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Michael Arthur Folsted, Sr., 78, of Sturgeon Lake, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Aspirus St. Luke's, in Duluth.  He was born on November 25, 1947 in Moose Lake to Arthur and Marion (Newbloom) Folsted.  Mike grew up on Soo Hill surrounded by extended family. He attended Moose Lake High School graduating in 1965.  At the age of 19, Mike began working for the State of Minnesota in executive housekeeping, and later in rehabilitation services and eventually as a vocational evaluator, retiring in 2004.  He continued working on a contract basis for the University of Minnesota in the Psychology Department for a few years.  It had always been Mike's dream to own a full-service gas station and following his retirement from the State, he purchased the Rutledge gas station where he enjoyed pumping gas and socializing with the community.  Mike shared a love of music with his best friend and wife, Lynn whom he married on August 30, 1980.  This past year they made an effort to line up a whole year of concerts to attend.  Mike was a wonderful woodworker. He could build something out of nothing and liked to work on houses, making house furnishings, fish houses, and other crafty woodworking projects.  He was an avid fisherman, spending summers and winters on the lake and taking fishing trips with friends and family.  He also enjoyed traveling and spending time in the sun.  Mike loved his home and view of Johnson Lake.  But most of all, he loved his family.  He was amazed and felt so lucky to have a family like he did and had extreme joy being with his wife, children, and grandchildren.  Mike had a servant's heart and with it he served his family first.  He didn't serve begrudgingly.  In doing that, he was able to serve others and experience joy in fellowship with friends and family.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents: Arthur and Marion Folsted; grandson: Nikoli; and great granddaughter: Jessie.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 45 years, Lynn; 4 children: Dawn Marie (Robert) Friskey, Michael (Karyn) Folsted, Jr., Sara (Nickolas Skog) Folsted and Steven (Kristina Rock) Folsted; 7 grandchildren: Brady (Manda), Elijah, David, Madisson, Emmerson, and Anna; 3 great grandchildren: Bently, Bennett, and Brayden; siblings: Sherry (Scott) Seglem, Jacqueline (Lyn) Nelson, and Timothy (Barb) Folsted; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 1-4 pm on Saturday, April 11, 2026 with a Time of Sharing at 3:30 in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.  Private inurnment will be held in Riverside Cemetery, Moose Lake.

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.