren, Ali and Alex Goraczkowski, Jace and Hope Dohlen and Lee and Layne Goraczkowski; his mother, Madelain Goraczkowski of Wadena; sister, Lisa (Earl) Ashbough; brothers, Mark, Todd (Lisa), and Tim (Brenda) Goraczkowski; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Goraczkowski, and an infant brother, Christopher.

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