Michael "Mickey" Andersen

Michael "Mickey" Andersen, of Barnes, passed away July 12, 2024 at the age of 71.  He was doing what he loved best - fishing.

Mickey was born September 30, 1952 to Harvey and June Andersen in Chicago. He and his twin were the first of 9 children.  He moved to the suburb of Thornton when the family started to grow.  

He was an identical twin to his brother David.  To say they were attached at the hip, is an understatement.  Where there was one, there were usually two.  They had a very "adventurous" life together.  Tragically, Dave passed away when they were only 20 years old.  That was a tremendous loss to Mickey, and stayed with him for his lifetime.

He went to Wolcott school in Thornton and graduated from Thornrige High School in Dolton, IL.

Mickey moved to Hayward in 2013.  He loved living with all the nature around him.  He made so many wonderful friends in the area.  He later moved to the Barnes area.  He made even more friends there.  He was always in such awe of how everyone treated him with such love and friendship.  He was accepted by all.

Mickey had many medical issues in his later years.  Most of them were very serious. He could always count on his many friends to help him out.  That could be giving him rides to Hayward, Duluth, Spooner, etc., helping him move or pick up items, making repairs for him, or just visiting or calling him.  Everyone's generosity was overwhelming.

Mickey loved fishing, golfing and hunting.  He also loved working and calling Bingo at The Windsor.  His cooking skills were also a highlight for him that he loved to share.

One of his greatest joys were his young nieces and nephews.  He never missed an opportunity to teach them.  Any time spent with them was an absolute delight for him.  He also loved hearing about all their adventures, accomplishment, sports and school activities.  Sharing pictures was also a regular event.  Mickey never missed sending a birthday card to all of his nieces and nephews and other family members. He always picked just the right card and it was sent on time!  He truly wanted them to know he loved them.

Mickey was such a fighter.  With each new diagnosis or setback, he was always determined to beat the odds, and he did!  Even with all of his medical issues, he still made the most of each day, even if it was painful.  All of his caregivers at all of the facilities that he frequented, often commented on how wonderful a patient he was.  He always tried to make their job better and told them how much he appreciated them.  He seldom met anyone that he didn't connect with.

Mickey is survived by his sisters: Pam Helke (Gary), Wausau, Wi and Rochelle Cunningham, Union Mills, NC.  His brothers: Randy, Peotone, IL, Darryl, Portage, IN, Alan, Lansing, IL, Brent, Minong, WI, and Steven, Minong, WI.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and June Andersen and his twin, David.

 The family would like to thank all the caregivers that were so kind and generous to Mickey throughout his illnesses. They would also like to thank everyone in the Hayward and Barnes areas that made his life so wonderful.  He loved you all!

 There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 24, 1:00 - 5:00pm at The Windsor in Barnes, WI.

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